Query Material Data

Skill: Robust Material Resolution

This skill provides a standardized method for resolving physical material names from Revit snapshots. It addresses the common issue where text-based "Material" parameters are empty, inconsistent, or hold internal Type names instead of physical material identities.

1. Core Logic & Assumptions

ElementId Referencing

In Revit, the Material parameter typically stores the ElementId of a Material element, not a string. This skill assumes that the true material name is stored in the Name parameter of the associated Material element.

Join Hierarchy

1. Identify the parameter ID for "Material" on the host element.
2. Extract the value_int (ElementId) from that parameter.
3. Join this ID to the elements_global table to find the Material element.
4. Join the Name parameter ID from the parameter_catalog_global to extract the final string.

2. Standard SQL Template (Global Scoped)

SELECT 
    e.document_id,
    e.element_id,
    mat_name.value_string as ResolvedMaterial
FROM elements_global e
-- 1. Get the Material ElementId from the host
JOIN element_parameters_global ep_ref ON e.document_id = ep_ref.document_id AND e.element_id = ep_ref.element_id 
    AND ep_ref.parameter_id = (SELECT parameter_id FROM parameter_catalog_global WHERE parameter_name = 'Material' LIMIT 1)
-- 2. Join to the Material Element's 'Name' parameter
JOIN element_parameters_global mat_name ON ep_ref.document_id = mat_name.document_id AND ep_ref.value_int = mat_name.element_id
    AND mat_name.parameter_id = (SELECT parameter_id FROM parameter_catalog_global WHERE parameter_name = 'Name' LIMIT 1)
WHERE e.category_name = '{CATEGORY_NAME}'
LIMIT 100

3. Best Practices for Developers

• Token Efficiency: Material joins can be expensive. Always use DISTINCT or GROUP BY when performing takeoffs to minimize the result size.
• Parameter Lookup: Use (SELECT parameter_id FROM parameter_catalog_global WHERE parameter_name = '...' LIMIT 1) instead of hardcoded negative IDs to ensure compatibility across different snapshot versions.
• Scoping: Always include document_id in joins to prevent cross-model data contamination.

4. When to use this skill

• When "Pipe Material" or "Wall Material" parameters return empty strings or numeric IDs.
• For specialized takeoffs where the exact physical substance (e.g., "Concrete - Cast-in-Place Gray") is required.

5. When NOT to use this skill

• When the type_name or family_name is sufficient for the user's request.
• When querying non-physical elements (e.g., Views, Sheets, Schedules).

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