View 3D models spatially
Overview
The Model Viewer shows your 3D building models mapped spatially. This article highlights some of the useful key functions of the Model Viewer and where to find them on the application.
When to use it
The Model Viewer is the best way to see and show your asset the way it was designed. Using the different navigation tools below, you can interrogate every element of the design from structural components, to exterior views, to First Person walk-through perspectives.
In the construction phase, it will help you explain to your stakeholders what the final building will look like and identify any changes they might require before everything is nailed, screwed, welded or poured into place. You can also compare real-life progress via 360° photos with intended design.
In the operate and maintain phase, it will enable you to understand where hidden elements are, through to being able to layer additional information like IoT sensor data spatially into your environment.
How to use it
Navigate Through Models
Choose from a selection of icon buttons at the lower centre of the application to navigate your way through different tools within your models.
Orbit | Rotate model on Axis. A guide will appear to turn the model horizontal, vertical, rotate 360° and move around | |
Free Orbit | Free Orbit gives you the freedom to move the model in any direction with your mouse or track pad. | |
Pan | Moves the whole model without rotating. You can also hold down space bar to activate Pan mode when in Orbit mode. | |
Zoom | Use this tool to zoom in and out of the model. Alternatively pinch the track pad or use the scroll on your mouse. | |
First Person | When you click on the First Person icon, instructions will appear to use this tool. | |
Camera Interactions Camera Roll (Alt+Shift Drag) Focal Length (Ctrl+Shift Drag) Fit to View (F) |
Click the arrow above the camera to pull up the sub menu of camera interactions. Use camera roll to rotate camera lens. Alternatively hold Alt + Shift and move around. Adjust the focal length by moving in and out. Alternatively hold Ctrl + Shift and drag in and out. Fit to view is used to reset the camera view. It will either zoom in and out to fit the whole model into view. |
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Ruler |
Measure model elements, first click to start measure, second click to finish. |
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Section Analysis |
Click the arrow above for the different section analysis axis: x plane, y plane, z plane or add a box to view all different directions. Drag arrows to slice. |
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Visualize Model Information |
Categorically sort and view models in different structural categories. |
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Explode View |
Use the slider to view the exploded model elements. |
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Model Elements |
This button will show you the key elements of the model and enable you to hide or view collections of or individual elements. |
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Element Properties |
Select individual elements, and then use this button to understand all the relevant details of that piece. To hide these details, click the menu bar item again. |
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Settings |
Adjust the way you view your model. Options cover Configuration, Navigation, Appearance and Environment. |
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View Model Analytics |
If available, use this to view model insights by element breakdown of information with the help of analytical graphs. |
Section Analysis
Click the arrow above the Section Analysis icon to select how you want to section the model; x plane, y plane, z plane or add a box to view all different directions. Drag the arrows to slice through the model in different directions.
Visualize Model Information Categorically
Click the Form Cluster button to sort and view models in different structural categories. Click on the button again to exit out of the cluster mode.
View Model Analytics
To view model insights, click on the Model Data button to view an element breakdown of information with the help of analytical graphs. Isolate the different categories of the model by selecting the bars in the graph. Once selected it will highlight that particular category. To pull all of that category out of the model click the Cluster by Category button. To minimise the model analytics click the icon in the tool bar again. To bring your model into full view, right click and choose show all objects.
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