Navis for ArchiCAD users - which format?

[Mats_Knutsson]

Hi,

What is the best format for an ArchiCAD-user to use with Navis?

Is the plug-in that exports nwc directly from ArchiCAD free or do I need to buy Navis.

Best regards,

Mats

[Erika Epstein]

Mats,
Both Navisworks and Solibri have free trial versions. What are wanting to accomplish?

[Anonymous]

I am working with someone using Navisworks (we use Solibri) and the Navisworks exporter for ArchiCAD works fine. The only downside is the latest version supported is 13 in 32bit mode only. The exporter seems to stay a version behind. The other option or consultant wanted was to split the file by levels and save 3d DWG. Very time consuming. They said the IFC was not very useable in Navisworks. Since I don't use it I will have to take their word and just pass on the info.

[Erika Epstein]

You can set up publisher sets of 3D DWG views, either entire building or by story.
Navisworks, owned by Autodesk, does seem to favor their formats.

[Anonymous]

Your associate is right. IFC into Navis is pretty bad. DWG is better. NWC is best but as you've noted the export add-on is only up to AC13 32bit so far (I expect we'll see AC14 and 64bit support with Navis 2012 next year).

If the DWG works for you, as Erica suggests, you can fully automate the process by setting up 3D views and publishing the models that way. This makes it a one click process which is a big benefit compared to having to save the NWCs manually.

If you really need NWC output you have to save back to AC13 and run it in 32bit.

FWIW: Revit still does a lousy job saving NWC and everyone I know still uses DWG to go from Revit to Navis.

[Mats_Knutsson]

Matthew wrote:
Your associate is right. IFC into Navis is pretty bad. DWG is better. NWC is best but as you've noted the export add-on is only up to AC13 32bit so far (I expect we'll see AC14 and 64bit support with Navis 2012 next year).

If the DWG works for you, as Erica suggests, you can fully automate the process by setting up 3D views and publishing the models that way. This makes it a one click process which is a big benefit compared to having to save the NWCs manually.

If you really need NWC output you have to save back to AC13 and run it in 32bit.

FWIW: Revit still does a lousy job saving NWC and everyone I know still uses DWG to go from Revit to Navis.

IIWAL! 😉

Thanks all for info. Now my legs are meaty (direct translations of sayings are often pretty funny).

[Anonymous]

The one problem with 3D DWG by Story is Multi-Story Elements. In this case if you want a true slice of the model story by story you have to do it with cutting planes.