Autodesk Navisworks Software

Autodesk Navisworks Software

History

Developers  :-  Autodesk.

Stable release  :-  12.0 / 2016

Operating system  :-  Windows.

Type   :-  3D computer graphics.

   Navisworks (known for a while as JetStream) is a 3D design review package for Microsoft Windows.

  Used primarily in construction industries to complement 3D design packages (such as Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, and MicroStation) Navisworks allows users to open and combine 3D models, navigate around them in real-time and review the model using a set of tools including comments, redlining, viewpoint, and measurements. A selection of plug-ins enhances the package adding interference detection, 4D time simulation, photorealistic rendering and PDF-like publishing.

   The software was originally created by Sheffield, UK based developer NavisWorks (a subsidiary of Lightwork Design) however NavisWorks was purchased by Autodesk for $25 million on June 1, 2007. Navisworks (known for a while as JetStream) is a 3D design review package for Microsoft Windows.

   Used primarily in construction industries to complement 3D design packages (such as Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, and MicroStation) Navisworks allows users to open and combine 3D models, navigate around them in real-time and review the model using a set of tools including comments, redlining, viewpoint, and measurements. A selection of plug-ins enhances the package adding interference detection, 4D time simulation, photorealistic rendering and PDF-like publishing.

   The software was originally created by Sheffield, UK based developer NavisWorks (a subsidiary of Lightwork Design) 

   However NavisWorks was purchased by Autodesk for $25 million on June 1, 2007.

Features

     A few weeks ago, BRS added a new tool to our digital design capabilities. In acquiring the Autodesk Navisworks software, BRS has not only enhanced its set of tools, but it’s fundamentally improved the way we share 3D information.

     Our main 3D modeling program is Autodesk REVIT, and until now all 3D coordination has been done in REVIT itself. A program like REVIT contains an incredible amount of modeling information, drawing sheets, schedules—not to mention considerable 2D information. Consultants’ REVIT models also carry a similarly large database and reviewing models within REVIT can be cumbersome, to say the least.

    Enter Navisworks. Navisworks is not a 3D modeling program but a program that converts large REVIT 3D model files into smaller 3D models that are far more manageable for a multitude of team members. It gives BRS a more efficient tool to review and resolve differences between multiple consultant models. Navisworks is a powerful desktop application that can filter and separate specific model information. It will not be a program to replace REVIT, but a tool that works in conjunction with REVIT and makes certain processes much more efficient. Navisworks can be used in a multitude of applications (ones we won’t fully discuss here), but we can already see it making a big impact in the following 10 ways.

  Improves 3D presentation techniques with clients and consultants:

    Smaller file size can be opened and operated on a laptop or tablet computer with ease.

    Entire 3D model can be viewed and walked through—and sections of building isolated—to be analyzed at much greater speeds than in REVIT.

    Material changes can be made instantaneously and views can be set up quickly to show different material possibilities.

     Improves 3D model interaction with clients:

    Provides clients with small files containing overall project 3D information without overwhelming them with entire REVIT project database.

    Clients can download free Navisworks file viewer, allowing them to rotate, spin, flip and walk through the model.

    Clients can take basic measurements and interact with design team in 3D environment.

    Client can generate 3D views of the project, improving their overall understanding of the design.

      Improves collision detection:

    Navisworks’ greatest strength is clash detection: Detecting collisions during design, in real time, gives the team a very efficient method to improve coordination among multiple building systems and ultimately avoid costly remedies after drawing completion and during construction.

    Enhances ability to filter through building elements quickly and run collision tests between isolated building elements.

    The same filters and searches can be saved and used throughout the project.

Components:

     Navisworks (formerly JetStream) is built around a core module called Roamer and has a number of built-in functionalities:

Roamer - The core part allows users to open models from a range of 3D design and laser scan formats and combine them into a single 3D model. Users can then navigate around the model in real-time and add review the model with a range of mark-up tools.

Publisher - This allows users to publish the complete 3D model into a single NWD file that can be freely opened by anyone using Freedom, a free viewer.

Clash Detective - A functionality to enable interference detection. This means users can select parts of the model and look for places where the geometry conflicts. This is for finding faults in the design.

Autodesk Renderer (formerly Presenter) - With the Renderer users can apply materials and lighting to the model and produce photorealistic images and animations

Quantification - By "taking-off" the model, users can automatically make material estimates, measure areas and count building components.

TimeLiner - Adds 4D simulation so the user can link geometry to times and dates and to simulate the construction or demolition of the model over time. Also links with project scheduling software (Such as Microsoft Project or Primavera products) to import task data.

Animator - A feature that allows the users to animate the model and interact with it.

Scripter - This allows the user to set up a collection of actions that he/she want to happen when certain events conditions are met.

File format support.

    Navisworks is most notable for its support for a wide range of design file formats. Formats natively supported include:

NavisWorks - .nwd, .nwf, .nwc (all versions)

AutoCAD Drawing - .dwg, .dxf (up to AutoCAD 2018)

MicroStation (SE, J, V8, & XM) - .dgn, .prp, prw (up to v7, & v8)

3D Studio Max - .3ds, .prj (up to 3ds Max 2018)

ACIS SAT - .sat, .sab (all ASM SAT, up to ASM SAT v7)

DWF - .dwf, .dwfx (all versions)

CATIA - .model, session, .exp, dlv3, .CATPart, .CATProduct, .cgr (up to v4, & v5)

IFC - .ifc (IFC2X_PLATFORM, IFC2X_FINAL, IFC2X2_FINAL, IFC2X3, IFC4)

IGES - *.igs*, *.iges* (all versions)

Informatix/MicroGDX - .man, .cv7 (v10)

Inventor - .ipt, .iam, .ipj (up to Inventor 2018)

CIS/2 - .stp (STRUCTURAL_FRAME_SCHEMA)

JT Open - .jt (up to v10)

NX - .prt (up to v9)

Revit - .rvt (up to 2011-2018)

RVM - .rvm (up to v12.0 SP5)

SketchUp - .skp (v5 up to 2015)

PDS Design Review - .dri (legacy file format, support up to 2007)

STL - .stl (binary only)

VRML - .wrl, .wrz (VRML1, VRML2)

Parasolid - .x_b (up to schema 26)

FBX - .fbx (FBX SDK 2017)

Pro/ENGINEER - .prt, .asm, .g, .neu (Wildfire v5, Creo Parametric v1-v3)

STEP - .stp, .step (AP214, AP203E3, AP242)

Solidworks - .prt, .sldprt, .asm, .sldasm (2001, plus 2015)

PDF - .pdf (all versions)

Rhino - .3dm (up to v5)

Solid Edge - .stp, .prt

     Additional products that are supported through Autodesk, & third parties:

1.     Revit
2.     MicroStation
3.     3DS Max
4.     ArchiCAD