BIM files for infrastructure projects—such as highways and other large-scale developments—are typically created in Civil 3D or Revit. However, these models are usually divided by discipline (e.g., drainage, earthworks, structures) or by specific project features. As a result, a single project often consists of numerous separate BIM files.
Autodesk addresses this complexity with Navisworks, a tool specifically designed to aggregate multiple BIM files into a single, lightweight and manageable format: the NWD file. This format provides a consolidated view of the entire project, which is essential for coordination and review.
Given this context, it's critical that ArcGIS Pro natively supports NWD files. If the goal is to centralize multiple BIM projects within a geographic environment, it makes little sense to require complex and time-consuming workarounds to bring these models into GIS. Without native support, the integration process can become unfeasible—both in terms of time and cost—especially for large projects.
Supporting NWD files directly in ArcGIS Pro would streamline workflows, reduce barriers to BIM+GIS integration, and significantly enhance the value of spatial analysis in infrastructure development. @sanderllandawillindecosta
