topic Re: 3D model Interoptability in ArcGIS CityEngine Questions

3D model Interoptability

DevonJenkins — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:29:17 GMT

Hey everyone,

The architecture department at my company exports their models through revit....unfortunetly none of the export formats directly import into CityEngine. These are the following data types: adsk, dgn, dwf, dwfx, dwg, dxf, fbx, pcp, and sat. Does any one know of standard procedures or common transformtaions to get this data into CityEngine?

CityEngine imports: dae, dxf, gdb, kml, kmz, shp and obj.

I've tried to import the dxf, but I get this warning "Invocation target exception".

I've tried using FME simple read/write conversions but the geometries are warped slightly and textures are not maintained. Any ideas?

Thanks!
Devon

Re: 3D model Interoptability

MatthiasBuehler1 — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:18:35 GMT

Ah, beloved interop..

Coming from Revit, I assume you export CAD buildings.

Try going for Collada, Obj or KML (if the models are georeferenced), if possible.

CE directly import such models as 'Static Models' in the asset formats Obj and Dae (Collada).

This should give you the least pain.

Maybe try Okino's 'PolyTrans'.

Let me know if this helps ..

Matt

Re: 3D model Interoptability

DevonJenkins — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:45:44 GMT

Hi Matt,

Thanks for your response. I found an open source converter from autodesk called "FBX" and this will convert the revit fbx exports into collada. So importing to CityEnginge will work just fine.

Thanks a million,
Devon