BIM to CityEngine Workflows

[DavidKossowsky1]

We are trying to create a workflow for importing BIM models into CityEngine. Currently, the only way that we have successfully imported a model is by converting the BIM to fbx and importing as a static, solid object. While this preserves geometries, all attributes and textures on the BIM model are removed, and we can't remap the textures onto the model for visualization.

We are now trying the export to IFC, and then create a workflow that preserves at least some of the attribute data by converting the model into a geodatabase with multi-patch data. This looks promising, but we've been running into multiple issues along the way that prevent us from creating a model that actually reads and visualizes properly.

I'd be interested to hear about other user's experiences with BIM --> CE workflows, and if anybody has successfully been able to import a BIM-created model (Revit) into CE or a geodatabase.

[ThomasFuchs]

Thank you for your question.

1. I suggest to export the Autodesk Revit BIM model to FBX.
   
2. Impot the FBX to Autodesk 3D Studio Max.
3. From there you can export it as Open Collada Format.
   
4. Finally import the DAE into CityEngine. This should preserve at least some of the materials.

[MihaiAtofanei]

Hy Thomas   Below is a webminar for Data Interop.. an ArcGis add-on , and starting with min. 35:00 of the video it shows a workflow to extract the BIM data and transfer it into ArcGis format, and then easy to integrate it in City Engine.

Hope it helps!!

  Mihai

ArcGIS Data Interoperability: Tips for LiDAR, 3D, and BIM - YouTube