Design To Visualization

Import Autodesk SDF Files

           When importing Land Coverage Areas, best practice is to import SDF files as Coverage Areas and apply a rendering style (Rule Style) to each particular component that best represents the feature. Under the Source Tab, make sure that the Drape option is selected and the ‘Convert closed polylines to polygons’ box is checked.

Coverage Area Data Source Configuration Dialog Box

           When importing Striping for Roadways and Parking Lots, best practice is to import as Coverage Areas, and assign as a constant color within the Rule Style. Make sure the Drape option is selected and the ‘Convert closed polylines to polygons’ box is unchecked. Go into the Table tab and apply a buffer to depict the true width of the striping.

InfraWorks Select Style/Color Dialog Box

Coverage Area – Adding a Buffer Value

           When importing Fences and Barriers, best practice is to import as a Barrier, then specify the Rule Style, Height and Object Spacing. Make sure the Drape option is selected and ‘Convert closed polylines to polygons’ box is unchecked.

Define Fencing as Barriers

Applying Style, Height and Object Spacing to Fencing

Select Chain Link Fence Component

           When importing areas that will have running and/or standing water on the site (i.e. streams, retention/detention ponds, etc.), best practice is to import as Water Areas with the Water Rule Style applied to it. If these areas are to illustrate standing water (i.e. pond, lake, etc.), best practice is to select either ‘Don’t Drape’ or ‘Set Elevation’ option to show a consistent elevation throughout the wet area. However, if these areas are to illustrate a stream, you will want to drape these features onto the surface.

Applying the Default Water Style to Watered Area

Select ‘Don’t Drape’ for Standing Watered Areas

Import LandXML Files

           When importing LandXML files into your model, InfraWorks will automatically recognize what type of component is being imported (i.e. surface, gravity pipe network, etc.) and define it as such. InfraWorks will separate your Gravity Pipe Networks into 2 Categories: Pipelines and Pipeline Connectors.

Importing Gravity Pipe Networks Dialog Box

Import DWG 3D Model

           When importing your Pressure Pipe Networks, best practice is to import as a DWG 3D Model. Once imported, it’s best to categorize these components as pipelines. Note that since these objects have been exploded to the point where all Civil 3D data has been lost, all pipes, fittings and appurtenances will be grouped together, not separated as Pipeline Connectors.

Preview of Pressure Pipe Network

Pressure Pipe Network shown in InfraWorks Model Connecting to Piping from Revit Models

Import Revit Models

           When importing Revit Model files, best practice is to import as such. InfraWorks will automatically categorize these models as Buildings, regardless of the actual contents within the Revit Model (i.e. Plumbing, Mechanical/HVAC, Electrical, etc.).

Preview of the Revit Mechanical/Process Model