Import Autodesk Plant 3D Models into PIX4Dcloud Pro

Clean the CAD Drawing in Autodesk

Before exporting data, the drawing requires cleaning to remove unnecessary elements and optimize performance.

• Manage XREFs: The user detaches any unnecessary External References (XREFs). Any required XREFs are bound as an Insert (Block Insert) and then exploded.
• Layer Visibility: The user unfreezes, unlocks, and turns on all layers.
• Data Removal: The user deletes all data that should not display in PIX4Dcloud Pro, paying specific attention to isolated objects located far from the primary model.
• Purge the File: The user runs the PURGE command to clear cached and unused definitions from the database.

Scale the CAD Drawing in Autodesk

Proper unit configuration ensures the model matches the scale of the PIX4Dcloud Pro project environment.

1. The user executes the UNITS command.
2. The drawing units are set to Decimal.
3. The Insertion Units are adjusted to match the project coordinate system units in PIX4Dcloud Pro (e.g., US Survey Feet for State Plane Coordinates, or Meters for metric projects).
4. The user selects the entire model and executes the SCALE command.
5. A scale factor of 1/12 is applied if converting architectural units (inches) to decimal units (feet).

Create a Reference Line in PIX4Dcloud Pro

A reference line established in PIX4Dcloud Pro serves as the anchoring mechanism for the CAD model.

1. The user navigates to the target project in PIX4Dcloud Pro.
2. The user draws a line indicating the exact position and orientation where the model should appear.
   • The line starts at a point corresponding to the model's designated anchor point.
   • The line ends along the desired orientation axis.
   • The length of the line must be equal to or greater than the length of the model.
3. The user exports this line to the local computer as a DXF file.

Geolocate the CAD Drawing in Autodesk

This step uses the reference line to accurately position the Plant 3D model in virtual space.

1. The user inserts the exported DXF file into the CAD drawing. Note: If the inserted line is not immediately visible, the user applies the Zoom Extents (Z > E) command to locate it.
2. The user modifies the drafting settings so that only the Endpoint Snap is active.
3. A temporary line is drawn from the beginning of the reference line to the designated anchor point on the model.
4. The user utilizes the MOVE command to relocate the model to the beginning of the reference line.
5. The user utilizes the ROTATE command to align the model axis with the reference line.
6. The temporary connection line and the reference line are deleted once alignment is complete.

Export to IFC in Autodesk

PIX4Dcloud Pro accepts 3D BIM data via the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format.

• Option A (Direct): The user exports the drawing to IFC using the Autodesk-recommended plugins available for Plant 3D or Navisworks.
• Option B (Alternative): The user opens the drawing directly within Civil 3D or Revit and utilizes the native export functions to generate the IFC file without an additional plugin.

Import the IFC to PIX4Dcloud Pro

The finalized IFC file can now be uploaded into the cloud project environment.

1. The user opens the project in PIX4Dcloud Pro and clicks Files and Reports in the upper-right corner.
2. The user scrolls to the bottom of the panel and uploads the newly created IFC file.
3. Once processing completes, the user clicks View in the upper-right corner.
4. The user locates the layers list and enables the IFC layer to display the 3D model over the site map.