Incorporating CAD objects and images

Inserting CAD objects and images

Insert -> Import CAD: Opens the Import CAD dialog. In the Import CAD dialog, select file and click Open. Alternatively click Import… button -> CAD and vector graphic/Bitmap or IFC… button -> Import… on the Floor plan tab.

• The CAD object/image is shown in the 3D view and a section of it is shown on the floor plan tab.
• The CAD object/image is inserted with respect to the building coordinate system, i.e. it will move with the building when the building is repositioned.
• Move and change size of the CAD object/image by dragging it/resizing it in floor plan or editing the parameters in the dialog shown when object is double-clicked.
• Include the object (not image files) in the shadow calculation and visualization: Check the Calculate shadows checkbox in the dialog shown when object is double-clicked.
• By default, CAD objects are saved in the system file (*.idm) so that the original CAD file does not need to be saved. If the CAD file is big, the option of not saving it in the system file will be given. This will speed up the performance of IDA ICE, but the original CAD file needs to be saved.

Tip: To place a CAD object/image at the current mouse pointer, use Right mouse button menu -> Import CAD

Inserting CAD objects and images to site

Insert -> Import CAD to site: Opens the Import CAD dialog. In the Import CAD dialog, select file and click Open. Alternatively click Import site CAD button on the Site object dialog open by clicking Site shading and orientation on the General tab.

• The CAD object/image is shown in the 3D view and in the Site object dialog.
• The CAD object/image is inserted with respect to the site coordinate system, i.e. it will not move with the building when the building is repositioned.
• Move and change size of the CAD object/image by dragging it/resizing it in the Site object dialog or editing the parameters in the dialog shown when object is double-clicked.
• Include the object (not image files) in the shadow calculation and visualization Check the Calculate shadows checkbox in the dialog shown when object is double-clicked.
• By default, CAD objects are saved in the system file (*.idm) so that the original CAD file does not need to be saved. If the CAD file is big, the option of not saving it in the system file will be given. This will speed up the performance of IDA ICE, but the original CAD file needs to be saved.

Tip: To place a CAD object/image at the current mouse pointer, use Right mouse button menu -> Import CAD to site

Supported file formats

BIM

IFC (*.ifc)

CAD and vector graphic files

AutoCAD (*.dwg, *.dxf, *.dwf)

IDA ICE supports DWG file formats up to AutoCAD 2004. DWG files of unsupported formats can be converted with the free tool Autodesk DWG TrueView.

DWG files are assumed to be two-dimensional, i.e. any 3D geometry is flattened to 2D at import.

SketchUp (*.skp)

IDA ICE supports SketchUp files up to version 2013. SketchUp files of later versions can be saved as version 2013 from SketchUp.

3D Studio (*.3ds)

Wavefront (*.obj)

Computer Graphics Metafile (*.cgm)

Corel Presentation Exchange (*.cmx)

MicroStation DGN (*.dgn)

Micrografx DRW (*.drw)

Gerber File Format (*.gbr)

Scalable Vector Graphics (*.svg)

Printer Command Language (*.pcl, *.prn, *.prt)

Macintosh PICT (*.pct)

HP-GL/HP-GL2 (*.plt)

WordPerfect Graphics (*.wpg, *.vwpg)

Image files

Bitmap (*.bmp)

JPEG Interchange Format (*.jpeg,*jpg)

Portable Networks Graphics (*.png)

ZSoft PC Paint (*.pcx)

Tagged Image File Format (*.tiff,*.tif)

Adobe Photoshop (*.psd)

Truevision (*.tga)

Windows Meta File (*.emf,*.wmf)