import cad

import cad

The import cad module will read the following versions of CAD files:

  • AutoCAD DWG and DXF files through AutoCAD 2021 (version 24.0)
  • Bentley Microstation DGN files through Version 8.

This module provides the user with the capability to integrate site plans, buildings, and other 2D or 3D features into the EVS visualization, to provide a frame of reference for understanding the three dimensional relationships between the site features, and characteristics of geologic, hydrologic, and chemical features. The drawing entities are treated as three dimensional objects, which provides the user with a lot of flexibility in the placement of CAD objects in relation to EVS objects in the visualization. The project onto surface and geologic_surfmap modules allow the user to drape CAD line-type entities (not 3D-Faces) onto three dimensional surfaces.

Virtually all AutoCAD object types are supported including points, lines (of all types), 3D surface objects and 3D volumetric objects.

AutoCAD drawings can be drawn in model space (MSPACE) or paper space (PSPACE). Drawings in paper space have a defined viewport which has coordinates near the origin. When read into EVS this creates objects which are far from your true model coordinates. For this reason, all drawings for use in our software should be in model space.

Ports

DirectionNameTypeDescription
InputInput Z ScaleNumberThe factor for vertical scaling.
OutputOutput Z ScaleNumberThe factor for vertical scaling.
OutputOutputFieldA field containing the CAD data.
OutputOutput ObjectRenderableA renderable object displaying the CAD data.

Properties

PropertyTypeDescription
FilenameStringThe name of the CAD dwg, dxf, or dgn file to be rendered.
Z ScaleDoubleThe Z Scale is the vertical exaggeration to be applied to the output object.
Use Application OriginBooleanWhen true, the module will apply the Application Origin. When false, data will be left in internal model space. Turn off when loading data intended to use as a glyph or similar.
ExecuteButtonThe Execute button forces the module to run.

Data Processing

PropertyTypeDescription
Render ModeChoice: Model Default, Wire-frame, Flat-ShadedThe Render Mode options allow you to choose how the CAD data will be rendered. Please read the module help for more details.
Unit HandlingChoice: Units From File, Force Default UnitsThe Unit Handling option determines whether we try to use units from the CAD file, or force the use of the default coordinate units.
Default Coordinate UnitsStringThe units to use when the units cannot be determined from the CAD file.
Remove Coincident NodesBooleanThe Remove Coincident Nodes toggle causes the reader to process the data, removing coincident nodes. This takes longer to process but creates a smaller more efficient representation of your CAD data.
Include Hidden LayersBooleanThe Include Hidden Layers toggle will cause CAD layers marked as hidden to be drawn.
Remove Points And Degenerate CellsBooleanThe Remove Point and Degenerate Cells option will remove all points and degenerate cells from the output.
Show As WireframeBooleanThe Show As Wire-frame toggle outlines surfaces. It is equivalent to setting Line Rendering to ‘regular’.
Color For WhiteColorThe Color For White button allows the user to set the color for any feature colored white.
Deviation For CurvesDoubleThe Deviation for Curves field allows the user to specify the accuracy with which analytical curves (arcs, circles) are displayed. The default value of 0.0 employs an expert system algorithm to determine a reasonable value based on the overall size of your CAD model.
Normal For 3D SolidsDoubleThe Normal for 3D Solids specifies the tolerance for parallel faces.
Separate LayersBooleanThe Separate Layers toggle causes each layer in the CAD file to be output as a separate cell set in EVS.
Layer DetailsMulti-selectThe Data To Include allows the user to set which sets of data to render.
Remove Empty 0 LayerBooleanWhether to remove a layer named ‘0’ that draws nothing, or not. This is primarily intended for removing AutoCAD’s default layer when it contains no visible objects.