Navisworks has become one of the most important tools or software for Building Information Modeling (BIM).  It allows all the project stakeholders to collaborate on a single platform through various tools and features. One of the most important features of Navisworks is its ability to integrate various file formats from other software, these models or designs can be created by various designers and modelers through their software. Model integration can encompass huge amounts of information that needs to be analyzed for clashes and simulated for walkthroughs and quantification.

Navisworks goes beyond mere design for all the project stakeholders to view the actual model in real-time through various animations, walkthroughs, and lighting effects. Let’s move further, and have a look at some of the most notable benefits of Navisworks and 4D Navisworks as well. Well, 4D Navisworks isn’t a different software, but a part of Navisworks that takes in Quantification, Animation, Lighting Effects, and the application of the TimeLiner to schedule projects in real-time.

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Let’s turn to Navisworks for its benefits –

Model Review and Design

The primary feature of Navisworks is a comprehensive suite of features that are used to review and analyze 3D models from various designers and their software. AEC professionals need to check for clash detection in the design and furthermore check the model for functionality based on pre-determined requisites. Users can now open. NWC and NWD files through file import, the workflow allows users to collaborate on a single platform for their designs to create clash free models.

2D Support

Most of the users don’t know this, but Navisworks can also pull in 2D drawings for onsite use.  This provides higher details to information about the functionality of the model. Navisworks provides users with a way to use and save 2D drawings in the. NWD format, this means users get a comprehensive view of the files using all the features and tools like markup, viewpoints, TimeLiner, sections, and more. Objects and items can be found across both – 2D and 3D (sheets and models). It also includes one of the most crucial features of 4D Navisworks, i.e. Quantification.

Create great visuals

Navisworks is predominantly used to create exceptional renders and walkthroughs for owners and stakeholders to visualize photorealistic views based on 3D models and project information.  The entire 3D model can be viewed and provided walkthroughs that need to be analyzed with agility and precision.  Materials and lights can be added to various objects for realistic possibilities. Add colors to anything and everything using tools like the Appearance Builder for project updates and identification.

Work in the Cloud 

The Cloud has created extreme flexibility, scalability, and security for users to store and retrieve that data on the fly. Rendering and working on the cloud is easy for various users. This improves collaboration during the complete life-cycle of the construction project. Access files directly from the cloud through BIM360, and merge models in the cloud for all the stakeholders to view and perform clash detection in a user-friendly environment.

Precise Clash Detections

Coordination and Clash Detection has gained significant traction for modelers and various stakeholders to identify interferences across various objects and elements.  The definition of a clash is quite simple, it means elements that occupy the same space. Navisworks uses the clash detective tool to identify interferences for 3D geometries, Point Cloud Scans. Custom clash tests can be customized for export, batch tests, object intelligence, and more using Clash Detective, Object Animation, TimeLiner. A combination of these three tools can be used to check interferences, time-based clash checks, and create animated TimeLiner Schedules. These model can be viewed through 3D glasses as well if the system supports a 3D view.

On a closing note,  

Navisworks is a cutting-edge tool for Engineers, Modelers, Owners, and various stakeholders to review information-rich models, and create photo-realistic walkthroughs. It also reduces change orders to a minimum through accurate analysis and Clash Detection. When it comes to providing effective solutions for quantification, clashes, viewpoints, animation, rendering and walkthroughs, Navisworks has proved to reduce rework and enhance productivity by miles.