2011

2 In the Default Simulation Start Appearance drop-down list, select the appearance option, which you want
to use to start your simulations.
Export
You can export a static image at any time during a simulation by using one of the standard Autodesk Navisworks
image exports, whilst the Simulation tab is active. See “
Export an Image” on page 316 for more information.
You also have an option to export an animation of an entire TimeLiner simulation. See “
Export an Animation”
on page 317 for more information.
Add Animation
In this section, you will learn how to add animation to the TimeLiner schedules.
Overview
You can link object and viewpoint animations to your construction schedules, and enhance the quality of
simulations. For instance, you can start your simulation with a camera showing an overview of the whole project,
and then, as the tasks are simulated, zoom into specific areas for a detailed view of the model. You can also play
animation scenes as the tasks are simulated. For example, you can animate the arrival and depletion of the
material stock piles together with the vehicle movements, and monitor the vehicular access to site.
You can add animation to an entire schedule, to individual tasks within a schedule, or combine these methods
together to achieve the desired effect.
To record animation, see “
Create and Edit Viewpoint Animations” on page 299 and “Create Object Animations”
on page 335.
It is also possible to add scripts to the tasks in your schedule. By doing this, you gain control over the animation
properties. For example, you may be able to play different animation segments as the tasks are simulated, or play
animations backwards and so on.
To record scripts, see “
Add Interactivity” on page 344.
Add Animation to an Entire Schedule
The animation that you can add to an entire schedule is restricted to viewpoints, viewpoint animations, and
cameras.
Added viewpoint and camera animation will be automatically scaled to match the playback duration.
Once you’ve added an animation to your schedule, you can
simulate it.
To add a current viewpoint or a viewpoint animation
1 If the TimeLiner window is not already open, click Home tab ➤ Tools panel ➤ TimeLiner
.
2 Select the required viewpoint or viewpoint animation on the Saved Viewpoints dockable window.
3 In the TimeLiner window, click the Simulation tab, and click the Settings button.
4 In the Simulation Settings dialog box, click the drop-down arrow in the Animation field, and select Saved
Viewpoints Animation.
420 | Chapter 15 Simulate Construction Scheduling