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CHAPTER 2 Files and File Types
When files are appended into Navisworks, the application will attempt to align, rotate, and scale
the subsequent files to reflect the current coordinate system of the existing model. This includes
rescaling models with different units of measurement to match the current display. However, mod-
els that are designed in an entirely different coordinate system or view plane will not align prop-
erly. For information on translating models, see Chapter 6, “Documenting Your Project.”
Merging Files
In the current geographically disperse environment, it’s feasible that multiple users will need
access to the same Navisworks model at identical times for model review and coordination. The
Merge feature allows multiple copies of the same model to be combined without any duplication.
When model design reviews are conducted with the various disciplines (Architect, MEP
Engineer, Structural Engineer, etc.), having access to the Navisworks composite data model
becomes paramount. Typically the most current Navisworks model is shared among the entire
team as an NWF with the associated source files for the external design reviews. Navisworks
assists with the review process by providing markup tools such as redline and comments (which
will be covered in Chapter 6, “Documenting Your Project.” Since the models all contain the same
model geometry, the only differences are any comments made by the different disciplines. The
Merge command allows these multiple reviewed models to be combined into a single file. Any
duplication of geometry is automatically removed, so the final file contains one set of geometry
and all of the markups and comments from the different reviewers. It’s important to note that
this scenario only works with NWF files. The Merge command will function like the Append
command with NWD files and ultimately display duplicates. Figure 2.13 shows a typical work-
flow where the master Navisworks file is shared with the various disciplines for the mechanical,
structural, and architectural design reviews. After any comments, redlines, and markup data is
recorded; the files are then returned to the project coordinator, who merges the three files into the
single NWF file. Because all three files are copies and contain the same geometry, all duplication is
removed in the merging process and only the unique comments and markup data are preserved.
Figure 2.13
Typical file
merging process
Architectural Design
Review
Navisworks Project Folder
Merged Master Navisworks File
(NWF)
Architecture MEP Structure Civil Existing
External Design
Reviews
Structural Design
Review
Mechanical Design
Review
Master Navisworks File
(NWF)
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