Autodesk Navisworks

[#1]

If I draw a 3d pline in acad, and bring in, can i use that as a path for the camera to fly through?

Is there any other approach that helps automate the camera placement for animations?

I can write lisp to create scripts if needed, I'll look at that.

[#2]

I create animations using a series of saved views starting with the major points then interpolating others, basically setting up a digital storyboard.  I drag them into an animation to get a rough idea for timing and camera placement, similar to an animatic.  From there I fine tune the sequence by adding additional viewpoints to smooth out turns, change timing, and the like until its where I want.

[#3]

so I can make saved views in acad, and use those in the storyboard?

I did not notice how to do that in the help. I'll take a look.

I can easily make the views in acad using our 3d tools.

thx

[#4]

Saved views in the AutoCAD files translate to the NavisWorks file, but usually I create them from scratch in NavisWorks since its easier to get the right shot when I can see everything.

Have a look at camera animation (I think thats what its called) inside Navisworks.  It comes in under the saved views list, and you can set them up easily by just dragging in saved views, and adjusting the order the same way.  The animation will automatically interpolate positions, although going around corners usually requires a few extra views to smooth the transitions.

[#5]

the thing is, I am doing driving simulations. I want rather precise control of direction being seen.

I will have to try it to see how it interpolates corners.