topic Re: CityGML import in InfraWorks Forum

CityGML import

Anonymous — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 13:15:12 GMT

Hi,

I'm attempting unsuccessfully to import CityGML data into Infraworks. I brought our CityGML to FME and used the IMX conversion, but it had some errors (some classifications were off, so the problem there is in the CityGML output).

We have lod2.5 CityGML buildings of our City of Espoo (Finland). I would like a solution to import it so, that:

1) The buildings should come in predefined coordinates (GK-25FIN) in LOD2 with roof forms.

2) The buildings should incorporate the data as source attributes so I can use the data in Infraworks, like highlight by construction year

3) The buildings should come separately so, that I can individually click them and delete them for studying proposals (there are approx. 60.000 buildings)

4) I should be able to use it as WFS or similiar connection instead of file based

5) It should work from within Infraworks, like local based navisworks import, without filetype conversion in other programs (FME)

Those are the specs, I guess not everything is possible. I'm working on making a solution for this so that we can use the CityGML model from Trimble Locus instead of getting DWG versions of the buildings. The main feature I need is the attribute information, data of the buildings.

Question 1: should I try and make workarounds, or wait for improved functionality? Is CityGML support on the development roadmap? My timeline for the information usage is in the start of 2019, that's when I would latest require the data visualization.

Question 2: I'd be very interested in all user experience on CityGML models and Infraworks, also on workarounds to get the geometry and data into IW.

Question 3: Is there a way to bring data from CityGML 3d geometry, separated to individual buildings, into Infraworks?

Thanks a lot for the support in this forum, this has been really helpful thus far!

Re: CityGML import

Karsten.Saenger — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 16:08:11 GMT

Hi @Anonymous

without going too much into detail, I'd like to send you some thoughts and input in this post.

You are writing you use FME to convert the data - is this the FME workspace provided by Autodesk InfraWorks or do you have your own (full) FME product?

The FME CityGML conversion results can vary depending on the CityGML input data. I experienced it works very well with CityGML data from one source, but data from another source did not work. CityGML is an open format with many different variations and versions. In one case, just the schema version link in the header file was wrong, for example.

to point 1: CityGML should be converted to IMX with the correct coordinate system assigned in the xml file

to point 2: The IMX file should have attributes included from the CityGML file. In the data source configuration of the IMX file you should be able to match attributes. To add custom attributes for buildings, it shozld be possible to edit the buildings schema .json file.

to point 3: This depends on the input CityGML file and how data is organized there. I know files that import as one dataset (many buildings as one object) and others as multiple buildings.

to point 5: see below

Q1: I am not aware of any change regarding the CityGML import into InfraWorks in the near future/next release - you will still need the FME workspace

Q2: Will leave this to others for more input

Q3: see above point 3.

Hope this helps to start a discussion.

Additional input or corrections to my statements are welcome.

Regards,

Karsten

Re: CityGML import

Anonymous — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 17:49:38 GMT

Thanks,

I'm using the FME provided by Infraworks. I think our CityGML might have some issues and I have reported the conversion error to the service provider.

Great to hear that some datasets import as multiple buildings. That puts one potential worry out.

I have a custom IM schema in which I will incorporate the attributes when I get the import to work.

One additional question, if I import a 3d dwg model of the buildings it comes as one, but is it possible to import it as separated buildings by bringing the DWG to Civil3d and exploding there, then importing it as IMX?

br, JP

Re: CityGML import

Karsten.Saenger — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 07:36:08 GMT

Hi @Anonymous

out of mind and others please correct me - importing as 3D Model always handles the data source as one model, regardless of the format.

Importing an IMX format directly into InfraWorks, only recognizes the Civil 3D objects, no 3D solid or polygon/polyline data.

Regards,

Karsten.

Re: CityGML import

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 08:52:15 GMT

I got a bit confused, the reason I'm trying to get CityGML is to import it once and have the thousands of buildings as separate 3d objects with CityGML data. The FME importer appears to make IMX out of it.

Does it make one IMX file or multiple that need to be brought separately into Infraworks?

Re: CityGML import

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 09:14:13 GMT

Hi, it appears our "citygml" was just GML because the citygml did not work with FME. So there's the problem.

I found this, is this functionality still around and will it prehaps be in the future?

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/infraworks/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2015/ENU/InfraWorks-UserHelp/files/GUID-6FDFA5CF-9CB0-47B8-B77F-656B9745186A-htm.html

Re: CityGML import

Karsten.Saenger — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 09:32:18 GMT

Hi @Anonymous

the FME translator creates one IMX file.

The imported buildings can be selected separately, see attachment.

(CityGML LoD2 test data from German authorities: https://www.ldbv.bayern.de/service/testdaten.html)

Regards,

Karsten.

Re: CityGML import

Karsten.Saenger — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 09:50:01 GMT

Hi @Anonymous

the help file link you have sent is from version 2015.

The direkt import function for CityGML was removed from InfraWorks 360 2017. From that time on only the FME translator can be used to import CityGML.

There is no plan I know of, to bring the direct import back into the program.

Regrads,

Karsten.

Re: CityGML import

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 14:57:12 GMT

That's really great that the CityGML should come as one data source for separate buildings. This is definitely a path we need to work on here and as the problem is in our CityGML end it needs solving there. Thanks for this, really appreciate!

Re: CityGML import

Anonymous — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 16:46:35 GMT

Update on this:

We tried with a workmate to do the conversion on:

Infraworks FME to IMX script
Full FME, converting manually to IMX using the standard FME

Full FME worked fine, FME with only Infraworks script (no license) did not. So there might be something odd there.

On that note, the full FME converted CityGML works like a charm but I don't get facade textures, just LOD3 with color somehow derived from the texture average. Anyhow it works really nicely to that degree.

Re: CityGML import

Anonymous — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 23:35:24 GMT

When I use FME Quick Translator to convert CityGML file to IMX, I get this error. How can I fix it?

Betreff: CityGML import

ChristophLampart — Mon, 19 May 2025 06:05:38 GMT

Hi guys,
am I correct when I assume that the CityGML Importer for Autodesk is no longer available? I am using Infraworks 2024 and just found this documentation from FME: Importing CityGML to Autodesk Infraworks, Infraworks360, and Map 3D – FME Support Center
Here no oemlic-file or something like that is mentioned. And when I try to start the Workspace CityGML_To_IMX.fmw, I have to own a FME Desktop license for sure. This was done with the oemlic-file before, but I can not find it.
So please help me out, thank you in advance.

All the best from Basel

Betreff: CityGML import

Karsten.Saenger — Mon, 19 May 2025 10:28:45 GMT

Hi @ChristophLampart ,

You are correct, due to a license change policy at Safe Software, there are no free workspaces anymore for FME to convert CityGML data into IMX.

It is still possible to use the old FME 2022.x version (can be downloaded from the FME web page), together with the old free license files. Let me know if you need detailed instructions and license files.

Regards,
Karsten.

Betreff: CityGML import

ChristophLampart — Mon, 19 May 2025 11:30:43 GMT

Hi Karsten,
yes indeed, I would need the license files if possible. FME version 2022 is available for me.
So only license files would be needed together with the instructions to use them.
Am I also correct, that the CityGML-Case for Autodesk is closed for all times than? Means, Autodesk does not care anymore in any future releases about CityGML? Could be a huge problem when using open government data in Germany, cause Citymodels are published in majority in CityGML format.
What is the solution on AEC-Collection to bring in CityGML-Models into Infraworks, Civil 3D and so on in the future?
Thanks a lot

Betreff: CityGML import

Karsten.Saenger — Tue, 20 May 2025 10:56:00 GMT

Hi @ChristophLampart ,
I will create a support case for you to share the license files.

At the moment, there is no solution in sight regarding the support of CityGML files in InfraWorks.
I know that the developers have that topic on their agenda and are investigating a good solution.

Regards,
Karsten.