Mesh structure export to Cesium ion is not uploading properly

[syedali032]

Hello,

I am working on uploading 2D and 3D Models from a dwg file to Cesium ion using Cesium ion Plugin in 3ds Max 2023. The issue is, that there is too much data loss after its conversion to Cesium supported format. The uploaded model is completely different from what I have.

Can anyone explain that is there any missing configuration that needs to be done before upload? Attaching screenshots for reference

Input dwg file:
Input model dwg

Output model uploaded to Cesium ion

Output model uploaded to cesium

Thanks

[3dtasarimokulu]

Hello,

1. Check Export Settings in 3ds Max

• Geometry Optimization: If your model contains high polygon counts, try optimizing the mesh before exporting. You can do this by using the ProOptimizer modifier in 3ds Max to reduce polygon counts without sacrificing too much detail.
• Export Format: Ensure you are exporting your file in a format that Cesium ion supports well, such as glTF (GL Transmission Format). glTF is an optimized format for Cesium that maintains geometry, textures, and materials efficiently.
• Coordinate Systems: Cesium uses a different coordinate system than 3ds Max (Cesium uses a global geospatial coordinate system, WGS84). Make sure your model is positioned correctly before export. You may need to adjust the origin or align the model to the correct world coordinates.

2. Ensure Proper Scale and Units

• One common problem when exporting models for geospatial applications is incorrect scaling. Make sure your units in 3ds Max (such as meters or millimeters) are properly set and match the expected units in Cesium. Mismatched units can lead to the model appearing much larger, smaller, or incorrectly positioned.

3. Check for Unsupported Features

• Cesium ion has limitations on certain types of data, such as high-detail textures or specific material types. Make sure your model doesn’t include elements that Cesium might strip out during the conversion process, such as unsupported shaders or proprietary material settings. You may want to bake your textures or simplify materials to ensure compatibility.

4. Simplify the Model Before Upload

• If your model is complex (e.g., many meshes or high-resolution textures), you might face issues with Cesium ion’s processing limits. Try breaking the model into smaller parts or simplifying the geometry. You can also try using Level of Detail (LOD) techniques to reduce complexity for distant views, improving performance without losing too much detail.

5. Export to glTF or OBJ, Not DWG

• While DWG is a common format in architecture, it's not ideal for geospatial applications like Cesium ion. Convert your DWG to a glTF or OBJ format before uploading. These formats are more optimized for 3D web applications, ensuring a better result in Cesium.

6. Cesium ion Settings

• Check your Cesium ion upload settings. There may be options related to mesh decimation or optimization that can affect the final uploaded model. Ensure that the "Mesh Simplification" setting isn't too aggressive, which could cause the geometry to lose significant detail.

7. Check for Errors in the Model

• Before uploading to Cesium ion, inspect your model in 3ds Max for any non-manifold geometry, inverted normals, or mesh errors. These can cause issues during the conversion process, leading to incomplete or incorrect geometry. Use tools like the STL Check Modifier in 3ds Max to identify and fix potential issues.

8. Test with a Small Model First

• Try exporting and uploading a smaller or simpler version of your model to Cesium ion to see if the issue persists. If the smaller model works as expected, it may indicate that the original model is too complex or contains incompatible elements.

9. View the Conversion Log in Cesium ion

• After uploading your model to Cesium ion, check the conversion log for any errors or warnings. Cesium may flag specific issues (like unsupported geometry or texture formats), which can give you clues on what went wrong during the upload process.

10. Update the Plugin

• Make sure that the Cesium ion Plugin for 3ds Max is up to date. Bugs or compatibility issues in older versions of the plugin can cause problems with exports.

[spacefrog_]

my apology ( see below )

@3dtasarimokulu :
if you are a real person and not an AI bot ( chatgpt or similar ),  please don't post such generalized, cookie cutter responses, which also sound 100% chatGPT generated. If you are indeed an actual person please respond and i apologize, but  i think posts should generally be as short and focussed as possible

[3dtasarimokulu]

Hello, I am a real person. Since my English is not good, I write in Turkish and use a translator.

[spacefrog_]

Thanks for responding , and sorry that i thought you are a bot 😳

mea culpa ...

[spacefrog_]

To the original poster:

I think the issue here is that cesium wants a mesh, and judging by your screenshots, the DWG isn't triangulated/meshed correctly, but looks more like its imported mainly as splines ?

It's been long ago that i used DWG import in 3ds Max, but i guess you can control that in the import dialog ?
Other then that, i suspect it to be a total mess when exported and the whole drawing in one part to be far too heavy to make any sense in cesium. Not to forget that Cesium is for realtime AND browser based mostly

[3dtasarimokulu]

oh thank you, no problem at all.

[syedali032]

Thank you so much for a detailed response. I will look into the areas you highlighted and let you know.

Many thanks,

Ali