Imported 3d model is transparent

[mermerCAD]

I am new to Infraworks so forgive me if this is a simple fix.  I have searched the discussion boards and haven't been able to resolve this issue myself.

I am trying to import trees into Infraworks 360.  I have tried downloaded .dae files.  I have tried importing downloaded .skp files into 3ds max and then exporting .fbx files.  I have tried downloaded .fbx files.  My trees keep coming in almost transparent.

Here is a screenshot of how the trees look when imported into my model.  As you can see the stock trees that come with Infraworks show up fine.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks so much!

Meredith

[Anonymous]

I wish I knew.  It seems like it's some setting since it keeps happening regardless of format. 

Perhaps the trees are being imported as terrain to which surface opacity is much less than 100%, or perhaps they're being imported with an inverted transparency, yes?

There are a few places that can happen:

If the surface opacity is less than 100% some part (all, really) of the surface will have that much transparency.

Also, there are styles that have elements of transparency:

Also and importantly, the source file for the trees must be free of things that would cause transparency issues.  In fact, the source file is the most important element of any data import for Infraworks. 

Other odd-ball ways to get this include inserting the trees below ground (it is possible).  This can be checked by clicking on the tree, right clicking to get properties, and check the insertion coordinates.  Another might be having existing grade far below the proposed grade, but the models surface data does not yet include the new grade, so, pick and click finds the old ground and not the new, so the trees are below the new grade and look, well, weird.

That can be fixed with this:

Lock your mouse above ground.  The trees can be fixed through their properties.

Tough nut to crack.  I had a lot of trouble figuring this program out when I was first introduced to it.

I'm convinced it's a setting, though.  Has to be.  The program doesn't malfunction this way.  It messes up lots of ways, but this isn't one of them.

Wish I had better to offer.

[mermerCAD]

Thank you so much for your response, Artie!  

Unfortunately, it is not a surface opacity issue (surface is not transparent and trees are brought in as Trees not Coverage Areas or Terrain.

When I Invert Transparency of the 3d model, it completely disappears.

The trees are above ground.

It must be the source file, but I have tried it with about 20 different 3d model downloads!  2 of them actually came in opaque but grayscale without materials.  Several crashed Infraworks.  And several came in transparent.  It's mind-boggling!

Thanks for all of your suggestions though!

Meredith

[Matt__W]

Have you tried importing the 3D models into a style catalog as opposed to importing as a data source? I don't know that it would make a difference since some of the options are the same (invert, transparency, etc...).

Does the same thing happen if you import one of the "bad" tree models into a different Infraworks model?

Any chance you could post one of the problem models for others to try?

Just trying to rule out as many options as possible.

[mermerCAD]

Thanks for the suggestions, Matt.

I tried adding the trees to the style catalog, but I got the same result.

I haven't had a chance to try your other suggestion of putting into another model.  I will try that today.

I have attached a few different models.  One is almost completely invisible and two are very transparent.  Please let me know if you get the same results as that will help alleviate some of my frustration!

Thanks so much for the help!

Meredith

[Matt__W · Accepted solution]

There's something going on with the transparency of the PNG materials in those models. If I take the FBX for the Colorado Spruce for example, and import it into Navisworks and export back to a new FBX it looks better but....

It's better than what it was but it's still not great because it's made up of a series of vertical planes with the PNG material attached to it. Personally I would prefer to use an actual 3D model.

[mermerCAD]

I have tried both sketchup and 3ds max models.  I bring the downloaded models into 3ds max and then export as fbx or dae files making sure to embed the material.  I still get the same results.  Would you mind trying out these files and see if you get them to work for you.  I'm going to try the Navisworks suggestion out.

Thanks so much!

Meredith

[mermerCAD]

Matt-

Don't bother testing those files.  When I read your previous post more closely, it made my request moot.  So sorry.

Meredith

[mermerCAD]

Navisworks worked!  Although it was sideways but I figured out how to fix that.  Thanks so much!