Hi,
Navisworks provides COM API, .NET API and NwCreate(C++)
COM API was introduced long time ago. It can access document and model. Similar abilities like UI. It is now maintained only. It is going to be retired in the future.
.NET API is wrapped from core code. It can access document and model. Similar abilities like UI. It follows Microsoft .NET framework guidelines. It has many equivalent abilities like COM API and also much more features than COM API such as Ribbon, document database, Timeliner, client graphics, interactive event, comprehensive abilities of viewpoint, clashtest etc. So in this perspective, I do not agree what ngombault mentioned in message 6" It has both COM and .Net, but the COM has more functions..".
In addition, even if some abilities that .NET has not while COM has (such as hyperlink, label, getting primitives of object), we can still use .NET to access these abilities by COM interop.
As to NwCreate, it is different to COM/.NET. it allows developer to create custom scene + geometry or custom loader that translates the 3rd file format.
So, if you just want to access the data (such as propertyes, model tree, viewpoints, seletcionset, timeliner, clashtes…), use .NET API.
As a start, please take a look at:
http://download.autodesk.com/media/adn/Navisworks_2011_API_Webcast-Sept2010.zip
and download the SDK Ngombault mentioned.
And for spefici requirement, search on forum or our global blog:
http://adndevblog.typepad.com/
