Some kind of weird behaviour from Navis FBX export plugin (confined objects aren't exported)

[onurerMY3Q8]

Hello.

I'm an experienced software engineer and I have decent experience on Revit API too. Now my job requires me to make a Navis plugin too for exporting models as FBX but I have hit a serious road block. I hope someone here can help me.

Using the existing Navis FBX export plugin, I'm able to export the current model via this code block:

            var FbxPluginRecord = Application.Plugins.FindPlugin("NativeExportPluginAdaptor_LcFbxExporterPlugin_Export.Navisworks");
            if (!FbxPluginRecord.IsLoaded) FbxPluginRecord.LoadPlugin();

            var FbxPlugin = (NativeExportPluginAdaptor)FbxPluginRecord.LoadedPlugin;
            FbxPlugin.Execute(@"E:\Windows\Onur\Desktop\something.fbx");

The problem I'm experiencing is that... Navis is not exporting the visually confined objects into the FBX file. For example, the framing beams inside of a wall aren't exported. I guess Navis is doing some kind of optimization without asking me if I want that behavior or not.

I tried finding a documentation for NativeExportPluginAdaptor class or its ExportType property which has a type of Autodesk.Navisworks.Api.Interop.LcOpPluginCaps but no luck. There seems to be no documentation available online. I checked the local documentation which comes with Navis SDK installer too. Nothing there either.

I checked the default Navis UI for exporting an FBX and in that window, there is no option for excluding/including confined objects either.

Am I out of luck? Should I tell my boss Navis can't export the invisible objects (due to being confined by other objects) ?

Thank you for your help in advance.

[naveen.kumar.t]

Hi @onurerMY3Q8 ,

Please be aware that the Navisworks API typically does not support any functionality that is unavailable in the user interface.

If the UI does not support a particular function, it is likely that the API will not either. Therefore, it is advisable to research the most effective manual approach to a solution before attempting to implement it programmatically.

Can you achieve the required functionality through the UI without using the API?

I recommend identifying the best manual method to export the file to FBX with the confined objects. Once this approach is established, we can replicate the same settings and process using the API.

Additionally, I suggest consulting with the Navisworks Product Support team for further guidance.

Navisworks Product Forum: https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/navisworks-forum/bd-p/372 

[ulski1]

The Fbx export skips objects which has the boolean hidden set to true but walls with internals set to hidden false should be exported
Br
Ulrik

[onurerMY3Q8]

Yea, I couldn't find a way to include confined objects into the exported FBX even via the UI. Thanks for the info. I'll try contacting them.

[onurerMY3Q8]

I just imported a revit file to Navis and tried exporting is as FBX. I didn't change anything so I am assuming no object should be marked as hidden but I'll double check. Thank you.

[onurerMY3Q8]

I checked and as I guessed, they were not set as hidden but they are not exported due to being confined in walls.