Navigation - WASD keys and mouse

[mark.winnington]

Hi Autodesk / Community

I have been using Navisworks for some time now. On a number of occasions I use it for navigating through Revit models especially when our Revit models become too complex for Revit to visualise smoothly. Also, Revit is not a great navigation tool in general and I think we can all agree on that it lacks the perspective navigation that most 3D design tools offer by default (I know Revit is not just a 3D design tool it is a BIM software and doesn’t compare to other 3D modelling packages etc etc etc etc)

Navisworks needs to have an outstanding navigation system especially as it is a tool used a lot for viewing multidisciplinary models and running simulation/clash detection. It does have OK navigation and is smooth for orbiting and zooming when compared to other packages I agree, but I think it could definitely have some added features to make it better.

Similar to Autodesk’s recent update of A360 navigation, I think it would be a fantastic contribution to incorporate the WASD keys and mouse navigation into Navisworks as well. This technique of viewing/moving through a 3D space in first person has evolved through computer gaming, developed, tried and tested by millions of people and proved to be the most effective way to visualise 3D space in first person whether it be flying or walking. Rather than reinventing the wheel, why doesn’t Navisworks just use this technique similar to what other 3D software packages are doing?

A good example of one of the BIM viewing packages which are moving towards this WASD form of navigation is Solibri BIM – this would be a good start. Incorporating this type navigation also appeals to the younger generations that are becoming very familiar with first person computer games, soon most people will know how to use an xbox controller or a keyboard and mouse in first person. If I had my way, I would put this form of navigation into all of your products, and I am sure it isn't the most difficult thing to write into the program.

Just my two cents. I hope Autodesk pick this up.

[Patrick_Aps_9121]

WASD is only used on computers with QWERTY keyboards. Worldwide many other keyboard layouts are used. When swichting to the Walk navigation mode (with or without 3rd persion), the arrows on your keyboard <- -> works quite similar as WASD.
So if it is implemented, it should be an option that can be swichted of for people that have AZERTY or other keyboad layouts.

[mark.winnington]

Apologies, I was talking about English keyboards only and should have mentioned the others. (,AOE on Dvorak keyboards; ZQSD on AZERTY keyboards)

The benefit of WASD keys over the arrow keys is the proximity of other keys to your baby finger and thumb for extra control. This gives you the ability to hold shift to go faster using the baby finger (very important) and space bar to either jump or activate fly-mode (if gravity and collision with geometry is available). Autodesk already know this because they have incorporated WASD functionality exaactly as I described into their A360. Now it is Navisworks' turn!

Having said that, the arrow keys would be what most people would use instinctively and I think they are important too. There is no real reason why the developers couldn't program both to work (WASD and Arrow keys)

[Anonymous]

I completely agree with you Mark. This should have been done years ago. Navis suffers from its archaic and un-intuitive navigation system. WASD and mouse is the most obvious choice, but Key remapping should also be incorporated so that the user can change this to any keys they wish, (and thus sort any keyboard zoning issues.) 

Cheers

Andy 

[dgorsman]

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@Anonymous wrote:

I completely agree with you Mark. This should have been done years ago. Navis suffers from its archaic and un-intuitive navigation system. WASD and mouse is the most obvious choice, but Key remapping should also be incorporated so that the user can change this to any keys they wish, (and thus sort any keyboard zoning issues.) 

Cheers

Andy 

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I have to disagree.  If I can teach engineers on the verge of retirement, who would rather draw something on paper than use a computer, how to navigate through Navisworks I'd say its about as easy as it can be.  Not everyone comes from an FPS environment so it doesn't naturally follow its the best way.  Key mapping should be allowed though, as there are additional devices like left-hand number/keypads and multi-button mice which this would apply to.

For more detailed navigation control I would seriously consider investing in a 3D mouse, such as one of the 3DConnexxion devices.  Unlike a WASD paradigm they are useful not only in Navisworks but most 3D design programs as well.

[Anonymous]

Not to sound snarky but your signature literally states "Adopt. Adapt. Overcome. Or be overcome."

Many of the young people learning how to use these new modeling tools are very accustomed to the "wasd" system

I for one find the camera controls to be infuriating as I can never seem to just get the right angle on whatever Im working with

implementing the wasd system would make designing whatever I do so much easier.

Im not saying make it the only way to control a camera but at least make it an option 

and as for whoever disagrees because of supposed different keyboard layouts, just change the bindings...

[herb]

I have to agree with Kevin, the WASD has been a staple in the gaming industry for virtual movement and would be easily adopted by those that play those type of games. I don't suggest that this is the only means to get around a model but would easily be a fantastic addition to the software as an optional system. personally I would find it incredibly useful. 

[jsanders]

I agree we need WASD on Navisworks.

[andreas_kramer]

any updates on this? Is it on the roadmap yet?

We have lots of wasd / FPS-control users.

[mark.winnington]

I haven't seen or heard any updates on this. It would be very useful if the WASD key and mouse control could be incorporated soon like their BIM360 and  online hub products. 

Other rival products such as Tekla by Trimble are already ahead on this and have been for nearly half a decade.

[jsanders]

Knowing how Autodesk supports their products and listen to their customers, I would suspect that they will implement this in Navisworks 2034. Can't wait for that version.

[andreas_kramer]

Thanks for cheering up, I am looking forward to this...

[Anonymous]

I can't believe that there is no option to use wasd or mousearrows. Since 30 years FPS with 3D environments use that navigation, but Autodesk is not able to implement it. Really sad, but it seems like Navisworks get no updates anymore at all, they just bake it to a new installer with an increase of the year. 

Geometric rule checking like in Solibri would be nice, too...

[jsanders]

Autodesk are years behind on many things. For example on Revit you still can't toggle to perspective view. It's like if we were working in prehistoric times. What a shame for Autodesk.

[Marcin-O]

I agree. Look at Enscape - it works great. Autodesk is so archaic in so many things... (Revit UI, Drag&Drop, BIM-Information Management, Searching data in Revit Schedules, Multiple operations like copy Sheets etc.....). Pay and beg... So shame...

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[jsanders]

What you say is true.

We are in 2018 and we still can't export multiple quantities tab. It's kind of a disgrace.

[Anonymous]

Hi, I´m a Architect Gamer too 🙂

Recently i used the Autodesk Live enviroment and it´s is like FPS/kinda "Lumion".

They already have the Keyboard layout.

How to export and use on Navisworks? Dynamo?

Following!

[jsanders]

Hello @Anonymous I have tested Revit live 2016 and 2017 and in all honesty it is far behind what Enscape can offer. If you want a true "gamer" navigation plugin that's simple, easy and incredibly useful then Enscape is the way to go. 

In my opinion Enscape should in fact be integrated into Revit itself, it's just that incredible.

[jerod.desmetBH36V]

Oops

[jerod.desmetBH36V]

So it will just be different letters, doesn't seem like an issue