Z Axis changes when importing a dwfx file

[Anonymous]

When importing a dwfx file into Navisworks, the Z axis changes to Y axis. Orientation in Navisworks is default, with Z axis being UP and Y Axis being North. I'm sure this is an easy answer, but what is happening?

[Patrick_Aps_9121]

Navisworks has no template files and takes over the oriantations of the axes and the units of the first file attached. Check the file reader options of DWF and DWG: my guess they are different.
In order to avoid this, attach another file first. (a plain box in Autocad wil do). Check the File units and transform of that attached file and save the NWF.
Then append the DWFX file.

[tim.wiegand]

This may be a problem with whatever software is creating the DWF file. Some applications rotate the model by 90 degrees on export so that Z becomes Y (the DWF specification says that Y should be up). Navisworks handles this for DWFs output by Revit and AutoCAD and rotates the model back on import. Maybe you have a DWF created by some other software, or a DWF that claims it was output by AutoCAD or Revit but doesn't include the rotation.

[JOHNLLOYD7213]

Y should be up???!!!???

Every project I've ever worked on:

X = easting

Y = northing

Z = elevation.

What would be a scenario whereby it would be sensible to make Y up?

It's got me baffled...

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

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@JOHNLLOYD7213 wrote:

Y should be up???!!!???

Every project I've ever worked on:

X = easting

Y = northing

Z = elevation.

What would be a scenario whereby it would be sensible to make Y up?

It's got me baffled...

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Exactly my point. Apparently, it is a known issue in NW since at least 2011, and still remains. Unfathomable.  See this thread:

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/navisworks-general-discussion/naviswork-imports-dwfx-file-incorrectly-...

[Anonymous]

Thx. With your help and what I discovered in the thread:

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/navisworks-general-discussion/naviswork-imports-dwfx-file-incorrectly-...

I was able to workaround.

My install of Navisworks 2016 gives me an error when I try to import a .dwg file. Says it may be a corrupt install. Can NW 2016 import .dwg files as well as .dwfx files?

[Anonymous]

My dwfx was created by AutoCAD, but you are correct in saying the Z axis becomes the Y. Why in the world would this be done??

Come on AutoDesk. Address this. Change the dwf spec!

[dgorsman · Accepted solution]

Not everything is encompassed by your experience; for example, not everything is northing/easting (or westing)/elevation.  Some mechanical design software uses Y as "up" and Z as "depth".

[JOHNLLOYD7213]

Huh?!?

Sounds like you've got the tail wagging the dog there. Badly designed software is not an excuse for not adopting industry standard conventions.

What is a westing?!?

Have you ever used westings? Distances would get smaller (or negative) the further you got from the origin. Sounds absurd to me.

If you are modeling a mechanical component that can be mounted any way up, XYZ co-ordinate orientation is irrelevant. However, if you are modeling a hotel or an industrial process plant, XYZ consistency is imperative for reliable interaction of the various engineering disciplines & contractors.

Importing a correctly orientated inventor model into a navisworks file already populated with correctly orientated autocad components that ends up laying on its side is a major flaw that should be addressed post haste. Co-ordinating models from different applications is supposed to be the whole point of Navisworks is it not?

Three expensive Autodesk applications that don't interact properly. That is an embarassment.

[Patrick_Aps_9121]

No,
if you are designing a mechanical component that will be manufactured by CNC robots, Y as "up" is indeed the industry standard.

But indeed, all the file readers of Naviworks need an update in terms of functionality. In all AutoCAD products you can manage the references after they have been attached. A similar dialog "manage attachments" should be made in Navisworks in order to be able to re-load and redefine the path to the CAD file. Also the definition of the UP axis should be per model and not per file type.

Also the funtionality of the file readers of Autodesk fiel types DWG (include Xdata and Layer States..), Recap (include Regions, ViewStates...), DWF, needs an update.

[Anonymous]

Hi people. When I export 3D dwg file to dwfx, the Z axis invert to Y in Naviswork. Can anyone explain why? In this forum shows the issue as resolved, but the explanation fix nothing. Regards

[twellins]

Happens when exporting from revit as well 😞