1.
Develop a 3D model using a modeling software that is
compatible with Navisworks (most applications can be used, but the structure of
the file will differ based on the appication used). One of the best
applications to use is Autodesk VIZ since it all for the hierarchical grouping
of the elements so that they are easier to link. You can also use Revit and
export the file to a Navisworks file (see the Revit to Navisworks page).
2.
Develop a CPM schedule for the project in a compatible
application. MS Project 2003 will work well for the development of the
schedule. You can also use Primavera Project Manager, but the linking of the
database is a bit more challenging.
3.
Open Navisworks and then open your CAD or Navisworks file
within Navisworks.
4.
Open the Navisworks Timeliner module by going to the 'Tools
- Timeliner' menu item.
5.
Go to the 'Links' tab and then all a link to the schedule
schedule file by right clicking on the links area. You will then need to right
click again and select ‘Rebuild task hierarchy from link’ so that the
activities in the scheduler are imported.
6.
Link the 3D objects to the activities by selecting the
objects in the ‘Selection Tree’ window and then right clicking on the activity
which you would like the object to be linked to and select ‘Attached selected’.
This will link the schedule activity to the 3D objects.
7.
Add an activity type to each of the activities, e.g.,
construction, demolition, or temporary, or you can create your own activity
types.
8.
After linking all the object, you can review the simulation
in the ‘Simulate’ tab of Timeliner, and you can revise the playback settings in
the ‘Configure’ tab of Timeliner.
9.
You can then export the 4D model as an .avi file which can
be easily transmitted to others. To do this, go to ‘File – Export – Animation’
and select within the source pulldown the ‘Timeliner Simulation’. Note that the
size of the window and the FPS (Frames per second) will have a significant
impact on the size of the .avi file. You can usually set the FPS to 1 without
significantly impacting the video quality. You can also select the output
‘Options’ button to compress the video upon export. The Techsmith codec is a
good compression codec to use, but you may need to download and install it on
your machine if it is not already installed. You can also export images if you
just want an image file.
