Navigate the network model in 3D views

Step-by-step guide

It can be helpful to open a network model in a 3D network window to see the network data in 3D. This can help to identify pipe clashes or erroneous data. The view can be enhanced with the use of a ground model and can also display results.

To complete this exercise, use the 1D Sewer Network model and 1m Ground Model, or copy the data from the provided transportable.

1. From the Model Group, double-click the 1D Sewer Network to load it into the GeoPlan.
2. Drag the 1m Ground Model into the GeoPlan to load the ground model.

To create a 3D view of the network:

3. In the Windows toolbar, click New 3D network window.

Note: It can take a bit of time to generate, depending on the amount of data.

4. Use the mouse buttons to navigate through the 3D view.
5. Use the scroll wheel to zoom in or out.

The view displays what would be seen by a person at the viewpoint, looking towards the center point.

6. Right-click the 3D view and select Properties.

The 3D View Properties dialog box has additional options to customize the view and toggle the display of terrain, network objects, and results. For example, to make it easier to see variations in elevation in a ground model that is relatively flat:

7. Set the Elevation-exaggeration factor to 5.

8. Click OK.

When creating a 3D view, if a selection of objects is made, only those objects appear in the 3D network window when it is generated. Also, pressing and holding the CTRL key limits the creation extents to the objects with the current GeoPlan zoom extent.

It is a good idea to close 3D views when finished, because they use up resources on the computer.

To close the view:

9. Right-click the tab and select Close tab.