Articles on: Architectural models
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Allplan

In the following section you will learn how to import your Allplan model into HEGIAS VR. HEGIAS VR supports the vendor-independent BIM format and the most widely used 3D CAD formats for architectural, building and construction plans. A complete list of supported file formats can be found here.

This article shows our recommended settings for IFC and COLLADA export from Allplan 2021. These settings are provided as an example and may vary from project to project.


IFC Export


The IFC file format is suitable for a quick and uncomplicated entry into HEGIAS VR. Due to the existing component information, the model is easily classified and correctly recognized. Material information, on the other hand, is only stored in text form and must first be created via the HEGIAS VR library so that it also appears automatically in HEGIAS VR after the export.

Open the IFC export dialog under Allplan > Export > Export IFC data...




Define the drawings to be exported.



Choose a location and file name.

Save the IFC project in file type IFC 2x3 files (.ifc). The default settings should be fine.
Alternatively, you can use the gear icon to further specify the IFC export options. We recommend exporting in an IFC2x3 profile.
For detailed help on Allplan's IFC export, press the F1 key in the Allplan Help under Export IFC Data.



Press the OK button to close the export dialog and create the IFC file.

The exported IFC file is now available for import into HEGIAS VR.


COLLADA Export


The Collada format (*.dae) is suitable for the export of already materialized models. The material texture is exported as an image file during export and can be uploaded to HEGIAS VR together with the model.

Open the COLLADA export dialog under Allplan > Export > Export VRML, DAE, KMZ, 3DS, U3D.



Choose a storage location.

We recommend creating a new folder for this purpose. Allplan will save multiple files.
Select the DAE - COLLADA 1.5. file format.
Confirm the COLLADA export settings with OK to start the export.
Allplan now creates a COLLADA file of the model and saves it together with the material textures in the specified folder.





The exported files are now available for import into HEGIAS.

Drag all exported files into the HEGIAS VR Upload window
ATTENTION: On HEGIAS, material textures can only be imported in the two formats PNG & JPG. The export from Allplan will most likely generate other formats as well, such as TIF or BMP. These need to be converted into PNG/JPG formats, otherwise it is not possible to upload them onto HEGIAS. We recommend using a converting tool, for example IrfanView (https://www.irfanview.com/).



Disable the Generate UV mapping option in the Advanced Options.



After the upload, the materialized scene is available in HEGIAS VR.



Please note that only the color channel of the textures can be saved using the COLLADA format. For real materials (physically-based-rendering or PBR materials) to be available in VR, they must either be created in the library with the appropriate textures (Diffuse, Metalness, Roughness, Normal, Ambient Occlusion) or the file must be uploaded in the GLB format. For this workflow we recommend using the opensource software Blender.

Updated on: 13/02/2023

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