channels menu

get dxf


Purpose
To convert third-party models in dxf format to files that can be read in GIG and used as GIG models.

Preparation
Before a dxf file can be converted using get dxf, the dxf file must be placed in the intlib directory of the active project and must have the extension '.dxf' (in lower case).

To move or copy the dxf file to the right directory:

Select the project you want to use in the general menu.
Select to system in general menu.
In the UNIX window, move to the directory where the dxf file is currently stored using the UNIX cd command.

Examples:

To move a dxf file to the 'intlib' directory of the active project, type in:

mv name.dxf $LD <enter>
In this example the dxf file name.dxf is moved to the 'intlib' directory of the active project.

To copy a dxf file to the 'intlib' directory of a specific project, type in:

cp name.dxf ~gig/projects/demo_prj/intlib <enter>
In this example the file name.dxf is copied to the intlib directory of the project demo.

After the dxf file is placed in the intlib directory, type in the following UNIX command to return to the GIG interface:

exit <enter>
The dxf file can now be converted using get dxf in the channels menu.

Usage
Click the get dxf button to activate the dxf converter.

Comments
Each layer will be translated into a different display level.
Layer colors will be converted to diffuse colors.
3D Face's in one layer will be grouped into one polymesh.
The tool will accept PFACE's (also from 3D Studio).
The tool will accept DXF models from Viewpoint.
The DXF converter will not accept:

Lines
Points
Arcs
Text

The conversion depends on the dxf format used to save the model. Another relevant aspect for the conversion outcome is that 3d modeling in Autocad can be done in several different ways. Because of these factors there is no guarantee of a 100onversion of all models saved in the dxf format.

The performance of the converter has been thoroughly evaluated with many Autocad models created by different users. Any object the converter can not yet handle - for instance because of recently added functions in new versions of Autocad - will not be visible in GIG. The missing elements can be either added in GIG or re-modelled in Autocad using techniques the converter does recognise.

See also
GIG Directory Structure in Appendix B; edit poly, confile.