Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

RIM-Nat supports the import of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) data in DXF format, enabling the integration of technical drawings and plans into 3D projects. This format is ideal for visualizing and analyzing design information, such as architectural plans, technical schematics, and other vector entities. It does not support metadata transmission, unlike GIS data.

Supported Formats for CAD Data

DXF Format (Drawing Exchange Format)

DXF is a drawing exchange format created by Autodesk to ensure interoperability between different CAD software. To ensure proper import, DXF files must adhere to certain technical specifications.

• Supported Versions:

  • Recommended versions range from R2000 to R2018 (formats AC1015 to AC1032).
  • Avoid R12 DXF files.

• File Structure:

  • The DXF file must be valid, uncorrupted, and should open correctly in standard CAD software.
  • File headers must be compatible with GDAL. Incompatible headers may lead to import errors.

• Preparation and Verification:

  • Use software like AutoCAD, BricsCAD, or LibreCAD to verify the integrity of the DXF file before import.
  • Ensure the file is not password-protected or restricted.
  • Do not use system or reserved layers such as 0, defpoints, or those containing cartouche.

Compatible Entity Types

RIM-Nat supports a wide range of vector entity types in DXF files. These entities can include 3D coordinates (Z) for a more detailed 3D representation.

Supported Entities

Supported entities include:

• LINESTRING: lines
• POINT: points
• POLYGON: polygons

Layer Names

• Layer names should be simple and avoid special characters.
• They must be convertible to ASCII and alphanumeric after cleaning.

Styling Options

Once the DXF file is imported, several styling options can be configured from the RIM-Nat portal:

• Colors: Colors defined in the DXF file will be used to display entities consistently.
• Layer Visibility: Control the visibility of each layer for better data management.
• Line Thickness: Adjust line thickness to enhance readability.
• Polygon Fill: Enable or disable filling and set colors with transparency support.

Data Weight

The DXF format is not optimized for streaming. DXF files can be large due to the volume of information they contain. Additionally, the contained information is often challenging to manage (hidden layers, objects placed far from the work area…).

For any further questions or assistance, please contact RIM-Nat technical support.