3DSpaces

The 3D Spaces feature package includes all functions for the creation and content composition of the 3D Spaces, interactions to switch states e.g., on the level of InstanceGraph nodes, as well as using orthogonal structures like LayerFilter. Snapshots are common tools to define reusable views and states of the data further enriched using annotations or other attachments.

Composition

Add and remove nodes and resources to the InstanceGraph to utilize pre-defined data sets or build complex structures dynamically at runtime. The InstanceGraph API provides a range of pre-defined properties, but can also reflect custom properties for building your own logic. For example, it allows for dynamically switching the enabled state of a node or subtree at any time, as reflected by the tree view. Refer to the tutorials for step-by-step introductions and tutorials.

Meta Data

Metadata is usually the best way to link 3D data and business information. The InstanceGraph reflects all meta data as present in your 3D data using getMetaData as visualized in the meta data inspector.

Transformation

Dynamically transform your data in the 3D Space using the localTransform property of a node via API or using built-in gizmos. Use this feature for example to visualize step-wise working instructions. An overview is available here.

Selection

Use the pre-defined property to select a subset of the 3D data in your 3D Space. Selected entities are visually highlighted and serve as the target of subsequent user interface operations. Retrieve the set of selected nodes using the API (or respective events) for applying custom logic.

Annotations

Use annotations to enrich the data in your 3D Space with additional information e.g., for collaboration purposes or to integrate with external knowledge. Annotations support HTML content to easily embed images or videos or create direct linkage to external software solutions e.g., tickets systems.

Dynamic Appearance and Rendering

Next to switching the enabled state of nodes, changing their appearance is probably on of the most common interactions. The 3D Spaces support a variety of functions to dynamically adjust the visualization of your data, mostly reflected by the properties of nodes of the InstanceGraph.

  • Appearance & Transparency: Change the color and/or transparency of assemblies or individual parts to adapt the expressiveness of the presentation to your very needs e.g., to easily locate hidden parts of your 3D data.

  • Render Modes: Switch the rendering modes to visualize topological entities, wireframes or use occluders for advanced visual effects.

  • Shading: Dynamically switch the lighting environment or apply image-based effects.

Snapshots

Snapshots are a way to persist configuration states of your 3D data inside the 3D Space to restore them at a later point in time or cycle between multiple snapshots.

Depending on the usage of the API, snapshots can reflect only a subset or the complete state of your 3D Space. Find a detailed explanation of the included UI component here.