IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is a file format for sharing 3D building and construction models. You can upload an IFC file to your portal to view a 3D design of a building, structure, or underground infrastructure, and then compare it with your site’s survey data.
💡 Propeller supports IFC files up to v4.3.2.0
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Import an IFC File
ℹ️ Note: You must have a minimum of Inspect permission to inspect the design and Edit permission to upload IFC files. |
- Click the UPLOAD button in the top right corner of the portal.
- Select Designs from the dropdown menu.
- A dialog box will appear. Drag and drop your IFC files into the box, or click to browse for them on your computer.
- Once the file is uploaded, it will appear in the DESIGNS tab.
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ℹ️ Note: Your design file must match your site’s units and Coordinate Reference System (CRS). If you’re unsure, you can verify your site settings in the Site Settings menu.
Do not change your site’s CRS to match your design file.
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View and Navigate Your IFC File
Once your file is uploaded, you can view and interact with it from the DESIGNS tab.
- Toggle Visibility: To show or hide the IFC model on the map, check or uncheck the box next to the file name in the DESIGNS tab.
- Navigate the Model: Use your mouse's scroll wheel to zoom. Use the platform’s navigation tools to pan, rotate, and drag the map to view the design from different angles.
- Inspect Design Attributes: Click on any element of the IFC model to view its details, such as its material, dimensions, and other attributes. You can only inspect the details of the parent layer.
Use Cases
Measure with Cross Section
Use the Cross-section tool to slice through your IFC design and view it from a new angle. This makes it easier to inspect fine details, like bolt offsets in a beam.
- From the toolbar, select the Cross-section tool.
- Click on the map to define two points.
- The Cross-section chart will appear, displaying your design in relation to the surface.
Compare with Point cloud Layer
You can view your IFC design against a point cloud for a clear comparison of the final model to a current survey.
From the SURVEY tab, toggle on Point cloud.
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Apply a Vertical Offset
Use the Vertical Offset tool to quickly visualize your design at various elevations. This is useful for planning new lifts, checking subgrade levels, or performing a quick check for potential clashes with other designs or surfaces.
- Click the 3-dot menu next to the IFC layer you want to offset.
- Choose Apply Vertical Offset.
- Enter the offset amount and click SAVE. The units will match those of your site.
- The new offset layer will appear in the DESIGNS tab below the original design.
View on the Propeller Mobile
You can also view IFC files in the Propeller Mobile to provide context while on-site.
- Select the Designs tab.
- Search or scroll to find the IFC file and toggle it on.
- Navigate the map:
- Zoom: "Pinch" the screen with two fingers to zoom in or out.
- Tilt & Rotate: Place two fingers together and push up or down to tilt the map, or twist to rotate it.
I still can't do it!
We wrote these articles to equip you with everything you need to get the job done on your own, but we understand that sometimes this isn't sufficient.
If you're stuck, you can connect with our support team by clicking the question mark button at the top right corner of your user portal.
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