3.1.1 Prepare and load a drawing for analysis

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The Isovist_App supports import of drawings in .dxf, .dwg (Autocad 2019 and earlier) and .svg formats. To assist in preparing drawing files, an example file of the Barcelona Pavilion, prepared for import, can be downloaded here. To import a drawing:

  • First prepare your drawing in Autocad, Adobe Illustrator, or another cad editing software, by organising the drawing elements onto one of four named layers (groups within an svg):
  • ‘solid’ for elements that block vision (e.g. walls)
  • ‘transparent’ for elements that can be seen through (e.g. windows, balustrades)
  • ‘reflective’ for elements that reflect vision (e.g. mirrors)
  • ‘annotations’ for elements that you don’t want to include in any calculations but do want to see (e.g. furniture, details)
  • If you choose not to name your drawing layers, you will have to assign the above material characteristics later in the app itself. See section 3.1.5 for information on how to do this.
  • Ensure that any elements such as mask or textures are removed from the drawing, leaving only vector elements.
  • Save the drawing as either a dxf, dwg or svg file.
  • Launch the Isovist_App.
  • Select ‘Import/Export’ from the primary menu at the top left of the screen, and then ‘Open Scan or Plan file’. A file dialogue box should subsequently open to allow the import file to be chosen.
  • After choosing the file, the screen should switch to a blinking icon whilst the file loads and the drawing is translated; this will take longer for larger files.
  • When complete, the drawing should appear on your screen. Each of the specified layers should be coloured; solid in black, transparent in cyan blue, reflective in dark blue, and annotations in light grey.
  • The name of the imported file should be visible in the main menu beside ‘Plan name’; this can be edited if you wish.

Below: Importing and switching between plans