---
title: 3.4.6 Generate and export an Minkowski model
description: "![](http://isovists.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Minko-1280x1084.jpg) *Above: A 3d Minkowski model of a route through Mies’ Barcelona Pavilion* A Minkowski model is a layered representation of all isovists along a single path. The Isovist_App produces these in realtime and can export them as 3d geometries.…"
url: "https://isovists.org/user-guide/3-4-6-generate-and-export-an-minkowski-model/"
updated: "2024-02-15"
category: 3 How To... / 3.4 Run Advanced Analysis
---

# 3.4.6 Generate and export an Minkowski model

![](http://isovists.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Minko-1280x1084.jpg)

*Above: A 3d Minkowski model of a route through Mies’ Barcelona Pavilion*

A Minkowski model is a layered representation of all isovists along a single path. The Isovist_App produces these in realtime and can export them as 3d geometries. To generate a Minkowski model: 

- Set up a drawing import and conduct a path analysis as normal.
- Once the path is defined, switch on the ‘Show Minkowski model’ option.
- A magenta 3d Minkowski model should appear on the screen. Click and drag to rotate this as desired.
- To vary the height or number of slices in the Minkowski model, use the two sliders provided in the path analysis menu and the model should update in real time.
- To export the model, select ‘Import/Export’ from the primary menu at the top left of the screen, and then ‘Export raw data’. A file dialogue box should subsequently open to allow a file to be named and saved.
- On pressing ‘Ok’ in the file dialogue, the software will export a PLY model file. This is able to be opened in numerous 3d modelling packages, including 3d print softwares.

*Below: Generating a Minkowski model*

[https://player.vimeo.com/video/378285596?autopause=0&autoplay=1&muted=1&loop=1&title=0byline=0&portrait=0](https://player.vimeo.com/video/378285596?autopause=0&autoplay=1&muted=1&loop=1&title=0byline=0&portrait=0)