Introduction to Navisworks

What Will You Learn?

The Introduction to Navisworks course provides students with a foundational understanding of Autodesk Navisworks, a powerful tool used for project coordination, visualization, and clash detection in the BIM process. This course covers essential workflows for navigating the interface, importing and exporting models, creating animations, rendering, and running clash detection analysis. By completing real-world projects, students will develop the skills necessary to integrate Navisworks into their BIM workflows efficiently.

By completing this course, you will:

• Learn how to navigate and customize the Navisworks interface.
• Gain expertise in importing and exporting models from various design platforms.
• Develop proficiency in animation and scripting tools for project visualization.
• Master rendering techniques to enhance presentation quality.
• Use TimeLiner to simulate construction sequencing.
• Conduct clash detection to resolve design conflicts before construction.

Course Lessons and Projects

Lesson 1: Interface & Tools

This lesson introduces students to the Navisworks interface and essential tools used for model navigation and review.

Skills Learned:

• Understanding the Navisworks workspace and navigation controls.
• Customizing the user interface for efficiency.
• Utilizing selection tools, viewpoints, and sectioning techniques.
• Managing object properties and model hierarchy.
• Reviewing models using measure and markup tools.

Project: Navigate and customize a Navisworks model, creating saved viewpoints and using sectioning tools to isolate building elements.

Lesson 2: Exporting & Importing

Students will learn best practices for importing and exporting models from Revit, AutoCAD, and other BIM platforms into Navisworks.

Skills Learned:

• Importing 3D models from multiple formats (NWC, NWD, IFC, DWG, etc.).
• Configuring model alignment and unit settings.
• Optimizing models for performance and coordination.
• Exporting Navisworks files for project collaboration.
• Combining multiple models into a federated BIM environment.

Project: Import and configure models from Revit and AutoCAD, aligning them into a coordinated project model.

Lesson 3: Animator & Scripter

This lesson focuses on Navisworks’ animation and scripting tools, allowing users to create sequences for project visualization and construction planning.

Skills Learned:

• Creating object animations to demonstrate design movement.
• Using the Scripter tool to automate actions and interactions.
• Managing animation sequences and time-based events.
• Enhancing visualization with animated walkthroughs.
• Combining animations with TimeLiner simulations.

Project: Develop an animated walkthrough of a building project, integrating object movement and scripted interactions.

Lesson 4: Rendering

Students will explore rendering techniques in Navisworks, learning how to create photorealistic images and videos for project presentations.

Skills Learned:

• Applying materials and textures to model elements.
• Adjusting lighting settings for realistic visualization.
• Configuring rendering presets and quality settings.
• Generating high-quality rendered images and videos.
• Exporting rendered outputs for stakeholder presentations.

Project: Create a fully rendered visualization of a project, applying materials and optimizing lighting for a professional-quality presentation.

Lesson 5: TimeLiner

This lesson introduces students to the TimeLiner tool, which allows them to simulate construction schedules and link them to model elements.

Skills Learned:

• Creating and managing a construction timeline in TimeLiner.
• Linking model components to scheduled activities.
• Simulating construction sequencing and project progress.
• Analyzing construction phases using timeline animations.
• Exporting TimeLiner simulations for project stakeholders.

Project: Develop a construction sequence simulation for a building project, linking tasks to model components for time-based visualization.

Lesson 6: Clash Detective

Students will learn how to use Clash Detective to detect and resolve design conflicts before construction begins.

Skills Learned:

• Setting up clash detection rules and parameters.
• Running clash tests between different building systems (MEP, Structural, Architectural).
• Analyzing clash results and prioritizing conflict resolution.
• Generating clash reports for coordination meetings.
• Using Navisworks to improve interdisciplinary collaboration.

Project: Perform a clash detection analysis on a BIM model, generating a report of identified conflicts and proposing resolutions.

Key Skills You Will Walk Away With

• Proficiency in navigating and customizing the Navisworks interface.
• Expertise in importing and exporting models for project coordination.
• Hands-on experience in creating animations and scripted interactions.
• Advanced rendering techniques for high-quality visual presentations.
• Ability to use TimeLiner for construction sequencing and project simulation.
• Competence in clash detection to identify and resolve design conflicts.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is ideal for professionals and students looking to enhance their project coordination and visualization skills in Navisworks. It is suited for:

• BIM Coordinators & Managers – Learn how to integrate and manage multidisciplinary models in a federated environment.
• Architects & Engineers – Develop expertise in reviewing and coordinating design models.
• Construction Project Managers – Improve construction planning using TimeLiner and clash detection tools.
• MEP & Structural Engineers – Enhance coordination workflows for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems.
• Students & Recent Graduates – Strengthen portfolios with advanced Navisworks project coordination skills.

Career Applications & Industry Relevance

The skills developed in this course are critical for professionals involved in project coordination, BIM workflows, and construction planning. Career paths that benefit from this course include:

• BIM Manager – Oversee project coordination and manage model integration.
• Construction Project Coordinator – Use Navisworks to enhance project sequencing and coordination.
• MEP & Structural Engineer – Detect and resolve design conflicts before construction begins.
• Architectural Technologist – Utilize Navisworks for advanced visualization and client presentations.
• Facility Manager – Maintain and manage BIM models for ongoing building operations.

As the construction industry continues to adopt BIM technologies, proficiency in Navisworks provides a competitive edge for professionals looking to advance their careers. This course equips students with the expertise needed to enhance coordination, reduce project risks, and improve visualization for modern construction and engineering projects.