Introduction to Navisworks Course Overview
What Will You Learn?
The Introduction to Navisworks course provides students with a strong foundation in Autodesk Navisworks, an industry-leading tool for BIM coordination, visualization, and clash detection. Throughout this course, students will explore the core functionalities of Navisworks, including model navigation, animation, rendering, scheduling, and clash detection analysis. By working on real-world projects, students will develop the technical expertise necessary to integrate Navisworks into complex construction workflows.
By completing this course, you will:
- Gain hands-on experience navigating and customizing the Navisworks interface.
- Learn best practices for importing and exporting models from various design software.
- Develop animation and scripting skills for project visualization.
- Master rendering techniques to enhance project presentations.
- Utilize TimeLiner to simulate construction sequencing and project phasing.
- Conduct clash detection to identify and resolve design conflicts.
Why Learn Navisworks with VDCI?
VDCI provides high-quality, industry-recognized training that prepares students for real-world applications in BIM and construction management.
- Accredited Autodesk Training: Learn from an official Autodesk Training Center (ATC) with expert-led instruction.
- Practical, Project-Based Learning: Work on real-world projects to apply your skills in meaningful ways.
- Flexible, Online Learning: Access course materials anytime, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
- Cost-Effective Professional Development: Gain specialized training at an affordable price compared to traditional education.
- Industry-Experienced Instructors: Learn from professionals who work directly in BIM, construction, and design fields.
- Career-Boosting Credentials: Earn digital certificates and showcase your proficiency in Navisworks.
- Portfolio Development: Build a strong portfolio of practical projects to demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
Course Lessons and Projects
Lesson 1: Interface & Tools
This lesson introduces students to the Navisworks interface and essential tools 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.
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.
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 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.
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, 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.
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.
