Synchronization with CAD

6.4 Synchronization with CAD

This function enables real-time bidirectional data synchronization and interaction between Candela3D and CAD software.

6.4.1 Compare position of PV arrays

This function is primarily used to check whether the location of arrays in the SU 3D model is consistent with arrays in the CAD file, display the differences between the two softwares, and perform synchronous operations.

The useage of this function is subject to the following prerequisites:

1) When associating arrays by layer, each layer in DWG can only have one size of array;

2) Before synchronization, if arrays of a certain type does not exist in SU, users need to first create an array of that type on the "Create array" interface.

6.4.1.1 Preliminary preparation and function activation

First, open the skp file in SketchUP and the corresponding dwg file in CAD.

Please click the button of "Synchronize with CAD", select DWG file which is corresponding to the current SKP model in the pop-up box, and then click "Ok". At this point, pay attention to the legend "Communication Status" in the upper left corner of the interface, which should display as normal.

6.4.1.2 Comparison position of PV arrays

Under the premise of normal communication status, right-click the mouse to bring up the menu, and select the first option, "Compare positions of PV arrays". After the parameter settings pop-up appears, configure the following parameters one by one according to the project design requirements:

"Comparison Range": Users can select "All" (to compare the positions of all arrays in SU and CAD) or "Specified range" (to specify arrays within a specific range for comparison by drawing or selecting layers in SU or CAD, which is suitable for large projects). ​

"Definition of arrays in CAD": This funciton is used to clarify the identification basis for arrays in CAD files. Users can choose "By block name" or "By layer". ​

"Associate tags with arrays in CAD": This funciton is used to display the mode of the related arrays.

"CAD array laye"r and "CAD array tag lyaer": It is necessary to select the correct layer of arrays in the CAD file, and corresponding tag layer (the unselected layers will not be involved in the comparison).

"SU array name": Please select the corresponding name of the arrays in SU.

"Tilt": When no value is entered, the parameter will be automatically identified and calculated based on the corresponding layer information after selection; once a value is entered, the software will not automatically refresh this parameter.

"Height": The height above ground of the lowest point of arrays, similar to the tilt.

"Allowable deviation of array size": Plesase set the allowable error range for array dimensions in SU and CAD. ​

"Allowable deviation of positions": Plesase set the allowable error range for the locations in SU and CAD. ​

"Allowable deviation of array azimuth": Plesase set the allowable error range for the array azimuth in SU and CAD. ​

After all parameter settings are completed, the "Tilt" and "Height" parameters are displayed correctly and the status is shown as "OK". Click the "Confirm" button to start the comparison process.

6.4.1.3 View comparison results and subsequent operations

After executing the settings of "Compare positions of PV arrays" function, the legend in the top left corner can display the quantity of "Arrays with the same location", "Arrays only in SU", and "Arrays only in CAD". Additionally, by right-clicking on the SU interface, users can select the following menus from the context menu for subsequent operations:

"Refresh": When there are changes in the array data in CAD (such as adding, moving, or deleting arrays), this function is needed to refresh the data. When the synchronization range, synchronization layer, or other settings change, it is necessary to return to the previous level and reset on the "Compare positions of PV arrays" Interface.

"Update CAD/SU based on SU/CAD, ": If it is necessary to unify the arrays data of the two softwares, one can choose to update based on one of them. For example, if "Update CAD based on SU" is selected, the arrays data of "Only SU" will be added to the CAD file, and the array of "Only CAD" will be deleted from CAD. Selecting "Update SU based on CAD" is similar.

"Select arrays": Select the arrays at a specific location in SU for subsequent individual processing.

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"Delete or Create selected": For the selected arrays, users can perform a delete or create operation in SU/CAD.

"Show arrays": It can show specific arrays, facilitating an intuitive view of its position.

"Show Tag"s: Only display CAD/SU tags when they are not the same.

6.4.2 Import or export polylines and Llines

This function is used to achieve bidirectional data transmission between SU and CAD for polylines and lines, and is suitable for synchronous updating of data such as project red lines and road boundaries. The operation steps are as follows:

First, perform Step I (preliminary preparation and function activation) in Section 6.4.1. After the communication status is normal, right-click in the SU interface and select the second option from the pop-up right-click menu - "Import or export polylines and lines". This will bring up an operation selection pop-up box:

If users need to export polylines/lines from SU to CAD, users need to select the "Export to CAD" option. Choose the layer in the SU file where the polylines need to be exported, and the software will automatically export the polylines/lines from that layer to the specified CAD layer, completing the data synchronization.

To import polylines/lines from CAD into SU, users need to select the "Import from CAD" option.