New IFC 4 import

Allplan 2018-1 introduced the first parts of the new tool for importing IFC4 data. Since then each hotfix has provided further enhancements and more native Allplan elements.

The new import tool supports the formats IFC4 and IFC2x3. Import now includes all elements. Elements that cannot be imported as native Allplan elements will be imported as converted user-defined architectural elements.

Allplan 2019 still offers both options:

• To select the new import tool, click Import - Import IFC4 Data in the dropdown list of the Allplan icon on the Quick Access Toolbar.
• To select the conventional tool for IFC import, click Import IFC Data or drag the IFC file into the workspace.

Importing data with the new interface

To use the new interface, select Import IFC 4 Data. The new interface imports data in the following formats: IFC 4, IFC XML 4, IFC 2x3 and IFC XML 2x3.

The new interface offers numerous advantages:

• You can import IFC 4 and IFC 2x3 formats.
• Performance and quality are much better.
• Most IFC objects will be imported as corresponding Allplan elements; all the other elements will be imported as user-defined architectural elements.
• You can import data to an existing or empty building structure.
• You can assign IFC attributes to Allplan attributes. Such a mapping has only been possible for export.
• The import log provides more information: Non-transferred elements are sorted by IFC object type and listed with IFC ID.

Using the new interface, you can import IFC data created with almost any system.

The new interface imports the following types of geometry:

• Objects created by extrusion
• BREPS (surface models)
• Surface models
• Constructive solid geometries (CSG)
• Triangulated geometry
• Swept disc solids