Importing a 3D Roof Model

How to import 3D Roof Models as an alternative to aerial tracing.

Updated over a week ago

Preconditions

  • Be in Site Definition mode. The Site button in the lower left corner of the workspace will be underlined when in Site Definition mode.

What is a 3D Roof Model and why would I use one?

3D Roof models can be an alternative to tracing. Some AHJs require more detailed drawings than tracing can produce and this strategy can be faster than tracing because all roof faces will be imported with an XML file.

How to Import a 3D Model

Step 1 - Hover over the home tool

Step 2 - Select Import 3D Model

Step 3 - Either drag the XML file into the designated field or browse local files.

Note - the app will not accept any other file type than XML.

Step 4 - Specify the vendor who provided the file and click next.

Note - We do not accept XMLs from any other sources and we do not recommend manually editing the XML files.

Step 5 - Specify roof framing with the drop down menus and click next.

Step 6 - Specify the roof surface type from the drop down menu and click next.

Step 7 - Specify the roof decking type from the drop down menu and click next.

Step 8 - Specify the condition of the roof and click save.

When the XML is saved then all roofs and obstructions will be automatically traced on the canvas.

Note: It’s not uncommon for the trace to not line up with the aerial imagery,

this is not a problem and will not be represented in the final permit package.

Adding Obstructions to imported roof faces

Obstructions should be imported automatically but if any are missed or need to be edited you can do so with the obstruction tool.

Next Steps

Continue on to specify Equipment locations, Complete Weather Properties, and Complete Site Info before designing the array.

Did this answer your question?