To exchange 3D models with Autodesk 3ds Max

If you have Autodesk 3ds Max 2013 and Autodesk Infrastructure Modeler 2013 installed on the same computer, you can exchange a 3D Model instance between the two applications with a single click. The model opens in the target application automatically, and you can edit it as you would any native object.

You can send a single object, a collection of selected objects, or a rectangular region from Infrastructure Modeler to 3ds Max. No matter what you send, 3ds Max receives the selection as a single 3D object. You can send the edited 3D object from 3ds Max back to Infrastructure Modeler and place that object into an already existing model. You can also use that 3D object as an instanced style. Instanced styles can apply a 3D model multiple times within the model, depending on the model's style rules.

1. To send individual objects to 3ds Max, select the objects first.

   To send a rectangular region, you do not need to make a selection.

2. Click Send To 3ds Max.
3. Click Selection or Region.

   If you click Selection, the selected items are sent to 3ds Max.

   If you click Region, define the area to send by specifying its bounding box. All selectable objects within the defined area are sent.

4. In 3ds Max, edit the 3D object as desired.
5. When you are ready to send the 3D model back to Infrastructure Modeler, open the Infrastructure Modeler target model.
6. To replace the 3D model for a style with the 3D object sent from 3ds Max, display the 3D Model Style Editor. Open the style to modify.
   NoteIf you sent a region to 3ds Max, or if you do not want to replace the 3D model for a style, you can omit this step.
7. In 3ds Max, click Send To Send To AIM.

   If the Style Editor is open, the 3D model for that style updates to use the edited version.

   If the Style Editor is not open, the Data Sources panel displays in Infrastructure Modeler.

8. If the Data Sources panel is open, configure and insert the edited 3D model.
   • Double-click the new 3D model entry.
   • Specify an appropriate asset type (for example, building, tree, or city furniture).
   • Click the Geo Location tab.
   • Click Interactive Placing to place the 3D model object in your model.