--- title: "Working with 3D Models" slug: "working-with-models" description: "Visualize and measure 3D models with tools for color adjustment, cropping, and navigation in Mark & Measure mode for enhanced clarity and precision." tags: ["3D Models", "changing colors", "Mark and Measure", "Model Visibility"] updated: 2026-08-18T15:38:24Z published: 2026-08-18T15:38:24Z canonical: "knowledge.navvis.com/working-with-models" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://knowledge.navvis.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Working with 3D Models 3D Models appear in the [Site Structure](https://knowledge.navvis.com/docs/working-with-datasets#navigating) and in [Mark & Measure](https://knowledge.navvis.com/docs/measurements). You can adjust the colour and visibility of an entire model or its individual parts to improve clarity, and use the Crop view tool to create precise slices that reveal any deviations between the model and the point cloud. ### Filtering by type in the Site Structure 1. In the topbar, click the **Site Structure** icon. 2. Click the filter icon and select **Models** to display only the list of models. ![3D model view of a water treatment plant with highlighted site structure options.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/Unknown-5.png) ### Changing the colour of the model and its entities 1. In the topbar, open the **Site Structure**. 2. Click the colour wheel of the model. 3. Select a colour for the model and/or its entities. ![3D model of a water treatment plant showcasing various pipes and structural elements.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-07-29 at 10.34.30.png) ### Locating the model Click the target icon next to the model's name to navigate to it. ![3D model view of a water treatment plant with various structural elements displayed.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-07-29 at 10.35.30.png) ### Expanding to view the model and its entities Click the arrow to the left of the model's name to show all of its entities. From here, you can hide specific parts of a model to focus on other areas. ![3D model view of a water treatment plant with highlighted structural elements.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-07-29 at 10.35.57.png) ## Comparing the model to a point cloud in Mark & Measure 1. In the **Site Structure**, make the model visible by clicking the eye icon next to its name. > [!NOTE] > **Note:** Make the model easier to see by choosing a colour that stands out. 2. NavVis IVION overlays the point cloud and the model in the 3D view. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/hide unhide BIM model.gif) ### Measuring between a point cloud and the model 1. Open the [**Mark & Measure**](https://knowledge.navvis.com/docs/measurements) tool from the toolbar. 2. Use the Crop view tool to crop the area to the slice you need. 3. Measure using the **Free**, **Horizontal**, and **Vertical** tools. 4. Exit cropping and select the measurement from the list to hide it, change its colour, add it to a folder, share it, or delete it. ![3D view of a water treatment plant with measurement tools and options displayed.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-07-29 at 14.52.25.png) #### Creating a POI on the model Make the model and point cloud visible, then right-click an area to add a POI. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/POI in BIM.gif) ### Switching between 2D and 3D views Use the **3D / 2D** toggle at the top of the screen to switch between the 3D view and the 2D map. ![Overview of a water treatment plant showing pipes, valves, and machinery in operation.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-07-29 at 15.15.06.png) Model validation often needs a quick top-down view, such as checking an entire floor or site layout at a glance. This lets you easily verify the model's alignment against the scanned data. ### Sharing the 3D model To share and collaborate on the 3D model, copy the page URL or use the **Share** button in the topbar. ![Overview of a water treatment plant showing pipes, valves, and machinery in operation.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-07-29 at 15.16.04.png) ### Viewing 3D models in the 2D map To compare a 3D model with the 2D map, open the **Site Structure** from the topbar and filter by **Models**, then switch to the 2D map with the **3D / 2D** toggle. ![Overview of a water treatment plant with highlighted models and site structure options.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-07-29 at 14.59.49.png) Pick a distinct colour for your model so it stands out against the map. To see only the outlines of your model, hide **covering**, **ramp**, **roof**, and **slab**. ![Overview of a water treatment plant layout with highlighted equipment and structural elements.](https://cdn.document360.io/bf174766-fa1a-4fe1-a4d7-b1db1e7cb996/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-07-29 at 14.59.21.png) --- ### FAQ #### What steps do I need to follow to change the visibility of model entities? In the Site Structure, click the arrow next to the model's name to expand it, then hide specific parts. #### How can I navigate to a specific model? Click the target icon next to the model's name in the Site Structure. #### What tools are available for measuring in Mark & Measure? In Mark & Measure, you can use the Free, Horizontal, and Vertical measurement tools. #### How do I switch between 2D and 3D views? Use the 3D / 2D toggle at the top of the screen. #### Can I share the 3D model with others? Yes. Copy the page URL, or use the Share button in the topbar.