Creating a 3D model from a DWG file

ubuysa

ubuysa

The BSOD Doctor
I have a .dwg file produced by some unknown CAD software that is a contour map of the below-water area of a deep lake. The base data comes from a detailed underwater survey of the lake. I'm able to visualise the structure of the lake by looking at the contours on the .dwg file, but many others can't do that and see just a jumble of lines.

What I'd like to be able to do (at no, or minimal cost) is produce a 3D rotatable model of the lake from the data in the .dwg file. I don't want to buy expensive modelling software since this is a one-off, so I'm wondering whether anyone knows of a cheap (ideally free) way to produce a 3D model?

I've attached a very reduced .jpg image of the .dwg file here and I'd like to produce a 3D model of it to supplement the geological study I've already done on the lake. There is a ton of useful evidence in this survey and it would be so handy to have a 3D model of it so that everyone can see that evidence clearly.

This isn't a big deal but since a picture (or 3D model) is worth a thousand words it would be very nice to have. :)
 

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T

Tony1044

Prolific Poster
I posted one I found but my post hasn't appeared. Didn't see a message that it'd gone into moderation, but when I tried to repost it, the forum said I'd already posted.
 
Rakk

Rakk

The Awesome
Moderator
Tony1044 said:
I posted one I found but my post hasn't appeared. Didn't see a message that it'd gone into moderation, but when I tried to repost it, the forum said I'd already posted.
Click to expand...

It was in the mod queue (presuming it was the one at 8:01), should be visible now :)

SpyderTracks said:
Nothing showing in moderation... very odd!
Click to expand...
I'd just approved it about a minute or two before your post :)
 
Last edited:
polycrac

polycrac

Super Star
Two things, now I've had more time to think:

1) You can import DWG files into Blender (https://www.blender3darchitect.com/python-scripts-for-archviz/blender-3d-importing-dwg-files/) and then export them as any 3D model file you like (stl etc.)

2) For above water terrain (I know, not much use for the original problem) this site is great: http://jthatch.com/Terrain2STL/ I've found it can distort along one axis so I often need to double/halve along the other, to compensate, in blender or similar before 3D printing etc. Still, for a free tool it is kinda cool - just enter your coordinates and make a 3D terrain map!
 
J

jerpers

Master
At school I teach a range of 2D and 3D software - 2D design, Creo, Fusion 360, Sketchup and onshape. If you can send me the DWG file and some details of the depths referencing the colours etc. I can have a little play importing in and out of the various bits of software we have when I am back next week after half term.

I can't promise anything but I can certainly have a try.
 
ubuysa

ubuysa

The BSOD Doctor
polycrac said:
Two things, now I've had more time to think:

1) You can import DWG files into Blender (https://www.blender3darchitect.com/python-scripts-for-archviz/blender-3d-importing-dwg-files/) and then export them as any 3D model file you like (stl etc.)

2) For above water terrain (I know, not much use for the original problem) this site is great: http://jthatch.com/Terrain2STL/ I've found it can distort along one axis so I often need to double/halve along the other, to compensate, in blender or similar before 3D printing etc. Still, for a free tool it is kinda cool - just enter your coordinates and make a 3D terrain map!
Click to expand...

Many thanks for this. Blender looked very promising, and I still haven't given up, but the .dwg import addon has been removed (the final download link is dead). I guess .dwg is a proprietary format?

I'm going to try converting the .dwg to .svg and see whether that will work.

Many thanks! :)
 
ubuysa

ubuysa

The BSOD Doctor
jerpers said:
At school I teach a range of 2D and 3D software - 2D design, Creo, Fusion 360, Sketchup and onshape. If you can send me the DWG file and some details of the depths referencing the colours etc. I can have a little play importing in and out of the various bits of software we have when I am back next week after half term.

I can't promise anything but I can certainly have a try.
Click to expand...

That's a kind offer and it's not a huge deal so don't struggle with it. I've PM'd you the Dropbox link where I've uploaded it.

Very many thanks! :)
 
ubuysa

ubuysa

The BSOD Doctor
I've just come across DraftSight https://www.draftsight2018.com/ which has a free version (though you have to 'activate' it and that took about 20 hours for me). It can import .dwg files directly, so now all I have to do is learn to use DraftSight.....
 
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