.. _importers: Importers ========= .. _ImportersFIG: .. figure:: /img/Importers.jpg :width: 400 :align: center Importers panel .. admonition:: Remember To import georeferenced data in Blender it is important to set the *SHIFT* data, see the :ref:`Shifting` section. This panel (:numref:`Fig. %s `) allows importing three data categories in Blender: points, objects, and cameras. In the current UI, the main buttons are displayed in a flat layout: - *Points as Empty Objects* - *Multiple objs* - *Agisoft XML CAMS* (visible only when *Enable Experimental Features* is active) Each command also includes a *?* button that opens a contextual help popup with an extended description and a link to online documentation. .. _ImportersFIG_02: .. figure:: /img/Importers_02.jpg :width: 400 :align: center Option of the Importers panel By clicking the *Points as Empty Objects* button, users can import a 2D/3D point file (*.csv* or *.txt*) as Empty objects in relative or absolute coordinates. In the import window, users must: first, locate the appropriate file; second, after pressing the *Toggle Region* button (gear icon on the right side), associate the first 4 columns to name/X/Y/Z and define the separator (comma, space, semicolon, :numref:`Fig. %s `). The options *Shift coordinates* and *Has header* allow to: apply SHIFT values to georeferenced data (when SHIFT has been configured in 3DSC/BlenderGIS) and ignore the first line if the source file has a header. For a full end-to-end walk-through of the point importer (including the typical total station / GPS mixed-survey workflow and a step-by-step recipe for **georeferencing local total station points onto GPS control points**), see the dedicated recipe :ref:`import-point-data`. .. _ImportersFIG_03: .. figure:: /img/Importers_03.jpg :width: 400 :align: center Option of the Importers panel related to objects By clicking on the *Multiple objs* button, 3DSC imports several OBJ objects with a single command. In the import window, users must: - locate the appropriate file; - select the correct options on the right side (default options generally work for standard OBJ files). If files are not *Z Up* and *Y Forward*, choose the correct orientation from the drop-down menus (:numref:`Fig. %s `). For a full end-to-end walk-through of the batch import (including the ``Shift coordinates`` option, georeferenced datasets and common troubleshooting), see the dedicated recipe :ref:`import-batch-obj`. The *Agisoft XML CAMS* command is currently experimental and is displayed only when experimental features are enabled. .. admonition:: Remember By default, when objects are imported into Blender using the *Importer* tool of 3DSC, geometries are displayed as *Bounds*. To change this display mode, select the *Object* tab, in the Blender's *Properties* panel, then, in the *Viewport Display* panel, select *Display as* -> *Textured* to visualize the objects with their materials. .. admonition:: Remember It is recommended to import objects without textures if they need to be textured later outside Blender. .. _importers-dxf: DXF Import (subpanel) --------------------- The **DXF Import** subpanel (``DXF_PT_ImportPanel``, parented to ``VIEW3D_PT_Import_ToolBar``) imports DXF geometry into Blender while applying the SHIFT values configured in the :ref:`Shifting` panel — the typical case being CAD plans drawn in real-world coordinates that otherwise sit far away from the Blender origin. The subpanel requires the Python module ``ezdxf``. If ``ezdxf`` is not available, the subpanel displays an installation flow instead of the import button. UI states ^^^^^^^^^ ``ezdxf`` installed The subpanel shows: - *Import DXF File* — opens the DXF importer dialog. - ``ezdxf version: `` — reports the detected version. - A read-only box showing the current SHIFT values (``X``, ``Y``, ``Z``) so the user can verify them before importing. ``ezdxf`` missing The subpanel shows: - An error label with the diagnostic message. - *Reload Python Paths* — re-scans ``sys.path`` after a manual install. - *Install ezdxf module* — installs ``ezdxf`` via the 3DSC external module installer. - A tip suggesting a Blender restart after installation. Operators ^^^^^^^^^ ``import_dxf.button`` — *Import DXF File* Opens the DXF import dialog. SHIFT values from the :ref:`Shifting` panel are applied automatically. ``import_file.dxf_3dsc`` — *Import DXF with Shift* The underlying File Import operator (registered with a file extension filter for ``.dxf``). ``import_dxf.reload_modules`` — *Reload Python Paths* Re-imports ``ezdxf`` after a fresh install without restarting Blender. .. _importers-linked-lod: Linked LOD Import (subpanel) ---------------------------- The **Linked LOD Import** subpanel (``DXF_PT_ImportLinkedLODPanel``, parented to ``VIEW3D_PT_Import_ToolBar``) imports linked meshes with LOD-suffixed names from one or more ``.blend`` libraries. It is the recommended way to assemble large scenes from external LOD libraries without duplicating mesh data in the current file. Operators ^^^^^^^^^ ``import_linked.lod`` — *Import Linked LOD Meshes* Opens the library browser and imports the selected meshes as linked data blocks. A confirmation dialog (``wm.import_linked_lod_confirm_dialog``) warns that the operation may take a while on large libraries. ``import_file.linked_lod`` — *Import Linked LOD* The underlying File Import operator used to pick the source ``.blend`` file. Typical workflow ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ #. Press *Import Linked LOD Meshes*. #. Select the ``.blend`` library that contains the LOD meshes. #. Confirm the operation in the dialog. #. The meshes appear as linked objects in the current scene; their LOD level is read from the name suffix and is handled by the :ref:`lod-manager` panel.