Export network plan as DXF

Export network plans as a DXF file and use them in CAD programs

Starting the export ▶ 0:24

DXF export dialog in VICUS Districts with display options
The DXF export dialog with the available options for graphically preparing the network plan

Navigate to Export > DXF drawing to open the export dialog. There you will find several options for graphical and data-level preparation of the plan.

Display options ▶ 0:32

Display options for the DXF export: separate pipes vs. unified line
Choice of display style: separate pipes (supply/return) or unified line

There are two main ways to display the network:

Separate pipes (supply and return)

Supply and return are drawn as separate lines. Tip: In this mode, use a uniform color to keep the plan clear.

Unified line

The network is displayed as a single line. Tip: Select the distinct colors option here so that each pipe dimension gets its own color and can be quickly distinguished.

Color coding ▶ 0:46

Color-coding options in the DXF export dialog
Color-coding setting: distinct colors per pipe dimension for better distinguishability

The color coding can be adjusted in the export dialog. The recommended combinations are:

Display styleRecommended color coding
Separate pipes (supply/return)Uniform color
Unified lineDistinct colors per pipe dimension

Including calculation results ▶ 1:09

Export dialog with options to include calculation results such as pressure loss and volume flow
Options for including calculation results such as pressure loss, volume flow, and pipe dimensions

To make calculation results available in the export, a steady-state calculation must be performed beforehand. If the corresponding options in the export dialog are greyed out:

  1. Close the export dialog.
  2. Switch to network mode.
  3. Perform the steady-state calculation again.
  4. Reopen the export dialog.

The following calculation results can be embedded in the plan:

  • Specific pressure loss
  • Volume flow
  • Pipe dimensions and IDs

Additional export options ▶ 1:16

Additional export options such as OpenStreetMap data
Additional options such as exporting OpenStreetMap data as a spatial reference
  • OpenStreetMap data: Optionally, OSM data can be exported as a spatial reference.

Structure of the DXF file ▶ 1:54

Exported DXF file with labels and layer system in a CAD program
The exported DXF file with automatic labels and separate layers per pipe dimension

The exported DXF file is structured as follows:

  • Labels: All selected parameters (volume flow, pressure loss, pipe dimension, ID) are automatically labeled in the plan.
  • Layer system: Each pipe dimension and additional information sit on separate layers. This lets you flexibly show and hide details in the CAD program.

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