Creating a free open source gbXML file viewer

[theo-armour]

Screenshot of 'read gbxml polyloop' displaying the gbXMLStandard.xml

@macumber suggested I post here to let you know that I have started an effort to build a free, open gbXML data file viewer that displays models in 3D in your browser.

The reason I have been able to build these scripts is because of the schema and the sample data files in this repository. I am very appreciative of this material and the many efforts behind their creation. Thank you.

Regarding my effort, there is currently a read me file and two live demo scripts here:

Ladybug Tools > Spider > Read gbXML Read Me

Ladybug Tools > Spider > Read gbXML PolyLoop

Ladybug Tools > Spider > Read gbXML Rectangular Geometry

Note issue with floor slabs. ;-)

All are at an early investigative stage. The gbXML has been quite easy to parse so far and so I expect a fair amount of improvements before too long.

Here's the current mission and vision:

Mission

• View gbXML files in 3D in your browser
• Full zoom, pan and rotate
• Run on computer, tablet and phone
• Adjust a wide variety of viewing parameters
• View the full gamut of data typically available in a gbXML file
• Open files via URL or open file dialog
• All free and open source hosted on GitHub
• All easy-peasy plain-vanilla JavaScript + Three.js

Vision

• Helping students, clients and non-AEC pros gain access to BIM data easily, quickly and freely

My questions:

• Are other people working on projects like this?
• Is there anybody I can or should collaborate with
• Are there any other places on the web with sample files for testing?
• Are there any aspects or particular usages that I should prioritize in the development timeline? Does anybody need anything soon.
• Is Lodybug.Tools the best place to host the scripts? Or is there a place with a selection of viewers that these scripts might well fit together well.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this effort. I look forward to any comments and suggestions. It's probably not worthwhile to report bugs yet. My list issues is already long enough for the moment. I think the main thing to discuss is cool ways of collaborating and interesting ways of visualizing the data.

Bye for now...

Theo