Getting Started Guide: Mapping 2D Drawings to 3D Models
Background
The Models tool in Procore BIM bridges the gap between complex 3D coordination and practical field execution. While 3D models provide a comprehensive view of a project's spatial requirements, field teams often rely on familiar 2D Drawings for precise navigation, layout, and installation.
By mapping 2D drawings directly onto a 3D model, Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) teams create a "best of both worlds" experience. This integration allows users on the Procore Mobile app to view their real-time location on a 2D floor plan while simultaneously seeing the corresponding 3D elements around them. This process, often referred to as 2D Mapping, ensures that coordinated models are not just office assets but are functional tools for quality control and site verification.
Why Use 2D Views?
Enhanced Navigation: Field teams can jump to specific rooms or levels by selecting them on a 2D sheet, which automatically orients the 3D camera to that location.
Precision and Context: Aligning 2D drawings with 3D geometry ensures that the "paper" design matches the coordinated "digital" build, reducing the risk of installation errors.
On-Site Orientation: When combined with Exported Grids from Revit®, mobile users gain a clear sense of their physical coordinates relative to the building’s structural grid lines.
Workflow Continuity: This guide outlines the transition from a Navisworks® coordination environment to a mobile-ready field tool, ensuring that the BIM Lead's work is accessible to the entire project team.
Things to Consider
Prerequisites:
Procore: The Models tool must be active on the project.
Mobile: Install or update the Procore Mobile app (iOS) on your mobile device. You can download it from the Apple App Store.
Windows® Desktop: See What are the hardware and software specifications for viewing models?
Software:
Requires a supported version of Autodesk® Navisworks® (Manage or Simulate) or Revit®.
Requires you to Download and Install the Procore BIM Plugin.
Additional Information:
Only one (1) set of grids can be exported per published model.
The 2D View icon in the mobile viewer will NOT show if no grids are associated with the model. If there are grids, the 2D view option will show when the wall object is selected in the Models tool.
Gridlines can be turned on or off by tool Admins in the Settings area of the mobile viewer. See Settings: Models (iOS).
Steps
Using the Procore BIM Plugin you can transition your models from your desktop environment to Procore for viewing by your field team. This ensures that complex 3D geometry is accessible on the Procore Mobile app and aligned with the corresponding 2D drawings and structural grids.
Publish Navisworks® Models to Procore Using the Procore BIM Plugin
The first step is to publish your new Autodesk® Navisworks® model (or Publish a New Version of a Model) to Procore, configure the navigation viewpoints, and map reference points to create a unified, mobile-ready source of truth for your project team. For the full tutorial, see Publish Navisworks® Models to Procore Using the Procore BIM Plugin.
Export Grids from Autodesk® Revit®
Once you publish your model, you can use the Procore BIM Plugin to export the grids from Autodesk® Revit®. For the full tutorial, see Export Grids from Autodesk® Revit® to a Model in Procore.