Navisworks Q: Aligning Text always to the currect view?

[tzframpton]

I don't think much Navisworks users in here, but worth a shot.

 

I was pondering something. Right now, when I create my mechanical BIM models for a 3D spatial coordination on jobs utilizing Navisworks, I create a text for certain things like equipment, pumps, air handling units, etc. The text is just a standard AutoCAD single line or multiline text that I've rotated to an elevation view and oriented it to what would be considered an accessible spot of the equipment in the real world. This helps when the BIM project manager is walking around the 3D model.

 

We also use Navisworks Manage for a few customers that require us to have it, as well as utilizing in house coordination for our larger projects among team members. I've ran into a job that wanted us to provide a plan view construction document that showed every single valve tagged and located on a grid layout for a computer data center so the maintenance division could easily seek out any valve on the piping system. It would have been nice if we could provide a 3D NWD file for them to use.

 

So on to my question: Is there a way to have text in Navis always be visible no matter what orientation you're looking in the model? Much like an old fashioned 3D "sprite" in earlier 3D games. The text method I use now is very static, not dynamic, and for someone to read it they have to be in a view that projects the text at the correct angle. Hope this is making sense.

 

Anyways, any clue or ideas? Thanks in advance.