LEGION Model Builder Help

Environment Maps

Environment Maps display the conditions registered inside a model and the Entities within it in the case of fire. They use data from files generated by the FDS (Fire Dynamics Simulator) fire-modelling software to display factors such as temperature, visibility and toxicity.

LEGION Model Builder can overlay data from FDS onto the model file as a Map related to a specific value and colour range. There are two types of data file available for use with an Environment Map:

  • Slice file–this file contains data based on a 2-dimensional spatial model and recorded at the specified height of a cross-section.
  • Plot 3D–this file contains data based on a 3-dimensional model of a space.

These files must already have been generated using FDS, possibly in combination with the LEGION Model Builder. Each type of data file requires you to set certain properties. These are dealt with respectively in the following two procedures. (see Exporting a model for use with FDS ). Each type of data file requires you to set certain properties. These are dealt with respectively in the following two procedures.

Parent topic: Maps and Ranges

To create an Environment map using a Slice file:

  1. Click or select Analysis > Maps to display the ‘Edit Map’ box.
  2. Select Environment Map from the drop-down list of available map types and click the New button.
  3. Enter a meaningful name for the new map in the highlighted name box (or click the Rename button).
  4. On the ‘Parameters’ tab, select Slice file as the Map data file type.
  5. Click the Add button, locate the relevant slice file (.sf) and click Open.

    The box labelled 'Units' automatically displays the relevant unit of the Slice file (for example, M for metres, C for centigrade).

    Tip: If you edit these units while the map is displayed, you will need to hide it and then display it again to see your changes.
  6. Repeat step 5 for any further Slice files (additional files should use the same Units as the first file you added).
  7. Highlight a file and then in the ‘Selection map size’ portion of the dialog box, enter the appropriate dimensions for Bottom, Top, Left.Right.
    Note: If you added more than one Slice file, highlight each file and enter their dimensions.
  8. Click on the Value and Colour Ranges tab.
  9. Select a Value or Colour Range for the map.
  10. If required, check the box labelled 'Use smoothing' so that colour values blend smoothly into one another when displayed.
  11. Click Apply or OK to save your changes.

To create an Environment map using a Plot 3D file:

  1. Click or select Analysis > Maps > to display the ‘Edit Data’ dialog.
  2. Select Environment Map from the drop-down list of available map types and click the New button.
  3. Enter a meaningful name for the new map in the highlighted name box (or click the Rename button).
  4. On the ‘Properties’ tab, select Plot 3D as the Map data file type.
  5. Click the browse button labelled 'Smoke-view file', locate the relevant Plot 3D file (.smv) and click Open.
  6. Enter values for these related boxes (floor and ceiling measurements are in metres):
    • Floor
    • Ceiling
    • Metric (select from drop-down list)
  7. To extract data from specified heights, you must add 'Plot3D heights'. Click the Add button.

    The 'Height in Plot3D File' dialog is displayed.

  8. Enter a height in the field.
  9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for any further heights whose data you want to examine.
  10. Click on the Value and Colour Ranges tab.
  11. Select a Value or Colour Range for the map.
  12. If required, check the box labelled 'Use smoothing' so that colour values blend smoothly into one another when displayed.
  13. Click Apply or OK to save your changes.

When you have completed these procedures, you can display the Environment map during playback in the same way you would any other kind of map.