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Smart3D file at a glance

Software

Hexagon Smart 3D (formerly Intergraph)

Review files

.vue (geometry), .xml (structure)

Packaged project

.zvf (compressed review files)

Geometry

Tessellated, for review

Carries

Plant hierarchy, geometry and properties

3D InterOp
Read Write

Reads .vue and .xml review files

  • Building software that needs to read plant models?

    3D InterOp is an SDK that lets your application import Smart 3D models alongside 30+ CAD and BIM formats.
File Content

.vue

Binary geometry file of the review model

.xml

Plant hierarchy and element properties, with the same base name as the .vue

.zvf

Compressed review project containing several .vue files

.sat

ACIS export of the model geometry

  • Plant hierarchy

    Plants, areas, units and systems

  • Equipment

    Vessels, pumps and machinery

  • Piping

    Pipes, fittings and valves

  • Structures

    Steel and civil elements

  • Properties

    Element data from the .xml file

  • Unique IDs

    Identifiers that stay stable across exports

Input Support

.vue and .xml pair

Geometry, plant hierarchy and properties

Standalone .vue

Visualization, since Release 2025 1.0

Geometry type

Tessellated faces, no B-rep

Smart 3D UIDs

Available since Release 2026 1.0

Versions

All Smart 3D versions

.zvf and writing

Not supported

  • Spatial doesn’t provide a Smart 3D viewer or converter for end users. 3D InterOp is for software developers who want their own application to read Smart 3D models.
  • Separating .vue and .xml

    The structure and properties live in the .xml file. Without it, the model imports as geometry only.

  • Expecting exact geometry

    Review files are built for visualization. Plant elements arrive as tessellated geometry, without exact B-rep.

  • Very large models

    Complete plants contain huge numbers of elements. Simplification settings decide how much structure is kept.

  • AVEVA

    Plant design review models
    AVEVA
  • DGN

    MicroStation design files
    DGN
  • NWD

    Navisworks review models
    NWD
  • IFC

    Open BIM exchange standard
    IFC
  • JT

    Lightweight 3D data (ISO 14306)
    JT
  • Industry · BIM / AEC

    3D InterOp for AEC and BIM applications

    Support for major AEC, BIM and plant design formats, so your application can cover a construction project’s entire lifecycle.
  • Add plant model import to your software

    Evaluate 3D InterOp on your own models with support from Spatial’s engineers.

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