Control semantics, classification and geometry recognition
Understand Prism baseline mapping, optional smart classification, geometry recognition modes, properties and company profiles.
- Applies to
- Current Prism release · Navisworks Manage 2025–2027
- Availability
- Baseline on all plans; advanced classification and profiles require Pro or Ultra
- For
- BIM managers and information managers
- Last reviewed
Deterministic baseline semantics
Every plan includes deterministic baseline semantics. Prism uses stable source evidence, the default mapping profile and finalization rules to derive classes, properties, materials, storeys and systems. The same supported evidence produces the same result; objects remain generically classified when the source information is insufficient.
Smart classification
Smart classification is an optional Pro capability that can refine generic proxies from source category, properties, systems and other deterministic evidence. It is advisory: the deterministic finalizer remains authoritative.
Geometry recognition
| Mode | Behavior | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Off | Preserves the ordinary resolved geometry path. | All plans |
| Conservative | Fits supported native shapes only when evidence clears conservative thresholds. | Pro and higher |
| Aggressive | Applies broader deterministic native shape fitting for suitable geometry. | Ultra |
Recognition is deterministic geometry processing, not AI. Start with Conservative on a representative sample, compare counts and shape fidelity, and use Aggressive only when its measurable benefit outweighs the wider transformation.
Properties, identity and appearance
- Select only the property families required by the receiver. More data increases file size, review effort and potential disclosure.
- Preserve stable source identity when available so report rows, issues and target objects can be traced back.
- Original appearance uses model appearance captured by the chosen read path. Persistent overrides captures live item color and transparency during Standard Export.
- Ultra Fast reads appearance saved in the NWD and cannot include unsaved live overrides.
- For 3D Tiles, public redaction omits source-model and hierarchy-path details while retaining stable picking identity; add extra properties through an explicit allowlist.
Mapping profiles
- The default profile is available to every licensed tier and provides a safe baseline.
- Pro custom company profiles standardize mappings and export intent for an organization.
- Ultra managed signed profiles add centrally controlled authenticity and distribution.
- Treat profile changes as controlled configuration: name an owner, test representative inputs, version the change and retain the prior accepted profile for existing contracts.