TLDR /question
How can I use FME to extract only the exterior / shell of a 3D model when you cannot rely on the models structure?
Background, info
I'm reciving quite a bit of complex IFC models which doesn't always follow the same structure, because they are made up of different models put together, so all the windows might not be in IFCwindows for example, it's best to assume it's scrambled.
I want to transform these models to GIS and use in 3D maps. (SHP, GLTF, GLB etc)
When I don't need a lot of the interior details like piping, doors inside the building, chairs, some walls etc I find myself doing a lot of manual cleaning/trimming in SimpleBIM.
I'm wondering if there is a more automated way to use FME to extract only the shell of a building, and perserving the outer detail ofcourse.
Sort of if I could drape a plastic bag over the model and suck the air out, making a mold, new model of only the exterior parts. Or merge the entire building to one big solid blob keeping only its outer extents.
Or maybe simulated a 3D scan of the model? Though seems like this would create a whole new geometry.
Any tips or thoughts is greatly appriciated :)
