Manage Point Clouds in AutoCAD Map 3D

Source: http://www.cadalyst.com

Use new tools to access, stylize, and filter 3D laser scanning and LiDAR data.

By Michael Schlosser

AutoCAD Map 3D 2011 is the latest version of Autodesk's software for creating and managing CAD and spatial data. My favorite features of this release include the new point cloud tools for viewing, querying, and analyzing 3D laser scanning and LiDAR (light detection and ranging) data sets.

LiDAR is a system for collecting topographic information whereby laser-equipped aircraft collect points in three dimensions, creating data sets known as point clouds. These point clouds are then used to locate topographic features, define feature geometries, and create 3D surfaces.

Point clouds often contain hundreds of millions of points and can be difficult to work with using traditional AutoCAD methods.However, the new Point Cloud Manager in AutoCAD Map 3D 2011 is designed to handle large numbers of points and enhances the ability to use these large LiDAR data sets. Plus, with AutoCAD Map 3D we have the additional benefit of being able to assign a geographic coordinate system so that we can use these point clouds in a geographic context with design information and other geospatial data sources.

In this article, I'll explain how to use the new point cloud tools in AutoCAD Map 3D 2011 to access, stylize, and filter a LiDAR point cloud corresponding to a municipal downtown area. I will also show how to use point clouds to first create a 3D surface, and then analyze the results. Read more »
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Michael Schlosser is an Autodesk technical specialist.

Working Together with Navisworks and Buzzsaw

Source: http://doddsandends.typepad.com/blog/2010/07/working-together-with-navisworks-and-buzzsaw.html
Via: http://bimboom.blogspot.com/

If you are using Autodesk Navisworks for coordination, how are you managing and collecting the various models, and how do you know that you have the latest versions of those models? It is common to have 20 or more models from the different disciplines involved on a project. Distributed teams with separate models for each discipline need to combine and coordinate these models for workflows like clash detection, simulation and analysis, and design reviews. Sending these large files using email or FTP, and trying to keep track of them, is cumbersome and error-prone. Autodesk Buzzsaw 2011, with the new Buzzsaw Sync feature, streamlines this workflow.

Unleash Your Productivity

Unleash Your Productivity
James Wedding, Autodesk Technical Specialist, has been dedicated to helping civil engineers learn how to design better and more efficiently. Whether you're involved in road design, land development, or environmental projects, the Autodesk Civil Engineering Resource Center has the tools to help you deliver projects faster, more accurately, and more affordably. Hear from James and find out how.

http://resources.autodesk.com/civil/Ask_James

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Tampa Bay Autodesk User Group

Next TBAUG Presenter

TBAUG is looking for Power Users to present topics at our next User Group Meetings. Presenting is a great way to get your name out there, and be recognize as an expert in your field.

Our group is Jammed packed of incredibly qualified, knowledgeable Professional that are very good in their fields. It's time to share the knowledge. 

If you're interested in presenting email me at storres@tbaug.net