What is the shortest distance between two points? A straight line.
Unfortunately, that solution will get us into trouble especially if we are driving a car. :)
Did you know that Map 3D supports a Network Analysis tool that will quickly compute the shortest path between two points? (Among other things)
This is good for us as it opens the door to additional forms of analysis that we can leverage in Civil 3D and InfraWorks.
For example, I may need to the shortest distance between two points within my city model and display the results in an exhibit. City center proximity to areas requiring its services. Proposed school bus routing maps. Computing distances to complete the site data table for my proposed subdivision. There are many examples where this could be helpful.
Imagine this… I quickly create a city model in InfraWorks using Model builder. From there, I connect to the model (SQLite) using Map 3D and extract the road information. I then build a Topology from the road information and can perform numerous forms of Network analysis including shortest path between two points. Once complete, the results can easily be displayed back in InfraWorks.
In less than 10 min. I can have an accurate exhibit to show to a client or project stakeholder.
Check out the video below to see how it works.
-Jerry
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