Civil Immersion

Importing High Resolution Aerial Imagery from ReCap Photo into InfraWorks

Using today’s drone technology, it’s easier than ever to obtain current, high quality aerial imagery for most any project site.  The ease in which these images are created also means they can be “swapped out” frequently (even daily) as site conditions change! 

In our last session we looked at how ReCap Photo can be used to convert a collection of drone images into a high resolution orthographic aerial image.  In this week’s installment, we’ll look at how that orthographic image can be incorporated into an InfraWorks model.  If you are interested, I’ve created a video below that walks through the workflow...

-Jeff

Note: If you would like to review the ReCap Photo workflow used to create the image used in this example, please follow the link below…
https://youtu.be/W560LxggqeM

Tool for Tuesday: TransferPoints

Today’s installment is all about the "Transfer".

Specifically, transferring an ASCII point file from one "Point file" format to another. In other words, I have an ASCII file containing survey points that are formatted as PNEZD (comma delimited) and I need them in a PENZ (space delimited) file format.

In the past, I would have accomplished this by importing the points into Civil 3D using the first point file format and then immediately turn around and export them into the second point file format.

The problem with this is, it is an entirely manual process that involves several steps. If only there were a better way.  Fortunately, there is!!

Using the TransferPoints tool in Civil 3D, we can transfer an ASCII point file from one file format directly into another in a single step.

Click on the video below to see it works!

-Jerry

Finish Strong Friday: Import Local Coordinate Survey Data into Known Control Points – Part 2

I'd like to start by saying thanks for the video requests!  Keep them coming!

Today's request was to show a technique for bringing in local survey data into the Survey Database (SDB) that has established control points; except this time, the local survey data is in static/fixed format.  As always, many ways to attack this.  In my example, we use the standard cogo tools to translate the data into coordinate space; then export a clean file out that can be used in the SDB.

Check out the video below to see this workflow in action.

-Alan

 

Processing ReCap Photo Aerial Imagery using Ground Control Points

It’s surprising how easy it is to create a 3D mesh from drone captured imagery using ReCap Photo.  In the event your aerial images contain GPS metadata (Latitude, Longitude, Altitude) ReCap photo can leverage this information to scale and geospatially locate the mesh.  If higher accuracy is required, ReCap photo allows you to assign Ground Control Points such that the resulting 3D mesh is aligned to surveyed coordinates.

Whenever ReCap Photo processes a mesh, it can also generate a point cloud and/or ortho TIF if desired.  These assets can then be easily incorporated into a Civil 3D or InfraWorks model.  In this week’s installment we’ll use ReCap Photo to create an accurate 3D mesh that leverages surveyed ground control points.  If you are interested, I’ve created a quick video that walks through the workflow…

-Jeff

Finish Strong Friday: Import Local Coordinate Survey Data into Known Control Points

After my "RW5 Import" post a few weeks ago, I had a request to show bringing a local survey file into a coordinate space already defined by fixed control points in the Survey Database.  The best technique can vary depending on how the data was collected, but I hope this video gets the general point across.

Check out the video below to see this workflow in action.

-Alan

Splitting Parking Rows Created using Autodesk Vehicle Tracking

Autodesk Vehicle tracking makes it possible to create parking geometry meeting most any standard using only a couple mouse clicks.  Editing a parking design is just as easy by leveraging the many provided grips.  On occasion however, you may have a need to break, or trim a parking row created using Autodesk Vehicle Tracking.

Even though AVT does not offer these options, it is possible to perform similar edits using the Create Access Road tool.  In this week’s installment, we’ll explore some ways to split parking rows using the access road feature.

If you are interested, I’ve created a quick recording that walks through the workflows...

-Jeff

 

Tool for Tuesday: Regions – ReCAP Pro

For those of you that know me, I’m one of those people who doesn’t like to throw anything away. I just can’t get past the angst that I might need (or be able to use) the discarded item(s) at some point in the future.

That is the catalyst for today’s installment.

In short, we will be reviewing how to create Regions in ReCap Pro. Using Regions, we can quickly cleanup / organize Point Cloud information. We do this by selecting a series of unnecessary points (as defined by our particular project needs) and rather than deleting them, we add them to a Region that can be hidden from view.

In doing so, these points are removed from our display but can be easily restored if they are ever required in the future.

Regions = A non-destructive approach to deleting. 😊

Click on the video below to see it works!

-Jerry

Applying a “Margin of Error” to Swept Paths Created using Autodesk Vehicle Tracking

When analyzing a swept path, it’s important to remember that the envelopes represent the smallest area required for a vehicle to maneuver.  The closer those envelopes are to curbs, signage, or building corners, the smaller the margin of error is for the driver.  Fortunately, Autodesk Vehicle Tracking provides a way to assign an offset (or “buffer”) to a swept path to compensate for the imperfections of real world drivers, vehicles, or conditions.  Designing to this offset helps ensure vehicles can successfully navigate a site and reduces the risk of collisions.

Offsets are applied using a “report”.  Reports are a lot like Civil 3D styles in that they control the appearance of a swept path.  In today’s installment, we’ll learn how to edit a report such that it displays an offset envelope.  If you are interested, I’ve created a video below that walks through everything…

-Jeff

NOTE: For more information on creating, applying or editing swept path reports, please watch this video - https://youtu.be/-GwXCzeybfc

Finish Strong Friday: Import Points from Text File Directly to Surface

This week, I was asked the question about the various ways to build a surface from ground shots that are in text format.  Since I discussed taking raw data and text files through the Survey Database last week, I thought it made sense to add a short clip on this topic.

Many times the classic "import to cogo-build surface from cogo" method is best as you have full control over the data that drives the surface.  But other times, you just want to throw a bunch of dummy ground shots into your surface and keep the drawing as lightweight as possible.  To this end, please enjoy this week's video:

-Alan

Creating Parking Stalls in Almost No Time using Autodesk Vehicle Tracking

In today’s installment well look at a really quick way to create parking lot striping using Autodesk Vehicle Tracking.  The “trick” involves using the Parallel Row feature in conjunction with a selected object.  For example; after launching the command, simply pick on the edge of pavement to instantly create parking stalls that are parallel to that geometry.  (The select object feature works with alignments, arcs, lines or polylines.)

Creating parking stalls in this way can save you a ton of picks and clicks!    If you are interested I’ve created a video below that demonstrates the workflow...

-Jeff