PointCab and AutoCAD

Layout, section and 3D points in AutoCAD

In this tutorial, we show you how to import PointCab results in AutoCAD. For this purpose, we create a plan and a section out of our sample data set and export additional 3D points.

Please check before whether you have activated the creation of a *.DWG file in PointCab. For this purpose, please select the menu File > Project Settings > tab General and select DWG as export option.

Output option DWG in project settings

No, you can create the results in PointCab, In our example, we create a layout and a section.

Creation of layout and section in PointCab

In this example, the points of the course of the roof are additionally required. Thus, we create a top view of the roof. Activate our 3D Points module to select the required points:

Activate our 3D-Points module

Der roof’s schape or the selected points can be exported as a DWG file via the Job Editor.

Export of 3D points as DWG

Save the 3D points in the same directory in which the already created results have been saved. In our example, the results are saved in PointCab_Results -> Orthophotos.

Save 3D points in the same directory

Start AutoCAD now:

Start AutoCAD

Save the drawing file in the same directory in which the PointCab results have been saved:

Save AutoCAD drawing file

In case of an already existing drawing file, you have to copy the PointCab results into the existing directory. For this purpose, you should always copy the *.dwg file together with the respective folder * _results. For more information, have a look at our general tutorials at Transfer of DWG files.

Save AutoCAD drawing file in PointCab directory

Now, we can import the PointCab results. For this purpose, please enter the command INSERT into the lower command line.

Import of the PointCab results

The “Insert” menu is opened. After selecting the button Browse, you select the file to be imported.

Please notice the options for insertion (orange-highlighted area in the image):

Insert menu

First, we insert our layout into our drawing. By selecting the function Zoom / Range, the layout is placed in the center.

Use the same command to import all other results. Simply enter INSERT into the command line and select the respective file.

Import further results using the command INSERT

Here, you have the shape of the roof:

3D points of the roof shape

At last, there is the section:

Imported section in AutoCAD

With the command 3DORBIT, you can have a look at the overall result.

Command 3DORBIT for rotating the workspace in 3D

You find the video on www.pointcab.tv or in the upper area of this page below the video tutorials.

Share AutoCAD drawings with thrid parties

Use the AutoCAD function eTransmit to share your AutoCAD drawings with employees or colleagues.

eTransmit generates a *.zip file that you can share easily. The PointCab tiles are all included.

Select eTransmit

Settings for transfer:

Settings for transfer

All PointCab tiles are included:

All PointCab tiles are included

Save the ZIP file to be created by eTransmit in the directory.

Select file path

The ZIP file is now ready for sharing.

ZIP file created by eTransmit for sharing

You find the related video on www.pointcab.tv or in the video tutorials in the upper area of this page.

Import a digital terrain model in AutoCAD

In this tutorial, we mesh a pit and import the meshing in AutoCAD. In addition, we create a documention about the height deviation of the pit (Delta analysis). You can also download the related sample data set.

First, we generate the desired results in PointCab. For the Delta analysis, we define a height – in this example, the reference height is 447 000 m above sea level.

Define reference height of Delta analysis

For exact definition of the different heights, we adjust the height map in the Job Editor:

Adjust the heights

After creating the mesh, our results are as follows:

Mesh (left) and Delta deviation (right)

Now, we start AutoCAD.

Start AutoCAD

We save our drawing file in the PointCab directory.

Save drawing file as …

You have to save the drawing file in the directory Pointcab_Results -> Orthophotos.

…Pointcab_Results -> Orthophotos

We import our Delta analysis by entering INSERT into the lower command line in AutoCAD.

Import of PointCab results

Choose the file Delta_0.dwg.

Import of the Delta analysis

Check the import settings and start the import.

Import settings

The Delta analysis is displayed in AutoCAD.

Delta analysis in AutoCAD

Afterwards, we add the meshing. Select the Insert tab in the AutoCAD and select the command Attach:

Attach meshing

The meshed terrain model is saved in the PointCab directory Pointcab_Results -> 3D:

3D” width=”1030″ height=”579″ /> The mesh is in the PointCab directory: Pointcab_Results -> 3D

Please check the import settings again.

Import settings

The import of the mesh was successful:

Meshed terrain model in AutoCAD

You find the related video on www.pointcab.tv or in the upper area of this page below the video tutorials.

Useful commands in AutoCAD – Hide tile lines

PointCab users often want to hide the PointCab tile lines. For this purpose, simply use the command Imageframe = 0

Command IMAGEFRAME

You enter the value 0.

Enter the value 0

The result is:

You find the related video on www.pointcab.tv or in the upper area of this page below the video tutorials.

Useful commands in AutoCAD – Clean up the workspace

Use the command EXPLODE to decompose the imported orthophoto into its parts:

Command EXPLODE for decomposing the orthophot into its parts

The single tiles can be selected and deleted:

Selection of the single tiles

Thus, the workspace can be cleaned up easily.

Cleaned up workspace

You find the related video on www.pointcab.tv or in the upper area of this page below the video tutorials.