PointCab and AutoCAD
You achieve an effective workflow when you preprocess your desired results in PointCab.
You achieve an effective workflow when you preprocess your desired results in PointCab.
PointCab results in AutoCAD – How to import layout, section and 3D points
PointCab results in AutoCAD – How to import a digital terrain model (mesh)
PointCab and AutoCAD eTransmit – How to hand over my drawing to another person
Useful commands in AutoCAD – Hide lines with the command Imageframe
Useful commands in AutoCAD – Clean the working area with the command Explode
PointCab results in AutoCAD – Digitalization of a layout
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.
No, you can create the results in PointCab, In our example, we create a layout and a section.
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. Der roof’s schape or the selected points can be exported as a DWG file via the Job Editor.
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. Start AutoCAD now. Save the drawing file in the same directory in which the PointCab results have been saved. 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.
Now, we can import the PointCab results. For this purpose, please enter the command INSERT into the lower command line. 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):
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.
With the command 3DORBIT, you can have a look at the overall result.
You find the video on www.pointcab.tv or in the upper area of this page below the video tutorials.
Share AutoCAD drawings
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.
Settings for transfer:
All PointCab tiles are included:
Save the ZIP file to be created by eTransmit in the directory.
The ZIP file is now ready 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.
For exact definition of the different heights, we adjust the height map in the Job Editor:
After creating the mesh, our results are as follows:
Now, we start AutoCAD.
We save our drawing file in the PointCab directory.
You have to save the drawing file in the directory Pointcab_Results -> Orthophotos.
We import our Delta analysis by entering INSERT into the lower command line in AutoCAD.
Choose the file Delta_0.dwg.
Check the import settings and start the import.
The Delta analysis is displayed in AutoCAD.
Afterwards, we add the meshing. Select the Insert tab in the AutoCAD and select the command Attach:
The meshed terrain model is saved in the PointCab directory Pointcab_Results -> 3D:
Please check the import settings again.
The import of the mesh was successful:
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
You 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:
The single tiles can be selected and deleted:
Thus, the workspace can be cleaned up easily.
You find the related video on www.pointcab.tv or in the upper area of this page below the video tutorials.