PointCab and ZWCAD

Layout, section and 3D points in ZWCAD

In this tutorial, we show you how to import PointCab results in ZWCAD. 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

Now, 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

The roof’s shape 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

Now start ZWCAD:

Start ZWCAD

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

Save ZWCAD 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 ZWCAD 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 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 can see the shape of the roof:

3D points of the roof shape

At last, there is the section:

Imported section in ZWCAD

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

Command 3DORBIT for rotating the workspace in 3D

Share ZWCAD drawings with third parties

Use the ZWCAD 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 the path

The ZIP file is now ready for sharing.

ZIP file created by eTransmit for sharing

Import a digital terrain model in ZWCAD

In this tutorial, we mesh a pit and import the meshing in AutoCAD. In addition, we create a documentation 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 0.447 m above the 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 ZWCAD.

Start ZWCAD

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.

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

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 ZWCAD.

Delta analysis in ZWCAD

Afterwards, we add the mesh with INSERT command in the Command line. The meshed terrain model is saved in the PointCab directory PointCab_Results -> 3D:

Insert mesh

Please check the import settings again.

Import settings

The import of the mesh was successful:

Meshed terrain in ZWCAD

Useful commands in ZWCAD – 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:

Useful commands in ZWCAD – Clean up the workspace

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

Command EXPLODE for decomposing the orthophoto 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