PointCab and ZWCAD
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.
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.
Now, 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:
The roof’s shape 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.
Now start ZWCAD:
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.
Here, you can see the shape of the roof:
At last, there is the section:
With the command 3DORBIT, you can have a look at the overall result.
Share ZWCAD drawings
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.
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.
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.
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 ZWCAD.
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 ZWCAD.
Choose the file Delta_0.dwg.
Check the import settings and start the import.
The Delta analysis is displayed 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:
Please check the import settings again.
The import of the mesh was successful:
Useful commands in ZWCAD - 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.