Survey data- how is it aquired?

[Andrew Tomkins]

How does Pointools interact with architectural software (eg something like Nemetcheck Vectorworks 2008,which we use) Do you imoprt a finished 3d frame as a DWG or DXF file?


Andrew

[Faraz]

Hi Andrew

This is depends on the software you are using. For software that is unable to import / display point clouds you have 2 choices:

1. Model the point cloud or produce a wireframe and import this into vectorworks.
2. Produced scaled ortho-imagery from Pointools and import this into Vectorworks. This works well for producing elevations or long sections through a context. You can use the 'datum' option to ensure the image can be correctly positioned.

Or you may choose to use Rhino, import you vectorworks model/drawing and use our plug-in to bring the point cloud data in directly. To my mind this is the prefered method since it preserves the detail of the point cloud and is 3 dimensional.

btw. now there maybe a number of Andrew Tomkins in the architectural world, in fact one of them studied with me in Edinburgh, are you that one?

[Andrew Tomkins]

Thank you for your comprehensive reply. We are modelling some oak framed barns in 3D and know that your system could have saved us a lot of time!

I am the one that had the priviledge of sitting next to you at University in Edinbugh. I would very much like to get into contact with you again Faraz and will e-mail you through here if I may!

I didn't realise how long its been since you kindly replied to my question. Please accept my apologies.

Andrew

[Faraz]

I've seen laser scanning used a great deal in barns and barn like structures and we have a number of users with similar applications for heritage restoration

The point cloud data is typically captured by a service provider, most of whom are surveyors with the appropriate equipment and expertise. Scanning day rates can vary, but for the interior of a barn, typically a day or less is required to fully capture the structure. This data can then be imported into CAD programs for modelling via one of our plugins.