In this tutorial, you will see how to import satellite/aerial imagery and terrain data obtained using Plex-Earth into cmBuilder.
cmBuilder is a construction site logistics platform offering 4D cloud-based workflows which enables users to enhance their existing BIM Model with cranes, hoists, excavation sequences, and 4D scheduling.
Importing Plex-Earth data into cmBuilder can be done by following these steps:
A. Importing Plex-Earth Satellite/Aerial Imagery into cmBuilder
Step 1. Import Imagery Mosaic using Plex-Earth in CAD
Step 2. Convert the Plex-Earth Imagery Mosaic to a Raster Image
Step 3. Import the Raster Image as 2D Drawing Overlay in cmBuilder
B. Importing Plex-Earth Terrain Points into cmBuilder
Step 1. Import Terrain using Plex-Earth in CAD
Step 2. Insert Points for the Plex-Earth Terrain
Step 3. Export the Point Data into a CSV file
Step 4. Create a Custom Terrain in cmBuilder by importing the CSV file
A. Importing Plex-Earth Satellite/Aerial Imagery into cmBuilder
Step 1. Import Imagery Mosaic using Plex-Earth in CAD
To import satellite/aerial imagery using Plex-Earth, click on Import Imagery Mosaic → select the imagery provider and quality → specify the cover area.
Please refer to this tutorial on the step-by-step process of importing Plex-Earth imagery.
Take note to georeference your drawings before using any Plex-Earth features.
Step 2. Convert the Plex-Earth Imagery Mosaic to a Raster Image
Once the imagery mosaic has been imported, insert a raster image by clicking on the Insert button in the Imagery Editor palette.
This will also locally save the image on your computer.
You can find more information about this process here.
Step 3. Import the Raster Image as 2D Drawing Overlay in cmBuilder
Now that we have a raster image, you can import this as a drawing overlay in your cmBuilder project.
To do so, in the upper menu, go to Tools → 2D Drawing Overlay → Edit Files then upload the image either
Alternatively, go to the bottom palette then click on Project Setup → Drawing Overlay.
Once the image is uploaded, it can be positioned and scaled using several options.
You can find more information on overlaying 2D images in cmBuilder here.
B. Importing Plex-Earth Terrain Points into cmBuilder
Step 1. Import Terrain using Plex-Earth in CAD
Import a Plex-Earth terrain in CAD by clicking on the Import Terrain button → select the terrain provider → specify the cover area.
Check out this tutorial for a more detailed step-by-step process on importing terrain.
Tip: Use Google Elevation's Custom Terrain Resolution and set the preferred grid resolution for tighter spacing between points. |
Step 2. Insert Points for the Plex-Earth Terrain
Once the terrain has been imported, insert a point block by clicking on the Insert button in the Terrain Editor palette then choose "Points".
After that, select the point block and use EXPLODE to separate them as individual points.
Step 3. Export the Point Data into a CSV file
Use the DATAEXTRACTION command of CAD to extract the point data into a CSV file and select only the points when exporting
Exclude any other column in the export for easier editing of the CSV file to be imported in cmBuilder.
Output the data as a CSV file and you can use the template provided in cmBuilder to create another CSV file that will be uploaded to cmBuilder.
Step 4. Create a Custom Terrain in cmBuilder by importing the CSV file
In your project in cmBuilder project, create a custom terrain using elevation points in a CSV file by going to Project Setup → Custom Terrain.
Create a new terrain and choose the Create Terrain (Points) option.
Please refer to cmBuilder's tutorial on how to create a custom terrain using points for the full step-by-step process of how this can be achieved.
Conclusion
Plex-Earth offers the ability to import high-quality satellite and aerial imagery as well as terrain data from the best providers in the field. This integration between Plex-Earth and cmBuilder shows how easy it is to use data imported using Plex-Earth and incorporate it into an online platform like cmBuilder to make designing projects for engineers even easier and more efficient.
We hope that you have found this introduction on how to import satellite/aerial imagery and terrain from Plex-Earth into cmBuilder, helpful. Feel free to contact us at support@plexscape.com for any questions you may still have.
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Compatibility includes:
AutoCAD Version: 2024 , 2023 , 2022 , 2021 , 2020 , 2019 , 2018 , 2017 , 2016
Civil 3D® Version: 2024 , 2023 , 2022 , 2021 , 2020 , 2019 , 2018 , 2017 , 2016
AutoCAD Architecture Version: 2024 , 2023 , 2022 , 2021 , 2020 , 2019 , 2018 , 2017 , 2016
BricsCAD Pro: V23 , V22 , V21