In this brief tutorial we are going to demonstrate you how you can import imagery from Plex-Earth 5 to Infraworks, in just a few simple steps.
Keep in mind, that you can follow the steps below from within plain AutoCAD, without the need of Civil 3D and RasterDesign.
Infraworks, is a planning and design platform that enables engineers to convey preliminary design intent in a real-world, contextual environment.
By using Plex-Earth in conjunction with Infraworks and Civil 3D (or even plain AutoCAD) can boost your productivity and design workflow, making easy to connect Infraworks to the best quality multiple image, map and terrain sources.
If you don’t have Plex-Earth yet, you can start a free trial here.
Step 1: Create a Georeferenced Drawing & Import Imagery
Open Plex-Earth 5 and georeference your project area, using one of the two available options provided by Plex-Earth 5. In case you have an already georeferenced drawing, Plex-Earth 5 automatically recognizes the coordinate system applied, so you can instantly move further and proceed with the creation of an Imagery Mosaic or a Simple Image.
Step 2: Import imagery in Infraworks
Next, you can open Infraworks and create a new project or use an existed one and specify the desired coordinate system. After you do so, you will have to open the imagery as a raster file. In order to do that, first you can click "Data sources", from the "Content" segment, of the "Manage" Toolbar.
Following, a "Data sources" panel should appear on the right part of your Infraworks' workspace. From the list of available data sources, select the Raster option.
You will then be prompted to specify the location ("Select File" dialog window), of the image you imported previously in AutoCAD with Plex.Earth. If you don't know the location of the file, select the image in AutoCAD, right-click and select "Image" -> "Information..." from the menu.
Step 3: Select model's coordinate system
After you insert your raster, you will notice that the status of the raster indicates, "Not Configured". Right-click on it and select "Configure" to open the "Data Source Configuration" dialog. Then select the model's coordinate system from the list. "Close & Refresh" and the raster will immediately be imported on your workspace.
You should now have your georeferenced imagery appearing on your screen.
Now that the image is imported, you can continue, and insert your 2D and 3D CAD drawings, so you will precisely enhance your project with the real-life features of transportation, structure, drainage, environment of Infraworks .
Tip 1: When importing your AutoCAD DWG files, keep in mind that each DWG project should be grouped before inserting it into Infraworks.
Tip 2: Remember to have only 1 DWG in your AutoCAD file, otherwise it will auto zoom out to fit both DWGs in the Infraworks' model, causing a small scale.
Plex-Earth is the go-to method for thousands of engineers around the world, that helps them to combine Infraworks with AutoCAD and Civil 3D. Its unique capabilities boosts your productivity and increase the efficiency of your design process, in any type of civil engineering, environmental or energy project, by enabling you to:
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Insert high-resolution imagery (Simple Images & Mosaics) from various providers, such as Airbus, Maxar, Nearmap, Hexagon, Open Street Maps, Bing Maps and Google Maps. .
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Import detailed terrain meshes, contours and perform terrain analysis with elevation data.
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Import your 2D and 3D CAD drawings into Google Earth
Furthermore, with our new Timeviews™ feature, you gain access to the best and most up-to-date satellite imagery from Airbus, Maxar Technologies (DigitalGlobe) and Planet.
Haven’t you tried it yet? Download and start your free trial now!
Feel free to contact us at support@plexscape.com for any questions you may have and don’t forget to start your free trial today.