In this tutorial, we will present how you can integrate AutoTURN® Pro with Plex-Earth to allow you to demonstrate vehicle swept path analyses directly into Google Earth.
AutoTURN® Pro is an industry-leading vehicle swept path analysis and turn simulation software developed by Transoft Solutions and is trusted by government agencies, top engineering consultants, and transportation design professionals worldwide.
Swept path analysis is conducted to aid the design of both residential and industrial road layouts and assess what kinds of vehicles can safely navigate a particular design, and/or what kind of design can accommodate those vehicle movements.
Users conducting such analysis can further enhance their designs by visualizing the simulation in Google Earth, giving them the ability to see its real-world representation which will enable them to create and share engaging presentations, as well as reduce revisions and overall cost.
This can be achieved in a few simple steps:
Step 1. Georeference your Drawing
Step 3. Conduct a Swept Path Analysis
Step 4. Convert your 2D simulation to 3D simulation
Step 5. Export your Simulation to Google Earth
Publish your 3D vehicle swept path simulation objects directly into Google Earth!
Let’s Get Started!
Step 1. Georeference your Drawing
Whenever you use Plex-Earth, your drawing must be georeferenced. This ensures that the software accurately overlays your design on its correct coordinates.
You can georeference your drawing by using Plex-Earth's georeferencing features or if you have already georeferenced your drawing via AutoCAD's Geolocation, Plex-Earth will automatically recognize and adapt the applied georeference settings.
Detailed information and procedure about georeferencing through Plex-earth can be found here.
Step 2. Import Imagery Mosaic
You can add georeferenced imagery as a backdrop to create an accurate swept path analysis based on real-life data.
This can be quite useful as a base map is needed when working with AutoTURN and it also further elevates your analysis.
To do so, click on the Import Imagery Mosaic button located in the Imagery panel of the Plex-Earth ribbon, specify the preferred imagery provider & image quality calculation method, specify the imagery cover area, then capture the images.
The step-by-step procedure for creating mosaics is detailed in this article.
You can use the georeferenced imagery as a guide for your swept path analysis or even use it as background to create road outlines for your area of interest before conducting the analysis.
Step 3. Conduct a Swept Path Analysis
You can now create a vehicle path simulation and conduct a swept path analysis through AutoTURN. There are several tools that AutoTURN offers to pull off such procedures.
The following image displays a sample swept path simulation created using AutoTURN's SmartPath tools, with mosaic imagery imported as its background using Plex-Earth.
For more information on how to create vehicle simulations and conduct analyses, please refer to tutorials available in the Support panel of the AutoTURN Pro ribbon or on their website.
If you have concerns/questions related to AutoTURN, please contact Transoft Solutions' Technical Support Team.
Step 4. Convert your 2D simulation to 3D simulation
Note: This feature only applies to simulations made with 3D-capable vehicles.
It is recommended to convert your 2D simulations to 3D to achieve an even better representation and display the end results in a realistic environment.
To do so, simply utilize the Convert 2D to 3D feature of AutoTURN Pro.
The picture below shows a sample 2D vehicle simulation that has been converted to 3D.
TIP! Switch the visual style to Realistic for a more enhanced viewing experience. You can also create several 2D simulations within the same drawing and convert them to 3D to analyze different vehicle swept paths for your designs. The picture shown below contains several 3D simulations with varying properties and in a Realistic view to boost the visual representation.
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NOTE: If your 3D simulation has its 3D vehicle body envelope visible, we recommend turning off it before exporting the model. Keeping the body envelope will result in the vehicle(s) not being visible due to the body envelope covering it as a solid object. To disable this feature, go to the AutoTURN Pro ribbon, click on Properties >> Envelopes (3D Simulations) >> untick Vehicle Body >> Update then select the applicable 3D simulation. |
Step 5. Export your Simulation to Google Earth
With your simulation now available as a 3D model, it is ready to export to Google Earth. To accomplish this, select your 3D simulation and click on the Export 3D KMZ command of Plex-Earth.
Choose the preferred Altitude Mode from the available options, assign a name to the KMZ file that will be created and save it in a folder of choice.
Plex-Earth will then export the 3D object to Google Earth and ask if the user would like to open the newly created file in Google Earth. Click on the respective button and Plex-Earth will automatically redirect to Google Earth, with your simulation loaded.
Additional information on how to export KML/KMZ files to Google Earth can be found here.
The resulting KMZ file also retains the texture and layer information of the vehicles.
To further enhance your simulations, we recommend enabling Google Earth’s 3D Buildings feature. This way, you can navigate around your area of interest with an even better understanding of its surroundings.
Conclusion
Having instant access to high-quality imagery & real-life data and demonstrating your swept path analyses and turn simulations with AutoTURN's 3D realistic vehicle libraries, directly on Google Earth with Plex-Earth can make any engineer's life easier than ever before.
We hope that you have found this tutorial on how to publish Swept Path Analyses and Turn Simulations Directly on Google Earth with Plex-Earth and AutoTURN Pro, 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