Key differences between the two versions and their workflow
Everything offered in Plex-Earth 5 is included in Plex-Earth 2023, PLUS enhancements and newly added features. The workflows in both versions are very similar with only a few differences. See screenshots below.
New imagery features such as Quick View and Timeviews, and one of the most requested, the ability to locally save Google Maps and Hexagon imagery as a raster image, have been added to the list.
Another new Plex-Earth concept of dynamic terrain is introduced, with Google Elevations and Cesium now offered as terrain data providers. You also have the opportunity to order a custom drone flight for your project area.
Importing Imagery (Quick View and Mosaic)
In Plex-Earth 5, you have the option to import imagery either as a simple image or a mosaic through a single button. They now have separate buttons - Simple Image has been replaced by Quick View for an instant fetching of a dynamic preview of your project area. This way, you just need to update the Quick View instead of reimporting simple images. Importing a Quick View is almost the same as importing a Simple Image but it is more efficient and faster (tutorial).
Create Quick View Imagery in AutoCAD with Plex-Earth 2023
The process of importing a mosaic is a little tad different. You can do so by clicking on the Import Imagery Mosaic button, selecting the imagery provider and quality (Automatic or Custom) before specifying the cover area, and then wait for the image to fetch. A more in-depth tutorial about this can be found here.
There are also more editing tools added in this version for further customization of your mosaics. To locally save the imagery, create a raster image via the Insert button and guess what, Google imagery and Hexagon imagery (premium mosaics) can now be locally saved, unlike in version 5.
Import Imagery Mosaic with Clipping and Color Adjustments
Timeviews
This innovative feature will allow you to create a chronological visualization of your project area, with a variety of high-quality, up-to-date, historical imagery datasets from our premium providers, Airbus and Maxar.
To create a Timeline, click on the Create Timeline button, specify your cover area, and pick the preferred date you want to add. Once the image is fetched, you can add more dates and browse among them. More information about Timeviews can be found in this article.
Creating a Timeline with Plex-Earth 2023
Dynamic Terrain and Additional Terrain Data Providers: Cesium and Google Elevations
With Plex-Earth 2023, terrain is now imported dynamically, and its analyses, which you can modify through the Terrain Manager palette, compared to Plex-Earth 5 where it is imported as a static mesh object.
Moreover, you can now import terrain data from Cesium and Google Elevations.
Selecting Google Elevations as Terrain Provider in Plex-Earth 2023
To import terrain with Plex-Earth 2023, click on the Import Terrain button, select your preferred terrain provider, then specify the cover area either in drawing or in Google Earth and wait for the dynamic terrain to fetch.
You can then modify the dynamic terrain’s properties and even perform analysis and inquiry via the Terrain Manager palette. Once done, you can insert static drawing objects such as contour polylines, TIN mesh, points, and even a Civil 3D surface directly, to share with others. Refer to this tutorial for a more detailed step-by-step procedure on importing terrain.
Imported Terrain from Google Elevations with Plex-Earth 2023
Enhanced terrain volume calculation and analysis can also be performed as seen here.
Book your own custom drone flight, almost anywhere in the world!
Need high-precision terrain data for your project site? With Plex-Earth 2023, you can now order a drone flight fully-customized to your project's needs.
Book a drone flight via the Create Flight button, select a closed polyline of your area of interest, pick your preferred product, and finalize the order. We will keep you posted regarding the flight updates and several deliverables will be sent to you after the flight.
Ordering a Drone Flight with Plex-Earth 2023
To know more about this new feature, check out this article.
New Subscription Plans
With the release of Plex-Earth 2023, we have also tailored the best subscription plans for you. Have a look at the available plans on our pricing page here.
Want to try it out first?
Explore all the features and potential benefits of Plex-Earth 2023 by installing a fully functional 7-day free trial now! Take note to uninstall Plex-Earth 5 before installing Plex-Earth 2023.
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
Ready to upgrade?
Feel free to contact us at support@plexscape.com to discuss your options and we will prepare a custom quote for you.