Convert 2D topographic surveys + DTM files to 3D models

Wayne Ashley · 25 Nov 2008, 11:52

This may be of value to some of you...

I worked for several years as a drawing technician, for a little architects practice in Derbyshire, UK.

It was decided that we wanted to introduce 3D models into our project workflow, but we found the cost of outsourcing these prohibitive for our size of developments.

Subsequently, I taught myself Sketchup and we brought the model work in-house. In doing so, I found that I would regularly lose half or a full days work manually converting the 2D topo data supplied by our Surveyors, into 3D space.

As a software developer of ten years experience, I decided to remedy this problem. The results are now available online through my website.

Follow the link below to our current newsletter, where you may read the views of one early adopter. We are currently running a free trial. Enjoy.

Wayne Ashley
mr_ashley@little-something.com

(www.little-something.com)

JuanV.Soler · 25 Nov 2008, 12:10

It seems interesting.
I e_mailed you to get the trial.
Thanks

Gaieus · 25 Nov 2008, 12:10

Hi Wayne,

Didier Bur has scripted a fine plugin, Cloud.rb which does exactly the same (at least what I could figure out from having a short look at your site).

Edit:
Well, looking closer, it is not exactly the same however Didier' plugin can be used for this perfetly.

Wayne Ashley · 25 Nov 2008, 12:20

Gaieus,

Thanks for the "heads up" there, my understanding is that the Cloud.rb works with 3D points defined in .dxf files. My converter also works with "traditional" topographic 2D surveys, where the points are referenced by text entries.

Please feel free to correct me if I've misunderstood the functionality.

Cheers,

Wayne

Gaieus · 25 Nov 2008, 12:32

Well, it creates the mesh from text files actually which I "collect" from a digital laser survey station (or a traditional teodolit/tahimeter) in the field.

x,y,z co-ordinates are entered from a text file then the plugin automatically creates a cloud of guide points and also a triangulated mesh based on these points.

I use it for archaeological site surveys both pre-excavation and during the excavation (defining every interesting/relevant archaeological startum).

Wayne Ashley · 25 Nov 2008, 12:43

Ah I see, yes a great free solution.

Rather than receiving the raw data from the field, we are supplied with completed drawings from our surveyors; but yes, if you are gathering the data yourself or better yet, able to simply request the raw data from your provider; I too would suggest using Didier' Cloud.rb

Wayne

JClements · 25 Nov 2008, 12:48

Czaba:

Would you feel like producing a tutorial (perhaps thru screen captures with text annotations) using a very small data set which would walk us through the basic steps of importing the data then using the script, etc.?

As a neophyte to this process, I'd be interesting in understanding how it is done.

Regards, John

Gaieus · 25 Nov 2008, 12:51

Yup, Wayne, for the seond look I also discovered the difference. Indeed there have been a couple of cases here with people who would have been happy with a solution like that.

John: sure I could - I'll collect a nice set of example files (not today though )

TIG · 25 Nov 2008, 21:53

I already have "text2d3d.lsp" that does something of this sort... reading 2d levels text and makes a 3d points cloud from it in AutoCAD... I wrote it a year or so ago, initially specifically for someone, so I won't publish it as a 'spoiler'... but you can always pm me if needs be...

.

Wayne Ashley · 26 Nov 2008, 07:38

Tig that's great, you should publish it, I don't see these free options as spoilers.

I assume your script requires access to AutoCAD to work (please correct me if I'm wrong). My software runs online (OS independent) and as such doesn't require AutoCAD to perform the conversions. Personally, I work using Vectorworks (MAC), but the files I receive from our surveyors are .dxf.

Cheers,

Wayne

sintra · 26 Nov 2008, 10:07

Hi,

This looks great to me Wayne i sent you an e-mail asking if i can have a go with it. How much will the software be to buy ?

Cheers

Darren

linea · 26 Nov 2008, 12:40

Wayne,

Sounds good, will it work on 2d ordnance survey map dxfs as they often have the height data marked on?

Jon

Wayne Ashley · 26 Nov 2008, 16:33

Jon,

It should work fine with the OS data, do you have an example to give it a spin with?

If not, I can send you a couple of different file types over and you can try it for yourself.

Just drop me a line direct to mr_ashley@little-something.com and I'll give you a login.

Cheers,

Wayne Ashley

Wayne Ashley · 26 Nov 2008, 22:02

Well yes, there's definitely scope for developers to play around with here. In the new year I'm going to tackle getting external building data into the model, alongside some of the more typical features trees/lighting etc.

But such ideas throw up fresh problems; at the moment it does a dull job, in a fast and uncomplicated manner.

...but you know, I'm just waffling now!

Back on topic:
Besides little-something.com , cloud.rb and Tig's LISP script, how have other people been getting their topo and raw data into Sketchup?

Chris Fullmer · 27 Nov 2008, 00:39

I've been using free DEM's for existing general terrain when I need it. Or else importing Google Earth terrain if I don't need it to be very detailed. I also will make topos by hand quickly sometimes if needed. So far I've never been given cloud data type stuff. I think I don't work in an environment that I need to be dealing with that stuff.

Chris

Wayne Ashley · 27 Nov 2008, 13:03

Thanks to all those currently giving the software a spin. For a small few of you, there appears to be a bug in the Topo conversion. I'm working on a fix and testing over the weekend - so if anyone else would like to trial the software, I suggest holding off until Monday/Tuesday.

As for the bug...
as Donald Rumsfeld once said

"...there are things we know we know. We also know there are known
unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we know we
don't know. But there are also unknown unknowns -- the ones we don't
know we don't know." - At the moment it is a known unknown, but I'll keep you informed.

Or better yet, to quote from "Airplane"

"...looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue!" (it was something like that anyway)

Wayne Ashley
mr_ashley@little-something.com

TIG · 27 Nov 2008, 20:29

@wayne ashley said:

Tig that's great, you should publish it, I don't see these free options as spoilers.
I assume your script requires access to AutoCAD to work (please correct me if I'm wrong). My software runs online (OS independent) and as such doesn't require AutoCAD to perform the conversions. Personally, I work using Vectorworks (MAC), but the files I receive from our surveyors are .dxf.
Cheers,
Wayne

I still won't make it 'public'... but if anyone wants a 'free' lisp-routine to make 3d points simply from 2d [m]text within AutoCAD [or something else using lisp], then they can PM me and 'discuss' it...

.

Wayne Ashley · 2 Dec 2008, 09:29

Thanks for your patience, subscriptions will be back open this evening.

Cheers,
Wayne Ashley
mr_ashley@little-something.com