ASCENT Blog

Working With Point Clouds in AutoCAD Civil 3D 2017

By Michelle Rasmussen

Point Clouds are dense groupings of points created by 3D scanners. As more firms use 3D scanners to capture existing conditions, it becomes more important for CAD users to learn how to take full advantage of the collected point cloud data. General AutoCAD has several tools that allow you to quickly create linework from point clouds. Additionally, AutoCAD Civil 3D can use point cloud data to create a terrain surface.

The Autodesk ReCap software enables the creation of a point cloud project file (RCP) that references multiple indexed scan files (RCS). It converts scan file data into a point cloud format that can then be viewed and modified in other Autodesk software products.

Whether you are in general AutoCAD or Autodesk Civil 3D, clicking   (Autodesk Recap) on the Insert tab > Point Cloud panel launches the Autodesk Recap software. Using Recap, you can: import, modify, and clean up point cloud data from a scan or photo project. The file formats created by Autodesk Recap are faster and more efficient than the previous file formats. Then, you use  (Attach) on the Insert tab > Point Cloud panel to insert the point cloud into the drawing file. Here are just a few additional facts that might interest you:

• As with XREFs, images, and other externally referenced files, you can attach and manage point clouds using the External References Manager.
• Point cloud object snaps have been added to the 3D Object Snap tab in the Drafting Settings dialog box and the 3D Object Snap options in the Status Bar.
• In a point cloud, you can use the Object option in the UCS command to align the active UCS to a plane.
• Dynamic UCS now aligns to a point cloud plane according to point density and alignment.
• Point cloud transparency can be adjusted enabling you to see beyond the cluster of points.
• The cropping tools in the Point Cloud contextual tab>Cropping panel enable you to display only the information that is required for your project

Attaching a point cloud is the same whether you are working in general AutoCAD or AutoCAD Civil 3D. In a webcast I did a few months ago, I showed how to work with point clouds when using the AutoCAD software. Click here below to watch the webcast recording now.

 

In order to take that webcast a step further for AutoCAD Civil 3D users, here are the steps on how to turn point clouds into a terrain surface.

How To: Create a Surface from Point Clouds in AutoCAD Civil 3D.

1. In the Home tab > Create Ground Data panel, expand Surfaces and select (Create Surface from Point Cloud).
2. In the model, select the point cloud or select any of the following options in the command line, as shown in the figure below.
   • Window
   • polyGon
   • polyLIne
   
3. In the Create TIN Surface from Point Cloud dialog box - General page, type a surface name, set the surface style, and render material, as shown in in the figure below. Click Next>.
   
   
   
4. In the Create TIN Surface from Point Cloud dialog box - Point Cloud Selection page, select the Point clouds or parts of the Point clouds, as shown in the figure below. Click Next>.
   
   
   
5. In the Create TIN Surface from Point Cloud dialog box - Non-Ground Point Filtering page, select a filter method and click Create Surface, as shown in the figure below.
   
   
   
6. In the Point Cloud Processing in Background message box, click Close.

I want to hear from you. Are you using Point Clouds? If you have any examples you would like to share you can post them in the comments below.

Learning Autodesk Fusion 360 from the Beginning with ASCENT

By Jennifer MacMillan

One of our newest ASCENT titles, Autodesk Fusion 360 Introduction to Parametric Modeling, is available as a video-enhanced eBook or eCourse through our ASCENT website and in print through Amazon. This training guide is a little different than the other ASCENT training guides that you know and love. With this blog post I wanted to explain a little about the book.

For those of you learning the Autodesk® Fusion 360™ software, there is considerable crowd-sourced content available to you from various sources; however, what we really noticed is that learners need a good starting point. We decided to focus our initial training guide on the fundamentals of solid parametric modeling to get new users of Fusion 360 off on the right foot.

If you have used our Inventor Introduction to Solid Modeling training guide you will notice a lot of similarities. We begin with the interface and then progress into sketching. Whether you use Fusion 360 to create solids or plan on using all the sculpt tools, a foundation in sketching is necessary. This training guide will help you! Once you have mastered sketching you learn to create solid parametric features, build logic into your designs with parameters and equations, manipulate the model, and efficiently duplicate features. These topics will also provide great value when you move to sculpting. The training guide ends with three chapters dedicated to multi-component models (assemblies), as is also covered in our Inventor curriculum. Distributed design and multi-body modeling are fully discussed to explain both methods for creating assembled designs using Fusion 360. I for one, found that Fusion 360 handles multi-components differently than Inventor and the content will really help you understand it. Here are some additional notes on the training guide:

• Similar to our other ASCENT training guides, the content is hands-on, practice-intensive with supporting explanatory content for all the topics. The exercise files are provided as a download link. As the saying goes “Practice makes perfect” so detailed descriptions of the exercises are provided for you to practice your new skills.
• What is unique, is that we not only provide text-based content, but through our partnership with 4D Technologies, we have provided CADLearning® video content to support many topics. Over 70 video references are included throughout the book to provide demonstrations of key features and tasks. Here’s an example of a topic, some high-level content, pictures, and the video link.

 

• Our video-enhanced eCourse and eBook versions provide color images. If you purchase the print book through Amazon, we are happy to offer you complimentary access to the digital version.

Fusion 360 is certainly gaining the interest of students and professionals in the mechanical design, simulation, and manufacturing spaces. We know that this training guide will get you started and well on your way using Fusion 360. We are looking into how best to create more offerings for you. Let us know if you have any suggestions.

Jennifer

feedback@ascented.com

Purchasing Options: Buy Online from ASCENT or Amazon

We’re pleased to announce that many of ASCENT’s training guides are now available for purchase on Amazon.com which means you now have the option of purchasing your training materials through ASCENT’s online eStore, or directly from Amazon. Each store has its own benefits – it’s up to you to decide which site you prefer to buy from.

Have a look at our comparison chart to see the different features available from each store. One of the biggest differences between the 2 online retailers is the format and sizing of the printed guides you’ll receive after ordering. If you prefer the spiral binding on ASCENT books, then the ASCENT eStore is for you. If book size is important and you’d prefer a smaller format of your training guide, then perhaps you’d like to try ordering from Amazon. In either case, you’re getting the same great content!