13,000 Real Time Satellites!

Just came across startling piece of information:

Many people have no idea how many satellites orbit around the Earth. Now you can see the real-time positions of over 13,000 satellites updated every 30 seconds with Google Earth. The satellite positions come from a US government-sponsored database which Analytic Graphics, Inc., has interfaced with to make the data visible in 3D. Zoom around in space and pause to see the names of the satellites. Click on the satellite placemark icons to see more information on each one. Here is a YouTube video showing what the satellite visualization looks like. You can view the actual collection with AGI's KML file in Google Earth.

Autodesk, Ambercore & Point Clouds

Autodesk, Inc. has signed an agreement with Ambercore Software to license its point cloud technology and incorporate it into future releases of Autodesk software.

Point clouds are extremely large data files usually created through the use of laser scanning, high definition surveying, or LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). They provide a more accurate representation of existing conditions whether of a terrain surface or urban center, a roadway or bridge, or the interior/exterior of a building.

AEC customers will experience the power of Building Information Modeling (BIM) earlier in the project lifecycle. By providing the capability to incorporate highly accurate LIDAR data into the design process, we will provide a foundation for creating more accurate designs faster. This will be particularly beneficial to our civil engineering customers involved in road and highway design.

http://www.ambercore.com/Press_Release_Autodesk_Licensing_Agreement.php

How to make Connection String!

Let's make 'Connection String' in a simple way. [I dont know any other though]. This is powerful method too. Different databases can be connected using this connection string [Oracle, Microsoft Access or ODBC connection]. Standard procedure:

1. create a file with UDL extension say 'test.udl'.

2. Double click and see the magic. Dialog box opens and one can select Provider of ones choice.

3. Go to Connection Tab and select desired database.

4. Test the Connection String.

Another good tip: open the 'test.udl' file in either notepad or wordpad connection string content are visible. Content can be copied & pasted at required place effectively.

Enjoy making connection string.

Google Image Marker Visibility!

We have exploited Google Earth Image & Surface Data to its extent in AutoCAD Civil 3D. Its great facility provided in AutoCAD Civil 3D, which helps in getting preliminary assessment done for prospective project site. All that's OK.

Once the GE data is imported, there comes a symbol by default. Even if google image or surface is deleted or hidden, symbol remains there and it becomes a sour in ones eye.

Do you want to get rid off? If yes, then write in autocad command window

command: GEOMARKERVISIBILITY

Enter new value for GEOMARKERVISIBILITY <1>: 0

voila symbol is gone... its hidden now.
Enjoy...
Civil Yatri

AutoCAD Civil 3D 2009 waiting to be Exploited

AutoCAD Civil 3D 2009 is out in the market and igniting fancies among the civil community. New Civil 3D has added tools for sustainable design, a trend which has taken off in recent time.

Criteria based design for alignment & profile will help roads/highways engineers to check their design in the beginning itself. Surface simplification will enable efficient use of large surfaces without sacrificing data accuracy. Generalization of target to one or more feature lines, survey figures or polylines in Corridor modeling is JUST COOOOL. There are many more powerful features which are waiting to be exploited by you. Have a glimpse of some of the features at http://download.autodesk.com/us/interactiveoverviews/demo/civil3d2009_nfw/index.html

In next post I will be taking topic on Hydraulics & Hydrology (or vice versa, I don't know). Just be aware of the fact that there will be three new extensions available with the release of Civil 3D 2009. These extensions are Hydraflow Storm Sewers, Hydraflow Hydrographs and Hydraflow Express. These extensions offer numerous H&H capabilities.

I expect you will be loving new AutoCAD Civil 3D 2009.

AutoCAD Civil 3D 2008 Awarded A+

GOOD NEWS

Cadalyst has rated Civil 3D 2008 as A+ and considered as a highly recommended product in Mar 1, 2008 issue. It’s encouraging to note that industry pundits are taking Civil 3D seriously, testing it rigorously and giving positive reviews.

Visit http://aec.cadalyst.com/aec/Review,%20AEC%20Software/AutoCAD-Civil-3D-2008-Cadalyst-Labs-Review/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/499971?contextCategoryId=42386 for detailed report.

Quick turnaround time for implementing changes through its dynamic modeling approach is something which makes AutoCAD Civil 3D unique. In today's world, when everybody is speaking high on sustainable design, Civil 3D actually offers intelligence to stakeholders by giving them chance to evaluate design options.

Civil 3D is a futuristic software worth exploiting.

AutoCAD Civil 3D Service Pack One Released

Service Pack One (SP1) for AutoCAD Civil 3D 2008 product has been released on July 31, 2007. Visit http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/index?siteID=123112&id=2334435&linkID=9240698 to download the same.
It promises lot of improvements in already successful & stable Civil 3D 2008 product.