Project Origin and Coordinates - Best Practices
Workflow Overview
- Create Project in SCENE
- Set project coordinates
- Import point cloud into As-Built Modeler
- Create required elements
- Export as required format
- Import into AutoCAD (or other CAD software) using shared coordinates
- Import point cloud
- Import files from As-Built Modeler using shared coordinates
Shared coordinates will ensure imported files will load into the correct location within the World Coordinate System (WCS).
SCENE Project Alignment
- Create a Project in SCENE
- Using Project Alignment command within the Registration tab, set 0,0,0 point
- Alternatively use import survey points (as dictated by project requirements) to align to global coordinates system
This sets the coordinates system for the project going forward and should not be changed. Using a common coordinate system will ensure all models / drawings created will load into the correct location within the World Coordinate System (WCS).
Import Into As-Built Modeler and Create Required Elements
- Import the SCENE project into As-Built Modeler
- Create all required elements
- Export the elements in the required file type
The Coordinate system is embedded into the export files to ensure correct location when imported into CAD software.
Importing Into AutoCAD
- Import the Point Cloud and place it at 0,0,0
- Lock the Point Cloud to avoid moving it accidently
- Any files created using the point cloud in different software, will retain the coordinate system and import in at the correct location
- If working with additional user coordinate systems (UCS) within the CAD software, always revert to the WCS when importing or copying additional elements into the file to avoid incorrect placement.
Workflow Video:
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Copying Between AutoCAD Files
- When copying between drawing files always use the ‘copy with basepoint’ command [copybase]
- Specify the basepoint as 0,0,0 by typing into the command bar
- When pasting into the relevant drawing file use either the ‘paste to original coordinates’ command [pasteorig] or standard paste [pasteclip], specifying the insertion point as 0,0,0 by typing into the command bar
Copying and importing in this way avoids having to manually align the elements and reduces error by taking out the ‘best fit’ alignment method.