The 12d Tech Forum 2024 Directors Cut webinar, 12d Model and Google Earth, explored how 12d Model users can export civil engineering and surveying data into the Google Earth environment. Presented by Rodney Burns of Extra Dimension Solutions, the webinar highlighted enhanced tools available in 12d Model 15 that make it easier to communicate technical project information to non-technical audiences. By exporting project data while retaining important metadata, designers, surveyors and engineers can provide clients with a more accessible way to explore and understand project elements within a familiar 3D environment.
One of the key features demonstrated was the ability to export a wide range of project data, including contours, estate lots, drainage networks, survey marks, utilities and road designs. Users can control how data is positioned relative to Google Earth terrain, with options such as absolute elevation, relative elevation and clamping data to the ground. Additional settings allow users to control colours, labels, plot scale and text presentation. For example, drainage catchments and networks can be displayed directly on the terrain, while roof catchments can be positioned above the ground to create a more realistic representation. Drainage networks can also be exported as 3D trims, allowing pipe and pit information, along with associated attributes, to be viewed in three dimensions.
The webinar also demonstrated how 12d Model 15 can export alignment information, long sections and cross sections into Google Earth. Using the new Google Earth section plot functionality, users can apply existing plot parameter files and generate section plots that are stored with the relevant alignment or section data. These plots can then be viewed directly within Google Earth, giving clients an intuitive way to explore road designs and move between sections. This capability provides an alternative way of presenting design information without requiring clients to work directly within 12d Model, while still allowing technical information and design details to be communicated visually.
Overall, the enhanced Google Earth export capabilities in 12d Model 15 provide a practical way to bridge the gap between technical design data and client communication. By combining civil and surveying information with an interactive geographic environment, users can create visualisations that are easier for clients and other stakeholders to understand. The webinar demonstrated how these tools can support a variety of workflows, from presenting survey and utility information to visualising drainage, road designs and detailed cross sections, offering 12d Model users new ways to present and share their project data.
Watch the video here: