This command allows you to create an orthoimage from the 3D scene. The image can be saved and/or sent directly (refer to Send to).
Requirements
No selection is required to launch the command. The camera will switch automatically to an orthographic mode.
Select the OrthoImage mode:
Choose Top view to make an orthoimage with a vertical view direction (such images are GIS compatible). A 3D frame, displayed as a temporary limit box, is set to capture all visible data.
Choose Elevation view to make an orthoimage with a horizontal view direction (such images can help to draw facade plans). Give 3 points to define a 3D frame (the image Height is set automatically).
In both cases, adjust its Size (image Width, Height and Depth), its Top left corner and its Horizontal direction (image width direction) either through the dialog or through the 3D scene by editing the limit box.
Optionally, lock the image ratio.
Use the 3D frame view and the image preview (Toggle preview button) to assert the orthoimage content will be suitable.
Set the Image properties:
The Image pixel size.
The Point/Line magnification: when the pixel size is low, it is necessary to magnify the thickness of those components. Their line width or point size will be scaled by this factor.
The Background color.
Width and height of the defined image is displayed in pixel and length unit.
Save the image or send it to another software thanks to the corresponding buttons.
Optionally, Save the current orthoimage definition so as to be able to regenerate it later (use Load). The corresponding settings will be saved in a xml file.
Notes
Changing the OrthoImage mode resets the command.
While editing the 3D frame, the Z of Horizontal axis can be changed freely. Consequently, the orthoimage may not comply to the vertical or horizontal view direction.
Let Z=0 to stay vertical in Top view mode.
Pay attention to give a vector perpendicular to the view direction in Elevation view mode.
In case of saved images, three formats are available: JPEG, BMP and TIFF. TIFF format embed georeferencing information.
For each saved image, a world file (.jgw, .txt or .tfw) with the same name will be created. This file can be automatically read by most GIS software. It also contains georeferencing information and tips to import the image in software that does not manage world files.
Tips & Tricks
While giving the 3 points defining an Elevation view: press CTRL to align the second point to the screen direction or DEL to undo the last clicked point.
Technical information
Example of world file created with an ortho image
0.17174583809940424661277802442783
0.10248593608653447373235678696801
0.10248593608653447373235678696801
-0.17174583809940424661277802442783
553742.55796354659833014011383057
243915.13328190083848312497138977
[Image attributes]
Unit=m
Pixel Top Left=553742.5579635466 243915.1332819008 65.49000015203238
Pixel Top Right=553957.2402611709 244043.240702009 65.49000015203238
Pixel Bottom Right=554095.5962748878 243811.3838205748 65.49000015203238
Pixel Bottom Left=553880.9139772635 243683.2764004667 65.49000015203238
Normal axis=0 0 -1
Horizontal axis Top Right=0.8587291904970212 0.5124296804326723 0
Image width (pix)=1250
Image height (pix)=1350
Pixel size=0.2
[Autocad import]
Insertion point =553880.9139772635, 243683.2764004667, 65.49000015203238
Insertion point X=553880.9139772635
Insertion point Y=243683.2764004667
Insertion point Z=65.49000015203238
Scale=250
rotation Z (rad)=0.5380118002680606
rotation Z (deg)=30.82580548359529
rotation X (rad)=0
rotation X (deg)=0
rotation Y (rad)=-0
rotation Y (deg)=-0
HOW TO INSERT a JPEG IMAGE IN AUTOCAD
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1-Insert the image in AutoCAD
Enter 'IMAGEATTACH' on the command line
Select the image file Enter 'Insertion point X', 'Insertion point Y' and 'Insertion point Z' for the insert point
Enter 'Scale' for the scale
2-Rotate the image (if needed)
2. a. If rotation Z is not 0
Enter 'ROTATE3D' on the command line
Select the image
Select the Z direction
Enter 'Insertion point' to specify a point on Z axis (or select bottom left corner in image object)
Enter 'rotation Z (rad) or rotation Z (deg), depending on defined unit
2. b. If rotation X is not 0
Enter 'ROTATE3D' on the command line
Select the image
Use the bottom left and bottom right points of the image object to define the rotation axis
Enter 'rotation X (rad) or rotation X (deg), depending on defined unit
2. c. If rotation Y is not 0
Enter 'ROTATE3D' on the command line
Select the image
Use the bottom left and top left points of the image object to define the rotation axis
Enter 'rotation Y (rad) or rotation Y (deg), depending on defined unit