New Cyclone CloudWorx 1.0 for AutoCAD and for MicroStation

New Plug-In Lets Professionals Take Advantage of Rich, 3D Point Clouds Directly in AutoCAD or MicroStation!

OAKLAND, California - November 27, 2001 - Cyra Technologies, Inc. today formally announced a breakthrough product that, for the first time, lets professionals access rich, full 3D point cloud data sets directly with their familiar AutoCAD or MicroStation interface to create highly accurate, complete as-built drawings. Previously, to create AutoCAD or MicroStation as-built drawings based on 3D laser scans, users had to first process point cloud data into CAD objects using specialized software (e.g., Cyra's Cyclone-MODEL application), and then export those objects into AutoCAD or MicroStation. Another "workaround" was to subdivide point clouds into very small regions for direct export into AutoCAD or MicroStation. CloudWorx testing using third party applications that run on AutoCAD and MicroStation platforms has also been successful to date.

Faster Conversion of 3D Point Clouds to 2D Plans & Sections

In addition to providing a familiar interface, the new products also slash office time for processing 3D point clouds into 2D plans and elevations. With CloudWorx, the user simply accesses the point cloud database and then runs X, Y or Z planar cuts through the dense point clouds. The result is a remarkably fast, accurate visualization of plan and section views of the as-built scene. Sliced sections/elevations are easily converted to proper 2D drawings using AutoCAD or MicroStation drafting commands and tools. CloudWorx also lets users directly:

• Create "slices" (i.e. cuts with finite thickness) through point clouds
• Query points for X,Y,Z coordinates
• Hide sections of point clouds that are not of immediate interest

Use AutoCAD or MicroStation Commands & Tools With Point Clouds

Once the point clouds are loaded, users can apply standard CAD tools to:

• Navigate through point clouds for 3D visualization of existing scenes
• Measure directly between any two points
• Red-line drawings based on point cloud backdrops
• Edit existing drawings or models using point cloud backdrops
• Snap a line to a specific, selected point within a point cloud

How Did Cyra Do It?

In the past, CAD applications were not capable of loading or viewing typical data sets from 3D Laser Scanning systems (such as Cyrax) because these sets may literally be comprised of millions of points. With CloudWorx, even though the user's interface is AutoCAD or MicroStation, "under the sheets" the user is actually communicating with base functionality within Cyra's award-winning Cyclone software, which is specifically designed to handle these very large data sets.

Better Retrofit Designs By "Working Within Point Clouds"

One of the most powerful features of CloudWorx is the breakthrough ability of AutoCAD or MicroStation users to deploy 3D point clouds as a background to aid in accurately designing modifications to existing sites or structures. Verifying CAD designs directly within 3D point clouds slashes point cloud processing time compared to the process of fully modeling point clouds for export to CAD. Working within point clouds also ensures that designs account for everything that's really there, including the flaws and warts of physical reality. Retrofit designs can be checked with much greater confidence that they will be interference-free, that tie-ins are accurate, and that maintenance access has been taken into consideration. This new work process of "designing retrofits and revamps within 3D point clouds" is being hailed as "the biggest breakthrough in retrofit design since CAD."

CloudWorx is not the only new Cyra software product that allows users to "work within point clouds." Cyra has also introduced a Cyclone Object Exchange utility for AutoCAD (COE for AutoCAD) to accompany a similar utility already available for MicroStation. COE allows users to export design models created in AutoCAD or MicroStation directly into Cyclone-MODEL 3.1 or Cyclone-MANAGE 3.1. Within these Cyclone modules, a user can take full advantage of a multitude of functionality for optimal use of the CAD design with the point cloud.

The COE utility is also more complete than format converters that just use DWG, DXF or DGN formats. Previously, using DWG, DXF, or DGN some objects could not be represented as solids, which imposed certain limitations at export.

Availability & Pricing

Cyra's Cyclone CloudWorx 1.0 for AutoCAD and Cyclone CloudWorx 1.0 for MicroStation are scheduled to be available December 2001. Cyclone CloudWorx 1.0 for AutoCAD and Cyclone CloudWorx 1.0 for MicroStation both have U.S. list prices starting at $995.00. A special introductory offer makes these products available for FREE on an evaluation basis for a limited time. After product release, the free evaluation version of the products, including sample point clouds and instructions, will be able to be downloaded from Cyra's website with proper qualification.

Cyra Technologies, Inc. Background Information

Cyra Technologies, Inc. is based in Oakland, California. The company specializes in the development and manufacture of advanced 3D Laser Scanning Systems and Software. These products are used for performing complex as-built or site surveys and for a variety of 2D & 3D mapping and modeling applications in the AEC and other markets. Cyra Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1993, was acquired in February 2001 by Leica Geosystems AG and operates as a wholly owned subsidiary.

www.cyra.com 

Leica Geosystems Background Information

Leica Geosystems is a Swiss company focused on spatial data acquisition and data handling products. The company was founded 1921 and has been a public company since July 2000. Leica Geosystems is a world leader in providing customers with reliable, efficient and easy-to-use products based on innovative and leading-edge technologies. Leica Geosystems is also noted for an excellent global distribution network, reliable customer support, and partnerships with other leading companies in surveying, mapping and GIS. The main markets that Leica Geosystems serves today are topographic and cadastral surveying, engineering and construction surveying, GIS, mining, construction and industrial measurement markets and a number of attractive market segments that have a need for high quality and accurate instrumentation and powerful application software. Leica Geosystems has three major business operations in California: L-H Systems (San Diego), Leica Geosystems GPS Division (Torrance), and Cyra Technologies (Oakland).

www.leica-geosystems.com

 

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