Locating your project area in a blank drawing - AutoCAD 2021

The following question recently arrived at our support team’s mailbox:

“I know the coordinate system and my project’s location in Google Earth, but how can I find its exact position in a blank drawing?”

Up until Plex-Earth 4, there was a command that allowed you to synchronize AutoCAD with the current view in Google Earth. It was one of the first commands developed in Plex-Earth back in 2008, and it was the base of more advanced functions (such as imagery mosaic importing). However it’s not directly available anymore due to the discontinuation of Google Earth's COM API.

But as we've already said, we accepted the challenge, and instead of downgrading functionality due to Google Earth’s changes, we instead took it as an opportunity to enhance the existing functionality, actually making it more meaningful and more useful than ever!

We improved that humble AutoCAD - Google Earth sync command by adopting the copy & paste functionality of Google Earth objects as a part of other commands, making them easier to use and more complete.

So, regarding the original question, you can choose between two simple ways/methods:

Method 1: Locate your project area in Google Earth. Create a placemark, path or polygon (any will work), copy it, and then simply paste it (Ctrl-V) in AutoCAD.

Plex-Earth will automatically do the rest and will zoom AutoCAD drawing to your project area.

Sounds almost too simple to be true, but Plex-Earth is smart enough to figure it out, and will automatically zoom the AutoCAD drawing to your project area for you! See the video below.

Method 2: Locate your project area in Google Earth, create a placemark (or other objects), copy it, and return to AutoCAD.

Click the "Import Imagery" button in Plex Earth 5 ribbon, select to import Simple Image, and choose Google Maps (or any other provider) on the next screen.

Again, Plex- Earth will do the rest and import an image to your project location.

Method 2 means you not only zoom your drawing to a specific geographic location, but you also import useful objects that can help you better identify and understand your project area.

Videos are good but wanna check it yourself, with a real project? Start your 7-day UNRESTRICTED free trial and experience Plex-Earth’s full capabilities in the next few minutes!

Plex.Earth and AutoTURN PRO free webinar: How to create the most realistic 3D vehicle simulations in Google Earth

Plexscape has partnered with Transoft Solutions allowing engineers and designers to create and share impressive presentations of their swept path analysis into Google Earth.

Following the integration of their popular software, Plex.Earth and AutoTURN PRO alike, the two companies announce their first free webinar which will take place on Thursday 13th of December at 11:00 AM CET (12:00 GMT+2 or EET).

Those who are interested can register here.

This in-depth training run by in-house specialists of both software will show engineers and designers how to import high-quality satellite imagery, create swept path analysis and display the end result in the Google Earth environment.

The attendants will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the value of bringing together Plex.Earth with AutoTURN technology, as shown in this video.

According to “Make it, or break it - Global Construction Survey 2017” by KPMG, companies still struggle to deliver projects on time and within budget.

However, by publishing their 3D vehicle content in Google Earth, engineers now have a powerful tool in their hands: they can create and share breathtaking presentations with their customers or colleagues and take instant feedback, whenever they need it. Therefore, they can reduce revisions and meet their project’s deadlines and budget goals.

All registrants will receive a full recording of the presentation, so they can sign up even if they’re not sure they can attend.

Plex.Earth and AutoTURN PRO webinar
DATE: Thursday, December 13, 2018
TIME: 11:00 CET (12:00 GMT+2 or EET).
HOSTS: David Homola, Product Manager at Transoft Solutions EMEA,
Nicolas Paraskevopoulos, Customer Support Specialist-Civil Engineer at Plexscape

About Plexscape

Plexscape is a software company committed to changing the way engineers work on Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) projects, by developing innovative solutions that bridge the gap between design and the real world.

Plex.Earth, our flagship product, is the first cloud-based software ever created in the CAD market and one of the most popular tools in the Autodesk App Store.

Our solution, originally released in 2009, is being used by more than 15,000 engineers in over 120 countries worldwide, enabling them to have the complete 3D geographical view of their real-world project sites within minutes, through Google Earth and other satellite data providers. For more information on Plex.Earth's benefits, visit www.plexearth.com.

About Transoft Solutions

Transoft Solutions develops innovative and highly specialized software for aviation, civil infrastructure, and transportation professionals. Since 1991, Transoft has remained focused on safety-oriented solutions that enable transportation professionals to design with the utmost confidence. Our portfolio of planning, simulation, modeling, and design solutions, are used in over 130 countries serving more than 50,000 customers across local and federal agencies, consulting firms, airport authorities, and ports. We take pride in providing best-in-class customer support from our headquarters in Canada, and through offices in Sweden, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Australia, Germany, India, Belgium, and China.

For more information on Transoft’s range of trusted and field-tested engineering software, visit www.transoftsolutions.com/emea.