AEC Tech News (#247)

First Look: Autodesk ImageModeler 2009 p>

Generate 3D models from 2D digital images in a flash.

By Ron LaFon

Autodesk ImageModeler 2009 generates 3D models from 2D digital images, making it a highly useful tool for architects, product designers, civil engineers, and media and entertainment professionals. ImageModeler 2009 users can work from digital photographs or scanned images to reconstruct photorealistic objects, scenes, and cities; integrate CAD designs into existing environments; and measure buildings. ImageModeler and its sister application, Stitcher Unlimited, were developed by REALVIZ, which was acquired by Autodesk in 2008.

ImageModeler 2009 supports a broad array of digital image formats, including JPG, TIF, Photoshop, TGA, bitmap, and PNG. Once you have your 2D images in hand, you're ready to create 3D models. Downstream success with the 3D model relies on a well-executed 2D-to-3D conversion, so step-by-step tutorials are available to explain how to obtain the best possible results for your projects. Read more »

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Ron LaFon, a contributing expert for Cadalyst, is a writer, editor, and computer graphics and electronic publishing specialist from Atlanta, Georgia. He is a principal at 3Bear Productions in Atlanta.    

HP's New Z Line: Breakthrough Workstation Technology

At a launch event in L.A., company shows off landmark leaps in system design and performance and gives a sneak peek at SkyRoom web conferencing.

By Robert Green

Last week, HP held a joint press event with Intel to announce the new series of HP Z workstations, which are based on Intel’s new Xeon 5500 (formerly code-named Nehalem) architecture. A lot of buzz surrounded this new processor architecture but details were scarce, so I was curious to see what we’d be shown by HP and Intel executives. Read more »   

Mark Your Calendar: AEC Events

Greener by Design 2009
May 19-20, 2009
San Francisco, California
Greener by Design 2009 gives you the tools, insight, and inspiration to improve your company's bottom line through product innovation and green design techniques that work even during tough economic times. Read more

MidWest Infrastructure and GIS Technical Conference
June 1-3, 2009
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Geospatial User Group invites attendees to this three-day conference that focuses on Civil 3D and GIS systems. Read more

For a complete list of CAD meetings, conferences, training sessions, and more, check out our calendar of events on Cadalyst.com.

What’s New at Cadalyst.com

First Look Review: NVIDIA Quadro FX 4800
High-end performance and support for new 30-bit color monitors make this graphics card an excellent professional choice. Read more

CAD Manager's Journey into 3D, Part 1
The majority of companies today still face the transition to 3D CAD, so prepare now to lead the way. Read more

Civil 3D Tutorial: Toolspace Settings 2

When defining exceptions or needs for different values, Civil 3D uses the Edit Feature Settings dialog box at critical control points in the Settings tree. Read more

First Look Review: PolyStation iQ470

You can find more powerful workstations, but this model will get your design work done for a mere $699. Read more

Looking for "Hot Tip Harry?"

Hot Tip Harry's latest AutoCAD customization tips are now posted online at Cadalyst's CAD Tips site. Harry's posting tips all the time now, and you can find the latest ones by checking the Recently Posted list, along with the latest tips from Tips & Tools Weekly. You can also find out about the latest tips from Harry himself (aka Cadalyst's Bill Kramer) by hanging out on Harry's Tip Jar Discussion Forum. Look for the posts labeled "Hot Tips!" for regular updates.

Brand new, Cadalyst and Hot Tip Harry also introduce his new Programming Concepts Discussion Forum. Keep tabs and chime in to exchange AutoCAD programming expertise and advice.