FARO and Autodesk Add Support for Point Cloud Data to AutoCAD 2011

By DE Editors

Autodesk, Inc. and FARO have announced their collaboration to add direct integration of point cloud data to AutoCAD 2011 software.

FARO and Autodesk have also entered into an agreement for FARO to promote AutoCAD Plant 3D software as its preferred 3D modeling application for the process plant industry. In addition, Autodesk announced the FARO Laser Scanner Photon as its preferred hardware for point cloud data capture of process plant facilities using AutoCAD Plant 3D.

Through joint engineering and development efforts, AutoCAD 2011 allows the direct import of binary scan data from FARO Scene, FARO’s scan processing software for the FARO Laser Scanner. AutoCAD 2011 supports up to 2 billion points, which can be used with the enhanced tools for 3D modeling.

“As the use of laser scanners has become more widespread by our customers, they’ve asked for direct import and support for large point clouds in AutoCAD,” says Gonzalo Martinez, director of strategic research, Autodesk. “For the past year we have been working closely with FARO, who assisted with the design of the feature and provided us with crucial feedback for the direct integration of point cloud data. We are thrilled to bring this functionality to our customers.”

For more information, visit Autodesk, Inc. and FARO.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.