Models can be overlaid on-site and visualised for approval during design and construction Pix4D has launched PIX4Dcatch 2.0, the latest release of its iOS mobile app for terrestrial scanning. Version 2.0 adds ‘professional-grade’ augmented reality (AR) capabilities and extended compatibility with Real-time Kinematic (RTK) positioning devices. PIX4Dcatch uses a combination of photogrammetry and LiDAR technology, enhanced with RTK positioning for precision, to generate ‘high-accuracy’ 3D models of site conditions. According to the company, it delivers 1cm accuracy under good conditions, with < ..read more

New release introduces new AI and Procedural Content Generation capabilities, along with enhanced Global Illumination (GI) D5 Render 2.7, the latest release of the architectural-focused real-time rendering software, has launched today. Of the 35 updates and optimisations, many are driven by AI and PCG (Procedural Content Generation), the company states. D5 Scatter is a new PCG vegetation scatter tool designed to help generate realistic landscapes more easily and quickly. Surfaces can be divided into multiple areas, each accommodating different plant species from 4,000+ D5 Asset Library. Scatte ..read more

In a world swimming in AI-related hype, several CAD software firms are making serious progress in the race to eliminate workflow bottlenecks using new technologies. Martyn Day looks at the field of drawing automation and identifies some of its frontrunners Throughout their history, desktop CAD systems have been sold on the promise of delivering one overriding benefit: improved productivity when compared to manual drawing. That makes sense, since productivity improvements are always sought by firms looking to save money and to increase their competitive edge. In these highly digitised times, th ..read more

Mobile workstation features Intel Core Ultra processor with NPU and Nvidia RTX pro GPU for AI workflows Lenovo has introduced the ThinkPad P1 Gen 7, the latest version of its ‘ultraportable and high-performance’ mobile workstation. The 16-inch pro laptop features an Intel Core Ultra processor with an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) and a choice of Nvidia RTX Ada Generation GPUs, both of which can be used for AI processing. According to Lenovo, the integrated NPU is dedicated to handling light, continuous AI tasks, while the Nvidia RTX GPU with Tensor Core technology is meant for more d ..read more

Point cloud to mesh software will be used to ‘drive forward’ Autodesk’s future scan-to-BIM workflow Autodesk has purchased certain PointFuse IP and commercially available offerings and plans to integrate the UK firm’s reality modelling technology into the Autodesk portfolio. Details of the deal were not disclosed. PointFuse technology will be integrated within the Autodesk portfolio, where it will be used to ‘drive forward a future scan-to-BIM workflow’. PointFuse software, as a standalone application, will cease to exist on May 1, 2025. As it stands, the PointFuse software converts point clou ..read more

Software allows users to create geotechnical graph outputs using data from Seequent’s OpenGround Oasys Giraphe is a new geotechnical graphing software designed to makes it easier for users to create, customise, update, and interpret graphs. It is integrated with Seequent’s OpenGround geotechnical information management solution. According to Oasys, with few clicks, users can retrieve OpenGround data and plot it on any of the geotechnical graphs in Giraphe’s predefined library. Custom graphs can also be built using custom queries to sample fields from project data grids in OpenGround, or f ..read more

Acquisition will give Graitec tools for enhancing Revit model efficiency AEC software developer Graitec has acquired Ideate Software, a US firm that offers plug-ins for Revit as well as a scripting solution that enables Revit users to run time-intensive Revit tasks in the background. Ideate Software plug-ins are designed to help companies streamline Revit data management processes, control, enhance data accuracy, and improve the health of their models. With Ideate Automation, firms can automate time consuming Revit tasks, or schedule them to run overnight, to help reduce the chance of human er ..read more

Platform uses Esri GIS technology to help manage environmental impact and reduce risk of airport disruption from accidental damage to utilities London Gatwick has created a new geospatial platform using Esri’s GIS technology to support multiple operational areas at the airport, including engineering and environmental services. The system helps make engineering and construction works safer by reducing accidental strikes on buried utilities and enabling better management of the airports biodiversity. The geospatial platform contains critical infrastructure information spanning the 70-year histor ..read more

Enscape Building Performance module to deliver real time analysis and visulisation for energy, daylight and thermal comfort Chaos has shared more details about its partnership with IES designed to bring real time building performance analysis to its real-time rendering tool Enscape. The public beta of the new Building Performance module, covered in detail in AEC Magazine last month, will be available in the second half of 2024, with the commercial release to follow. The initial release will be available for free to all Enscape users. The integrated solution will allow users of all En ..read more

Partnership with Octopus Lab will allow allow users of IESVE software to simulate the concentration of over a thousand pollutants IES has signed a strategic partnership with French software company Octopus Lab to bring better indoor air quality simulation to a wider international audience. Octopus Lab’s Indalo software uses Inca-Indoor, which is claimed to be the world’s only validated indoor air chemistry calculation engine. IES’ Virtual Environment (VE) software, which is used for building performance analysis, currently simulates the ventilation and impact in terms of internal CO2 concentra ..read more