SDX-Cloud: SDX-CAD

Summary

This article explains how to use the SDX-CAD feature in SDX-Cloud's Infomap. It covers key functionalities like measurement tools, volume calculation methods, layer management, exporting options, and newly added features for an improved user experience.

Introduction

SDX-CAD is the integrated measurement and annotation tool within SDX-Cloud’s Infomap. It allows users to perform precise point, line, and polygon measurements directly on 2D maps and 3D point clouds. Beyond manual measurements, SDX-CAD also supports integration with photogrammetry outputs, such as Ground Control Points. Each measurement is tied to a layer, offering a structured way to manage and visualize survey data. Users can configure measurement settings, export results in multiple formats, and use a hierarchy view to track, inspect, and organize their data.

SDX-CAD is available in projects by default. If 3D data is not yet available for the selected snapshot, generate the 3D point cloud first to enable full 3D functionality.

Prerequisites

• Access to SDX-Cloud
• A project with an active snapshot.
• If 3D view is not yet available, generate the 3D point cloud in the snapshot picker
• A modern Chromium- or Firefox-based browser

Step-by-step instructions

1. Accessing SDX-CAD

• Open your desired project and snapshot.
• Navigate to the Infomap and switch to SDX-CAD mode.
• Toggle between 2D and 3D view as needed.

2. Understanding layers

SDX-CAD uses a layered structure to organize measurements. Different types of layers determine where and how your measurements are stored and displayed:

• Snapshot Layer — Default layer type. Measurements saved here are specific to the selected snapshot and are only visible within that snapshot.
• Global Layer — Used for measurements not tied to a specific snapshot. Global layers are visible across all snapshots.

You can also:

• Assign measurements to specific layers.
• Use global or snapshot layers depending on where the measurements should be visible.
• Toggle visibility.
• Change layer colors for better visual distinction.
  • Changing a layer’s color does not affect existing measurements. The layer color only applies as a default for newly created measurements.
• Switch between Base View and Hierarchy View for improved search and navigation.

2.1 Viewing and managing the Global Hierarchy

The Hierarchy View in SDX-CAD includes an option to display the Global Hierarchy. When enabled, this shows measurement layers and measurements from other snapshots directly in the Infomap.

How it works:

• Toggle On/Off — Use the Global Hierarchy toggle in the hierarchy view toolbar to enable or disable the feature.
• When enabled, layers from other snapshots appear alongside the active snapshot's layers.
• Visibility Control — Manage visibility individually per snapshot or per layer.
• Use case example — Select a point from a measurement in another snapshot as the start point for a new line measurement, or display measurements as additional context while working.

Why it’s useful:

• Allows cross-snapshot reference without switching views.
• Improves precision when extending existing measurement networks.

3. Using measurement tools

Point measurement

Displayed data:

• Global and Local Coordinates, including in the 3D view corner.

Actions:

• Click to place a point.
• Save, edit, and add a description.
• Clear visual indicators and vertex numbering.

Line measurement

Displayed data:

• 2D length.
• 3D length.
• Height differences between each segment.
• Slope or incline per segment and total.

Actions:

• Draw and extend lines after creation.
• Save, edit, and add a description.
• Use Interactive Cross Section Analysis with a synced 3D outline.
• Review labels that dynamically reposition to stay visible without clutter.

Polygon measurement

Displayed data:

• 2D and 3D area.
• Volume values for Fill, Cut, Net, and Total using:
  • Default (Triangulation)
  • Minimum
  • Maximum
  • Average
  • Custom Height

Actions:

• Draw and close shapes.
• Adjust polygon opacity in 3D view.
• Save, edit, and add a description.

3.1 Additional functionality

You can start a new line measurement from any existing point in the Infomap, even if it belongs to a different layer or a different snapshot when Global Hierarchy is enabled.

Requirements:

• The point must be selectable in the Infomap.
• The Global Hierarchy toggle must be enabled if the point belongs to another snapshot.

4. Measurement editing and inspection

• Move, add, or remove measurement points, with undo and revert support.
• Duplicate or reverse any measurement.
• Use Fly to measurement for instant zoom.
• Use Measurement Inspector for detailed data and hover-to-copy fields.
• Confirm drawings with Enter, Right-click, or Space.
• Measurements with special roles such as Ground Control Points are visually highlighted.
• Protected Measurements cannot be deleted or have their geometry edited.

5. Autosave and preferences

• Enable Autosave Measurements to instantly save with default names.
• Changes persist across sessions, but only on the same device.

Additional persistent settings:

• Background color of the 3D view.
• Point size and budget in the 3D view.
• Preferred layer view between Base and Hierarchy.

6. Exporting measurements

Use the Export Measurements button to download your currently selected or visible data in one of the following formats:

• CSV
• DXF
• PDF

Options:

• Units: Meters, Feet, and US Survey Feet.
• Format per measurement type.

7. Navigation and controls

• Double-click in 3D view to zoom to a location.
• Right-click and drag to rotate the scene.
• Left-click and drag to pan the map or scene.
• Use Enter, Right-click, or Spacebar to finish measurements.
• Use Fly to to focus on a measurement.
• Use Hierarchy View for search and organization.

Common issues or tips

• 3D view not available? Generate the 3D point cloud for the snapshot in the snapshot picker, then reopen SDX-CAD.
• Browser issues? Use Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
• Lost measurements? If Autosave is off, unsaved work is lost on refresh.
• Lag or stuttering? Reduce point size or budget in the 3D settings.