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 the newly added features for 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 automatic annotation workflows and integration with photogrammetry outputs, such as Ground Control Points (GCPs). 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 powerful hierarchy view to track, inspect, and organize their data.

SDX-CAD is available in both Data and System Projects by default. However, in System Projects, the 3D data must be requested to enable full functionality.

Prerequisites

• Access to SDX-Cloud
• A project with an active snapshot
• For System Projects: Ensure 3D view is requested/enabled via 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.
• Telekom Layer – Available in Telekom Data Projects. Measurements stored here are automatically transferred to the Telekom platform.
• High Resolution Layer – Functions like snapshot layers but is specific to high-resolution scan data.

You can also:

• Assign measurements to specific layers
• Use global or snapshot layers (especially for System Projects)
• Toggle visibility
• Change layer colors for better visual distinction
  • Note: changing a layer’s color does not affect the color of existing measurements. The layer color only applies as a default to newly created measurements.
• Switch between Base View (nested structure) and Hierarchy View (tree structure with 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 (now also in the 3D view's corner)

Actions:

• Click to place point
• Save, Edit, Add Description
• Clear visual indicators and vertex numbering

Line Measurement

Displayed data:

• 2D Length
• 3D Length
• Height Differences between each segment
• Slope/incline per segment and total

Actions:

• Draw and extend lines post-creation
• Save, Edit, Add Description
• Interactive Cross Section Analysis with synced 3D outline
• Labels dynamically reposition to maintain visibility without clutter

Polygon Measurement

Displayed data:

• 2D and 3D Area
• Volume (Fill, Cut, Net, Total) calculated via:
  • Default (Triangulation)
  • Minimum
  • Maximum
  • Average
  • Custom Height

Actions:

• Draw and close shapes
• Adjust polygon opacity in 3D view
• Save, Edit, Add Description

3.1 Additional Functionality

You can now start a new line measurement from any existing point in the Infomap, even if it belongs to:

• A different layer
• A different snapshot (when the Global Hierarchy is enabled) - 2.1 Viewing and Managing the Global Hierarchy

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 & Inspection

• Move, Add, Remove measurement points (undo/revert available)
• Duplicate or reverse any measurement
• 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 (e.g., Telekom Running Line (Lauflinie), Ground Control Points (GCPs)) are visually highlighted
• Protected Measurements (e.g., automatically generated GCPs from drone flights and Running Lines in Telekom projects) are locked: they cannot be deleted or have their geometry edited

5. Autosave & 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 3D view (configurable via the bottom right corner in the 3D view)
• Point size & budget in 3D view (also found in the bottom right corner)
• Preferred layer view (Base or 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, US Survey Feet
• Format per measurement type

7. Navigation & Controls

• Double-click in 3D view to zoom to a location
• Right-click + drag to rotate scene
• Left-click + drag to pan map/scene
• Enter / Right-click / Spacebar to finish measurements
• Fly to any measurement for instant focus
• Hierarchy View enables intuitive search and organization

Common Issues or Tips

• 3D view not available? Confirm you're in a Data Project or request activation for System Projects using the snapshot picker
• Browser issues? Use Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Safari may cause rendering issues.
• Lost measurements? Check if Autosave is off; unsaved work will be lost on refresh.
• Lag or stuttering? Reduce point size or budget under 3D settings for improved performance.