Recap SDK for Plugin transfer to Revit / Autocad

[wayne]

It appears that Recap SDK is only to allow import export of the RCS / RCP file formats from third party programs.  I have been able to export from ZF Laser Control to these formats for the past 5 years, in other software I use / try it is not possible to import / export this file type.  I can only guess we are still programming or don't want to pay the fees.

I speak from a surveyors point of view, I produce around 40 measured building surveys pa via scan - 3D / 2D.  Recap is undoubtedly the best scan viewer and of course necessary for the Revit - Autocad workflow.  It is seriously annoying having to export to E57 to then import into third party software which then builds its own point cloud data set.  So with my ZF Scanner format that's 4 different scan data sets of the same building!

There are a myriad of software packages available for scan processing and 3D modelling each with their niche advantage but none quite hitting the nail on the head.  It is a tedious task.

It strikes me that Autodesk is possibly the stumbling block.  Whenever I point out shortfalls or make suggestions for my Revit point cloud plug in the answer is usually "Its the API"

Lets imagine a world where on my left screen I have Recap, in the middle Revit and Autocad on the right.

Similar to Pointfuse / As Built Modeller I pick a plane in the scan view in Recap.  One click, the software recognises a wall / floor plane, perhaps another click or two for verification, Yes - Solid - Concept - level 1 to 2.

Hey presto the wall appears in Revit.... Next.....Rainwater Pipe, click.......Ground Surface, click........Window, click - 4 panes adjust glazing bars..........  You can see where I am going with this.

Maybe we do this clicking online errrr No!  maybe we can share our point clouds and clicking and teach the program auto recognition.  It can't be that hard to recognise geometric similarities and compare to a data base.  Think facial recognition vs wall recognition!

Moving on to our incompatible twin Recap Photo.  I have just created a stunning FBX model though probably in the program of the same name but backwards due to the gash cloud processing.  What can i do with it, not a lot.  I need it in Revit with textures and selectable / snappable geometry not as a grey blob.  I need to import my point cloud and build an FBX mesh.  

Yes I can use Navis works to combine but what we need is the Revit architectural views.  Front elevation with mesh - model - mesh save me drawing next door or I could create 2D line work on a reference plane selected from the mesh.

Lets join the dots with as few scan formats and software packages as possible. 

To Autodesk, Its the surveyors who encourage the design consultants to use 3D by showing them what we can do but it takes too long therefore its expensive so they stick with 2D. 

Kind Regards,