SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!
QUESTIONS? Contact Us | 866-824-4459

ZenTek ConsultantsZenTek Consultants

  • Services
    • Autodesk Service Provider
    • TEK Bloks
    • CAD Standards Service
    • Drafting Support for Everyone
    • Bluebeam Tool Chest Customization Services
    • Construction Project Setup in Bluebeam Revu
    • Construction Support Services
    • Services for Procore
    • BIM Services for Architecture and Engineering
    • BIM Services for Construction
    • Civil 3D Kickstart
    • Civil 3D Templates
    • ZenPipe for Civil 3D Pressure Networks
    • BricsCAD Pilot Program
    • Moving to BricsCAD
    • Microsoft 365 Implementation
    • Microsoft Teams Services
    • SharePoint Online Services
  • Online Training
    • AutoCAD Online Courses
    • AutoCAD Civil 3D Online Courses
    • Bluebeam Revu Online Courses
    • Autodesk Revit Online Courses
    • Autodesk InfraWorks Online Courses
    • Autodesk Vehicle Tracking Online Courses
    • Autodesk 3ds Max Online Courses
    • Autodesk Navisworks Online Courses
    • BricsCAD Online Courses
    • Civil Site Design & Stringer Topo Online Courses
    • Procore Online Courses
    • Microsoft Online Courses
    • On-Demand Training Courses
    • Custom Training
    • Training Waitlist
  • Software
    • Bluebeam Revu
    • ZenEstimate Tools
    • ZenTek Revu Tools
    • ZenPipe for Civil 3D Pressure Networks
    • BricsCAD
    • Bricsys 24/7
    • Procore
    • Civil Site Design
    • Stringer Topo
    • Spatial Manager
    • Microsoft
  • Industries
    • Architecture Industry
    • Engineering Industry
    • Construction Industry
    • Government
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Live Webinars
    • Watch Now
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • The CADDLE Call Podcast
    • The CAD Cage
    • YouTube Channel
    • Watch Now
    • Promotions
  • About Us
    • News
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Shop Now

How to Improve on Model Builder’s Bing Imagery

ZenTek Consultants
Thursday, 07 July 2022 / Published in Infraworks

How to Improve on Model Builder’s Bing Imagery

High Resolution Imagery

When Model Builder is used to initially set up an Autodesk Infraworks project, Bing Maps provides the imagery. However, the resolution of the imagery is usually very fuzzy. If imagery of a higher resolution is needed, the Bing imagery can easily be swapped out with something better.

But wait…why even bother to use Model Builder at all?

Model is a quick way of setting up your site. It applies default imagery, topographic surfaces, existing roadway layouts, and even building locations; all of which are fairly up-to-date. Roadways and surfaces can be exported to AutoCAD Civil 3D and used to reach a final site design. A major functionality of Model Builder is that it locates the site relative to known coordinates in the world. This means that other data, as long as it is geographically located, can be imported, translated, and rotated automatically to align with the Model Builder site. So, although you may not want to use all the resources that Model Builder provides, it is a great jump start into your project.

There are many resources/websites where better imagery can be obtained.

Free imagery exists. You may find imagery posted to your local municipality’s website. You can also download free imagery directly from USGS, which is much better than Bing imagery. But it isn’t the very best. But if free is what meets your current needs, USGS is a great resource.

If you want super crisp imagery and are willing to pay, there are many resources that can be utilized to generate high-definition site imagery. Some of the best resources that provide quality data will cost money and come in the form of an annual contract, cloud credits, or per download pricing. Such a subscription may benefit your company’s business model if used on an ongoing basis.

My choice for a high-resolution imagery resource is ArcGIS ArcMap (ESRI). Yes, you do need a subscription but if you have it, you might as well take advantage of it. With ArcMap, you can export the image to whatever resolution is needed.

Now back to Infraworks.

Here is a bird’s eye view of my site with the Bing imagery loaded.

Bing imagery

I have found high-resolution imagery which will replace the Bing imagery. I downloaded these files to my Infraworks model folder. The download included a world file. A world file is a text file which provides the program with the insertion base point coordinates and rotation parameters that help the program to place the file in its proper location. The provision of a world file is a very important prerequisite for deciding what resources to use for imagery.

Imagery files

To turn off the default imagery, open the Surface Layers dialog from the ribbon on the Manage tab > Display panel.

Surface Layers

In the Surface Layers dialog, under Ground Imagery & Coverages, turn off the Imagery layer by clicking the light bulb off. Click OK to continue.

Surface Layers

Note that if the imagery being imported does not cover the entire site, it can be overlaid on top of the original Bing image. Just make sure the new imagery is dragged to the top of the list in Surface Layers.

To attach the new imagery, open the Data Source panel from the ribbon on the Manage tab > Content panel.

Content

In the Data Sources panel, click the small triangle to the right of the Add File Data Source button; then from the pop-out menu, click Raster.

Data Sources

Browse to the file location, select the file, and click Open.

File Location

The file is attached, but it requires some configuration. In the Data Sources panel, right-click on the imagery and click Configure.

Data Sources

In this instance, an XML file defining the coordinate system was not provided so the coordinate system must be set manually.

Data Source Configuration dialog

Click the exclamation glyph next to Coordinate System to browse for the coordinate system. Double-click on the coordinate system to select.

Coordinate System

Click Close & Refresh.

The results are displayed below.

High Resolution Imagery

Using high-resolution imagery in site renderings will set your presentations apart from the amateurs. Determining where your final imagery will come from is one of the first decisions to make while defining your visualization workflow. Then you will be on your way to consistently creating impressive 3D models.

– Cyndy Davenport

What you can read next

Final
InfraWorks: Making Model Builder Buildings Work
The CADDle Call podcast
AutoCAD Civil 3D & Autodesk Infraworks 2023 are Here!
Infraworks model
InfraWorks: Cleaning Up after Model Builder

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

  • Grading Detention Ponds in AutoCAD Civil 3D vs Civil Site Design

    The CAD Cage: Grading Detention Ponds in AutoCAD Civil 3D vs Civil Site Design

  • The CADDle Call podcast

    AutoCAD – Not the Only Game in Town

  • Curb and Gutter

    Using Survey Offsets in AutoCAD Civil 3D

  • The CADDle Call podcast

    Marking Up Files the Right Way

  • The CAD Cage: Editing Roadway Sections in AutoCAD Civil 3D vs Civil Site Design

Categories

Archives

  • Services
  • Software
  • Online Training
  • Government Contracting Specialists
  • Leasing Options
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Events
  • The CADDle Call Podcast
  • Blog
  • YouTube Channel
  • Promotions
  • Subscribe to Emails

Follow @ZenTekConsult

Autodesk Service Provider Program

Bricsys Elite Partner


Bluebeam Partner


Procore Certified Consultant

Associated General Contractors of America Member

ACCNJ Member

GBCA

  • GET SOCIAL

©2016 - 2022 ZENTEK. LLC 2 University Plaza, Suite 100 Hackensack, NJ 07601

TOP
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT