Global design and BIM software developer Vectorworks, Inc. is helping designers harness the power of the cloud with the release of its new reality capture feature, Photos to 3D Model, as well as its virtual reality feature, web view VR. The two technologies, along with the Bluebeam integration announced earlier this week, are available with the latest update to Vectorworks Cloud Services in addition to the third Service Pack (SP3) for the Vectorworks 2018 product line.

Create 3D Models in a Snap from your Mobile Device
The Photos to 3D Model feature is a new reality capture innovation that allows designers to create 3D models without having to measure or re-create existing 3D geometry or pay for expensive laser scanners to re-create existing conditions before modeling. Simply snap some photos on a mobile device and use the Vectorworks Nomad app to send that data directly to Vectorworks Cloud Services to process the 3D model.

Communicate Designs in Groundbreaking Ways
The latest update to web view Virtual Reality (VR) provides the ability to toggle shadows off and on and to control shadow direction in the web view. The ability to interactively section or isolate parts of the model allows designers more flexibility and precision to communicate their designs in groundbreaking ways. Plus, for those with access to higher-end VR gear, the web view feature now also offers support for HTC Vive, Oculus Rift and Google Daydream, upping the ability to use web views on five different types of headgear.

“At Vectorworks, we look forward to continued innovations and improvements in solutions that will incorporate reality into the design process,” said Steve Johnson, vice president of product development at Vectorworks, Inc. “We think designers will love our new Photos to 3D Model and web view VR capabilities, as they can now easily capture and share data using cutting-edge technology that’s already in their pockets.”

Other improvements in SP3 include the Cloud Services and Bluebeam Studio Integration, truss section data for Global Truss and Prolyte, a modified user interface (UI) design for Vectorworks Nomad and other fixes.

This Service Pack is available as a downloadable updater for all U.S. English-based versions of Vectorworks 2018. To install, click here or select “Check for Updates” from the Vectorworks menu (Mac) or Help menu (Windows). To find out more about this release, read the tech bulletin. Contact tech@vectorworks.net with any technical questions.