File Descriptions

Linework Deliverables

  • CAD Package (ZIP / DWG)

    • The primary deliverable for Aerotas linework products is a CAD package, delivered in a .zip format.

      Within the zip file is an AutoCAD DWG file that contains all of the drafted points, polylines, surfaces, and objects that are included in our deliverables. The DWG file format is the native file format for Autodesk software but can be easily converted for use in any CAD software, including Carlson, Bentley, and many more.

      The zip file is produced by using AutoCAD eTransmit. This is used so that the points, polylines, surface, and imagery can all be combined into a single easy to use zip file, without the need to re-reference or re-import any imagery. To view the underlying files, you must unzip them by right-clicking on the zip file and selecting “Extract All”. Autodesk DWG files can be viewed for free using DWG TrueView.

  • Enhanced CAD-Friendly Orthophoto (ECW)

    • Aerotas linework products include an enhanced version of our CAD-Friendly orthophoto in ECW format. This proprietary file format is embedded natively into the CAD package so no special software is required in order to view it. ECW files utilize a proprietary format of enhanced compression wavelet technology in order to provide the highest resolution possible while keeping file sizes manageable for easy use in CAD. ECW files are generally not useable by standard image viewers, and should be viewed within CAD as part of our CAD package.

Photogrammetry Deliverables

  • Full Resolution Orthophoto (TIF)

    • A full-resolution orthophoto in GeoTiff (.tif) format, with all geolocation data embedded into the file. The orthophoto is the highest resolution, highest accuracy 2D data that can be created from your drone imagery. The file is often extremely large and is typically not able to be imported into CAD software. That is why we also create a CAD-friendly orthophoto with each project.

  • Full Resolution DSM (TIF)

    • A full-resolution Digital Surface Model (DSM) in GeoTiff (.tif) format, with all geolocation data embedded into the file. The DSM is the highest resolution, highest accuracy DSM data that can be created from your drone imagery. The file is often extremely large and is typically not able to be imported into CAD software. This is a 2.5 dimension raster file, where every X/Y coordinate will have only a single Z elevation point.

  • Full Resolution Point Cloud (LAS)

    • A full-resolution point cloud in LAS (.las) file format. The point cloud is typically the most accurate, rich, and high-resolution data available from photogrammetry. However, point cloud files are also notoriously difficult to work with and are not recommended for those unfamiliar with working in 3D point cloud software. The point cloud file is often extremely large and is typically not able to be imported into CAD software.

  • CAD-Friendly Orthophoto (TIF)

    • Because the full resolution orthophoto is typically too large to be easily imported into CAD, Aerotas creates a CAD-friendly orthophoto optimized for use in an AutoCAD or Civil3D environment. This orthophoto uses specialized compression algorithms to ensure easy importation into CAD, with minimal loss in resolution. The CAD-friendly Orthophoto is perfect for printing, sharing, or adding context to a project in CAD.

  • CAD-Friendly World File (TFW)

    • The CAD-friendly orthophoto also comes with a world file (.tfw) that includes all of the geolocation data needed to properly import the CAD-friendly orthophoto into various CAD softwares.

CAD Tip: Positioning CAD-Friendly Orthophotos

Importing the CAD-Friendly Orthophoto:

  1. Create a new Layer called Orthophoto and make it your current drawing layer.

  2. Type in the command "MAPIINSERT" (spelled with two "I" s), select the CAD-Friendly Orthophoto TIF, and "World File" as your correlation source (Note: Picking the correct units is critical to getting the image into the correct location.)

  3. Make sure the World File ".TFW" is in the same file folder as the CAD-Friendly Orthophoto and select OK.