Across crowded room, eyes finally meet for Autodesk, Leica

by ROB McMANAMY | June 16, 2015

We’ve all had friends that we just knew would make the perfect couple if they would ever just open their eyes to the compatibility that everybody else can see. More times than not, though, those perfect matches just don’t seem to happen.

Natural business collaborations can be just as elusive. But when they do happen, the logic and inevitability of it all somehow is reassuring to the rest of us. Such is the case this month in the wake of a joint announcement by industry software giant Autodesk, San Rafael CA, and spatial positioning expert Leica Geosystems, Norcross GA, that they will be teaming to streamline workflows, simplify layouts and make accessing data easier for all their customers.

“Collaboration between the two companies will provide BIM-to-field layout and reality capture solutions, enabling Autodesk users to leverage data from Leica sensors directly within Autodesk authoring tools,” says the press release. Below, Amar Hanspal, Autodesk SVP, describes the new relationship in a short video announcement.

“Leica Geosystems is a recognized leader in quality measurement solutions,” he explains. “By pairing these solutions with Autodesk’s industry-leading software packages for CAD and BIM, customers will have easy access to accurate, high-quality data at every stage of construction, which provides benefits to all stakeholders. It’s an exciting time to be in the AEC market.”

“Customers and resellers will benefit from having access to a broader range of options for reality-capture and field layout at a time when the construction industry is growing and adopting 3D solutions,” adds Juergen Dold, president of Leica parent Hexagon Geosystems. “This collaboration removes significant barriers for professionals seeking to implement streamlined workflows based on the highest-quality, most reliable data and empowers them to use the best tools for each application.”

“This collaboration removes significant barriers for professionals seeking to implement streamlined workflows.”

The two companies are still exploring multiple potential technology integrations, and undoubtedly, more will be rolled out over time involving laser scanning, building construction layout, and more. Already, the following integrations are expected to be available soon:

Simplifying BIM-to-Field Layout

Users of Autodesk BIM software, including AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit and Autodesk Navisworks, can conduct BIM-based as-built and quality assurance in the field, using the Autodesk BIM 360 Layout iPad app, which communicates directly with Leica iCON robot 50 robotic total stations. The ability to control the full-featured robotic total station through the iPad app provides accurate layout and makes as-builting of points faster and easier.

Streamlining Reality Capture Workflows

New hardware and software integrations will make viewing and accessing 3D data faster and easier. Users will be able to import native point cloud data from the Leica ScanStation P16 laser scanner directly into Autodesk ReCap for a streamlined, simplified workflow that makes it easier for new users to reap the benefits of 3D data capture.

For more information about the collaboration, visit www.constructrealityxyz.com.