Images used as External References (XREFS) are supported perfectly on the Autodesk BIM Collaborate (ABC) Pro for Civil across users and when access via the web.
Aerial Images can contain intelligent geographical data that can help users place them spatially correctly in drawings using Map 3D tools. In this test source image has an accompanying world file:
Using Autodesk Map 3D tools for images stored on the ABC is supported. But there are some collaboration and web interface short comings, let’s review them:
Map 3D Workflow: insert an Image from the ABC:
Using Map 3D and not base AutoCAD commands to insert images will allow for aerials to be correctly positions in a drawing.
First, USER1 starts by using the Map 3D specific command used here is: MAPIINSERT. It allows many image types to be accessed:
Here the source image file on the ABC (Aerial.tfw) and the drawing is saved to an ABC project:
Then, if USER2 opens the created file from the ABC Project, an issue is clear. The inserted missing, but an outline is shown along with the path on screen:
The reason here is found on the path to the source image file behaves like Full Path and are NOT automatically updated for each user. Unlike the XREF Parcel drawing that show up:
This path issue will need to be resolved by any user, other than the originator that opens the file from the ABC (USER2). Simply adjust the path to the source file location on the ABC:
Map 3D Workflow: connecting to an Image from the ABC:
First, USER1, starts by establishing the connection to the source image file. Creating image connections will have a normal feel via the DATA CONNECT palette.
Here the source image file on the ABC is (Aerial.tif) and the drawing is saved to an ABC project:
NOTE: the path to each of the Shape file, is set to USER1
Then, if USER2 opens the created drawing from the ABC Project. Again, issue is seen here. The inserted missing and no border is shown and NO notification is given. Note the exclamation on the TASK PANE palette and how the path is still set to USER1. The reason here is the path to the source file (Aerial.tif), behave like Full Path and are NOT updated automatically for each user:
This path issue will need to be resolved by any user that opens the drawing, other than the originator. Simply adjust the path to the source file location on the ABC (USER2), and the content should reload, and exclamation marker will disappear:
Viewing Drawings with Inserted or Connected Images on the Web via ABC:
Unfortunately, files that that contains images that were added in using the MAPIINSERT command will NOT display the aerial image on the web. Regardless of if it’s the originator (USER1) or views (USER2).
NOTE: that an empty box is shown in place of the image along with its path
Again, files that that contains images that were connections will NOT display the aerial image on the web. Regardless of if it’s the originator (USER1) or views (USER2).
NOTE: that there is NO indication that an image is missing
Similar shortcomings as shown in our previous Map 3D post (FDO file connections) are seen when importing or connecting to images using Map 3D commands, issues with pathing and web display.
Please visit our other posts testing functionality on Autodesk BIM Collaborate (ABC) Pro for Civil :
• Using External References on ABC
• Using AutoCAD Live Maps Service (geolocation) on ABC
• Sharing Reusable AutoCAD on ABC
• Map 3D: Connecting to FDO files on ABC
• Map 3D: using Web Source Connection
• Civil 3D: sharing Pipe Catalogs on ABC
• Civil 3D: sharing Survey Database Settings on ABC
• Civil 3D: working with Reference Templates on ABC
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