Interview discussing the launch of the PDF3D Spatial Modeler Plugin

Summary: [Listen to PODCAST]

Today Kia Cranwell is speaking with Ian Curington, Founder & CTO at Visual Technology Services, a Hexagon partner based in the UK. In this interview we cover the benefits of the new Spatial Modeler PDF3D Plugin for Geospatial 3D PDF Reporting. Learn more about how these new technologies are affecting geospatial technology and the accessibility of these technologies beyond the geospatial profession.

PDF3D News:

Hi I’m your host Kia Cranwell and thank you for joining us for today’s PDF3D News interview. PDF3D News provides the latest information about PDF3D technical reporting and 3D PDF technology at PDF3D.COM.

In today’s interview I’m speaking with Ian Curington, Founder & CTO at Visual Technology Services, based in the UK – Ian thanks for joining us today.

Ian:

No problem Kia, good morning and thanks.

PDF3D News:

So, Ian – We’ve heard about the new PDF3D spatial modeler plugin extension for the 2016 IMAGINE release from Hexagon Geospatial. Can you tell us more about it?

Ian:

OK, well as many users will know the spatial modeler in ERDAS IMAGINE has geo-enabled PDF output operators for 2D PDF documents embedding images and geospatial coordinates. We identified there is a significant gap in capability to share 3D terrain surfaces & LiDAR elevation with clients or to export these in an industry accepted format without needing some extra download such as a special 3D viewer.

We’re introducing a new 3D PDF publishing plugin directly into spatial modeler so an analyst can quickly publish results in a shareable format.

This also has key unique features such as high file compression and location measurement tools embedded right inside the PDF file.

PDF3D News:

Sounds really useful for engineers and analysts – but what is it about the PDF generation feature in this plugin that really benefits organisations?

Ian:

OK Kia, first of all, we put a lot of effort into making the PDF generation easy. It can be used by using the visual editor drag the plugin into a workflow and hook it up with a few mouse clicks.

The output PDFs can be viewed by anyone with the free Adobe Reader on desktops, where Adobe have included a full 3D viewer facility. To a large extent the Adobe Reader is ubiquitous on today’s desktops and laptops, giving it an extremely wide reach.

Most organizations have standard report formats. So the plugin lets you use an existing PDF report or template design during creation, so moving from 2D to 3D PDFs can retain the corporate styles.

PDF3D News:

That’s great. Let’s talk quickly about how this solution is ideal for distributing spatial analysis reports to remote teams. Could you give us a little rundown on why this spatial modeler plugin is perfect for these types of situations.

Ian:

We’ve seen situations where remote survey teams are off-grid on jungle tracks or 100s of miles offshore doing marine surveys. Or sometimes security simply prohibits using the public internet. In these cases a PDF is the lowest common denominator for small file transfer size and is able to be viewed off-line.

Embedding the measurement tool right inside the file means it can be used to answer unexpected questions that come up in the field.

PDF3D News:

That’s great. Before we sign off here, is there anything else that you’d like to add Ian?

Ian:

Thanks Kia, I encourage you to take a look at our website at PDF3D.COM and see what’s up there. The plugin is featured in a video demo and there are samples of 3D PDFs you can download. We’re very excited about the launch and we look forward to talking with you again.

PDF3D News:

Excellent. Thank you so much for your time today,Ian. We really appreciate your taking time for this interview. And to all of our listeners, thank you for joining us today for today’s PDF3D News interview. Be sure to visit PDF3D.COM to read the latest news, and be sure to sign up for our e-mail newsletter updates.