AutoDesk 3D 2006

[MJS]

Hi,

I'm an archaeology student, and I'm using (or trying to use) Autodesk map 3D 2006 to study butchery marks on horse bones.

I have 3D wireframe scanned images of the bones I'm using (.dxf files).

I have several questions, and if anyone could answer at least one of them, or point me towards a tutorial that might help, I'd be very greatful. I've already done a few basic tutorials, but I don't yet have all the knowledge I need to complete my project.

1. For each line (butchery mark) that I'm drawing onto the bone, I will need to attach a data table. I also need to export these datatables into an access database. Any suggestions on the best way to do this?

2. What kinds of GIS analysis will the software do? Right now I need to know how to do cluster analysis on these butchery marks, but I'm not sure how exactly to go about this, and would also like to experiment with other options.

3. This isn't really important, but just for fun, how can I use the software to make a spinning bone .gif image (or something similar) that I can use online to show off the project I'm doing?

The most important and pressing thing right now is the database, and I've been exploring the software but still haven't figured out the best way or really any way to do this.

Please send me a message if I need to clarify any of these questions, and thanks for any help.

[MJS]

Okay, cross item number 1 off that list. Database stuff is all sorted.

As for the analysis, I've been told I may need to write my own code in autolisp for the algorithms that I'm using. I don't have much experience coding, but it doesn't seem too difficult. I'm still wondering if there is already a built in cluster analysis function though. Does anyone reading this have experience with cluster analysis (ie running nearest neighbour or other analyses to determine whether the datapoints are in one large cluster, several small clusters, or randomly distributed)??

And number 3 is still on the list too, if anyone could tell me how to make my spinning bone image to use in powerpoints or anything else.

Thanks

[CADTutor]

The first thing worth pointing out is that Autodesk Map isn't a full-blown GIS solution. I suppose it's a half-way house, a bridge between plain AutoCAD and a full GIS application. It is mainly designed for AutoCAD users in the environmental professions that deal with map bases in large data sets and need help with georeferencing etc.

I'm not aware that the type of analysis tools you need are available in Map but it's worth checking here (http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=3081357) just in case.

The spinning bone is also not something that you can easily do in AutoCAD since there is no in-built animation feature. You'd be better off looking at one of the dedicated 3D modelling and animation apps like MAX. Or, if you're on a budget, try Blender (http://www.blender3d.com/cms/Home.2.0.html) the free, open source solution.

[MJS]

How do I "unwrap something"? Say I have a 3D image (cylinder-like) and I want to unfold it into a rectangle-like shape, how can I do that?

Also, how do I decrease the resolution of a 3D wireframe object?

Thanks

[scj]

Hi MJS,
have a look at www.black-cad.de.
There is a working DEMO available.
Good luck!
Jochen

[MJS]

Thanks.

I have another question:

How can I turn a 3D image into a 2D image? I'd like to unroll the images onto a flat surface, but if that doesn't work I could also try squashing it. Any suggestions?

[MJS]

How can I calculate the surface area of a 3D mesh object?

And is there a way to create a profile or slice of a 3D mesh object? I want a 2D outline of my object.

[f700es]

Thanks.

I have another question:

How can I turn a 3D image into a 2D image? I'd like to unroll the images onto a flat surface, but if that doesn't work I could also try squashing it. Any suggestions?

search for a flatten lisp file. This will allow you to "squash" a 3d image into a 2D one. It is in the bonus tools so it should be there (if they were installed). Type flatten and see what happens.

[CarlB]

To get a slice or section of a 3d mesh object, the only way I know of is to first convert it to a solid (with m2s.lsp), then use the "slice" command.