We have been working hard on the last few weeks on the newest version of OrthoGraph. This new version comes with three major novelty.
First of all, you can enjoy the 3D and also the 2D view in full HD because we have upgraded the graphical engine behind OrthoGraph. So if you have an iPad with Retina screen, you will definitely see the improvement in the visual appearance of the software.
The previous engine was the cause of several problems so this development will significantly improve the stability of the application.
However OrthoGraph is considered an intuitive application, it was always important for us to help our users understand every function in the app. That's why we decided to create a new tutorial and first steps demonstration for the app. We believe that this will help you better understand the logic behind OrthoGraph and whenever you need help, you can access it with a simple click on the little blue hat icon.
Screenshot from the new tutorial
Last but not least we have also improved our IFC export file enhancing the CAD compatibility. With the IFC file you can transfer your OrthoGraph floorplan to most of the CAD software like ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, Vectorworks etc...
However we work with industry standard export formats such as IFC and DXF, many of our users or to-be users ask about the compatibility of OrthoGraph with a specific software that they are using for their everyday work.
So we decided that we will show you how OrthoGraph export files work in different CAD software. At this time, we would like to write about the Vectorworks compatibility. We have tested the OrthoGraph export files in Vectorworks 2015 software both with the DXF and with the IFC export files.
Please watch our short video about the OrthoGraph- Vectorworks compatibility and see it with your own eyes how simple and accurate it is:
DXF export
OrthoGraph's DXF export is a two dimensional export format. To use this, you don't have to do anything else but export your OrthoGraph project in DXF either with the "Upload to Dropbox" tool or with the "Send by email" tool.
You can choose from single and separate layers. Separate layers means that every location and measurement will be on a separate layer. If you chose single layer then everything will be on one layer.
In Vectorworks, you can click on File/Import/ DXF import and simply open the file. After that, we recommend to click on View/Zoom/ Fit to page area in order to see the model well.
This steps will result a fully measured and accurate 2D floor plan.
IFC export
OrthoGraph's IFC format is a 3D format. To use this, you don't have to do anything else but export your
OrthoGraph project in IFC either with the "Upload to Dropbox" tool or
with the "Send by email" tool.
There are also the same steps in Vectorworks. Simply select File/Import/ IFC import and open your IFC file. In View menu select Layer Options/ and allow "Show others".
With these settings, you will be able to see the full 3D model.
Have you ever been on site where you needed to register the condition of the walls, the type of windows or the number of wall outlets etc.? You can use the Notes field at most of the entities in OrthoGraph but wouldn’t it be great if there were a dedicated field for it?
It is impossible to create and handle a property sheet with all possible properties, so instead of that we let you decide:
We developed a new feature that allows any user to add their own property.
How does it work?
From OrthoGraph 9.3 you can add your own property to OrthoGraph. Just use the property tool and touch an object, a wall-section or a door/window. The element properties window will pop up and in the top right corner you will see a little + icon. Simply tap on it to add a new property.
Scroll down the toolbar and type in the name of your new property. After that you can choose from 6 different type of data fields:
-Text is ideal for any kind of information
-Integer means natural numbers but it doesn't allow fractions. (e.g.:1; 3; 6,)
-Float means numbers with decimal( 2.26 ; 3.128)
-Length will mean data in meter, cm, foot, inch...
-Yes/No means a little switch that has two positions
-Picture allows you attach a picture
Choose the one you need and save your new property. After that the new property will be on the property sheet of any same element type. So if you create a property for a wall section then it will also appear on the property sheet of any other wall section. But it won't appear at any object's or opening's property sheet.
If you would like to delete a particular property than you do not have to do anything else but swipe your finger left on that property and tap on the delete button.
When your property name and data type is defined then you can type in the data.
So add any important property you need because from now on it is all possible in OrthoGraph!
The new version of OrthoGraph is now available with 4 significant new features.
Astonish your customers with clean and stylish 2D floor plans and with the new VR Panorama mode that let’s you peep trough a window into a realistic 3D Model or simply place down your iPad on your desk and let the model "grow out" of it like a hologram.
VR Panorama Mode
The new revolutionary feature of OrthoGraph opens a new window into the 3D world and let you naturally browse around in your 3D realistic floor plan. Just use your iPad as a window, move it around you and enjoy the view.
Impress your clients and show them their dream house trough a virtual reality screen.
3D Model view
The new 3D Model view makes it possible to show the floor plan in a new perspective.
It makes you feel like a real physical model is being rotated.
Just place the iPad on a flat horizontal surface such as a table when
you are in 3D walk-trough mode. Wait a few seconds and the 3D Model
view will start automatically. The floor plan will look like as it's stands out from the iPad.
Simple and clear floor plan set
Another new feature is the simple and clear floor plan kit. You have asked for a simpler design for schematic 2D floor plans and we have listened to you: We have created all existing object as a schematic symbol. We also created HVAC symbols so from now on it is also easy to plan heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems with OrthoGraph.
Ruler
We also added a ruler to the bottom right corner of the screen that lets you see the ratio of the floor plan. This new function is practical because you can create print screens of your floor plan or export a JPG and this picture will contain the ratio to the reality.
Get the new OrthoGraph 9.0 from AppStore and try out the new features: Download OrthoGraph 9.0
Both OrthoGraph with the floor plans and Point Clouds are great tools for building surveying but what are the differences and the connections between these two useful tools? This article gives a you a detailed answer for this question.
About Point Clouds
Point clouds are created by 3D scanners.
These devices measure a large number of points on an object's surface,
and output a point cloud as a data file. The point cloud
represents the set of points that the device has measured. The large number of data points results in a high information content;
this allows for a quick and detailed depiction of complex objects.
In architecture it is used mainly for site measurements of buildings.
This is especially interesting for older buildings that often do not
exhibit any regular geometric features. Difficult to access objects such
as facades and roof constructions can be efficiently dealt with using
laser scanning.
About OrthoGraph Floor Plans
A floor plan is a drawing to scale, showing a view from above, of the relationships between rooms, spaces and other physical features at one level of a structure.
OrthoGraph Floor Plans contain the outlines of the buildings / rooms. Floor plans are good when you would like to calculate with area , perimeter and other metrics or you would like to see the structure of a building . Floor plans are also the official formats in real estate business, in interior design or in architecture. Simple floor plans can be also indispensable for painters, tilers and for other craftsmen.
Point Clouds
OrthoGraph Floor Plans
Great forreval hidden details
x
Great for seeing the structure of a building
x
Small, easy to send file size
x
Official format in many professions
x
Good for understand different layers
x
Use Point Clouds in OrthoGraph
Did you know that OrthoGraph can handle special point clouds? If you Use Point Cab, it can create sectional views which can be uploaded to OrthoGraph as a background picture. Using such an accurate background picture can ease your work. For example, you don't have to calibrate point cloud pictures like other backgrounds, as these point cloud files contain dimensional data. If you have a point cloud file it is just a few click to create a 100% accurate floor plan with instant reports and PDF room books.
Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents, right? :-) At least we believe in the power of gifts and we would like to delight one of our fans.
We decided to surprise you for Christmas with a little contest with the opportunity to win the OrthoGraph Architect app for iPad.
You do not have to do anything else but
Subscribe to our newsletter (with an existing email address because we will contact you using your email address):
Anyone can participate in the game who meets both criteria (subscribe the newsletter and like our post during the duration of the game :December 1, 2014 to December 14, 2014.)
We will pick the winner with random method from the participants of the game on December 19, 2014.
We proudly share the fact with you that OrthoGraph is among the Tabby Awards Business 2014 finalists.
OrthoGraph is listed -together with four other apps- as a finalist in the category called " iPad- in-the field".
The Tabby Awards /Business, the only competition for the best
business and enterprise tablet apps, today announced the Finalists for
2014.
An international panel of 20 independent judges reviewed entries from a dozen countries and selected the 75 best business apps for Android, iPad and Windows tablets in 26 categories.
Now, you have the opportunity to share your opinion with us.
As always, we would like to develop OrthoGraph based on the customer demands that’s why we ask you to fill out our questionnaire.
As a response for your help we will provide you with a gift: a 1-month free OrthoGraph Cloud Business access dedicated to you and 1 employee license that you can hand over to one of your colleagues.
Share your thoughts and have a real impact on OrthoGraph’s future because we truly believe that your opinion really matters!
It’s summer, so we were joking around a little bit and we created this funny video to motivate you to fill our questionnaire:
OrthoGraph was included in The best iPad apps for architects.
The appPicker website ,that collects and sorts mobile apps, chose our software one of The best iPad apps for architects.
OrthoGraph was included in a list that contains 10 mobile applications specially chosen for the needs of people who work as architects or study architecture.
We feel proud and rewarded that OrthoGraph is in that list and this result also stimulates us to constantly renew and improve our application. Our mission is always to provide the best AEC CAD app that meets the highest quality standards and makes the building survey an effective, fast process with high accuracy.
Are you ready for the newest version of OrthoGraph with stunning new features?
We are working hard on the new version, it's coming soon.
Celebrating Summer, (and our CEO's birthday ) we decided to present you with a special offer. Buy OrthoGraph Architetct, the professional building survey application for iPad with 20% discount today.
From now on till the next update you can buy OrthoGraph Architect in the Appstore 20% less than normally.
Download it now,
and enjoy the most advanced AEC CAD App running on iPad and use all of
it's 16 unique features that makes OrthoGraph outstanding.
Have you ever thought of how great it would be to have a detailed room book of what you have drawn and measured on the spot? All rooms with their drawings, furniture list, sizes, calculations and even with the images you shot on-site? We did.
The PDF export feature of OrthoGraph is there for you including everything you drawn, measured and entered into the floor plan. Use it as a professional architect, painter, tiler, forensics with all details or as a retail agency containing fancy renders of the flat you wish to introduce.
The OrthoGraph Architect App has several export options, one of them is the PDF export format. With this PDF export, you can create so called "room books" with a click. The App automatically generates the PDF file containing well arranged and detailed data and pictures about the full project.
A page of a PDF room book
The PDF room book contains all data such as area of the location, area of the walls, perimeter, area of the windows and doors regarding all created locations of each room of a project. The room book lists the objects of a room/building with all properties. You can read here the width, depth, height and all properties, images of every objects in their corresponding locations.
The PDF lists the previously attached pictures both attached to the objects and also to all windows/doors. Use the camera of your iPad or use a previously created photo and attach it to the properties of an object.
A page of a PDF room book with attached pictures
Additionally, the PDF file contains a drawing of the floor plan regarding every single location. You can control whether you want to see the flooring, the reference line or the objects. You can turn on or off these in the view toolbar with the three state switches. The PDF will show the same you see on the editor screen of your iPad.
On the picture below, you can see a perfect output for real estate agents. Visible flooring and objects make this version of the floor plan an excellent presentation tool on a real estate website because everyday people are willing to prefer realistic drawings over technical floor plans.
A first page of a PDF room book-view options optimized for real estate agents
For architects who are only interested about the structure of the building, we suggest to use the PDF output when the visibility of the flooring and the objects are turned off, but the dimension and the room labels are visible.
A first page of a PDF room book-view options optimized for architects
Now, are you curious about how to create a room book? It is super easy, just go to the survey toolbar and click on the send by email tool or the save to Box/DropBox tool. Here you can choose from six output options. Now you need to choose the PDF output. After you have clicked on the PDF button, the App automatically creates pictures of the different locations separately and together (from the current view you are standing). It takes only a few seconds, after that, the email client will pop up, and you can simply add the recipient(s) and send the email. Watch the video below to see it live:
The PDF roombook is a very useful tool if you need the documentations of your projects. This function can help a lot when you want to see all information together. Whether you are an interior designer, an architect or a real estate agent, PDF room book will be indispensable for you after you have tried it.
So now you know: if you need a summary about your project, or you would like to see all important information and calculations regarding a building or building complex together, or you just need this information only regarding to a room - it is there for you, direct on the spot.
We proudly announce that besides English, from now on, OrthoGraph
Cloud is available in German and Hungarian too!
Not only the entire website is translated but the automatic system messages will arrive in your selected language after you have given your language preferences in the Settings.
Use OrthoGraph in your native language, enjoy the automatic
server backups and work in teams!
Wir sind stolz verkünden zu
können, dass neben Englisch, von nun an Orthograph Cloud auch in Deutsch und
Ungarisch verfügbar ist!
Nicht nur die gesamte Webseite wurde übersetzt, die automatischen System-Meldungen werden in der ausgewählten Sprache kommen, nachdem Sie Ihre Spracheinstellungen in den Einstellungen angegeben haben.
Benutzen Sie Orthograph in
Ihrer Muttersprache und genießen Sie die automatischen Server-Backups und
arbeiten Sie in Teams!
Büszkén jelentjük be, hogy az
angol mellett, mától már németül és magyarul is elérhető az OrthoGraph Cloud!
Nem csak a teljes honlap, hanem a rendszerüzenetek is az ön által kiválasztott nyelven fognak érkezni, miután megadta nyelvi preferenciáit a Beállítások menüpontban.
Használja az OrthoGraph-ot az
anyanyelvén és vegye igénybe az autómatikus biztonsági mentéseket és a
csapatmunka funkciót!
We had our first webinar held on 9th March with many participants and many questions. As one of the most important results there is a nice article published about OrthoGraph by a CAD professional journalist, Ralph Grabowski in upFron.eZine.
The Google SketchUp converter software is a stand alone Windows application that installs it into the Start menu of Windows. Its use is very simple (it has only two buttons):
Click the "Google SketchUp Conversion" button
Select the .srvd file that you have created using the iPad application - and transfered to your PC using DropBox
Choose a destination file
And you are done. When the conversion is ready, a notification dialog informs you about it.
To have an impression how easy this new module is please have a look at the screenshot made about it:
