3D content of interactive visualization of Axis cameras with Autodesk Revit

The innovative Axis Camera Families for Autodesk Revit provides 3D camera models to illustrate what the installed camera will look like in the real world and what areas of the surveillance system it will cover once it is up and running.

Axis Communications Launches Powerful Addition to Tooling for Security System Designers. Camera models in Axis Camera Families include detailed accurate metadata for modeling building information (BIM). The 3D models will also allow security system designers to interactively visualize the range of the cameras to help them choose the most appropriate camera model and optimize system settings.

Peter Friberg, Director of Systems and Services at Axis Communications, stressed that “Safety should be an integral part of the design process of any large building. To achieve the best level of safety and avoid blind spots that could potentially become a safety issue, Safety systems must be planned at the same time as other essential services such as electricity or plumbing and sanitary installations”.

With the new 3D models in Axis Camera Families, security system designers can place Axis network cameras directly on CAD building plans and visualize the areas that the cameras will cover. The software allows them to see exactly how the cameras will fit into the layout of the building and easily detect if the views are obstructed by columns or walls, to reduce unforeseen blind spots.

This means that the planning of security systems can now be completed as an integrated part of the building design, integrating into the same tool flow that is used for the design of the rest of the building. Users of the CAD system can also access information about each camera, from model number to mounting accessories, Power consumption and resolution.

Real 3D Modeling

Todd Kotlaba, Systems Project Manager & Partner at TLC Engineering for Architecture, has been one of the first users of Axis Camera Families. “We have used Axis Camera Families in CCTV designs for our clients.

The camera's real 3D model gives us the ability to detect collisions and avoid conflicts with other systems in the building, such as mechanical installations, electrical and plumbing, avoiding directing conflicts and obstructions to the field of view that the camera will cover. Axis Camera Families is also very useful for customers who, often, they can't visualize what will look like when the building is completed. The information also identifies the pixels per square meter for the selected camera, helping to meet customer expectations for viewable image quality and recording resolution”, Kotlaba highlighted.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a concept in which all the components of a building, like the walls, The Doors, Pipes, etc., are included in a CAD database, giving a complete overview of all the details included in the design. This database is subsequently used not only for the planning and construction of the building, but also throughout its life cycle, to plan its maintenance and management.

Axis Camera Families for Autodesk Revit is available for free to Axis partners.