[Chris Setlock]

I’ve been reading about a really awesome laser measuring tool that integrates with iOS devices to scan and model spaces.  It’s called “structure” and is very affordable.  It’s open source, so various developers are making apps that utilize it.  “canvas” seems to be one very relevant to what we do.

https://structure.io/#home-about-vid

https://canvas.io/

Has anybody at 2020 explored this?  I’m one of the few people who uses the “Magic Plan” integration.  This gadget blows the doors off Magic Plan!

[Mike Langensiepen]

We’be been trying to get 2020 to give us a customised import for years. We have Leica 3D Disto and the automatic ScanStation for scanning entire rooms to point clouds. We can output this to XML and get 2020 to pick that up as a room layout but we can’t select items we require such as specific door/window styles, aircon head units, power outlets and switches – this is why we need the import to be customised.

We are willing to pay for it but despite promises at the highest levels, the conversation goes quiet and nothing happens.

[Chris Setlock]

I’ve read some of your earlier posts, Mike.  That sounds quite frustrating.

Speaking as Devils Advocate, though; The Leica 3d systems cost more than $10k.  Well worth it to a high-volume business like yours, but out of the reach of the smaller independents.

I haven’t used it personally, but the “Structure” system costs less than $500, and seems to offer much of the same functionality.  These sorts of tools are only going to become more common, and less expensive.  It makes sense to integrate with something that will likely be widely adopted.

[Mike Langensiepen]

Oh I wasn’t knocking Structure or MagicPlan (or Google Tango) and I’ve looked around for similar room mapping systems. The problem is that they are all limited by 2020s willingness to have a GOOD import facility.

We’ve tried just about everything including eLaser from the eTemplate guys but none of them allow us to select the right Windows, Doors etc. and until we can then the import facility is effectively useless as I can stick a PC on a benchtop and daw the walls and everything in 30 minutes and thats’s checking wall angles, wall lean etc.

 

A basic wall layout importfacility is worth squat without that control of the import.

[Chris Setlock]

No, I didn’t think you were knocking it.  I’d like very much to see better integration of these systems.  I’m just trying to understand 2020’s hesitation, so I can hopefully better craft my own argument that they should step it up.  From their side, I imagine it’s a wait and see:  which system dominates, and when is there sufficient penetration to warrant the resources.  Things are moving and changing so fast that they could easily blow a big budget backing the “wrong horse”.

I disagree that it’s useless without complete integration.  Even with the sloppy import of doors and windows, I find using Magic Plan is a big time saver.  I still have the space measured, accurately, in minutes, and importing the room saves me time.  I just have to change or edit windows and doors.  At my last job, I had access to an LT55 (stone fabricator’s laser).  That couldn’t import at all, but it still enabled me to measure the space quickly and accurately.  I didn’t need someone holding the other end of the tape, I didn’t have to figure how to measure around a lot of clutter.

[Mike Langensiepen]

I’m afraid I don’t understand the hesitation. I can understand waiting to see what dominates but they already offer 2 types of import from eLaser and MagicPlan and we were happy to pay for it (as long as the charge was reasonabe). I’ve delved a little into the XML import format and the mechanics to get specific items imported are in there but they aren’t fully implemented.

We tried MagicPlan and found it wasn’t accurate enough so we still had to take manual measurements. I found a slight time saving by using a Bluetooth equipped lasertape that sent the measurements to the notebook.

The point is that any replacement measuring method has to be fast, accurate and cost the same or less as using a professional to get the wall plan spot on otherwise just forget it.

Each to their own. Each business works in slightly different ways. Whatever works, works.

[Ben Petuchowski]

I know you had this conversation a few years ago, but I wanted to chime in, as I lead marketing for Canvas. There are quite a few updates that have happened since you brought up Canvas that I think you’d be interested to know about:

• We now directly support 2020 Design Live as an output format. No importing required – simply use our Scan To CAD service and you’ll receive a .kit file that you can open in 2020 Design as if you had made it yourself.
• You no longer have to purchase a special sensor! If you have a LiDAR-enabled iOS device – the iPad Pro (2020 version) or an iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 12 Pro Max – you can simply download the app from the Apple App Store and start scanning.

 

I’ve attached a .kit file of a kitchen that was scanned with Canvas and processed via our Scan To CAD service. We also have a Sample Data Package that contains several more sample files, if you’d like to experiment with additional Canvas-generated 2020 Design Live files.

If you’re interested in scanning a kitchen or bathroom and seeing how it works, please comment here with your email address or send me an email at ben@canvas.io and I’ll share a promo code that will allow for a free 2020 Design Live output so you can see how Canvas can work with your workflow. And, I encourage you to visit canvas.io to learn more about Canvas and our Scan To CAD service.