March 21, 2014—Axis Communications, a global provider of network video products, recently introduced the Axis Camera Extension for SketchUp 3D CAD software providing interactive three-dimensional (3D) models of Axis network cameras to aid in the planning and design of video surveillance systems. Users can conveniently select and place Axis cameras directly into computer-aided design (CAD) building plans to visually depict the areas the cameras will cover once installed.
The new SketchUp extension from Axis, which is free to download, allows users to see exactly how the cameras fit into the building’s layout and easily spot if camera views are obstructed by columns or walls. Different mounting positions and viewing angles can be evaluated through interactive camera models showing the respective camera coverage areas. This effectively reduces the risk of unexpected blind spots when planning and designing surveillance systems.
SketchUp users can select Axis network cameras from the toolbar and insert them into 3D models of buildings to compare and evaluate different camera models and determine optimal mounting positions. Users can also pan, tilt and zoom to adjust fields of view and define the best settings for optimal surveillance coverage, as demonstrated in this demo movie.
SketchUp 3D CAD software also integrates with Google Maps, which makes it easier for integrators, architects and engineers to design surveillance systems for city surveillance or critical infrastructure projects.
The Axis Camera Extension for SketchUp is available for free download from the Axis system design tools Web page along with other Axis video surveillance system design tools such as Axis Coverage Shapes for Microsoft Visio and Axis Camera Families for Autodesk Revit. The tool is initially available in English, and more languages (French, Italian, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Brazilian Portuguese and Chinese) will be added in the second quarter of 2014.
