With the Axis Camera Extension for the SketchUp® 3D CAD software, system designers can conveniently select Axis Network Cameras and insert them into 3D models of buildings. Different mounting positions and view angles can be evaluated through interactive camera views showing the respective camera coverage areas. Users can pan, tilt and zoom the cameras to determine the optimal setup for the best video surveillance coverage.
Axis Communications, the Swedish network video product manufacturer, has introduced the Axis Camera Extension for SketchUp providing interactive 3D models of Axis Network Cameras to aid in the planning and design of video surveillance systems. Users can place cameras into CAD building plans and visualise the areas the cameras will cover.
The new SketchUp extension from Axis allows users to see how the cameras fit into the building layout and to spot if camera views are obstructed by columns or walls. This effectively reduces the risk of unexpected blind spots when planning and designing CCTV systems.
Axis Network Cameras can be selected from the SketchUp toolbar allowing users to compare and evaluate different models as well as to determine the best mounting positions. Users can pan, tilt and zoom the cameras to adjust the field of view and define the optimal camera settings. Peter Friberg, Director of System and Services, Axis Communications, said: “SketchUp is a popular and easy-to-use 3D CAD software for security system design. With the new Axis Camera Extension, system integrators can use SketchUp to place Axis Network Cameras into virtual buildings to precisely plan camera view angles and coverage,” said . “As SketchUp integrates with Google Maps it makes it easy when working on city surveillance or critical infrastructure projects to get a good overview of the environment where the cameras are placed. The Axis Camera Extension allows system integrators to find the optimal camera model and settings for a given mounting position and significantly streamlines the overall planning and design process for video surveillance systems.”
Axis’ design tools also includes Axis Coverage Shapes for Microsoft Visio and Axis Camera Families for Autodesk Revit, pictured.
The Axis Camera Extension for SketchUp can be downloaded free from axis.com/tools. The Axis Camera Extension for SketchUp is initially available in English; more languages (French, Italian, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Brazilian Portuguese and Chinese) will be added in Q2, 2014.
