Opening and Accessing Laser Models

Laser models are represented in the Design (DESI) database by External Geometry (XGEOM) elements. The XGEOM element records the reference strings to identify a particular laser model and the relevant external laser model server application which manages access to the detailed point cloud data.

The XGEOM can be used naturally in many existing commands and GUI interactions, for example, to add or remove point cloud models in the display list and other lists. There are also some laser model specific commands that apply to XGEOMs. These are listed in Manipulating Views.

Below the XGEOM, AVEVA E3D Design/Outfitting also builds up a coarse spatial occupancy "map" to give AVEVA E3D Design/Outfitting functions some guidance about the distribution of points in the point cloud model. This map is used, for example, to determine volumetric limits for the laser model and to support the internal spatial map used during clash calculations. This map is built up as a hierarchy of XCLTN, XCELS and XCELL elements below the XGEOM. It is not normally necessary for users to create or access these elements directly.

There are 2 ways to create XGEOMs and the associated spatial occupancy map. You can use the standard "NEW" command then generate the spatial occupancy map by command ‑ this approach is covered in Creating an External Geometry Element. Alternatively you can use the laser model specific import command which will create the XGEOM and the spatial occupancy map in one go ‑ this is described in Importing Models and Using the Vendor’s Model Browse Dialog.