Between the Lines

Still on Windows Vista and Using Autodesk software?

Operating Systems does not age like a fine wine and instead have an expiration date just like milk where they smell and taste bad after time. If you are still using Windows Vista and plan to upgrade Autodesk software this year, you may want to consider upgrading your old Operating System. As of January 1st 2012 upgrades or new releases and services will no longer be supported on Windows Vista. Read more →

Autodesk Octo-Copter Testing

As I mentioned in a recent post (Aerial Capture of 3D Geometry), I was hoping to attend a test flight of the remote controlled Octo-Copter that captured photos that were then used to automatically generate a 3D model using Autodesk 123D Catch. Last Thursday the weather and my schedule aligned and I joined Autodesk employee Gonzalo Martinez Director of Strategic Research in San Rafael California for test flight of the 8 bladed aerial copter. The eight bladed craft can operate 100% autonomous based on a programmed GPS route and patterns or if you are skilled you can run in manual pilot mode. Read more →

On This Day in 1982 – The Design Industry Changed

Autodesk was created on this day January 30, 1982 and would bring Computer Aided Design (CAD) down from the expensive mainframe systems to the PC with a new product named AutoCAD. Since that time CAD has grown and branched out into other CAD specialty processes like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Digital Prototyping. Autodesk also helped pioneer design visualization growing it from the DOS based 3D Studio in the early 80s to an entire business division of media and entertainment covering not only design visualization but gaming, movie special fx, and more. Read more →

This Week in Pictures

I spent the last week in the San Francisco Bay area Autodesk offices. It is always great seeing colleagues of mine. Here is my quick visual story of this week captured with my mobile phone. Read more →

Hacker Spaces – Come Meet Your Makers

This week I had the opportunity to visit the Noisebridge Hacker Space in San Francisco with an Autodesk colleague Gregory Miller and Alex Peake. Read more →

Extract Features & Shapes from Point Cloud Data in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Revit

If you have or receive point cloud data I wanted to point out Autodesk Labs currently has some preview technologies to convert the point cloud data into geometry and features in some Autodesk products. These preview technologies hosted on Autodesk Labs are free to use with the only purpose and request for posting them is we want your feedback. Read more →

Create a 3D Model of Your Head

I wanted to show how anyone can create a 3D model of themselves or a person they know using a digital camera, free Autodesk software, and a 3D printer. Read more →

Living in a World of Fluids

Perhaps there is no better way to study fluid dynamics than by visiting your local water park. With its water slides, wave pools, water fountains and more, water parks are a seriously fun way to experience the study of fluids in motion. Read more →

Autodesk Does Not Support SOPA

Autodesk applauds Congress for recognizing the threat that software piracy poses to our economy, but we cannot support SOPA as written. Read more →

MrCADman on Twitter - No More

I just changed my Twitter username @mrcadman to my real name @ShaanHurley. Twitter allows you to do this and keep your followers. Why did I do this, well because I was tired of being referred to by “MrCADman” at events,... Read more →

Autodesk University 2011 Stats

It has been just over a month since Autodesk University 2011 and I though I would share some fun statistics to share around the water cooler. Read more →

Aerial Capture of 3D Geometry

In a technology research project Autodesk employee Gonzalo Martinez Director of Strategic Research in the office of the CTO has built and modified an Octo-Copter uav (unmanned aerial vehicle) to capture both video and photos to generate a 3D model using 123D Catch. The eight bladed copter craft is 100% autonomous based on a programmed GPS route or if you are skilled you can run in manual mode. The craft can reach an astounding altitude of 1000 meters and can carry a payload such as cameras. Read more →

Dances With Elephants - New Autodesk Blog

Yes, “Dances With Elephants” is the title of this new blog by Autodesk’s Jim Quanci and very fitting when you understand the purpose of the new blog. The blog is not about literally dancing with a two ton pachyderm, but instead a metaphor for the small companies working with large companies. Read more →

View, Plot, or Convert a DWG for Free

It is a very common situation, you or an acquaintance receive a DWG file or you need to share a DWG with someone. You can download the free AutoCAD DWG TrueView. DWG TrueView is based on exactly the same code as AutoCAD, by the same company Autodesk. Read more →

14 Years – 98 in Dog Years

Today marks my 14th year with Autodesk. I really never thought when joining Autodesk back in 1998 I would be here 14 years later. I thought I would jump back out into the design and fabrication world again after a... Read more →

AutoCAD 2012 for Mac Service Pack 1

In order to improve the product and customer experience Service Pack 1 has been released for AutoCAD 2012 for Mac. Review the ReadMe documentation before installing to see what was addressed as well as important installation instructions. Read more →

The Fundamentals of Friction

Rub two sticks together fast enough and you will end up with a fiery demonstration of friction in action. It might seem elementary, but the forces of friction can come with destructive consequences. Read more →

Happy New Year 2012

I have been spending my annual holiday week off with the family, cleaning my office and computers as well as dipping deeper into the Maker movement with 3D printing. I finally received a MakerBot 3D printer yesterday and got to printing right away learning the tips and tricks to this open source hardware. What do I have planned for 2012? I will continue to cover Autodesk technologies and products from A to Z like AutoCAD, Autodesk Labs projects, 3ds Max, Revit, Inventor, 123D, 123D Catch, to general technology topics and of course my wandering off topic fun, warped humor, and photography related posts. My focus is to have a broad spectrum view on all industries and nooks and crannies where technology is used by students, Makers and DIY’ers, to the professionals. I am planning for a year better than any previous and hope you have an amazing new year as well. Forget about those crazy end of the world prophecies 2012 as it will be what you make of it, so make it great! Read more →