Summit Evolution 8 is a market-leading photogrammetric workstation that allows you to extract and edit highly detailed data. It allows users to easily manage multiple models that can be created using just about any source of stereo imagery. It’s an affordable solution with exceptional functionality designed to quickly get you up and running so you can meet your project milestones.

One of the key selling points is the fact that it’s designed to seamlessly integrate with all the software you use most. This is something that the DAT/EM developers decided really early when creating Summit Evolution. Rather than recreating proprietary software, Summit Evolution aligns with many types of industry standard CAD and mapping products, which enhances user experience and reduces valuable downtime when you’re switching back and forth between programs.

Here’s a quick overview of the key integrations.

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Integrating Summit Evolution 8 With Project Design Software

AutoCAD

AutoCAD is the most useful computer-aided design software on the market and something that everyone working in architecture or engineering firms uses to create precise technical drawings. As such, it’s essential that DAT/EM products integrate well. Summit Evolution 8 is no exception. 

The combination of the two allows you to inspect surveyed area using stereo vision, enabling incredible precision, before using the data to draft incredibly detailed three-dimensional models. The combination allows you to inspect all surfaces and objects in the relevant area, helping you complete the design and get the job off the ground as soon as possible. The focus here is increasing productivity and optimizing efficiency by making easy to switch between the tools you need.

MicroStation

MicroStation is an alternative to AutoCAD with similar functionality, albeit targeted more toward engineering-specific design and production applications. It’s the best 3D modeling software available and it integrates with Summit Evolution 8 to convert photogrammetric stereoplotter data into digital three-dimensional ground coordinates. As such, it enhances digitizing, mapping, and editing.

Using Summit Evolution 8 Alongside Mapping Software

ArcGIS

ArcGIS, by Esri ,is an analytical program that helps users extract meaningful data from imagery. It’s a powerful tool that utilizes best-in-class spatial algorithms and comprehensive analytical methods to reveal patterns, improve predictions, and create better models. Most importantly, it can operate in three dimensions, bringing additional layers of context to maps. That’s where Summit Evolution 8 comes in. The two programs can work together, helping you create three-dimensional models that bring your data to life, giving you a fresh perspective to work through problems and innovate.

Global Mapper

Global Mapper, by Blue Marble, is a known as “all in one” GIS software. It’s a progressive platform with excellent spatial data processing tools that can help users create incredibly accurate maps that can easily be rotated, scaled, or edited. Global Mapper can utilize many different data types and can process and model elevation data with linear profiling, view shed calculation, watershed delineation, contour creation, cut and fill calculation, and terrain modification tools (among others).

Again, Summit Evolution 8 applies when it comes to creating and analyzing three-dimensional data. It can work with Global Mapper to identify things such as terrain layers, making it an efficient and effective way to create three-dimensional models for analysis and improvement.

Geomatica

Geomatica, by PCI Geomatics, has strong satellite sensing and remote mapping capabilities. It can process more than 130 different file types and it has a range of automated tools designed to speed up project development phases, whether that’s through a chained workflow or an individual algorithm. One of the best aspects of this is the ability to train data sets to enable batch processing. It also has excellent aerotriangulation and analysis tools that allow users to create corrected data at scale, providing valuable insights when it comes to measuring and mapping projects.

Blending Summit Evolution 8 And Other Photogrammetry Software

Inpho

Inpho, by Trimble Geospatial, is an industry standard photogrammetry platform that can transform images into datasets used to create accurate surface models and point clouds. It can be purchased as a whole system or as a range of components that integrate with external programs such as Summit Evolution 8. Our developers work closely together to ensure our software talks back-and-forth so our customers have a great user experience when they need to transfer data.

Metashape

Metashape, by Agisoft, also enables rapid photogrammetric processing of images. It creates three-dimensional spatial data that can be used for a variety of applications. Data processed through Metashape can be transferred straight into Summit Evolution 8, which allows you to start mapping immediately for a much more affordable price than other photogrammetry tools on the market.

Correlator3D

Correlator 3D, by SimActive, can process aerial images captured by drone, aircraft, or satellite. It’s optimized for speed, making it a valuable asset for large mapping projects no matter how the data are sensed. It’s suitable for three-dimensional modeling, orthomosaics, digital surface models and point clouds, and digital terrain models, making it a helpful tool for organizations in many industries. It was another program the Summit Evolution 8 developers took into account to ensure DAT/EM’s premium photogrammetry product could interact with all the key players in the market.

Enhancing Summit Evolution 8 With Specialized Modules

Ortho+Mosaic

Summit Evolution 8 can pair with a DAT/EM’s Ortho+Mosaic module, which allows you to create orthomosaics easily and precisely. This means that you can easily correct issues such as lens distortion and camera tilt in aerial images, creating usable high-quality visuals.

Orthomosaics are becoming increasingly popular as more companies send drones into the skies, because this leads to greater variability in data than traditional aerial surveys. This module ensures al images are geometrically correct with a uniform scale that enables accurate measurements.

This module is ideal for organizations needing to map dynamic locations such as highly-trafficked streets, regions affected by extreme weather, or places prone to rapid change such as sand dunes or crops. It’s also very helpful for anyone requiring a details overview of a large area.

Airfield3D

DAT/EM’s Airfield 3D module enables Summit Evolution 8 to create detailed maps of airports and airfields that are compliant with NGS and FAA standards. It’s becoming increasingly popular for engineering firms looking to diversify income streams in the public sector.

Airfield3D integrates with ArcGIS and provides precise geospatial and aeronautical data. It’s paired with Summit Evolution Professional to enable viewing of all actual and potential obstructions, enabling them to be identified, attributed, and managed appropriately. 

The data is collected directly into a template designed specifically to meet FAA Advisory Circular 150/5300-18B standards, which means files are always in the right format for delivery. 

Try the Summit Evolution 8 Demo

This is just a selection of some of the most common software integrations used with Summit Evolution 8. If you have questions about other programs that haven’t been mentioned here, we welcome you to get in touch. DAT/EM is committed to providing best-in-business customer service that prioritizes and excellent user experience. You can also try it for yourself with a 30-day demo that will enable you to access our full technical support to ensure it meets the needs of your project.

Ready to try it yourself? Contact our sales team.