3D Printing Map Markers

Purpose

3D Print map markers for use with paper maps.

Methods and Materials

Hardware:
MTU-MOST Rep-rap 3D Printer
PLA plastic

Software:
Trimble Sketchup
Cura
Repetier Host


Steps:

1. Design a map marker using Trimble Sketchup (formerly Google Sketchup).  Export as an OBJ file.

2. Use Cura to open the OBJ file and save into GCODE for use with the 3D Printer

3. Use Repetier Host to print the GDODE

Settings:
25% fill

Future

• Add magnets to the markers for use on whiteboards
• Add label holders
• Standardize symbology for Fire/EMS/Emergency Management use

Project Hardware and Software

Here is a summary of the software and hardware I've been working with recently.

Software

Autodesk Recap - This is cloud based processing of imagery and produces 3D models.

• Cost: Free with Academic License 
• Pros: Does not require hardware to process imagery 
• Cons: Requires time to upload imagery 

Autodesk Revit - This is building information modeling software that can be used to make 3D layouts from the Recap output.

Agisoft Photoscan - This is a commercial product. There are two versions: Standard and Professional.

• Cost: 600 - 3500 USD. Free demo but lacks ability to export results. 
• Pros: Ease of use. Does a great job processing with default parameters. 
• Cons: Requires lots of RAM. 16 GB should be minimum. 

VisualSFM/CMPMVS - This is an open source product. This software allows the creation of 3D Models, orthorectified imagery, digital surface models.

• Cost: Free. 
• Pros: Free. 
• Cons: Requires lots of disk space and CPU. Can be intimidating. 

Adobe Lightroom - This was useful for the DJI Phantom lens correction profile.

• Cost: 79 USD
• Pros: Lens correction profile for DJI camera. Easy to use contrast and histogram editing.
• Cons: Cost.

Meshlab - This is software for editing 3D models. It can be used to clean up artifact from your models

Hugin - This is a free open source software for stitching images together. It is often used for creating panoramic photos.


Microsoft ICE - Like Hugin, this is a free software (closed source) for stitching images together. It can create panoramic imagery that is compatible with Photosynth.


Three.JS - This is a Javascript framework for working with WebGL. It allows 3D visualization of the OBJ files.

RealFlight 7.5 - This is software used to practice flying. It has very realistic physics and supports many types of vehicles from tri/quad/hex copters to fixed wing aircraft and traditional helicopters.

Hardware

DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus

• Cost: 1700 USD including Pelican case, prop guards, and extra battery, charger. 
• Pro: Ease of use. Resale value. FPV/Telemetry 
• Con: Camera quality. Lack of mission planning software. 

Blade Nano QX

• Cost: 90 USD 
• Pro: Easy to fly. Can fly indoors. Has prop guards 
• Con: None. This is an excellent physical training quadcopter. 

RealFlight 7.5

• Cost: 179 USD 
• Pro: Practice flying without damaging apparatus. Elite Interlink edition has a controller similar to Futaba radio. 
• Con: Price. 

Canon SX260

• Cost: 250 USD 
• Pro: Canon CHDK. Image quality. Ability to remove infrared filter. 
• Con: Weighs a hefty 230g. 

Samsung Galaxy S4

• Cost: Used 75 USD. 
• Pro: Sensors, weight, Android SDK. 
• Con: None so far. 

Seek Thermal Imaging Camera

• Cost 200 USD 
• Pro: True longwave infrared thermal imaging in 7.5 - 13 micron range. 
• Con: Resolution.