GPS data to mesh

**Ma3rk** · 03-19-2019, 03:07 PM

I'm looking for a script or utility that can take GPS data (extracted from GoPro footage) into CVS format, and convert that to point or polychain data I guess for Modeler.

I found a utility that extracts the GoPro info to CSV format. The GoPro data is Milliseconds, Latitude, Longitude, and Altitude. I "test" using GoogleEarth Pro which is getting the position but a bit iffy on the altitude. Shouldn't matter for Modeler I'd think.

The only thing I've found so far on the Lightwave end is Mike Greens script MG_Import_CSV_Motion_GN.ls, but it's for creating a motion path. I think there's someway to then take that into Modeler, so perhaps that's a start.

What I'm looking to get is just a coarse terrain mesh but reasonably accurate. Over half this property is covered in trees so Google Earth isn't of much help actually seeing the ground no matter what gets turned off in its UI.

Thanks.

**Sensei** · 03-19-2019, 07:18 PM

TrueArt's Node Library
http://nodelibrary.trueart.eu
has CSV Reader node.

You can specify which column(s) and row(s) you are interested in,
and use it in Displacement Node Editor to move single point-cloud accordingly to CSV data.
Then save transformed object and load in Modeler.

**lardbros** · 03-20-2019, 08:09 AM

Truart, didn't the CSV node used to be free?

**Sensei** · 03-20-2019, 10:49 AM

Pre-2019 version was free.

**inkpen3d** · 03-21-2019, 09:08 AM

What about USGS data? This video https://vimeo.com/322225534 (at about 1 hour and 3 minute in) spends a few minutes explaining in general terms how to download and extract terrain data from the USGS web site.

This page explains in detail how to get the data: https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/where-can-...elevation-data

And there's even an old thread on these forums about using such data: https://forums.newtek.com/archive/in.../t-142197.html

Of course, there's always a possibility that the USGS data might not be high enough resolution for your purposes.

**lardbros** · 02-03-2020, 07:48 AM

Hye TruArt...

That CSV Reader node you show above... is that in your "TrueArt's Node Library"?

It doesn't seem to be mentioned in your website at all, but wanted to make sure it was in there AND works with LightWave 2019?
Please could you confirm this?

**lertola2** · 02-03-2020, 07:39 PM

Its relevantly easy to format a list of 3D coordinates to conform to the .OBJ file spec in a spread sheet. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wavefront_.obj_file) The attached spread sheet shows how to format a list of vertices into a 2 point poly chain. Save it as a text file with the .OBJ extension and you can open it in Modeler.

**Sensei** · 02-03-2020, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by lardbros

That CSV Reader node you show above... is that in your "TrueArt's Node Library"?

It doesn't seem to be mentioned in your website at all, but wanted to make sure it was in there AND works with LightWave 2019?
Please could you confirm this?

Yes. It is working in LW 2019. I just checked it.