Autodesk | Recap 2020 [top]
Architects scan historical buildings to capture intricate details. They design renovations without risking damage to existing structures. This eliminates the errors found in manual hand-measurements. Civil Engineering and Infrastructure
The short answer:
Processing millions of data points requires robust computer hardware. The 2020 version utilizes multi-core processors and graphic acceleration. Minimum System Specifications Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit) CPU: 2.0 GHz or faster multi-core Intel or AMD processor RAM: 8 GB
ReCap 2020 drastically reduced the time required to import raw scan data (from Leica, Faro, Z+F, and other scanners). The new indexing engine allows users to import projects up to 30% faster than in the 2019 version. This is critical for large infrastructure projects where a single scan might contain billions of points. autodesk recap 2020
: Once imported, ReCap provides tools to clean, classify, and manage massive point cloud datasets. This includes aggregating scans, removing noise, and reducing the number of points (decimation) to create more manageable files.
Measures exact dimensions between points in a 3D space.
Cannot export to Revit 2020. Solution: Install the "Point Cloud Extension" for Revit 2020. This is a free add-on from Autodesk. Then make sure the .RCP path contains no non-ASCII characters. The new indexing engine allows users to import
Creates permanent digital twins of heritage sites. This preserves structural records before degradation or renovation alters the site. Industrial Plant Retrofitting
Use automatic registration to align scans into one comprehensive project (.RCP).
stands as a high-water mark for desktop-based reality capture. It balances performance, stability, and compatibility better than any version before or after. While Autodesk has clearly moved toward a cloud-first strategy, the 2020 release remains the go-to tool for professionals who need offline reliability, unlimited local processing, and a one-time software cost structure. cohesive project. For photogrammetry users
Automated Registration: One of the most time-consuming parts of reality capture is "stitching" various scans together. ReCap 2020 improved the automated registration process, significantly reducing the manual effort required to align laser scans into a single, cohesive project.
For photogrammetry users, ReCap 2020 improved the color mapping algorithm. Scans captured with color sensors or DSLR cameras now display true-to-life colors immediately after import. This feature is invaluable for architectural heritage documentation and infrastructure inspection.
Some advanced functions (e.g., large-scale registration, sharing) push you to ReCap Pro’s cloud engine, which requires a subscription and good internet. Offline capability is reduced.
While newer versions have since improved its performance and features, ReCap 2020 remains a functional and capable tool for many professionals. Its main strengths—deep integration with the Autodesk ecosystem and powerful reality capture features—are tempered by its high hardware requirements and the significant processing times reported by some users.
Align the scans using automatic indexing or manual targets.