CadnaA handling and modelling

CadnaA is a highly usable, yet flexible program which enables a steep learning curve. The approach of having one interface for the whole program, without any modular separation, will allow CadnaA beginners to get started quickly, while the existence of sophisticated project organization techniques and advanced assessment tools will allow you to handle even complex projects with ease.


One interface for the whole software, one file per project

One of the big CadnaA advantages is its advanced usability. Regardless the type of project, CadnaA is always based on the same intuitive and efficient interface which does not require separate complicated modules.

The same concept is true when managing projects. One CadnaA file contains all the information, including geometry, bitmap images, tables, results at receiver points, façade evaluations and even noise maps… for up to 16 different scenarios regardless the size of the project. Complex project file structures and dependencies are not a problem with CadnaA.

Modelling tools

Compared to other programs, CadnaA features specific tools that make modeling tasks easier for all users. Therefore, it is significant not to focus on “what can be done?” but rather on pointing out “how it can be done?”. Some examples of this philosophy are:

  • Direct Facade Modelling: The Edit Facades command allows precisely to draw and calibrate emission sources and receivers which are located at the facade of buildings. Additionally, every picture* associated to any facade is represented within the 3D View in order to ensure a high-quality presentation anytime.
    *Option BMP Required
  • Digital Terrain Model Conditioning: the height information of objects like buildings or roads, and the terrain model frequently come from different sources of data and consequently don´t match perfectly. In CadnaA there are two commands designed to avoid such a mismatch. One can fit the objects to the terrain while the other can even fit the terrain to the objects.

Project organization: The ObjectTree

CadnaA has a sophisticated concept for organizing projects. All objects can be assigned hierarchically to a structure of folders – like in the Windows Explorer -  called ObjectTree. These folders can be then organized into groups and finally, groups are assigned to different variants or scenarios. Based on this organizational scheme, it is possible to compare sound sources with different properties, or noise attenuation solutions with completely different geometries, in a very fast way within the same project file. 

Automation of tasks*

CadnaA is widely used for large projects worldwide. These kind of projects always involve such a number of repetitive tasks that even the best tools and features embedded in a software are not enough to avoid extra working time from expert users. CadnaA can tackle this problem through the automation of tasks. As an example, CadnaA can look at all object tables looking for inconsistencies and solve them with just one click, or just simplify large Digital Terrain Models within the desired tolerance.

*Option X Required