How do I create audience surfaces from Google Maps satellite imagery for Soundvision?

Open Surface Generator in Map Mode, search your venue address, set the Stage Center as Reference Point, draw audience polygons over the satellite view, click Elevation to automatically fetch terrain heights from the Google Elevation API, and export directly as an L-Acoustics Soundvision (.txt) file.

How do I import and calibrate PDF floor plans into d&b ArrayCalc?

Switch to Floor Plan Mode in Surface Generator, upload your architectural PDF drawing, click Calibrate Scale to draw a reference line between two known points, align the stage origin, draw the audience planes, and export as a d&b ArrayCalc (.dbac) file.

Which acoustic simulation software packages are supported?

Surface Generator exports to L-Acoustics Soundvision (.txt), d&b audiotechnik ArrayCalc (.dbac/.dbacv), Martin Audio DISPLAY 3 (.skp), Electro-Voice PREVIEW (.dae), Bose Professional Modeler (.dxf), AFMG EASE 5 & EASE Focus 3 (.dxf/.pdf), CODA Audio System Optimiser (.cvlf), JBL Venue Synthesis (.gcf), Meyer Sound MAPP 3D (.dxf), NEXO NS-1 / Yamaha AFC Image (.dxf), RCF RDShape (.xrds), AutoCAD 3D (.dxf), CSV, and PDF reports.

How does elevation calculation work for sloped festival grounds?

Surface Generator integrates the Google Maps Elevation API to sample precise ground elevation above sea level at every polygon vertex. It calculates relative Z-heights from the stage reference origin and automatically computes surface slope, tilt angles, and ear height offsets (seated 1.20 m / standing 1.65 m).

How does the L-Acoustics Soundvision Rigging Guide (Array-View) work?

Surface Generator features a dedicated Mechanical Rigging Guide at /array-view.html that displays interactive 2D side elevations of loudspeaker arrays with calculated trim heights (top, bottom, and enclosure bottom), rigging pick points, splay angles, site tilt, Panflex directivity, and bumper accessories, complete with a print-ready blueprint view and instant QR code sharing.

Surface Generator – Acoustic 2D/3D Venue & Audience Surface Planning Tool

Information pursuant to § 5 TMG

Andre Reitz
Großaltenstädter Straße 59A
35586 Wetzlar
Germany

Contact

Phone: +49 (0) 151 6 52 63 42 1
Email: support@va-tool.de

Trademarks & Brand Disclaimer

This Surface Generator is an independent, community-driven tool and is strictly not affiliated with, maintained, authorized, endorsed, or sponsored by any loudspeaker manufacturer or software developer. All trademarks, registered trademarks, product names, and company logos referenced on this site (including L-Acoustics, d&b audiotechnik, Meyer Sound, CODA Audio, JBL Professional / HARMAN, RCF, TT+ Audio, NEXO, Yamaha, Bose Professional, AFMG Technologies, and Autodesk) are the property of their respective owners and are used strictly for reference, identification, and interoperability purposes.

Liability for Contents

As service providers, we are liable for own contents of these websites according to Sec. 7, paragraph 1 German Telemedia Act (TMG). However, according to Sec. 8 to 10 German Telemedia Act (TMG), service providers are not obligated to permanently monitor submitted or stored information or to search for evidences that indicate illegal activities.

Legal obligations to removing information or to blocking the use of information remain unchallenged. In this case, liability is only possible at the time of knowledge about a specific violation of law. Illegal contents will be removed immediately at the time we get knowledge of them.

Liability for Links

Our offer includes links to external third party websites. We have no influence on the contents of those websites, therefore we cannot guarantee for those contents. Providers or administrators of linked websites are always responsible for their own contents.

The linked websites had been checked for possible violations of law at the time of the establishment of the link. Illegal contents were not detected at the time of the linking. A permanent monitoring of the contents of linked websites cannot be imposed without reasonable indications that there has been a violation of law. Illegal links will be removed immediately at the time we get knowledge of them.

Copyright

Contents and compilations published on these websites by the providers are subject to German copyright laws. Reproduction, editing, distribution as well as the use of any kind outside the scope of the copyright law require a written permission of the author or originator. Downloads and copies of these websites are permitted for private use only.

The commercial use of our contents without permission of the originator is prohibited. Copyright laws of third parties are respected as long as the contents on these websites do not originate from the provider. Contributions of third parties on this site are indicated as such. However, if you notice any violations of copyright law, please inform us. Such contents will be removed immediately.

1. An Overview of Data Protection

General Information

The following information provides a transparent overview of how your personal data is handled when you visit and use this website. Personal data is any data that can personally identify you.

Data Collection on this Website

Who is the responsible party (controller) for data collection on this website?
The data processing is carried out by the website operator (see contact info below).

How do we record your data?
Data is collected when you enter it (e.g. feedback/bug report). Technical data (browser, OS, IP address, timestamp) is recorded automatically by IT and hosting systems when accessing the website.

2. Hosting and Content Delivery Networks (CDN)

Google Firebase Hosting

We host this web application using Firebase Hosting, provided by Google Ireland Limited (Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland). When accessing the site, server log files (IP address, requested URL, browser) are processed for secure and reliable operation (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). A Data Processing Agreement (DPA) with Standard Contractual Clauses (SCC) and EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) certification is in place.

Cloudflare (DNS & Infrastructure)

DNS resolution and security routing for surface-gen.va-tool.de are provided by Cloudflare Inc. (101 Townsend St, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA; DPF-certified) based on Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR.

3. General Information and Mandatory Disclosures

Controller (Verantwortliche Stelle)

Andre Reitz
Großaltenstädter Straße 59A
35586 Wetzlar, Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 151 6 52 63 42 1
Email: support@va-tool.de

Your Rights as a Data Subject

Under the GDPR, you have the right to access (Art. 15), rectification (Art. 16), erasure (Art. 17), restriction of processing (Art. 18), data portability (Art. 20), objection (Art. 21), and the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority (Art. 77 GDPR).

4. Data Collection & Local Storage

Client-Side Local Storage (§ 25(2) No. 2 TDDDG & Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR)

This tool utilizes client-side localStorage to store your active unit preferences (m/ft), local venue projects, and Google Maps API quota counters. No cross-site tracking or profiling cookies are set.

Feedback & Bug Report Form

If you submit feedback or bug reports, the information provided therein is stored in our database (Google Cloud Firestore) to handle your request (Art. 6(1)(b) & (f) GDPR).

5. Third-Party Integrations & Map Providers

Google Maps Platform (Maps SDK, Elevation, Geocoding)

Integrated for interactive satellite views, geocoding, and terrain elevation sampling (Google Ireland Limited; Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

OpenStreetMap & Nominatim (Fallback)

Used as an emergency fallback map layer and search provider (OpenStreetMap Foundation; Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).

Switch projects instantly without reloading. Work is saved automatically.

☕

Support Free & Independent Development

Surface Generator is 100% free and open. If you use it for concerts, corporate events, or venue planning, please consider supporting hosting and satellite map APIs with a small donation.

Support with a Coffee ☕

Choose Your Planning Mode:

Select how you want to start your project. You can change this mode anytime in Settings.

Outdoor & Large Venues

Map Mode

Global Google Maps & OpenStreetMap satellite imagery. Automatically computes terrain elevation and ground slope for festivals and open-air venues.

Indoor & Arenas

Floor Plan Mode

Import architectural drawings (PDF, PNG, JPG). Calibrate real-world scale with a reference distance line and draft venue surfaces directly over blueprints.

Planning Mode

Switch between satellite map planning or architectural floor plan blueprint mode.

Map Mode Satellite & 3D

Satellite maps & automatic DEM terrain elevation for outdoor venues.

Floor Plan Mode PDF & CAD

Import architectural drawings, calibrate real-world scale & draft indoor surfaces.

Unit of Measurement

Choose your active unit of measurement. Surface dimensions, heights, and coordinates are converted automatically.

Offline Map Cache

Offline Ready

Map tiles are cached locally in your browser for instant loading and offline planning. Old tiles are automatically pruned when the limit is reached.

Cached Map Data Checking storage...

Storage Limit (Max Tiles) Lower to save disk space, raise for large offline venues.

Presets:

Import Room & Soundvision Data

3D room geometries (.txt, .dbac, .dxf) & Soundvision Reports (.pdf)

Active Unit:

SV Report .pdf

Soundvision Report (PDF)

Mechanical PDF: Arrays, Rigging & Trims

Soundvision .txt

Soundvision Room Data

3D Room surfaces & audience geometry

ArrayCalc .dbac / .xml

d&b audiotechnik

Native ArrayCalc venue & listening planes

DXF CAD .dxf

3D CAD / EASE / NEXO

EASE 5, NEXO NS-1, Bose Modeler, Adamson, MAPP 3D

Venue Synthesis .gcf

JBL Professional

JBL Venue Synthesis 3D Geometry & Planes

System Optimiser .cvlf

CODA Audio

System Optimiser Layer File (.cvlf) 3D Planes

Coordinates .csv / .txt

Coordinates Matrix

Point-by-point table (X, Y, Z coordinates)

Project .json

Project Geometry

Surface Generator project surfaces & config

Click to choose file or drag & drop here

Supports Soundvision Report (.pdf), Soundvision Room (.txt), ArrayCalc (.dbac / .xml), DXF CAD, JBL (.gcf), CODA (.cvlf), CSV, JSON

Input Unit Scale:

5-Minute Fast-Track: From Venue Map to 3D Acoustic Model

Workflow

Follow this step-by-step workflow to configure your open-air festival ground, arena, or indoor venue, construct stage & audience planes, and export ready-to-calculate files for L-Acoustics Soundvision, d&b ArrayCalc, EASE, and MAPP 3D.

1

Create Project & Set Unit

Click File ➔ + New Project in the top header. In Settings, choose your base measurement unit (Meters [m], Feet [ft], Centimeters [cm], or Millimeters [mm]).

2

Choose Mode: Map or Floor Plan

• Map Mode (Open Air): Type the venue name or address in the search bar. Switch the layer to 🛰️ Satellite.
• Floor Plan Mode (Indoor): Upload a PNG, JPG, or multi-page PDF. Click Set scale, draw a reference line on a known dimension, and enter its real-world length.

3

Position Origin (0,0,0) & Align Stage

In 3. Reference Point, click Set by click (or hold Shift to snap directly to a stage corner). Under 2. Alignment, rotate the compass until the green +Y Axis points straight forward toward the audience / FOH.

4

Draw Stage & Audience Surfaces

• Press S for Rectangle (hold Shift for 1:1 square) or D for Polygon.
• Set the category to Stage (Z = 1.50m) and Audience Standing (automatic 1.60m ear height) or Audience Seated (1.20m ear height).

5

Calculate Terrain & Inspect 3D Space

Enable Auto Z-Elevation (Google) to fetch real-world topography and hillside slopes. Click Set Reference Point as Z = 0 to align all surfaces to the stage datum. Press V to inspect the 3D room, satellite ground texture, and listener planes.

6

Export Target Format (Ctrl + E)

Press Ctrl + E to open the Multi-System Export Center. Select your acoustic prediction system (Soundvision, ArrayCalc, MAPP 3D, EASE, etc.) and click Download.

Standard Carthesian Acoustic Coordinate System

Surface Generator aligns all export formats with the standardized professional live audio coordinate standard:

Stage Axis Conventions

• Origin (0,0,0): Downstage Center (front edge of the main stage).
• +Y Direction: Forward towards audience, FOH, and delay towers.
• +X Direction: Stage Left (House Right when looking from FOH).
• -X Direction: Stage Right (House Left when looking from FOH).
• +Z Direction: Elevation above stage level (Upward).

Automatic Google Elevation (Auto-Z)

• Relative Topography: Computes elevation differences relative to the stage level (e.g. rising amphitheaters or festival lawns).
• Lowest Point = Z:0: Normalizes all surfaces so the lowest terrain elevation is exactly 0.00 m to prevent negative elevation issues in simulation software.

Full Keyboard & Mouse Shortcut Reference

22 Shortcuts

⚡ General & Navigation

Shortcut	Context	Action & Description
`Ctrl + K` / `Cmd + K`	Global	Command Palette: Quick search for tools, actions, and generators.
`Ctrl + E` / `Cmd + E`	Global	Export Center: Multi-system export dialog for all 12 acoustic formats.
`Ctrl + Shift + S`	Global	Soundvision & ArrayCalc Analyzer: Open Rigging & Mechanical Hub.
`V`	Global	2D / 3D Switcher: Seamlessly switch between 2D plan and interactive 3D WebGL space.
`Esc`	Global	Cancel / Close: Clear selection, exit active tool, close modals & 3D view.
`Ctrl + Z`	Global	Undo: Revert the last editing step.
`Ctrl + Y` / `Ctrl + Shift + Z`	Global	Redo: Restore previously undone actions.

✏️ Drawing & Generator Tools

Shortcut	Context	Action & Description
`X`	Toolbar	Select / Cursor: Select surfaces, move, and edit properties.
`S`	Toolbar	Rectangle Tool: Draw rectangular surfaces (Hold `Shift` for 1:1 square).
`D`	Toolbar	Polygon Tool: Construct custom freeform polygons point by point.
`O`	Toolbar	Circle / Ellipse: Circular stages, center-stages, and radial audience areas.
`G`	Toolbar	Bleacher Generator: Parametric stepped grandstands with automated incline.
`C`	Toolbar	Curved Seating: Radial / circular amphitheater seating rows & curves.

Transformation, Groups & Editing

Shortcut	Context	Action & Description
`M`	Toolbar	Move Tool: Move surface (Hold `Shift` for X/Y axis lock).
`R`	Toolbar	Rotate Tool: Rotate around centroid with 8 CAD snap points (0°, 45°, 90°...).
`B`	Toolbar	Reshape / Edit: Move vertices (Hold `Shift` for free angle mode).
`Ctrl + D` / `Cmd + D`	Editing	Duplicate: Clones selected surfaces with smart grid offset.
`Ctrl + G` / `Cmd + G`	Groups	Group: Group multiple selected surfaces together.
`Ctrl + Shift + G`	Groups	Ungroup: Disbands the selected group.
`Ctrl + A` / `Cmd + A`	Editing	Select All: Selects all surfaces on the plan.
`Delete` / `Backspace`	Editing	Delete: Removes currently selected surfaces.
`Shift + Click`	Reference Point	Corner Snap: Snaps origin (0,0,0) directly to a surface corner.
`R` / `Shift + R`	Room Import	Rotates imported 3D geometry in-flight by +15° / -15°.

🎮 3D & Mouse Controls

Action	Scope	Function
Left Click & Drag	3D Viewport	Orbit: Freely rotate 3D camera around the venue.
Right Click & Drag	3D Viewport	Pan: Move 3D camera viewport.
Mouse Wheel (Scroll)	2D & 3D	Smooth zoom in / out.
Double-click Slider	Orientation	Immediately resets rotation angle to 0°.

Intelligent Magnetic Snapping

Prevents gaps, overlapping polygons, and seam lines:

Snap Indicator	Type	Application
Green Dot	Corner Snap	Snaps to vertices of adjacent surfaces.
Cyan Dot	Midpoint Snap	Snaps to the exact edge midpoint.
Amber Dot	Origin Snap	Snaps to origin (0,0,0) of the main stage.

CAD Rotation System & Angle Snapping

Precise rotation with interactive CAD angular dial:

8 Cardinal Snap Points: Automatically snaps to 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, and 315°.
Real-Time Angle Badge: Displays the exact angle and deviation during rotation.
Shift Fine-Tuning: Hold Shift for 15° angle increments.
Centroid Rotation: Rotates complex polygons precisely around their mathematical centroid.

Parametric Generators (`G` / `C`)

Powerful automation for complex audience zones:

Bleacher Generator (G): Creates multi-tier grandstands with configurable tread depth, riser height, incline, and automatic ear-height calculation.
Curved Seating (C): Creates circular and curved seating segments for amphitheaters and arenas with variable radius and opening angle.
Group Management (Ctrl + G): Combines tiers and sectors for synchronous color selection, movement, and export.

Smart Analyzer & 3D PA Library (`Ctrl+Shift+S`)

Rigging Hub & acoustic database in Admin Portal:

Soundvision & ArrayCalc Analyzer: Automated analysis of PDF, XML, and TXT rigging reports with splay angles, mechanical loads, and printable DIN-A4 sheets.
3D Model Library (67+ PA Models): Complete technical database of all L-Acoustics & d&b systems with 3D WebGL inspector, SPL, weights, and dispersion angles.

Surface Categories & Ear Height Standards

Category	Color Code	Default Ear Height	Acoustic Purpose
Stage	Blue	0.00 m	Stage construction, risers, DJ decks (non-audience surface).
Audience Standing	Green	1.60 m	Festival grounds, infield, general admission standing (standing ear height).
Audience Seated	Orange	1.20 m	Concert seating, theater stalls, flat seated rows.
Bleachers / Balcony	Purple	1.20 m / 1.60 m	Stepped tiers, raked grandstands, balcony levels.
FOH	Cyan	1.20 m / 1.60 m	Sound / lighting console area (acoustic reference measurement position).
Obstacle / Wall	Red	0.00 m	Acoustic boundaries, venue walls, buildings, sightline obstructions.

Room Import Engine & Interactive Placement HUD

Surface Generator allows direct import of existing 3D venue models, CAD drawings, and acoustic reports onto satellite maps or floor plans:

1. Ghost Preview

The imported 3D model floats semi-transparently beneath your mouse cursor.

2. In-Flight Rotation

Press R (+15°) or Shift + R (-15°) to align with venue walls.

3. Snap & Confirmation

Snaps to origin (0,0) and applies all surfaces with their respective elevations.

Supported Import Formats:

Format	Extension	Parser Details
L-Acoustics Soundvision	`.txt / .pdf / .xmlp`	Parses 3D quads, triangles, normal vectors, ear heights, and mechanical reports.
d&b audiotechnik ArrayCalc	`.dbacv / .dbac / .xml`	Extracts native XML venue planes, room heights, and listening zones.
CODA System Optimiser	`.cvlf`	Reads 3D venue layer files, symmetry axes, and quads.
JBL Venue Synthesis	`.gcf`	Parses native 3D geometry configurations for LAC-3 and Venue Synthesis.
Universal CAD / EASE / MAPP	`.dxf`	Extracts 3DFACE and POLYLINE meshes from Vectorworks, AutoCAD, EASE, NEXO, Bose.
Coordinate Table	`.csv / .txt`	Tabular point matrix (X, Y, Z coordinates).

Multi-System Export Matrix (13 Formats)

L-Acoustics Soundvision .txt

Calculates mathematical cross-product normal vectors \(\vec{N}\) for plane definitions, ear-height tags, and winding orders.

d&b audiotechnik ArrayCalc .dbacv

Native XML venue structure with typed listeningPlane objects and 1.20m / 1.60m listening heights.

Meyer Sound MAPP 3D .dxf

Structured layer layout (AUDIENCE_PREDICTION) supporting auto-prediction plane snapping.

RCF / TT+ Audio RDShape .xrds

XML venue model with on-axis cross-section profiles and 3D surface geometry for RDNet.

AFMG EASE Focus 3 & Clair .pdf / .dxf

Multi-page printable audience zone data sheet with scaled 2D plan and coordinate tables (Clair, TW Audio, EAW, Adamson).

NEXO NS-1 & Yamaha AFC .dxf

3D surface meshes with NS-1 compliant layers for NS-1 and Yamaha AFC Image immersive design.

Bose Professional Modeler .dxf

Dedicated layers for listener areas and room boundaries optimized for Modeler 6+.

AFMG EASE 5 (Full 3D) .dxf

Full 3D room model with separated audience faces and boundary volumes for room acoustics.

CODA System Optimiser .cvlf

Native CODA Audio Venue Layer File with quads, ear-height zoning, and symmetry axes.

JBL Professional Synthesis .gcf

Native 3D geometry configuration for JBL Venue Synthesis and Line Array Calculator (LAC-3).

Electro-Voice PREVIEW .dae

COLLADA 3D venue mesh for Electro-Voice PREVIEW loudspeaker software coverage simulation.

Martin Audio DISPLAY 3 .skp

Native SketchUp 3D venue model with AUDIENCE, STAGE, and HARD_AVOID layer mapping for Martin Audio line array optimization.

Universal 3D CAD .dxf

Clean 3DFACE meshes compatible with Vectorworks Spotlight, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, and Blender.

Raw Coordinates Table .csv

Point-by-point matrix (X, Y, Z, Latitude, Longitude) for spreadsheet and survey software.

The 4 Golden Rules for Flawless Acoustic Room Models

1. Unit Consistency

Always verify that the length unit in Surface Generator (e.g. Meters) matches your target software settings (Soundvision ➔ Options ➔ Length Unit ➔ Meter).

2. Forward +Y Alignment

The green +Y axis must always point straight from Downstage Center into the audience / FOH. Use Align by line along the stage front.

3. Magnet Snapping

Always use Corner Snapping (Green dot) to connect adjacent risers and bleachers seamlessly without intersecting polygon vertices.

4. 3D Side-View Verification

Press V before exporting and switch to Side View to ensure all stage heights, balcony inclines, and hillside slopes are geometrically sound.

From Venue Map to 3D Soundvision & ArrayCalc Model in 2 Minutes

What Surface-Gen Does

Google Maps & Terrain Elevation

PDF & Blueprint Import

Multi-Format Export

Auto-Triangulation

Send to My Computer

Want to use the CAD tool on mobile anyway?

Calibrate Scale

Create Surface

Grandstand / Riser Generator

Curved / Amphitheater Generator

Extrude Surface (3D Solid)

Share Project Snapshot

Report a Bug / Feedback

Export Room Data

Rigging & Mechanical Guide

Thank You for Using Surface-Gen!

Imprint (Impressum)