Surveyors these days have the luxury of performing many of their calculations at the press of a button. Below is a review of the software packages that make this happen.
There are about 20 companies that develop software for surveyors for traditional surveying processes such as COGO work, calculating volumes and drawing designs. There is a handful of other companies that develop software for surveyors engaged in non-traditional processes, such as converting raster data to vector data or managing survey design files.
4D Solutions
12d Model is 4D Solutions' flagship product. The program is a surveying, terrain modelling, and civil engineering software package. Surveys can be based on string files. Users can adjust surveys by compass (transit), bowditch, crandall, or least squares. Otherwise there is a function for conversions among projections such as AGD and GDA. Digital terrain models can be developed. They can be viewed in plan, section or perspective views. Long sections, cross-sections and contours can be created from the DTM. Other features have been designed for earthworks, setout and plot drawings. Enquiries to Lisa Stewart lisa.stewart@12d.com web on +61-2-9970-7117; fax: +61-2-9970-7118; www.12d.com
ADW Software
This company develops two products for surveyors: Pythagoras and HighRoad.
Pythagoras is designed specifically for surveyors and civil engineers.
The program runs in both Windows and Macintosh environments. The program
has a number of standard features, such as object snapping, COGO functions,
site layout and stake-out reports. Users can create digital terrain models,
draw contour lines and calculate slope intercepts. The product is developed
by ADW Software, in Belgium, and is distributed in Australia by Creative
Engineering. Enquiries either to Chris Baker chris@createng.com.au
at Creative Engineering, on
+61-7-3356-6271, or Tom Van Herck tom.vanherck@pythagoras.net,
ADW, on
+32-14-61-32-70; fax :
+32-14-61.82.15.
Ashtech Precision Products
New GPS and GLONASS software has features such as manual vector processing,
which allows users to edit data. Another new feature allows users to compare
raw and processed vector data to assess processing accuracy. The software
has modes to compensate for different antenna manufacturers' phase centre
offsets during vector processing. Version 3.1 of the Geodetic Base Station
Software, another product from Ashtech, allows users to collect GPS and
GLONASS data. It now includes features for capturing real-time kinematic
GPS and integrity monitoring data. Sagem Australasia is a distributor
of Ashtech products across Australia and throughout the Pacific region.
Enquiries to Rod MacLeod rod.macleod@sagem.com
on
+61-2-9315-3535; fax:
+61-2-9315-3510.
Autodesk
Autodesk's Land Development product suite includes Land Desktop, Civil
Design, Survey, CADOverlay and the newly released personal digital assistant-based
OnSite. Land Desktop sits on top of the AutoCAD engine. It gives users
a centralised project structure that allows users to work on projects
of any size or type; Survey creates linework, points, symbols, and terrain
model break-lines directly from field survey data. Civil Design enables
users to design and document earthworks, drainage and road projects; CADOverlay's
most significant use is the integration of raster imagery with vector
data; OnSite Enterprise delivers data to Windows CE-based mobile computing
devices. Enquiries to Andrew English andrew@cadapps.com.au
at CADApps Australia on
+61-3-9568-0077.
Bentley
The InRoads suite of products is a collection of civil engineering tools. The software allows users to move between MicroStation and AutoCAD platforms using the same tools. InRoads Survey enables users to transfer data from electronic fieldbooks to the MicroStation or AutoCAD environment. On site, users can display data and adjust surveys. This is done with the help of InRoads Survey's Fieldbook Data Editor. Enquiries to Bentley on 1800-245-005, www.bentley.com
Carlson Software
Carlson develops SurvCADD and Survey. SurvCADD an engineering and surveying package is sold in modules: COGO, DTM and section. The most recent version works with Autodesk products, such as AutoCAD 2000/2000i, Map2000 and Land Development Desktop. Survey is for small survey and engineering firms. It incorporates the AutoCAD engine; hence it reads DXF and ASCII files. Enquiries to Australian distributors - see ad on page 32.
Constant 3D Imaging
This company supplies two mapping packages: Capture NT and Summit Evolution.
These programs are used for mapping within AutoCAD and MicroStation environments.
Constant 3D Imaging also supplies VirtuoZo for NT, a traditional photogrammetry
software package and PhotoModeler Pro. VirtuoZo is used for photogrammetry.
PhotoModeler Pro is used for 3D modelling and close-range surveying. Enquiries
to Luke Constant constant3d@uq.net.au
on
+61-7-3202-9809; mob:
0412-490-591.
Creative Engineering
Creative Engineering develops two surveying packages: HighRoad and Landform.
Version 7 of HighRoad was released in Australia in July 2001. The new
version includes realistic visualisation of road designs, including the
creation of drive-through movies. Landform is an application for the design
of building sites and small road projects. It allows users to import terrain
data from triangulated ground models, to design building pads and access
roads. Enquiries to Chris Baker createng@createng.com.au
on +61-7-3356-6271; mob:
0409-466-271; fax:
+61-7-3352-6619; www.createng.com.au
Foresight Software
Foresight has been developing Civil Design and Survey (CDS) to deliver traditional design and calculation methods for engineers, surveyors, designers and earth-moving contractors with Windows-based computers. The program is compatible with AutoCAD and MicroStation file formats. CDS has many of the standard features, such as data editing, co-ordinate geometry (COGO) functions and raw data entry. Enquiries to Stephen Filmer steve@foresoft.com on +61-2-4969-6512; fax: +61-2-4965-3425; www.foresoft.com
Geocomp Systems
Geocomp markets a number of software packages for surveyors. Terramodel version 9.6 is used for 3D surface modelling by road and highway designers. Users can download data from a survey instrument, and generate contours and compute volumes. Terravista displays Terramodel project files as 3D models. Users can rotate, scale and light a project from any angle. Users can define and record fly-throughs. Realistic features such as trees or orthophotos can be draped over the models.
Geocomp is a DOS software package designed for subdivision design and checking and road design fly-throughs.
GeoNav is also a DOS package. It allows users to collect and process hydrographic data. GeoCalc converts co-ordinate data files into formats usable by most mapping systems. Enquiries to Paul Fulton sales@geocomp.com.au on +61-3-9877-8400; fax: +61-3-9877-8411; www.geocomp.com.au
Geopak
Geopak Survey uses raw field data to create drawings within MicroStation. It downloads survey data from many data formats and collectors, reducing and adjusting the data to a MicroStation file. Using Geopak Survey it is possible to extract a profile by striking a line through any area. The software allows users to export design horizontal, vertical, and proposed cross-section information to data collectors that support alignments. Enquiries to Bentley on 1800-245-005, www.bentley.com
GeoZ
GeoZ is a joint venture between Geocomp Consulting, Bloomfield Computing and Infrasoft. The company has developed a package that allows the integration of three software packages: Geocomp, civilcad and MX. The software can read AutoCAD and MicroStation files. The software allows users to perform functions such as survey reduction, terrain modelling, contouring, volumes, subdivision design, network adjustment, COGO and road design. It can also be used to upgrade the spatial accuracy of digital cadastres. Enquiries to Ken Toleman ktoleman@geocompconsult.com. au on +61-3-9882-0166; or Peter Bloomfield ukipeter@bigpond.com on +61-2-6679-5721; or Ray Moloney ray.moloney@infrasoft.com.au on +61-3-9803-5522.
Informatix Software International
This company develops MicroGDS. The current edition is version 7.0, which has a number of new features, such as a document organiser and a 3D projection tool. The Window editor provides a consistent user interface to layers and windows. The software allows users to rotate views. This is useful when working on non-orthogonal buildings and sites. Raster files can be exported. One of the software's exciting capabilities is that it can export data into XML. Enquiries to Bill Dunk bill.dunk@issys.com.au on +61-2-9427-4077; fax: +61-2-9427-4099.
Infrasoft
Infrasoft is an Australian company that distributes MX software, which is developed by Infrasoft Corporation in the UK and the US. Infrasoft also develops its own suite of surveying software for the Australasian market, called infra. InfraSurvey bridges the gap between field survey instru- ments and MX design software, between the raw data and the MX model, and between surveyor and designer. InfraSubdiv was developed in consultation with subdivision design professionals, with the aim of meeting their requirements. InfraDrain is a suite of tools that supplement the MX Drainage options and provide a link to analysis programs such as Rat HGL, RAT 2000, PC Drain and PC Sewer. ISpy works within the MX environment to check and report stopping or overtaking sight distance for road design projects. MX Software suite includes MXRenew and MXRail. All MX Software is Microsoft-compliant and also runs within AutoCAD and MicroStation. Enquiries to Geoff Archibald info@ifrasoft.com.au on +61-3-9803-5522.
Keays Software
This company develops surveying software for data loggers, survey reduction,
hydrographic surveys and engineering surveys. It also allows users to
create digital terrain models. It has a series of survey data translation
programs. The package was designed for small to medium-sized surveying
practices. It can also interface with AutoCAD, for editing, design and
drafting. Keays Civil Engineering design package allows users to draft
road, stormwater drainage, gravity sewerage and water supply designs.
Enquiries to John Keays john@keays.com.au
on
+61-7-3378-4299; Fax:
+61-7-3378-7922.
Listech
Listech, an Australian company, develops Liscad surveying and engineering software. Liscad has been designed for Microsoft's 32-bit Windows operating systems. The software has a number of modules, which can all be integrated. The entry level module costs about $600. Liscad supports geodetic computations. It allows users to form digital terrain models, perform 3D transformations, and transfer data to and from all popular data collectors, total stations and GPS receivers as well as to other surveying, engineering, CAD and GIS software systems. Enquiries to James Sharpe support@liscad.com on 1300-650-332.
Mapsoft
This company develops miniCAD. It is designed for surveyors performing
cadastral, contour and detail surveys. The program sells for less than
$1000 and is targeted to small surveying firms, and surveyors who are
new to CAD. It is designed to concentrate on the main features used by
surveyors, instead of cluttering the menu with rarely used ones. It is
also designed to function with minimal keystrokes. MiniCAD can be used
as soon as it is purchased, without setting up any style libraries. For
instance if no feature code library exists, miniCAD defaults to placing
codes in a layer of the same name. The software runs under Windows 95,
98, ME, NT and 2000 Professional operating systems. Enquiries to Ian Iredale
ian@mapsoft.com.au on
+61-2-9899-5845; fax:
+61-2-9680-3999.
Marc Computer Services
This company develops Landmark, a civil engineering and surveying program.
It has modules. Sursub is a package for survey and terrain modelling.
It allows users to calculate, reduce and manipulate data in many ways
and plot contours and survey plans. It also has some automated calculations,
such as paralleling, kerb returns, shifting and scaling. Road can calculate
quantities, including cut and fill, kerb and path lengths, area of seal,
road base and trim. Haulage quantities can be plotted on long sections
or printed out in a construction table. Pipe is designed for stormwater
calculations and hydraulic pipe design. It allows users to calculate quantities
for excavation, including backfill, pipe lengths and plots of long sections
and calculations. Enquiries to Marc Sacilotto landmark@netspace.net.au
on
+61-2-9630-8927; fax:
+61-2-9630-2196.
Microsurvey Software
This company is based in Canada and develops MicroSurvey CAD 2001, MapScenes
and Crime Scenes Mapping. MicroSurvey CAD 2001 has survey tools including
COGO computations, data downloading and uploading, least squares adjustments,
advanced setting out utilities, co-ordinate system conversion, digital
terrain modelling, contouring, volumetric calculations and design tools.
It has a CAD program, which allows for direct field data input, automated
generation of line work, and a library of over 3,000 forensic symbols.
The software also has a series of formulas for calculating speed and other
factors relating to traffic collisions and crime scenes. It supports digital
photographs which can be linked to specific scenes. Enquiries to Derek
Wilson info@analytico.com.au
on
+61-3-9586-4866; fax:
+61-3-9585-4864.
Quickclose
Quickclose HP48 and HP49 surveying and geodesy software was developed at the Queensland University of Technology by Richard Stanaway and originally released in April 1998 by Sokkia, Brisbane. Sokkia now retails the two versions (standard and expert) in Australia; and it is also available on www.xyz.au.com The software complements data recorders and PC-based surveying software. The standard version handles most cadastral calculations. The expert version performs geodetic and astronomical calculations. The company offers custom modifications to any program and will create of stand-alone programs. Surveying students can obtain the program for a substantial discount. The company executives welcome suggestions for future development. Enquiries to Richard Stanaway quickclose@quickclose.com.au on ph/fax: +61-2-9550-0010.
Surpac Software International
This company originally developed Surpac Vision as a package for surveyors.
It is now used mainly by mine surveyors and other mining professionals.
The software has tools that allow 3D visualisation, editing and file manipulation.
It has a database that stores survey station data. Surpac Vision can calculate
volumes using a variety of techniques, such as surface or digital terrain
models. Users can also report bench by bench and cut and fill volumes.
Volume reports can be plotted as tables on plots of the surveyed area
for hardcopy graphical representation or printed directly to a printer.
Enquiries to Rebecca Prain rebecca@surpac.com
on
+61-8-9420-1327.
Topcon
Topcon Australia develops civilcad, a software package with four modules.
The latest release is version 5.7. The Survey module allows users to edit
data collected by total station or entered manually, and to calculate
co-ordinate geometry, terrain modelling and volumes. It also functions
as a compiler and editor of drawings from all the civilcad modules. It
allows users to preview and edit before plotting. The Roads module allows
users to carry out road designs by template or stringlines, road reconstruction
and intersection design. Users can also plot in long or cross-section.
Data can be sourced from manual entry or from the survey module. The drainage
and sewer module allow surveyors to calculate overland flow and pipe sizing
by hydraulic grade line method (in accordance with Australian Rainfall
and Runoff 1987 criteria). Sewer or foulwater design is also included
in this module. Enquiries to Kevin Wong kwong@topcon.com.au
on
+61-2-9817-4666; fax:
+61-2-9817-0629.
Trimble
Trimble develops three solutions. Geomatics Office version 1.50 is a survey processing software for RTK, post-processing and conventional users. It allows data to be taken directly to and from Trimble survey devices. Users can perform survey reductions and perform an integrated GPS and conventional network adjustment with the software. The Total Control software is a survey processing package for GPS and conventional data. Surveyors who carry out control work or photogrammetry use it. It supports most other raw GPS data formats. Terramodel software is for surveyors, civil engineers and contractors, who integrate raw survey data with CAD and design packages. It allows users to perform many of the standard COGO calculations for designing roadways and contours, and calculating volumes. The data can be viewed in 3D using the tool called the visualiser. Enquiries to Lin Ho lin_lin_ho@trimble.com on +61-7-3216-0044.
Other Packages
Issys
Integrated Spatial Systems develops a raster to vector software package
called Scan2CAD Pro. It allows users to scan drawings from E or A0 size.
The software scans the drawing and converts it into a DXF file. It can
also match the colour of the original map to a user's colour palette.
The program includes raster editing tools such as despeckle, rotate, smooth
and rubbersheeting. Enquiries to Bill Dunk bill.dunk@issys.com.au
on
+61-2-9427-4077; fax:
+61-2-9427-4099.
Latitude
This company develops a package called Latitude. It is used to manage
computer files. Surveyors use the software to find design files from particular
projects. Surveyors can search for plans using quotes from field notes
they may have taken, or using dates or file names. Users double click
a design or drawing file, and Latitude launches the appropriate viewing
program. Enquiries to Declan Bass declan@latitude.com.au
on
+61-2-9411-2862; fax:
+61-2-9411-1395; mob:
0412-089-229.
Maptek
Maptek develops I-Site software, designed to complement the company's
data gatherer: a laser imaging system, which includes a portable scanner
and a laptop. It is used in urban and industrial settings, open-cut and
underground mines. The software processes, displays and models data. Mine
sites use I-Site for reconciling stockpiles, scanning face walls, mapping
structural details and monitoring the stability of high walls and benches.
Data analysis tools include querying the range and intensity of a single
point, and the distance, bearing and grade between pairs of points. Enquiries
to Jane Ball on
+61-8-8338-9221.
Sinclair Knight Merz
Sinclair Knight Merz bought Abakos in February 2001. Abakos develops
ProVec 3.5, a raster to vector conversion package. Some of its features
include raster editing, transformations, multi-layering, batch processing
and a preview mode. It can also recognise different text. A new version
of ProVec which will handle vectorisation of colour images, is planned
for release later this year Enquiries to Nicole Kibsgaard nkibsgaard@skm.com.au
on
+61-7-3244-7392; fax:
+61-7-3244-7399.
Surquik Software
Surquik has developed a number of software packages. Quikblast is used
for blasting and sampling control. It is designed for communications with
geodimeter instruments. Quikcalc is used for calculating and viewing Surpac
string files from Geodimeter data. The company also has control programs
for the Geodimeter ATS in Windows and Windows CE formats for hand-held
computers. There is also a tool that will translate between Moss Genio
and civilcad AS5. Enquiries to Bernie Malone bernie@surquik.com.au
on
+61-8-94307243; fax:
+61-8-9336-3093; mob:
0438-680-075.
