Survey Link

SURVEY LINK
for Windows 95/NT Users Manual
TM
The Smart Communications Solution
Tripod Data Systems, Inc. 2001 All Rights Reserved
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Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Form# .MAN-SURVLINK32
07312001
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1
GETTING STARTED ......................................................................................1-1 Introduction .......................................................................................................1-1 How to Read This Manual.................................................................................1-2 Different Survey Link Modules.........................................................................1-2 System Requirements ........................................................................................1-3 Installing the Survey Link Program...................................................................1-4 Running Survey Link.........................................................................................1-4
Chapter 2
A QUICK TOUR ..............................................................................................2-1 Starting Out .......................................................................................................2-2 The Toolbar.......................................................................................................2-3 The Menu Bar ...................................................................................................2-5 The File Menu.....................................................................................2-5 The Edit Menu ....................................................................................2-6 The View Menu.................................................................................................2-6 The Transfer Menu............................................................................................2-7 The Reports Menu.............................................................................................2-7 The Conversions Menu .....................................................................................2-8 The Adjustments Menu .....................................................................................2-8 The Options Menu.............................................................................................2-9 The Geodetic Menu.........................................................................................2-12 Geodetic Calculations .....................................................................................2-12 Create Zone File ..............................................................................................2-13 The Tools Menu ..............................................................................................2-14 The Help Menu ...............................................................................................2-15 The Edit Window ............................................................................................2-16
Chapter 3
TRANSFER A FILE .........................................................................................3-1 Communications Setup......................................................................................3-2 Test Wizard.........................................................................................3-3 Receiving a File ..................................................................................3-4 Receiving Data from a Non-TDS Data Collector..............................................3-5 Sending a File....................................................................................................3-6 Manage Files With Server Mode ......................................................................3-7 Advanced Communications Settings.................................................................3-9 The Tools Menu..............................................................................................3-10 Upgrade Husky................................................................................................3-10
Chapter 4
EDIT A CR5 or JOB FILE ...............................................................................4-1 Print...................................................................................................................4-4 Print preview.......................................................................................4-5 Page Setup ..........................................................................................4-6 Create a Coordinate file ....................................................................................4-9 Creating and Editing a Point List ....................................................................4-10 Creating and editing a Text File ......................................................................4-13
Chapter 5
EDIT AN RW5 or RAW FILE .........................................................................5-1 TDS Raw Data Editor .......................................................................................5-1 Insert a Record....................................................................................5-3 Deleting a Line....................................................................................5-5 Change a Line into a Note...................................................................5-5 Change a Note back into a Line ..........................................................5-5 Undo/Redo..........................................................................................5-6 Find.....................................................................................................5-6 Go to ...................................................................................................5-7 Save / Save as .....................................................................................5-7 Print ....................................................................................................5-7 Print Preview ......................................................................................5-7 Page Setup... .......................................................................................5-7 Reports ..............................................................................................................5-8 Cut Sheet Reports ...............................................................................5-9 Offset Stake Cut Sheet Report ............................................................5-9 Point Stake Cut Sheet Report............................................................5-10 Slope Stake Cut Sheet Report ...........................................................5-10 Level Loop Report ............................................................................5-11
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Generate Coordinates ......................................................................................5-11 Create a Raw Data File....................................................................................5-12
Chapter 6
FILE CONVERSIONS......................................................................................6-1 Coordinate File Conversions .............................................................................6-1 Coordinate File Formats....................................................................................6-2 ASCII Coordinate Format ...................................................................6-3 AutoCAD DXF Format.......................................................................6-4 Coordinate File to AutoCAD File Conversion....................................6-4 AutoCAD File to Other Coordinate File Conversion..........................6-5 AutoCogo file Format .........................................................................6-6 C&G Format .......................................................................................6-6 Convert DC File to C&G Coordinate File...........................................6-7 Convert C&G Coordinate File to Another Coordinate File Format.................................................................................................6-8 CLM Format .......................................................................................6-8 Autodesk-Softdesk ASCII Format ......................................................6-9 Drafix Format....................................................................................6-10 Convert a Coordinate File to Drafix Format .....................................6-10 Convert Drafix File to Another Coordinate File ...............................6-11 Plotting in Drafix ..............................................................................6-11 Lewis & Lewis Format ....................................................................................6-11 Convert a Coordinate File to a Lewis & Lewis Coordinate File......................6-12 Convert Lewis & Lewis coordinate file to another coordinate file..................6-12 Maptech Format ..............................................................................................6-13 MTI Format.....................................................................................................6-14 PacSoft Coordinates Format............................................................................6-14 Plus 6 Format ..................................................................................................6-15 WILDSoft Format ...........................................................................................6-15 SurvCAD Format ............................................................................................6-16 User-defined ASCII Format ............................................................................6-16 Survey Pro CE Import/Export .........................................................................6-21 Nikon Import/Export .......................................................................................6-22 Trimble DC File Import/Export ......................................................................6-24 Importing From a DC File...............................................................................6-24 Exporting Coordinates From Within Trimble Geomatics Office ....................6-24 Exporting to a DC File ....................................................................................6-25 Importing Coordinates From Within Trimble Geomatics Office ....................6-25 Raw Data Conversions ....................................................................................6-26 Raw Data File Format Conversion ..................................................................6-27 TDS Raw Data to Autodesk-Softdesk ASCII Format .......................6-28
iii
TDS Raw Data to AASHTO Format ................................................6-29 TDS Raw Data to Intergraph ADF Format .......................................6-30 TDS Raw Data to CAiCE (SRV) Format..........................................6-30 TDS Raw Data to PLUS 3 Raw Data Format ...................................6-31 TDS Raw Data to SDRmap Raw Data Format .................................6-32 TDS Raw Data to WildSoft Raw Data Format .................................6-33 TDS Raw Data to PacSoft Raw Data Format....................................6-35 TDS Raw Data to Topcon FC-4 Format ...........................................6-35 Data Collector Conversion Formats ................................................................6-36 GRE 3 raw data to TDS raw data Format .........................................6-36 GRE 3 raw data to Intergraph's ADF Format....................................6-36 SDR Raw Data to TDS Raw Data Format ........................................6-40 SDR Numeric 4 Raw Data to Intergraph's ADF Format ...................6-41 SDR Raw Data to Autodesk-Softdesk FBK......................................6-44 FC-4 raw data to TDS raw data Format ............................................6-45 FC-4 Raw Data to Intergraph's ADF Format ....................................6-45 SMI Raw Data to TDS Raw Data Format.........................................6-45 Topcon GTS210/220/310 Series to TDS Raw Data Format.............6-46 Topcon DL-100 Series Digital Level to TDS Raw Data Format ......6-47 Nikon DTM-700, 400, 300, DR-48 to TDS Raw Data Format.........6-47 Recover an Archived Raw Data File ...............................................................6-48 Merge Coordinate File ....................................................................................6-49 Create a DTM File ..........................................................................................6-51
Chapter 7
GEODETIC MODULE.....................................................................................7-1 Introduction.......................................................................................................7-1 Datums................................................................................................7-1 Horizontal Datums ..............................................................................7-1 Projection Systems..............................................................................7-3 Height Systems and Vertical Datums..................................................7-5 Data Files Required for Horizontal and Vertical Transformations ..................................................................................7-6 Geodetic Calculations .......................................................................................7-7 Performing a Transformation on a Single Point..................................7-9 Performing a Transformation on All Coordinates in a File...............7-10 Performing Calculations on Two Different Points in Different Coordinate Systems ..........................................................................7-10 Defining a Custom Coordinate System ...........................................................7-11 Custom Transformations using the 3-D Similarity or Molodensky Transformation Method ...............................................7-11 Custom Transformations Using the NGS NADCON Method...........7-13
iv
Creating a Zone File ........................................................................................7-14 Map Projections and Geoid Modeling.............................................................7-16 Extract Sub-grid From Geoid File.....................................................7-16 Transferring the Files ........................................................................7-17 Husky Transfer..................................................................................7-18 Ranger Transfer ................................................................................7-19
Chapter 8
DIGITAL LEVEL ADUSTMENTS .................................................................8-1 Introduction .......................................................................................................8-1 Creating a New Topcon DL-Series Digital Level File ......................................8-2 Opening Digital Level Raw Data Files..............................................................8-2 Overview of the Digital Level Raw Data Editor ...............................................8-3 Digital Level Editor Screen.................................................................8-3 Editing a Digital Level Data Record ...................................................8-5 Delete a Digital Level Data Record ....................................................8-5 Duplicate a Digital Level Data Record ...............................................8-5 Go to a Particular Record....................................................................8-5 Inserting a New Digital Level Data Record ........................................8-6 Digital Level Record Types ................................................................8-7 Digital Level Loop Closure .............................................................................8-13 The Closure Report ...........................................................................8-14 Least Squares Overview..................................................................................8-15 Converting Level Input Files to Least Squares Input Files ...............8-15 Opening an Existing Least Squares Input File ..................................8-16 Joining Two Least Squares Input Files .............................................8-17 Editing a Least Squares Input File ....................................................8-17 Adjust the Network ...........................................................................8-19
Chapter 9
SURVEY ATTRIBUTE MGR..........................................................................9-1 Getting Started ..................................................................................................9-1 Features...............................................................................................9-2 Attributes ............................................................................................9-2 Creating a Feature File ......................................................................................9-3 Creating a Feature ...............................................................................9-4 Creating a String Attribute ..................................................................9-5 Creating a Value Attribute ..................................................................9-6 Creating a Menu Attribute ..................................................................9-7 The Unit Editor ...................................................................................9-9 Editing a Feature File ......................................................................................9-11
Renaming Items ................................................................................9-11 Changing the Order of Items.............................................................9-11 Deleting Items...................................................................................9-11 Expanding and Collapsing Branches ................................................9-12 Moving and Copying Items...............................................................9-12 The Form Editor..............................................................................................9-13 Moving a Field..................................................................................9-13 Resizing a Field ................................................................................9-13 Changing Text Colors .......................................................................9-14 Resetting Your Form.........................................................................9-14 Using a Feature File ........................................................................................9-15 Assigning a Feature File to a Job ......................................................9-15 Job Files in the Survey Attribute Manager........................................9-16 Organizing Job Data in the Survey Attribute Manager .....................9-17 Deleting All Feature Information From a Job ...................................9-17 Exporting Feature Information to Other File Formats ......................9-18
Appendix A
MGE ETI Codes ............................................................. Appendix A-1
Appendix B
ADF to InRoads ................................................................Appendix B-1
Appendix C
Auto Linework .................................................................Appendix C-1 Feature Codes ...................................................................Appendix C-1 Command Codes...............................................................Appendix C-2
vi
GETTING STARTED
Congratulations on your purchase of Survey Link. Survey Link is the most versatile file management tool for surveyors, available today. As you get to know this product you may wonder how you got along without it. This first chapter introduces Survey Link, and covers system requirements, installation and how to start running Survey Link.
Introduction
With the TDS Survey Link package, you can transfer coordinate files, raw data files and other files quickly between a data collector and a personal computer. The Survey Link package uses an error-checking protocol to eliminate transmission errors. Survey Link will communicate with all data collectors using TDS software and can even communicate with several common non-TDS data collectors. With Survey Link you can convert your coordinate files into various formats for compatibility with other surveying and CAD-based software packages. You can also convert several types of non-TDS files into a TDS format or other popular formats. Within Survey Link, you can edit your coordinate and raw data files and reprocess the raw data to generate coordinates. Survey Link also allows you to view or print coordinate and raw data files in a format that is easy to read. Survey Link moves data between your data collector and PC. It helps you manage your survey data, and the conversion routines open a gate to the rest of your world. It is one tool that all surveyors should have.
1-1
GETTING STARTED
How to Read This Manual

The Survey Link manual is written with each major function of the program described in detail in a separate chapter. It is assumed that the user has an understanding of the Windows 95, 98, or NT operating system. Throughout the manual references to specific text that you will see within the program are displayed in bold. The instructions to access a particular part of the program are written in an abbreviated format that lists each required mouse click, where each click is separated by a pipe character ( | ). For example, Open the Conversions | Convert file format dialog box would mean to first click on Conversions from the menu bar then select Convert file format from the pull-down menu, which opens the Convert dialog box.
Different Survey Link Modules

There are four versions of the Survey Link program: Survey Link, Survey Link DC, Survey Link with Geodetic Module, and Survey Link with Digital Level Module. If the user wants to upgrade from the standard Survey Link program, he simply needs to contact TDS and purchase a code that will activate the appropriate module once entered into the program.
The differences between the versions are their capabilities: Survey Link has the capability of converting coordinate and raw data file formats from one type to another, create a DTM file from a DXF file and transfer data between a PC and a TDS data collector. Survey Link DC contains all the functions of Survey Link, plus the ability to communicate with popular non-TDS data collectors such as SDR, FC-4, and GRE 3. It also has the ability to convert raw data from these non-TDS data collectors to other Raw Data file formats. Survey Link with Geodetic Module contains all the functions in Survey Link, plus functions for geodetic coordinate and datum transformations. It also has the ability to create a zone file used to display positions in any coordinate system when used on a TDS GPS system.
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GETTING STARTED
Survey Link with Digital Level Module fully supports the Topcon DLSeries digital levels, which allows you to edit digital level data, perform a digital level loop closure, a least squares adjustment, and more.
This manual is intended for use with each product. Some of the functions described in this manual may not be available in the particular product that you purchased. If a feature requires Survey Link-DC the manual will notify you with the following symbol:
If Survey Link with Geodetic Module is required, you will see this symbol:
If Survey Link with Digital Level Module is required, you will see this symbol:
System Requirements
Survey Link requires a 486 processor or higher running Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT. For communication with a data collector, you will need an available serial (COM) port that is not being used by any other device.
1-3
GETTING STARTED
Installing the Survey Link Program

Before installing Survey Link you must be running Windows. It is assumed that you have a general understanding of the Windows operating system. Insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive. The installation program should start automatically. If it does not, double click on the Setup.exe file located on the CD from Windows Explorer. The Master Install screen will appear. Click the installation. button to start the Survey Link to
The Welcome screen will open. Click continue.
After reading the License Agreement, click to continue if you agreement with the terms of the agreement. Click to accept the default installation directory.
The computer must be restarted for Survey Link to function properly. Click the desired radio button then click to complete the installation.
Running Survey Link

A new program group called TDS Survey Works is created when Survey Link is installed. To start Survey Link, simply click on Start | Programs | TDS Survey Works | Survey Link.
1-4
A QUICK TOUR
This chapter is designed to give the user an overview of Survey Link. It will give a road map to each function and a general procedure to get the user familiar with the program. Once familiar with Survey Links general functions, many users will be off and running using the remainder of the manual for reference only. The on-line help is also a tool that can speed the learning curve and is available where and when you need it. Survey Link is a program that lets you transfer your field data into your PC or load your data collector with needed control and design data for your days work. In addition, it is a survey data editor that lets you examine, correct or update your work. Finally, it is a file conversion program that can prepare your work for use in other PC programs. The many features of Survey Link make it a very powerful tool. For example, suppose that during a job, your rod person changed the rod height. When you return from the field you discover that you neglected to change the rod height in your data collector. All of your elevations from that point in the survey are wrong. All you need to do is download the raw data to your PC using the Survey Link program; edit your raw data file to change the rod height where appropriate and regenerate the coordinates. Of course, the ability to edit the raw data file is not limited to rod heights. Many elements of the raw data file may be edited or deleted, or new elements may be inserted. Or, suppose that you have performed an adjustment on your coordinates. You then discover that you need the original coordinates to try another adjustment or for some other purpose. With Survey Link, you can recreate the coordinates from the original raw data file. This ensures that you can always reproduce the original coordinates of the survey.
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QUICK TOUR
Starting Out
The window below will be displayed when you first start the program: Parts of the Window
Title Bar: Displays the name of the program and the version. When editing a file, the title bar will display the file that is open in the editor. When performing a task, the title bar will display the function is being performed. Program Control Buttons: These buttons change the size of the window or close the program. Minimize Button moves the program off the desktop. Maximize Button will enlarge the window to fill the screen. Close Button will close the application.
Menu Bar: Displays the pull-down menus that are available in the program. Clicking the mouse arrow on one of these will cause the menu to drop down. Toolbar: Is a set of buttons that perform functions in the program. The Toolbar can be toggled on and off from the View pull-down menu. Status Bar: Displays the settings and helpful notes for various processes in the program.
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QUICK TOUR
The Toolbar
The third line from the top of the window is the Toolbar:
The toolbar can be toggled on and off by selecting View | Toolbar menu option. The toolbar is a row of buttons that perform the most common functions of the program. Simply click the desired button to activate it. If more input is needed, a dialog box will be displayed requesting additional information before the function is executed. If no other input is needed then the function is performed immediately. Below is a brief description of each tool button. Each will be described in greater detail later in the manual. Create a New File: This button lets you create a new file in any of the supported file formats. When you click on this button, the New... window is displayed. Select the desired file type and click on the button. The appropriate edit window will be displayed. There are some precautions that need to be observed when creating a new file, especially a Raw Data file. See Chapters 4 and 5 for a discussion of how to create a new file. This button is equivalent to the File | New... menu selection.
Open an Existing File: This button is used to open an existing file. You will use this button later in this chapter and throughout this manual. This button is equivalent to the File | Open... menu selection. Save the current file: This button saves the active (or top) file using the current file name. This button is equivalent to the File | Save menu selection.
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QUICK TOUR
Print the current file: This button will print the current file. It is a equivalent to the File | Print... menu selection. Print Preview: displays the current file as it will appear when printed. The following toolbar is displayed after the Print Preview button is clicked:
We will discuss this option in detail in Chapter 4. This button is a shortcut to the File | Print Preview menu selection. Undo: This button will undo the last change made to a file. You can click on this button more than once to undo multiple changes that you have made. The next button will drop down a list of the changes that have been made. From this list you can select the changes you want to undo. Once selected, click the button and all changes will be undone to that point. The Undo button is equivalent to the Edit | Undo menu selection. Redo: The Redo button performs the reverse function of the Undo button. If something was inadvertently undone, it can be put back the way it was using this button. Care should be taken however, because each time a change is made to the active file, the redo list is emptied. About Survey Link: This button displays information about the version of Survey Link that is running.
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QUICK TOUR
The Menu Bar

Directly above the toolbar is an area called the Menu Bar. The Menu Bar is a list of pull-down menus that contain functions or procedures. When you click on a pull-down menu title, that menu will drop down displaying its list of commands.
The pull-down menus listed on the Menu Bar will change as you open various files or move though the program. For example, the Edit and Reports pull-down menus are not available until a file is opened. In addition, the commands that are available within a pull-down menu are dependent on the type of file that is open. Each pull-down menu is described below.
The File Menu

Most options in this menu are found in many Windows programs. The first five commands deal with opening, closing and saving a file. They will be discussed further as they are used to edit a file. The third group deals with printing and manipulating the printed output. They will also be discussed further in later chapters. Next is a list of the last four files that have been opened. Clicking on one of these will reopen that file for editing. The last option in the File menu, Exit, ends the program. This routine will prompt you to save any modified files.
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QUICK TOUR
The Edit Menu
The options within the Edit Menu change depending on the type of file that is open. The options in the Edit Menu shown here are available when a raw data file is open and active.
The View Menu

The View menu lets you control what is displayed in the program and how it will look. The Toolbar command turns on or off the display of the toolbar. The ' indicates that the toolbar will be displayed. Clicking on this selection will toggle it on and off. The Status Bar command will turn the status bar at the bottom of the program window on or off. The ' indicates that the Status bar is displayed. The Font option allows you to change the font for the active file only. This will effect the way the file looks on the screen and when it is printed. Once the file is closed, the font will return to the default font. The default font for different file types can be changed from Options menu, described later in this chapter.
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QUICK TOUR
The Transfer Menu

The Transfer menu lets you transfer files between your data collector and your PC. Each command is briefly described here, but a complete explanation will be given in Chapter 3. Send/Receive... is where you access the Transfer dialog box. From there you select your transfer options and setup your communication parameters. Get File... this command will get a file from a remote system that is in a Kermit Host mode. Manage files with Server Mode connects to a data collector that is running in server mode where files can easily be transferred between the PC and data collector. Survey Pro CE Import/Export allows conversion between the newer TDS JOB file format and the TDS CR5 file format. Nikon Import/Export allows conversion between the AP700 / AP800 file formats and the TDS CR5 file format. Test Wizard... is a communication test routine used to help identify the COM port that you are using. Advanced... lets you identify communication ports that Survey Link detects on the PC.
The Reports Menu

The Reports menu is only available when a TDS coordinate or raw data file is open. The specific routines available depend on if a RW5, RAW, or CR5 file is open. The routines available can perform function such as check a raw data file for errors, or generate a cut sheet, level loop, or closure report.
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QUICK TOUR
The Conversions Menu
The Conversions menu lets you perform a number of file conversions. You can convert your Coordinate and raw data files between TDS file formats and many other formats. Below is the menu that will drop down when you click on Conversions. Complete explanations for the options available here are provided in Chapters 4, 5 and 6. Convert File Format... is where you change data file formats. Coordinate, Raw Data and Archived files can all be converted from this window. Chapter 6 is dedicated to a description of this option and the formats that are supported. Merge Coordinate File... lets you combine two Coordinate files into one. Several options are available for resolving point number conflicts. See Chapter 4 for a more complete description of this option. Generate Coordinates... will reconstruct a CR5 file from an RW5 file or a JOB file from a RAW file. This option is only available when a raw data file is open. See Chapter 5 for a description of this option. Generate DTM from DXF: allows you to create a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) file from a DXF file. The DXF file must contain Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) data for the area that you wish to stakeout. The DTM file can then be used to do stakeout and have the cut and fills based on the DTM for that area. This option is only available when no files are open. See Chapter 6 for more information on this routine. The remaining routines are used to convert TDS files to other various file formats.
The Adjustments Menu

The Adjustments menu contains the routines to perform level loop closure reports and least squares adjustments to data from a Topcon DL-series digital level. This menu is only available after purchasing the Survey Link Digital Level Module. The menu will then be accessible once a *.LEV file is opened. When a digital level file is open, it is displayed in the Digital Level Editor window. From this window, you can insert, delete or modify most of the data records.
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QUICK TOUR
The Digital level loop closure option in the Adjustments menu allows you to generate a closure report from the level loop file that is open in the Digital Level Editor. A weighted least squares adjustment can be performed on a level network, but this adjustment is not made directly to the *.LEV file. Instead, the adjustment is performed on a *.DAT file, which is created by converting the *.LEV file. The *.DAT file is written in the same format used by the popular STAR*LEV least squares adjustment program from Starplus Software, Inc. The Convert raw file to least square input file option in the Adjustments menu will convert the *.LEV file that is currently open to a *.DAT file, which can then be used to perform a least squares adjustment. The Edit / Adjust least squares input file option in the Adjustments menu accesses the screens used to perform a least squares adjustment. For more information on digital level support, including level loop closure reports and least squares adjustments, refer to Chapter 8, Digital Level Module.
The Options Menu

The Options menu is similar to the View menu. It lets you set several parameters that control how your program works and looks. Clicking on Preferences will display the following dialog box.
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QUICK TOUR
The General Preferences window is organized like index cards: Font, Order Precision, Colors, Keyboard and Folder. To bring a different page to the top click the desired tab. The settings under each tab are described below. The Font page lets you change the font that is used for a particular file type. Changing a font will effect the way the file appears within the program and when it is printed. You can customize the fonts used for Raw Data files, Job files and Reports independently. Unlike changing the font from the View menu, which is temporary, after you click the Save button, the changes you make will be permanent unless you return to this screen and change them again. The default font is MS Sans Serif in Regular style and size 10. The Order page allows you to change the order of the Northing and Easting values when they are displayed or printed from a coordinate file. The default setting is to display and print coordinates in a Point number, Northing, Easting, Elevation, Description format. This page also lets you display and print coordinates in a Point number, Easting, Northing, Elevation, Description format.
The Precision page lets you set the number of places that Survey Link will use when displaying Northings, Eastings, Elevations, Distances and Angles. Northing and Easting values can be set between 1 and 6 places after the decimal point. Elevations and Distances can be set between 0 and 6 places and Angles can be set between 3 and 7 places. To change one of the settings click on the button and make a selection from the drop-down list then click on the number of places that you want to use. You can also double click on the number field and enter the desired value from the keyboard.
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The Colors page lets you select color options for several features on the screen. By clicking on one of the long buttons you can adjust the color used as the background for the editors, the text in the editors and the color used to indicate a number is negative. When one of these buttons is clicked on, the Color screen to the right is displayed. Click the mouse to select the desired color. For instruction on custom colors, see your Windows manual or click on . The Keyboard page allows you to select between the [Tab] key and the [Enter] key to move between data entry fields. If the first option is selected, then pressing the [Tab] key will move you to the next entry field in many windows. (Holding down the [Shift] and pressing [Tab] will move you up one field.) If the second option is selected, then either the [Tab] and [Enter] keys can be used to move you from field to field. The Folder page lets you change the default directory where you want to store your work. This will also be the directory where Survey Link will first look to open files. The currently selected directory is shown in the Folder field (C:\Link50 in this example). To change the directory, click the Choose button and select the drive and directory where you want to normally save and open files then click OK. As you make changes to the preferences, they are applied immediately. When you have finished making changes to the General Preferences, click on the key if you want the changes to be permanent. If you want the changes . to apply only until you exit the program, just click on
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The Geodetic Menu
The Geodetic menu provides functions for geodetic coordinate and datum transformations. These routines are only available in Survey Link with Geodetic Module and are useful to those who are using TDS Survey Pro with GPS or TDS SOLO.
Geodetic Calculations
The Geodetic Calculations option will transform coordinates from one datum to another. You can transform either a single point or a file containing multiple coordinates using any coordinate system and datum, to a new coordinate system and datum that you define. It is opened by selecting Geodetic | Geodetic Calculations. For single point calculations, you would select the Single Point radio button. To convert one point using a particular coordinate system and datum to a different system, you would fill in LOCATION A with all the information that applies to that point. In LOCATION B, you would then define the coordinate and datum information that you wish to convert to, while leaving the Northing, Easting, or Latitude, Longitude information empty. Clicking will then calculate the coordinates in the new coordinate system and datum. Point in direction and point to point Inverse calculations can be performed after entering two different points on each side of the screen.
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Each point can use a different coordinate system and datum. These calculations can only be performed using information for single points; they cannot be performed when using coordinates from a file. If you are given coordinates for a project that are in a geodetic format, this screen is useful if you need to convert those coordinates to a particular grid system.
Create Zone File

If you select the Geodetic | Create Zone File option, the dialog box below is opened. This dialog box is used to create a zone file that, when used with Survey Pro with GPS or TDS SOLO, will display coordinates in any desired coordinate system rather than just geodetic coordinates. After the screen is filled in as necessary, click the button. The Zone File dialog box will open displaying the necessary parameters for your zone file. Users of TDS SOLO or Survey Pro with GPS would then save the zone file, which would eventually be transferred to the data collector.
Transfer Geodetic Files

The Transfer Geodetic Files routine is for TDS Survey Pro with GPS users. This routine is used to send certain files to a Husky or Ranger data collector so that map projections can be used for horizontal control and a geoid model can be used for vertical control. When both of these control methods are used during data collection, it is not necessary to localize or use zone files. All that
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is needed to start data collecting with accurate State Plane or UTM coordinates is a known base position. For more detailed information on the geodetic routines, refer to Chapter 7.
Extract Sub-grid from Geoid File

Geoid files can be used for vertical control as an alternative to localizing. Unfortunately, geoid files are usually too large to be stored on a data collector since they describe an area larger than most surveys. The Extract Sub-grid from Geoid File routine is used to extract only the portion of a large Geoid99 or EGM96 file(s), which describes only the area where you plan to work. As a result, the file created is much smaller than the source file(s). Also, since the new file is in the same format as the source file, it can be used in any software application that could use the original file. Refer to Chapter 7 for more information on this routine.
The Tools Menu

The Tools menu contains a utility that allows users to update their TDS software running on a Husky data collector and launches the Survey Attribute Manger, which is used to create or edit a feature file for use with Survey Pro for Windows CE. See Chapter 9 for more information on the Survey Attribute Manager. The TDS software that runs on a Husky is serialized for that particular unit. This means that if that software in copied to another unit with a different serial number, the software will only run in demo mode on that unit. The Upgrade Husky routine allows a user to download software updates from the TDS web page and serialize those files so they can be used on a Husky data collector that is running a valid copy of an earlier version of the TDS software. See Chapter 3 for more information on this routine.
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The Help Menu

The Help menu gives you information on a specific part of the program. Index lists the help subjects that are available and gives you access to them. Using Help gives an overview of how to use help. About Survey Link... displays the same information window as the button on the toolbar. It contains information about Survey Link and your system. Technical Support displays a dialog box with four separate pages listed below. Contact: This page tells you how to reach a tech support person for help with this product. Files: This page contains button that may be used to provide information about your configuration during a technical support call, if necessary. Ports: This page is a list of instruction for viewing your PCs COM port configurations for trouble-shooting purposes. Drivers: This page lists the Windows drivers that are being used by Survey Link. This information can be useful if technical support is necessary.
In addition to the Help menu, many dialogs within Survey Link have a button. Clicking on this button will display help about that particular button lets you point and click at buttons and other parts of function. The Windows for even more specific help. The button is a shortcut to the help index.
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The Edit Window

When you open a file within Survey Link, the file is displayed in an editor that is designed for that particular file type. The example that follows is a brief introduction to the coordinate file editor. Chapter 4 is an in-depth look at editing a coordinate file. To open a file, either click the button or select File | Open... You will be presented with a dialog box that lists the files in your current directory. In addition you can list files in different drives or directories.
Current Directory: is the directory whose files are listed in the main area of the dialog box. You can navigate to other drives and directories after clicking on the button in the right portion of this field.
Control buttons: assist in navigating to locate other files and let you customize the way files are listed. These are standard Windows buttons and may vary slightly depending on your version of Windows.
File list: displays all the files in the current directory, or only the file types selected from the File of type dropdown list. File Name: is the file that will be opened when this window is executed. You can type the file name directly into this field or select it from the file list. Files of type: can be used to limit the file list to display only specific types of files. When you click on this field or the arrow button to its right, a dropdown list will appear. From this list you can select to display all files, or just a certain type of file.
Use this dialog box to select the file you want to open. This can be done by clicking the mouse on the file to be selected then clicking the Open button or double clicking on the desired file. You would see a window similar to the one below after opening a CR5 file.
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If the pointer passes through the file display area, it becomes a , indicating that you can select a record and edit it. Clicking on any line will select it and allow you to edit it in the lower portion of the window. As you edit a record, there are several ways to move between fields. You can click on a field and edit the existing value or replace it. The [Tab] key will move you down one field and highlight the value for replacement. Pressing [Shift]-[Tab] will move up one field. Finally, the [Enter] key can act like the [Tab] key when the appropriate radio button is selected from Options | Preferences | Keyboard page. When the changes are correct and you want to enter it into the file, click on the button. If you decide that you do not want to keep the changes that you button and the changes have made to a record, simply do not click on the will not be made. Size the Edit area: To make the edit window easier to read, you can re-size the edit area. When the pointer is positioned between the file display and the edit area it changes to . While this symbol is positioned on the border, drag the border up or down to the size that you want. When you are finished making changes to the file you should save the file to store the change to your disk drive. Simply click on the Save File button shown here. The chapters that follow will give a more detailed description of these and the remaining functions.
Save the file?
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TRANSFER A FILE
This chapter explores the transfer capabilities of Survey Link. This is where you transfer data between your data collector or total station and your PC.
Data communication is one of the most important functions of Survey Link. Survey Link makes transferring data between your PC and data collector as easy as plugging in the data collector and clicking the mouse. With Survey Link-DC, transfers between most major non-TDS data collectors and a PC are just as easy. For successful transfers you will need an available communication port on your PC and the correct transfer cable that connects your data collector to your PC. If you encounter a problem, Survey Link has a Test Wizard that can help you locate it. This chapter is divided into four main sections: Setup, Receive file, Send file, and Manage Files with Server Mode.
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FILE TRANSFER
Communications Setup
The first step needed to transfer data is to set up the communication parameters. This usually only needs to be done once unless you change your communications hardware. The Setup dialog can be found by clicking Transfer | Send/Receive to open the Send/Receive dialog box. From the Send/Receive dialog, click the Setup button. This will display the dialog box shown below. There are four communication parameters that need to be set. First is the COM port. This is the port on the PC that the transfer cable is plugged into. If you are not sure which port the cable has been plugged into, use the Test Wizard, described later in this chapter. The second parameter is the Parity. This setting must match the parity setting in the data collector. If you are unsure how the parity setting is configured in the data collector, select None since that is the most common setting. The third parameter is Flow control. When using a TDS data collector, this field cannot be changed since all TDS data collectors use None for flow control. If you are running Survey Link DC and you have an SDR data collector, you should choose the Hardware option here.
If you are using a Topcon GTS-210 or GTS-310 series total station or a Topcon digital level, this field is replaced with Protocol and shows that the ACK/NAK protocol is being used for transfers. The Topcon instrument must also be configured to use the ACK/NAK protocol. Refer to your Topcon documentation for more information on setting the transfer protocol in the instrument.
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FILE TRANSFER
The last parameter is the Baud rate. This is the speed that data is transferred. This setting controls the speed of the transfer; the larger the number, the faster the transfer occurs. This setting must match the baud rate set in the data collector. If you experience erratic transfer results you may need to set the baud rate to a lower number. Typically you should set the baud rate in Survey Link to the default setting of your data collector. For TDS data collectors this is 9600 baud.
Test Wizard
If you are not sure of the COM port that your transfer cable is plugged into, Survey Link can help you determine it. Select Transfer | Test Wizard to open the Test Wizard. Follow the instructions given in each page of the wizard, starting with the Welcome page and continuing through the instructions provided in the Step1, Step2 and Test pages. Each page gives you all the needed set up instructions. Once the test is finished, the results are displayed in the Results page. After successfully completing the test and you Close the Test Wizard, you will be asked if you want to use the port detected by the test for future transfers. Click on your desired response.
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FILE TRANSFER
Receiving a File
Once the system is set up, you are ready to send or receive a file. Receiving a file using a TDS data collector will be covered first. Select Transfer | Send/Receive, and then select the Receive tab from the Transfer dialog box. If you are running Survey Link DC, the first step in receiving a file is to select the type of data collector that you are using. From the Which Data Collector or Total Station is used field, select the appropriate data collector from the drop-down list. When receiving a TDS Coordinate file, select if you want to store it as a Sequential or NonSequential file from the Output section of the dialog box. A Sequential coordinate file uses memory space on the data collector for unused points that exist between used points. This is the only format supported on the HP 48 platform. With Non-Sequential files, only the actual stored points will occupy space on the data collector. The disadvantage of non-sequential files is that the data collector must search from the beginning of the file to find each needed point. This slows the response time of the data collector considerably as the file grows. The Archive Raw Data file option applies when receiving a TDS Raw Data file. When this option is checked, a compacted archive of the raw data file received is stored in addition to the raw data file. The archived file gives you a backup copy of your raw data in case your original file becomes corrupt or lost. The Get file name from Data Collector or PC check box allows you to store the received file with the same name as the file on the data collector when the box is checked. When the box is unchecked, you can specify a new file name to use in the
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FILE TRANSFER
File name field or use the Choose file button to select an existing file to overwrite with the received file. The Setup button displays the Communications Setup dialog box as described earlier in this chapter. To start receiving a file, click on the Receive button. Survey Link will display Initializing. You now need to access the transfer screen on the data collector, select the file to send to the PC and issue the SEND command. When communication is established, the data collector and Survey Link will start counting packets or blocks. Survey Link also displays an animated graphic in the Status dialog box to indicate that the transfer is taking place. When the transfer is complete Survey Link will display Data Transfer Completed and then Receive Successful. As the transfer is taking place the Stop button becomes active and clicking it will terminate the transfer.
Receiving Data from a Non-TDS Data Collector

To receive data from a Non-TDS data collector you must have Survey Link-DC. Receiving a file with a Non-TDS data collector is very similar to a transfer using a TDS data collector, but because these data collectors do not notify Survey Link that the transfer is complete the user must click on the Save File button to save the file after the transfer is complete.
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FILE TRANSFER
Sending a File
To send a file select Transfer | Send/Receive, then be sure the Send tab is selected from the Transfer dialog box. If running Survey Link DC the first task is to select the type of data collector that you are using from the drop-down list in the Which Data Collector or Total Station is used field. Next you must select the file that you want to send. Under the What file do you want to send field, click the Choose file button and the Open file window will be displayed. As with previous sections, you can navigate to different drives and directories to locate the file. Once located, double-click on the file that you want to send, then click the OK button. In the What are you sending section, you need to select the type of file that you want to send from the File type drop-down list. When sending to a TDS data collector you can select Coordinate, Raw Data, Point List, Road Layout, Road Template, or Text files. If you purchased Survey Link with Geodetic Functions, you can also select to send a Zone file, DTM Stakeout file, or a GPS file. When sending a TDS coordinate file you can choose to transfer the Entire file or only a Block of points by choosing the appropriate radio button. If you select the Block of points option, then only the range of points entered in the From Point and To Point fields will be sent. When sending a TDS road file and there are template files associated with the road, you can select the Send template files checkbox to automatically send all associated templates during the road transfer. If you want the file that you are sending to have a different name when stored on the data collector, check the Rename file to checkbox and type in the new name in that field. The new name must be in 8+3 format, meaning the name must be
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no longer than 8 characters containing only letters and numbers and you must also provide the appropriate 3-letter extension for the particular file type. When using Survey Link DC and sending a TDS Coordinate file to an SDR data collector, a conversion takes place to the file before it is stored on the data collector. You have the option of saving a copy of this file on the PC for review. To save the converted file, select the Save file checkbox and enter a name for the new file in that field. You can also use the lower Choose file button to select an existing file to overwrite with the new file. To send the file, start the receive routine from the data collector then click on the Send button and Survey Link will display a Sending Data message. As the file is transferred, both the data collector and Survey Link should count down the packets or blocks of data as they are transferred. When the file has been sent, Survey Link will display a Data Transfer complete message.
Manage Files With Server Mode

Many users find it easier to transfer files between their data collector and PC by using the Transfer | Manage Files with Server Mode routine. When using this method, transfers are controlled between the two platforms simply by clicking the file(s) and pressing a button. Before managing files using server mode, you must first place the data collector in server mode. This is typically accomplished by selecting [SERV] from the File Transfer menu on the data collector. For more specific instructions, refer to the documentation that came with your data collector. With the data collector running in server mode, select Manage Files With Server Mode from the Transfer menu. The Server Mode wizard will open where the communication parameters are selected. Select the appropriate Device type, the COM port on the PC that the data collector is attached to, the Parity set in the data collector (usually None) and the Baud rate set in the data collector. Click OK to continue.
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FILE TRANSFER
The Transfer dialog box will be displayed while the PC is making a connection to the data collector. Once connected, the Manage Files window will open where the files can be transferred.
The left side of the screen displays the Remote files and directories that are available in the data collector. The right side of the screen displays the Local files and directories on the PC. You can display the contents of a different local or remote drive by changing the selection in the appropriate Drive menu. You can change to a different directory by double clicking on it in the appropriate window. Double clicking on [Up One Level] will change to the directory above the current directory until the root directory is reached. The Path field displays the current drive and directory. You can have only a certain type of file displayed by making a selection from the Files to display drop down list. The default setting is to display all files. The contents displayed in either side of the screen can be updated by clicking the appropriate Refresh button. To transfer files from the data collector to the PC, select them in the Remote files portion of the window and click the Copy to Local Machine > button. Similarly, to transfer files from the PC to the data collector, select them in the
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FILE TRANSFER
Local files portion of the window and click the < Copy to Data Collector button. The selected file(s) will be copied to the other platform. If you want to delete any particular file(s), select them and click the appropriate Delete button. The Settings button will access the Communications Setup screen, described on Page 3-2.
Advanced Communications Settings

The Transfer | Advanced... option lets you identify communication ports that Survey Link will check when searching for available ports. When you select this option the following dialog box is displayed: Most users should not need to adjust these settings. The ports that Survey Link detects are checked. You do not need to change these settings even if there are ports marked as available that your hardware does not have. If, as you select the Transfer Setup... dialog, you get messages about ports that are assigned to a digitizer, Fax/Modem or other serial device, you should de-select that port from this dialog box. Simply click on the desired COM Port line to toggle it on (checked) or off. Ports that are not checked will be ignored. If a line appears in gray, Survey Link does not detect that port on the PC.
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FILE TRANSFER
The Tools Menu

The Tools menu contains a utility that allows users to update their TDS software when it is running on a Husky data collector.
Upgrade Husky
The TDS software that runs on a Husky is serialized for that particular unit. This is a form of copy protection that will allow the software to fully function on only the specific data collector that it was intended to run on. The Upgrade Husky routine allows a user to download software updates from the TDS web page and serialize those files so they can be used on a Husky data collector that is running a valid copy of an earlier version of the TDS software. The following steps outline how to perform the Upgrade Husky routine. 1. You should already have the self-extracting upgrade file on your hard drive that contains the updated Survey Pro files. Move the upgrade file to a temporary folder and run it. Several files will be extracted to this folder. Connect the data collector to the PC with the transfer cable and power on the Husky. Run the HCOM utility from both the PC and the Husky and use it to copy the UPGRADE.EXE file that was extracted in Step 1 to the Husky. Exit HCOM when you are finished. Open Survey Link and select Tools | Upgrade Husky. This will open the Upgrade Husky dialog box. Click the Choose Path button to open the Browse for Folder dialog box and from there, locate and select the folder where the files were extracted in Step 1 and click OK . Click OK again from the Upgrade Husky dialog box. A prompt will tell you that you need to run the upgrade utility on the data collector.
2. 3.
4.
5.
6.
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FILE TRANSFER
7. From the C:\> prompt on the Husky, type UPGRADE and press [Enter]. A message will tell you that it is ready to communicate with the PC. 8. Click OK in Survey Link to continue. The PC will read information from the Husky and serialize the necessary upgrade files that are stored on the PC. Once completed a message will be displayed on both the PC and the Husky saying that the upgrade is complete. These serialized files must now be transferred to the Husky to complete the upgrade.
9. 10.
Exit Survey Link and re-start HCOM on both the PC and the Husky. Select and transfer all the files listed below that were extracted in Step 1 to the data collector: ERRORS.TDS LOGO.TDS SCREEN.TDS SCRLL.TDS SK.TDS TDS.EXE
Note: Be careful not to select the archive file, UPGRADE.EXE, since it is large, will not be used, and will waste valuable storage space on the data collector. Exit HCOM on the Husky and type TDS and press [Enter] to start the updated version of Survey Pro.
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EDIT A
CR5 or JOB FILE
Chapter 2 briefly looked at the coordinate editor. In this chapter you will be given an in-depth look at the power of the job editor. This chapter explores the remaining features in the Edit menu, such as; Insert and Delete, Find and Go To. Also, the Point List editor is described. Output features such as Printing and creating Reports are also explained. One of the important features of Survey Link is its ability to change, correct and manipulate your survey data. Survey Link can help support your work whether you are adding design points, making corrections for a mistake in the field or converting a file for use in a different product. Editing a coordinate file was discussed briefly in Chapter 2. This chapter will look at it in more detail. The Edit Job procedure allows you to insert, modify, or delete points. You can also print the coordinate list, and search for specific points. Before you can edit a file you must first open it. Click on the Open button from the toolbar or select File | Open. From the Open dialog box, select or enter a CR5 or JOB file name and click OK . From the Open window you can change
4-1
EDIT A CR5 OR JOB FILE

the drive, directory and the file type that will be displayed to help you locate the file you wish to edit. The coordinate file will automatically be opened in the coordinate edit window. As was described in Chapter 2, to edit a coordinate point, click the point you want to edit. The coordinate values for that point will be copied into the edit field in the lower portion of the window. Click on any field that you want to be change. You can either edit an existing value or replace it. If you want to change a point number or name, you must select the point and use the Edit | Renumber Point option. Similarly, the Edit | Renumber Points option can be used to rename a specified range of points simultaneously. When editing a JOB file, as opposed to a CR5 file, you also have the ability to add/edit geodetic coordinate data for points. When editing geodetic coordinates, the Geodetic Flags button will be available, which is used to select the following advanced settings for the selected point. Set Up Group: is the set up group of the point. Consult the Survey Pro GPS for Windows CE Users manual for more information on set up groups. GPS Control Point: when checked, will include the selected point in the list of localization control points. Use for Horizontal Localization: when checked, will use the point for horizontal control in the localization solution. Use for Vertical Localization: when checked, will use the point for vertical control in the localization solution. Use as localization calculator grid origin: when checked, identifies the selected point as the local grid origin for computing rotation in localization calculator solutions. (See the GPS Users Manual for more information on localization calculator.)
..059 : accepts the screen selections and returns to the previous screen.
Continue to edit the remaining coordinate values as needed. You can make changes to as many fields as desired. When you are satisfied with the changes, click the Store button to save the changes to your hard drive. If you close the file without saving it or pressing Store , the changes will not be saved.
4-2

When a coordinate file is open, the Edit and Reports pull-down menus are activated. In addition there are new menu options. These, and other options, that were not covered in detail in Chapter 2 will be discussed here. First, look at the Edit menu. The Undo and Redo option are the same as the toolbar buttons, described in Chapter 2. The undo option will undo the last change made to a file. You can select this option as many times as needed to undo the changes you have made. The redo option performs the reverse function of the Undo function. It is useful when you inadvertently use the Undo function. Each time an edit is undone it is placed on the top of the Redo list. When edits are redone they are placed back on the top of the Undo list. This allows you to Undo and then Redo and Undo again. Care should be taken however, because each time an edit is stored, the Redo list is emptied so those edits that have been undone cannot be redone. Next, you will use the Edit | Insert point option. When this option is selected the following dialog box appears. The next unused point number following the selected point, will be offered as a default. If this is acceptable, click on the OK button. If not, enter the desired point number to insert then click on the OK button. The new point will be added with coordinates of zero. Once you have created the point, its Northing, Easting, Elevation and Description should be entered just as you would edit any other point. Edit the field values to their correct coordinates and click Store . Next you will delete a record. First, select the point that you wish to delete by clicking on it. Now select Edit | Delete point. A dialog box will ask if you want to delete the selected point. Clicking Yes will delete the point. It is important to note that the first point of a coordinate file can not be deleted. You can delete several coordinates at once using the Edit | Delete points... option. The following screen lets you enter a range of points that you want to delete. Enter the starting point and the ending point of the range to be deleted. The points entered, and all points between them will be deleted. Click OK to delete the points.
4-3

The Edit | Find... function lets you search for a point by its descriptor. Selecting the Find option displays the following window. In the Find what field, enter the text that you want to find. This can be any text that you would find in a descriptor. It can be anything from a single character to several words. If you check the Match whole word only checkbox, the search rejects all matches that are not a whole word. If the Match Whole Word Only in not checked and you were searching for PIN, it would also find SPIN and PINS." If the Match case option is checked, the search compares not only the text, but the case of the text. As an example, a search for Tree would NOT find TREE or tree. Finally, you can set the Direction of the search. As it is looking for a match, if it comes to the top or bottom of the file, it will ask if you would like to search the rest of the file. If you answer yes, it will continue searching the rest of the file. The Go to... option will quickly move through the file and select the requested point number. Enter the point number that you want to move to and click OK . When you have finished editing a file you must save it or all changes will be lost. As you edit your file, it is wise to save from time to time. You can also save a file under a different name using File | Save As...
Print
When you want to print a file, either click the print button from the toolbar, or select File | Print. The following dialog box will be displayed. Click OK and the current file will be sent to your printer. In the Print Dialog Box, you have several options that adjust the output: Select the All radio button to print all of the pages of the current file. Select the Pages radio button if you want to print only a certain range of pages. You must also define the first and last pages in the from and to fields when using this option.
4-4

In the Copies section, you can select the number of copies you want printed and whether or not they are to be collated.
Print preview
The Print Preview tool will open the current file in a window that shows how the file will look once it is printed. In this view you can display the next or previous page, display one or more pages by zooming out, or zoom in to see more detail. All the functions are accessed from the buttons on the windows toolbar. If the document looks okay, you can initiate printing from this window by clicking the Print button.
4-5
Page Setup
The margins, titles and text layout can be changed for printing to suit your needs by selecting File | Page Setup. This option presents you with three tabs. Each tab brings you to a different page of setup options. The Margins page is for setting the printing margins. Each margin can be set independently. A margin can be changed by clicking on it and selecting a new margin from the drop down option list, or by double clicking on the field and entering the desired value.
The Titles page lets you enter a title and/or a subtitle. The Title will be printed in the center, at the top of each page. The Subtitle will appear just below the Title. To enter a title, simply click in the Title field then enter up to 80 characters. The Subtitle is entered in the same manner.
The General page selects between grouping the printed data into groups of 5 lines with a blank line between them for easier reading, or using no line separation. When you have made all the changes to the Page Setup, be sure to click Save . If you exit this dialog without saving, all changes will be lost.
The Notes page is used to add the notes entered to the bottom of the report. The entered notes will then be printed with the report and can also be viewed from the Print Preview routine.
4-6

Reports
When you open a coordinate file, the Reports menu is added to the menu bar. There are two reports that can be generated from a coordinate file a Statistics report and a Closure report. When you click on Statistics, no further input is needed. An example of a Statistics report is shown below.
When you select the Closure report option, the following dialog box is presented. You can select several ways in which a traverse closure report will be determined. In the Traverse Loop section, you select between two methods of specifying the points of the traverse. If you select the Consecutive point numbers option, enter the beginning and ending point of the traverse in the Start point and End point fields. All existing points between the start and end points will be taken in numerical order and treated as traverse points. Sideshots and other nontraverse points must be numbered outside this range. The Point List option gives you more freedom in point numbering. However if you select this option you must define a point list. When this option is selected, the Choose File button is also activated and you must select a Point List file. If the Raw Data file is available for this coordinate file you can generate a traverse point list using File | Closure Point List. This method has some limitations. First, a traverse record must have been used to generate each traverse point, except for the first occupy point record. All other occupy point records will be ignored. Second, if the file contains more than one traverse or loops around on itself, you may need to break the traverse into smaller segments
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to get a correct closure. You should always look at the point list that is generated to make sure it is correct. Point lists are automatically opened in the Point List Editor, which can be used to check it. The Point List Editor is described later in this chapter. Third, the point list must be saved to a file so that the file can be selected in the Generate Closure Report window. The Loop Type section lets you select between an open or closed traverse. If you select a Closed Loop, no additional input is needed. If you select an Open Traverse then you must also provide the true coordinates of the ending point. Finally, if you want the report to include the angular precision, you must supply the Closing Angle. If you shot a closing angle in the field, or have computed a closing angle you can enter it in the Closing Angle field. If you want Survey Link to calculate the closing angle, click the Compute Closing Angle button. The closing angle will be calculated using the next to the last point, the last point and the second point in the point list (see diagram). The angular error is calculated using the same method, whether you enter a closing angle or calculate one. The angular error is based upon the assumption that the sum of the interior angles of a closed polygon is equal to (N-2)*180 where N is the number of sides in the polygon. The angular error is the difference between the theoretical and the actual sum of the interior angles of the traverse. With the Generate Closure Report window filled in as you want it, click on the OK button to generate the report. A sample closure report is shown here.
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Once a report is displayed, it can be saved to a file for later use. Since it is simply a text document, it can be opened with you favorite word processor for editing. To save a report, select File | Save. If the report has not already been saved, you will be prompted for a file name and where you want to save the file. You can also select the File | Save As command to save the file under a different name or location.
Create a Coordinate file

To Create a new coordinate file, first click on the New button (shown) or select File | New... You will be presented with the New dialog box. Select the type of file you wish to create. To create a coordinate file select Coordinate Data file and click OK .
Next you are asked for a starting point number. This is the lowest point number that can ever be used in this file. For this reason, enter the smallest one here. This point will be created with the file when you click on the OK button. You now have the coordinate data edit window displayed with the starting point as the only point. Edit the starting points coordinate values that you want and you are ready to insert the remainder of the file. From this point forward the file is handled just as explained in the edit coordinate file chapter. You can insert points using the Edit | Insert Point option. You first insert the point and then use the edit area to enter the coordinate values. Once the coordinates are entered dont forget to save the file. Click on the Save button or select the File | Save or File | Save As... option. When you create a new file, a file name is not specified therefore the Save As... routine will be used, whether you select Save or Save As...
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Creating and Editing a Point List

In addition to the coordinate file option, the New... window lets you create Raw Data, Point List and Text files. Creating Raw Data files is covered in Chapter 5. Creating a Point List file will be covered here. The point list is used to describe the order of specific points, the properties for the points, and the way points are related to each other. It is used as a guide for a data collector or PC program in how to manipulate your coordinates. Although the Point List Editor will create a point list that can be used for any TDS data collection software, there are actually different point list file formats that exist for use with jobs in the CR5 format or the JOB format and different rules apply to both. For example, CR5 format jobs only accept numeric point names, while a JOB format job accepts alphanumeric point names. The other difference in the format of point list files occurs when creating a simple point list to describe the order of traverse points prior to an adjustment. A point list is not used for a traverse adjustment in a JOB file. Instead, the traverse points are defined from a polyline and any side shots are determined from the raw data. If the point list is to be used with an adjustment in a CR5 format job file, the traverse points are listed in the order that they were shot and any side shots follow the traverse point occupied when the side shot(s) were recorded. A side shot is defined in the point list by entering an S, a space, and the point number. The Point List Editor can be opened from the New... menu item or button, or if a point list file already exists, it can be opened from the Open... menu item or button. For this example select the New item under the File menu. The New window is displayed. Now click on Point List file and click OK . The following window is displayed. Shown in this window is a view of a portion of the point list, an input field and several buttons. The buttons are used to insert and edit the lines of the point list. To add a point, select where you want to insert the point by clicking on an existing line in the Points field. Enter the new point into the Point field and click on the button or press [Enter]. The entry will be added to the list above the selected line.
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The items that can be entered into a point list are: Entry # #-# Command Point name Point range What it will do Adds the point number or name to the list. (A CR5 format job only uses numeric point names.) You may specify a range of points in numerical order by entering the first and last point in the group separated by a [-]. (Example: 10-15) Enter [S] followed by a space and then the point number. This entry is only applicable when working with a *.CR5 file. Enter [S] followed by a space, the first point of the range, a [-] and the last point in the range. (Example: S 10-15) This feature is only applicable when working with a *.CR5 file and is typically used when adjusting a traverse that includes side shots in a CR5 format job. This command is entered using the Curve button (See below). This command is entered using the Spiral button (See below). This will lift the pen during a screen plot, to only draw dots until a PenDn command is given. This will put the pen down, drawing lines between dots. The PenDn continues until a PenUp command is given.
S #
Side shot command side shot range
S #-#
Curve Spiral Curve U D PenUp PenDn
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If you click on the Curve button, a dialog box will be displayed in which to enter curve data. A horizontal curve is defined by a beginning and ending point, a radius, whether it curves to the right or the left (as you occupy the start point and face the end point) and whether it is a large (>180) or small (<180) curve. If the horizontal curve also contains a vertical curve component, the beginning and ending grade must be specified. The dialog box can also define a horizontally straight vertical curve between two points. Click on the Straight Line-vertical curve option. The beginning and ending grades and the Start and End points must be specified. The radius, curve turn and arc size are ignored.
The Spiral button will display the Spiral Curve dialog where a spiral curve can be defined. This curve is also defined between a Start point and an End point, along with the radius of the curve you are spiraling into, how long the spiral will be and a Spiral PI point. The TS to SC or CS to ST select between a tangent spiraling into a curve or a curve spiraling into a tangent. Finally you specify a begin and end grade. Click OK to enter the new line in the point list. Selecting a line from a point list and clicking Edit will allow you to modify the selected entry. If the selected line is a curve or spiral curve the entry is opened in the appropriate dialog box described above. After the changes have been made, click OK . The Delete button will remove the selected line from the point list. The Clear List button will delete all records from the current list. Once the point list is created, click the Save button or select the File | Save or File | Save As... option. When you create a new point list file, you must specify a name for the file. If a name has not yet been defined for a file, the Save As... routine will replace the Save routine providing a way to give the new file a name. Do not forget to add the.PL5 extension to the file.
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Creating and editing a Text File

You may wish to use this editor to create a descriptor file that can be uploaded to your data collector. After clicking on the New... button select Text Document and click OK . A blank edit window is displayed. Enter the text that you want. For a descriptor file enter a code, a space and your descriptor. Press the [Enter] key to start a new line. Repeat this procedure for each descriptor code and descriptor that you want in the descriptor file. Each line in a descriptor file should only contain a descriptor code, a space and a descriptor. The descriptor should be no more than 16 characters in length (including any spaces). Once the descriptor file is complete it should be saved and later transferred to the data collector before it can be used. The file is saved like other files. Either click the Save button or select the File | Save or File | Save As... option. The HP 48 Survey Card can only use a descriptor file that is named DESCRIPT.TXT. Most other TDS data collection software can use descriptor files with any name in 8+3 format (up to eight characters in length for the name with no spaces) and a .TXT extension.
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EDIT AN
RW5 or RAW FILE
This chapter discuses the TDS Raw Data editor. The procedure for editing, inserting and deleting a record is explained. How to print and generate raw data reports is also discussed. We will also look at regenerating coordinates from the raw data file. In this chapter you will be given an in-depth look at the power of the TDS Raw Data editor.
TDS Raw Data Editor

The ability to change and correct your raw data and then regenerate coordinates is one of Survey Links most popular features. Survey Link can regenerate coordinates from the raw data after adding design points from field data, making corrections for a mistake in the field or working with a file converted from a non-TDS product. To open an existing raw data file, click on the Open... button or select File | Open. The Open dialog box lets you select a raw data file. TDS Raw Data files will have either a .RW5 or .RAW extension. Editing a line in a raw data file is similar to the process used to edit a line in a coordinate file. Click on the line you wish to edit to select it. The data from this line will be copied to the edit area at the bottom of the window. Because each line of raw data can be different the edit area will adjust to the record type that has been selected.
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Click on different record types and notice that the type and number of fields in the edit area change depending on your selections. All editing of a raw data file takes place in the editing fields in the lower portion of the editing window. You cannot change a record from one type to another. For example, if you wanted to change a traverse record to a side shot, you would need to delete the traverse record and insert a side shot record. When the fields from a line in a raw data file are shown in gray, they can only be viewed not edited. One reason some lines cannot be edited is because the line ties in too closely to other areas of the raw data file and any changes can result in the raw data file becoming unusable. The second reason some lines cannot be edited is because the line information is only used as a record and changes to that record will have no effect when regenerating coordinates. Once you have made the desired changes to a record you must click on the button. If you modify a record without storing the changes, the changes will be lost. Different records in a raw data file are often interrelated. As you edit a raw data file, it is the users responsibility to maintain these relationships. As an example, assume that an incorrect elevation is used in a store point. This point was then occupied for the beginning of a traverse. Later it was again occupied as you began a topo. If you only corrected the first elevation for the point then regenerated coordinates, the elevation for the point would be overwritten in the coordinate file with the second, incorrect, elevation. In order to generate correct coordinates throughout the job, all occurrences of the incorrect elevation must be changed. The reprocessing of a raw data file starts at the beginning and proceeds line by line to the end. Adding a store point at the end of a file will overwrite anything done to that coordinate earlier in the file. Caution must be taken when inserting and deleting lines from a raw data file. A raw data file is the field book record of what occurred in the field. Because each record is not usually independent, there is some inherent danger whenever any change is made. When a record is removed, the information contained in that record may have been needed for the integrity of other records. In addition, when a record is inserted, several other records may be needed to insure that the added record produces the desired result. For example, inserting a traverse or side shot record may need an occupy record, a backsight record and a line of sight record, along with the lines that generated the points used in these records. Or deleting a store point record may remove the coordinates needed for a
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resection, later in the file. It is the users responsibility to make sure that the entire file is consistent and contains the needed data in its proper order. Before editing a raw data file, a backup of the original file should be made. It is a good idea to limit the editing of a raw data file to the correcting of minor errors during data collection.
Insert a Record
To insert a record, select the line above where you want the new line inserted from the raw data file. Next, select the Edit | Insert line(s) option. The edit area is replaced with index card-style pages of options. Each tab is for a different record that can be added. Displayed are all of the record types that can be inserted. Not all records can be added to a file. Sun shot, resection and other records that are not used in regenerating coordinates cannot be added to a raw data file. Again the idea behind editing raw data is to make minor corrections in order to regenerate coordinates. The Note page is useful to further document a raw data file. You can add notes throughout the file to more clearly explain certain parts of the job.
A Backsight record requires two points and the azimuth between them. The Backsight point can be set to 0 to indicate a backsight direction was used instead of a point. If the circle reading of the gun was not zero when sighting the backsight then that circle reading should be entered in the Backsight circle field.
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The HI/HR page allows you to insert a height of instrument and a height of rod record. The Height of instrument and Height of rod must be between -100 and 100.
The Occupy pt page sets the coordinates for the point from which future shots will be taken. You enter the Northing, Easting and Elevation, along with a note if desired. This record will not generate a coordinate record in the coordinate file. Its coordinates should have been generated previously by a store point or observation record. The Side shot page inserts an observation record. Here you enter a horizontal angle, vertical angle and slope distance, along with the occupy point number and foresight point number. A descriptor of up to 16 characters can also be added. A backsight, occupy and HI/HR record should have been defined earlier. As this record is processed, the coordinates for the Foresight point are generated in the coordinate file. The Store Points are where non-observed points are entered. You enter the Northing, Easting and Elevation, along with a descriptor of up to 16 characters if desired. This record will generate a coordinate record in the coordinate file for this point.
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The Traverse page, like the side shot page, inserts an observation record. Again, you enter a horizontal angle, vertical angle and slope distance, along with the occupy point number and foresight point number. A backsight, occupy and HI/HR record should have been defined earlier. A descriptor of up to 16 characters can also be added. As this record is processed, the coordinates of the Foresight point are generated in the coordinate file.
Deleting a Line
Deleting a line (record) from a raw data file is done by clicking on the line to select it then selecting the Edit | Delete line option. The selected line will be Removed from the file. A number of lines can be deleted simultaneously by using the Edit | Delete Lines... option. When this option is selected the following dialog box is displayed. Enter the first line to be deleted in the Starting line field and the last line in the Ending line field. The Starting line, Ending line, and all lines in between will be deleted. Click to delete the lines.
Change a Line into a Note

The Edit | Change line into note routine will convert the selected line into a note. The data found in the line will be preserved, but the line will not be used for any reprocessing function.
Change a Note back into a Line

As long as the data in the note line has not been changed, the Edit | Change note back to line routine will return it to its original form. Any modification to a line that has been converted to a note may make it impossible to convert it back to the original form.
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Duplicate a Line
The Duplicate a Line routine will copy the selected line and insert it directly below. This line can then be edited as described above.
Undo/Redo
As with editing a coordinate file, the Undo and Redo tools are available when editing a raw data file. These are discussed in detail in Chapter 2. The Edit | Undo option will undo the last change made to a file. You can continue selecting this option or clicking the Undo button to undo multiple changes. The Edit | Redo option performs the opposite function of the Undo routine. It redoes what was undone. Each time an edit is Undone it is placed on the top of the Redo list. Each time an edit is Redone it is placed back on the top of the Undo list. This allows you to Undo and then Redo and Undo again. Care should be taken however, because each time an edit is stored, the Redo list is emptied so those edits that have been undone can not be redone. Undo Redo
Find
The find routine lets you search a raw data file for an Occupy, Backsight, or Foresight point or for text within descriptor fields or Note records. First select what you will be searching for, using the appropriate radio button from the Search For section. If searching for a point number or specific text, enter the point number or the text in the corresponding field. The text can be any text entry that can be entered into a descriptor. It can be a partial word, or more than one word. Finally select to search either Up or Down from the Direction section and click .
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Go to
The Edit | Go to option will find, select and display the desired line number. Enter the line number that you want to move to and click on the button.
Save / Save as
When you have finished editing a file you must save it or all changes will be lost. As you edit your file, it is wise to click on the Save button from time to time. You can also save a file under a different name using the Save as... command in the File menu.
Print
When you are ready to print your raw data file, click on the print button. The button and the raw data Print dialog box will be displayed. Click on the file will be sent to your printer. The same options as were discussed in the Print section of Chapter 4 are available to adjust the output of a raw data file.
Print Preview
The print Preview tool will also display the raw data file in a What you see is what you get format. Again the same options and features are available in previewing a raw data file as were described in Chapter 4.
Page Setup...
The margins, titles and text layout options, that are found in File | Page Setup, can be changed as described in Chapter 4. All of the print functions are uniform throughout the program.
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Reports
When a TDS Raw Data file is active the Reports menu has four options. The Error Wizard... option is a raw data checking routine that is designed to find potential problems in a raw data file. When this option is selected the following dialog box is displayed.
There are several options that can be used to customize this report. First are three check-boxes. Point overwrite will warn you of point numbers whose coordinate values have been changed. Missing backsight or occupy points warns you when there is no backsight for a given occupy point. Duplicate Mode lines alerts you if you have more than one Mode line. The second line of a TDS Raw Data file is reserved for the Mode line. If a job was shot using a control file, you should check the Use control file checkbox and specify the coordinate file that was used as a control file when the data was collected. Specify the file by clicking on the button from the Control File section of the dialog, then navigate to the file from the Open file dialog. Finally the Compare to coordinate file option will compare the coordinates generated by the raw data file with those stored in the selected coordinate file for button to navigate to and select the file discrepancies. Use the from the Open file window that appears. When the two files are compared, the coordinates that fall outside the tolerance set in the Coordinate tolerance are reported. With the Error Wizard is configured as you want it, click on the button to generate the report. The report will be displayed in a window at the bottom of
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the screen. If you click on any of the warnings from the report, the corresponding line in the raw data file is located, selected, and displayed. The bottom of the report shows a summary of some statistics about your raw data file.
Cut Sheet Reports

Two different cut sheet reports can be generated from information in the active raw data file. Cut sheet records are stored to the raw data file as a stakeout is performed when the data collector is set to store cut sheet records. See the data collector manual for details on turning cut sheet records on. The cut sheet reports that can be created depend on the type of raw data file is open. A *.RW5 raw data file gives access to creating an offset stake cut sheet report or a point stake cut sheet report. A *.RAW raw data file gives access to creating an offset stake cut sheet report or a slope stake cut sheet report.
Offset Stake Cut Sheet Report

Select the Reports | Offset Stake Cut Sheet option to generate that report. No other input is needed. A sample report is shown here.
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Point Stake Cut Sheet Report

The Reports | Point Stake Cut Sheet option is available when an *.RW5 raw data file is open and will display the following dialog box. Use the button to define which coordinate file was used that contains the design points. The report cannot be generated without this file. You can select whether or not you want the Northing and Easting differences between the design coordinates and the as-built coordinates printed to the report. A sample point stake cut sheet report is shown below.
Slope Stake Cut Sheet Report

The Reports | Slope Stake Cut Sheet option is available when a TDS *.RAW raw data file is open. When selected, the following dialog box will open. Only Slope Staking Record (SL) creates a cut sheet report using only SL records (records generated after locating and storing the catch point). Only Slope Staking Reference Offset Record (SR) creates a cut sheet report using only SR records (records generated after locating and storing an offset to the catch point). Both SL and SR Records creates a cut sheet report from both SL and SR records. All slope stake cut sheet reports that are
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generated will contain at least the five fields that are listed in the center portion of the dialog box shown here. You also have the option to include any of the additional fields that are listed in the lower portion of the dialog box by checking the desired checkboxes. Clicking will create the report based on the selections made. A sample cut sheet report is shown here.
Level Loop Report

The Level Loop report will find the LL records from the active raw data file, and generate a level loop report using these records.
To print a report, it must first be active. If the title bar is gray, that window is not active. Simply click anywhere in the window to make it active. Next, click on the Printer button and then .
Generate Coordinates
The Generate Coordinates option allows you to generate a coordinate file from an RW5 or RAW raw data file. It is useful when you want to replace a coordinate file that has been lost or damaged. It can also be useful to generate new coordinates after making small changes to the raw data file. The first step in generating coordinates is to have the appropriate TDS Raw Data file open and
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active. It is advisable to run the Error Wizard described above. Once all errors and conflicts have been resolved, select the Conversions | Generate Coordinates... option. The following dialog will be displayed. The default Output file name will be the same as the raw data file name except with a CR5 extension. All TDS data collectors require that the coordinate and raw data files have the same name, however you can change the Output File Name by entering a new name or by clicking and selecting an existing file to overwrite or append to. If generating coordinates to a new CR5 file, the Output File Type section will be available. Select if the output file will be Sequential or Non-Sequential. If the file already exists, the Output File Type section will be grayed out and the new file will be written in the same format as the existing file. If writing to an existing file, you must choose whether to Overwrite the file or Keep the file and merge generated coordinates to it. In the latter case, any new points will be added to the existing file, but if a new point has the same name as a point in the existing file, the existing point will be replaced by the new point. Finally, if a control file was used as the data was gathered, select the Use button. Control file checkbox and select the file with the With the dialog box properly filled out, click on the coordinates will be generated. button and the
Create a Raw Data File

When creating a raw data file, care needs to be taken to enter all the needed data in the proper order. More about this as we progress. To create a raw data file, click on the New button to bring up the New dialog box.
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EDIT TDS RAW DATA
Next, select the Raw Data file option and click . A raw data file is created and is automatically opened in the raw data editor window with six default records. A sample new raw data file is shown below. The first is a job record, which contains the job name and the date and time that the raw data file was created. This must be the first record of a TDS raw data file. You need to edit this record to reflect your job name and the Time and Date if necessary.
The second line is the Mode record, which lets you set several parameters about the job. Edit these parameters accordingly. A Store Point record is third. This creates a first point to base the following records from. The coordinates for this record will most likely need to be edited. The next three records create the necessary setup for a traverse or side shot. First is an Occupy point record. The coordinates should be changed to the same values as the point created in the store point above or another Store Point record should be added before this line to create the point that is used for this Occupy Point. The next record sets the backsight. Again the Occupied point is 1. The backsight point is 0, which indicates that the backsight was entered as an azimuth or bearing and not a point. The azimuth and backsight circle are 0.0000. If your job starts with a backsight azimuth instead of a backsight point, then edit this record with the appropriate azimuth and backsight circle values. If your job used a backsight point then you will need to add a second store point to use as a backsight. Then, enter
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this point number, the azimuth between the occupy point and this backsight point and the backsight circle reading. The occupy and backsight points should not be the same point. The last record defines the Height of Instrument and Height of Rod. Edit this record with the correct HI and HR. The last three records are usually needed whenever a new point is occupied. If the Traverse record is used when you move from point to point, then the backsight point is assumed to be the previous occupied point and the occupied point is the previous foresight point. Most likely, you would still need an HI / HR record. The raw data file is a sequential record of the procedure used in the field. Each observation must be entered in the order it would have been done had you been recording it with a data collector in the field. Each side shot must follow the occupy point record that it was shot from but before a new occupy point is set. Traverse points must be in the order of the traverse. Any other record that modifies coordinates must be inserted as they would have been if shot in the field. Once you have modified the first six records that are created with the Raw Data file, you can insert remaining records as described in the previous sections of this chapter. Records that are not directly involved in regenerating coordinates cannot be inserted into a Raw Data file. When adding a repetitive shot, you insert only the resulting Traverse or Side shot record, using the averaged observations. Points generated by a Resection or Point in Direction, can be entered as a Store Point record. Remember that each record must be entered in the order that it would have been collected from the field. As you insert a record watch for the following potential problems: Be sure that all point numbers used in that record have been created previously by a store point record or an observation record. Check that the coordinates entered into an observation record match with previous store points. Watch that an azimuth stored in a record agrees with the inverse. Once the file is created it needs to be saved. Click on the Save button or select the File | Save or File | Save As option.
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FILE CONVERSIONS
This chapter will describe converting survey data from one format to another with Survey Link. Survey Link can convert coordinate data into a number of binary and ASCII formats for compatibility with many popular COGO and CAD software packages. TDS Raw Data can be converted into several popular field book formats for compatibility with third party software. This chapter also deals with extracting TDS Raw Data from archived files, merging coordinate files and creating a DTM file from a DXF file.
Coordinate File Conversions

To convert a coordinate file from one format to another, select Conversions | Convert File Format to open the Convert dialog box, shown here. Select the Coordinate file radio button from the Input section of the dialog. Now, you need to select an input and output file type. Click on the button in the Input type field to access the pulldown menu. A list of valid coordinate file types will appear. (A description of each file format can be found in the next section of this chapter.) Click on the type of file from which you want to convert. Note that a scrollbar appears with the drop-down list that allows you to select from more input file type options. Now click on the button in the Output type field and click on the desired file type that you want to create from the drop-down list. The contents of the drop-down list will vary depending on the selection made for the input file type. Only valid conversion combinations are presented.
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Next you need to select an input file and specify an output file. Click on the button from the Input section and select the source file from the Open file dialog box. The Output file will be created from the conversion so you must specify a name for the file in the Output file name field. You can also use the button from the Output section to select an existing file to overwrite with the new file. With the dialog box setup, click on the you when the conversion is finished. button. A prompt will tell
If you choose a conversion type that needs further setup information, the button will become active. The dialog boxes that will be presented when you click on this button are described in the conversion sections below. The button will be activated if you select User-defined ASCII conversion type as Input or Output. This button lets you describe an ASCII format coordinate file of your design. If your coordinate geometry software is not listed in the above options and you cannot get any of the pre-defined conversions to work with your program, try the Userdefined ASCII option. It is described at the end of the Coordinate File Formats section.
Coordinate File Formats

The coordinate file formats that Survey Link recognizes when it performs a coordinate file conversion are discussed below. Please be aware that some software manufacturers may change their format without notice. Fortunately, the use of an ASCII file format is getting more popular. Today, many software packages have the ability to read or write this type of file. The routine is usually named "Import" or "Export." If the file output by the Survey Link program is no longer recognized by your software, please consult the manual of your software and look for information on accessing these import or export routines.
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CONVERSIONS
ASCII Coordinate Format

The ASCII coordinate format can be viewed and edited with a simple text editor like Windows Notepad. Many software products can import and export in a form that is similar to this format. The format is a comma delimited ASCII file with five data fields, as follows: Point Number, Northing, Easting, Elevation, Descriptor Each line in the file describes a single point. A comma separates each field of a line. Spaces after a comma are ignored. If the software you are using will import and export in this format, it should be compatible with the ASCII coordinate conversion routine. Field Point number comma Northing comma Easting comma Elevation comma Description <CR>+<LF> Position 1-5 6 7-19 20 21-33 34 35-47 48 49++ Length 5 1 13 1 13 1 13 1 variable (up to 16) 2
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CONVERSIONS
AutoCAD DXF Format

AutoCAD graphic files are not stored in ASCII, but can input and output through an interchange file called a .DXF file. The procedure for converting between the TDS coordinate and an AutoCAD .DXF file is outlined below.
Coordinate File to AutoCAD File Conversion

From the Convert dialog box, with the input file selected and the output file type button and the following screen set to AutoCAD DXF, click on the will be displayed. Click on the options you want to change. Select Elevation Off, if you do not have the extended 3dimensional version of AutoCAD. Selecting the Elevation On option will cause Survey Link to transfer elevation information. If you do not have the ADE-3 package, AutoCAD will not be able to read a 3-dimensional file. The Text Scale Factor gives the size of characters when writing point numbers, elevations, and note information. The larger the scale factor, the larger the character size. The following chart shows the relationship between character scale factor, AutoCAD scale and plotted character sizes: Char. Scale 1 1 3 3 AutoCAD Scale 1"=100' 1"=50' 1"=100' 1"=50' Char. size .02" .04" .06" .12" Step 1:
Specify the number of places to the right of the decimal that you want in the elevation. Click on the button to return to the Convert dialog box. Be sure you have selected both of the file types and entered input and output file names. Start the conversion by clicking on the button.
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Step 2: When the conversion is finished, create and load a new work file into AutoCAD. Use the command DXFIN to input the newly created DXF file. Refer to the AutoCAD documentation for more information on the DXFIN command. The Survey Link program puts the coordinate labels and note information on separate levels. You can choose to display or not display these. The following layers are used in the converted .DXF file: Layer # 0 1 2 3 Step 4: Objects Point marker Point number (Text) Note (Text) Elevation (Text)
Step 3:
Save the new work file in AutoCAD.
AutoCAD File to Other Coordinate File Conversion

Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Load the AutoCAD file into AutoCAD. Use the command DXFOUT to create a DXF file. Run the Survey Link program to convert the new DXF file to the desired coordinate file format. The AutoCAD DXF format has become a standard for CAD and various CAD support packages. You may be able to import and export the DXF format into CAD packages other than AutoCAD. The format is beyond the scope of this manual. Refer to the AutoCAD manual for an explanation of the DXF file format.
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AutoCogo file Format

Use the standard procedure for converting file formats. No extra steps need to be taken. The AutoCogo format is a space delimited ASCII file. Each line in this format contains coordinates of one point. Field Point number space Easting space Northing space Elevation space Description <CR>+<LF> Position 1-4 5 6-19 20 21-34 35 36-49 50 51++ Length 4 1 14 1 14 1 14 1 variable 2
If the format you are using has the same ordering of its fields, this format may work with other space-separated files.
C&G Format
C&G's internal coordinate file is not an ASCII file. However, C&G has provided a method for inputting ASCII coordinate files into their internal format. There is also a way to output the coordinate data to an ASCII file. The ASCII file used by C&G's software has the ASC extension. For transferring data between another coordinate file and the C&G software, you need to complete the following procedures:
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Convert DC File to C&G Coordinate File

Step 1: Run the Survey Link program to convert a coordinate file to a C&G file. The file will be formatted as follows: Field Point number space Easting space Northing space Elevation space Description <CR>+<LF> Step2: Step 3: Step 4: Step 5: Step 6: Position 1-4 5 6-19 20 21-34 35 36-49 50 51++ Length 4 1 14 1 14 1 14 1 variable 2
Run the "SU" program of the C&G's software. In the main menu of the "SU" program, type in "V" for selecting the conVert option. In the CONVERT menu, type in "I" for selecting: "Input ASCII text file INTO .CRD file." In the Available Formats Menu, type in "1" for selecting: "1-from AutoCogo (# East North Elevation Description<CR><LF>)." The program will now prompt, Enter path where ASCII files are stored. Type in: \SU\DATA\ (This assumes that you have a standard setup for the C&G package). Next you will be prompted, Enter next file to convert (or press [ENTER] to begin). Type in the name of the file that you wish converted. You will again see the Enter next file to convert (or press [ENTER] to begin) prompt. This time press the [ENTER] key. You will now be prompted: How do you wish to handle duplicate points? Ignore Overwrite Ask before overwrite Press I for Ignore. The C&G software will now convert the file.
Step 7: Step 8:
Step 9:
After completion, press [Esc] to exit.
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Convert C&G Coordinate File to Another Coordinate File Format
Run the "SU" program of the C&G's software. In the main menu of the "SU" program, type in "V" for selecting the conVert option. In the CONVERT menu, type in "O" for selecting: "Output ASCII text file FROM .CRD file" In the available formats menu, type in "3" for selecting: "3- to AutoCogo (# East North Elevation Description<CR><LF>)" The program will now prompt: Enter path where ASCII files are to be placed. Type in: \SU\DATA\ (This assumes that you have a standard setup for the C&G package). Next you will be prompted: Enter next file to convert (or press ENTER to begin). Type in the name of the file that you wish converted. You will again see the Enter next file to convert (or press [ENTER] to begin) prompt. This time, press the [ENTER] key. After completion, press [Esc] to exit. Run the Survey Link program to convert the C&G ASCII file to another coordinate file. Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Step 4: Step 5:
Step 6: Step 7: Step 8: Step 9:
CLM Format
Use the standard procedure for converting file formats. No extra steps need to be taken. The CLM format is a space delimited ASCII file. In this format, each line contains the data of a point as follows: Field "PNT" space Point number space Easting space Northing <CR>+<LF> Position 1-3 4 5-8 9 10-26 27 28-44 45-46 Length 3 1 4 1 17 1 17 2
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Autodesk-Softdesk ASCII Format

Autodesk-Softdesk has provided a way to input ASCII coordinate files and to output coordinate data to an ASCII file. Refer to the Autodesk-Softdesk manual on methods to import and export ASCII coordinate files. Before converting an Autodesk-Softdesk file you specify whether you want elevations transferred. Step 1: From the Convert dialog box, with the Output type set to Autodesk-Softdesk ASCII, click the button and the following screen will be displayed. Click on the options you want to change. Select Elevation Off, if you do not want elevations in the Autodesk-Softdesk ASCII file. Selecting the Elevation On option will cause Survey Link to transfer elevation information. Specify the number of places to the right of the decimal that you want in the elevation in the Digits of precision for elevation field. Click to return to the Convert dialog box. Be sure you have selected an input file and entered an output file name. Start the conversion by clicking on the button. The file that is created is a comma delimited ASCII coordinate file with 5 fields. The order of the fields is as follows: Point number, Easting, Northing, Elevation, Description Notice that the Easting is before the Northing, unlike the ASCII (N, E, Z, Note) conversion routine. All the values are free form, separated by a comma. For display purposes, the elevation is truncated to the specified number of places.
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Drafix Format
For transferring data between a coordinate file and the Drafix 1 Plus format, you need to complete the following procedures.
Convert a Coordinate File to Drafix Format

Run the Survey Link program to convert a coordinate file to a Drafix (DAF) file. Before converting the file you can enter a Scale factor by clicking on the button. Only the text is scaled using this scale factor. You may want to experiment with the scale factor. If you are going to enter 1:20 in Drafix, then enter 20 as the Scale factor in Survey Link. You can use this to change character size for various-scale drawings. Refer to the Drafix manual for more information on DAF files. After entering a scale factor, click to return to the Convert dialog box. Be sure you have selected an input file and specified an output file name. You should use the DAF extension for the output file name. Start the conversion by clicking on the button. Run the DFXPORT program supplied with the Drafix software. Select the "I" for Import option in the DFXPORT program. The DFXPORT program will prompt for an optional blank template file. Press the [ENTER] key to ignore this. Next, the DFXPORT program will prompt for the ASCII file name to import. Type in the name of the file created by the Survey Link program (with the DAF extension). Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 1
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Convert Drafix File to Another Coordinate File
Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Run the DFXPORT program supplied with the Drafix software. Select the E option for Export in the DFXPORT program. The DFXPORT program will prompt for the name of the drawing file to convert. Type in the name of the drawing file that you wish to convert including the DWG extension. The program will now prompt for the output ASCII file name. Type in the name of the file you wish it saved to (include the DAF extension). Run the Survey Link program to convert the Drafix file into the desired coordinate file.
Step 4: Step 5:
Plotting in Drafix
Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Step 4: To be able to plot the drawing file in Drafix, follow these steps: When you enter Drafix and have the drawing loaded, select display extents. Select check coordinates. Find the coordinate that you would like to be the lower left of your drawing. Select parameters scale. Change to the scale that you want. Select parameters sheet origin select. Then press c for coordinate entry. Enter the coordinates from step 2 as negative numbers separated by a comma. For example: if for step 2, you found the coordinates to be 5030 and 580, then step 4, should be entered as -5030, -580 <CR> (carriage return). Finally, click the mouse button. You should see the drawing on the screen. You may want to repeat step 4 in order to gain a more precise alignment. To do this, first select parameters sheet origin center. Then, repeat step 4.
Lewis & Lewis Format

Lewis & Lewis' internal coordinate file is not an ASCII file. However, Lewis & Lewis has provided a way to input an ASCII coordinate file into their internal format and also to output the coordinate data to an ASCII file. To transfer data between another coordinate file and the Lewis & Lewis software, you need to complete the following procedures.
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CONVERSIONS
Convert a Coordinate File to a Lewis & Lewis Coordinate File
Run the Survey Link program to convert a coordinate file to a Lewis & Lewis file. Before converting the file, be sure you have selected the input file and specified a name for the output file. You can choose to export elevations by clicking . Select either Elevations in output or No elevations in output. Clicking will return you to the Convert dialog box. Start the conversion by button. A comma delimited file will be created in the clicking on the following format: Field Position Length Point number 1-5 5 comma 6 1 Northing 7-19 13 comma 20 1 Easting 21-33 13 comma 34 1 Elevation 35-47 13 comma 48 1 Description 49++variable <CR>+<LF> 2 Run the "IMPORT" program of the Lewis & Lewis software. After completion, enter + and hit the carriage return at the "Input File:" prompt. Step 1
Step 2 Step 3
Convert Lewis & Lewis coordinate file to another coordinate file

Run the EXPORT program of the Lewis & Lewis software. After completion, enter + and hit the carriage return at the 3D Input File: prompt. Run the Survey Link program to convert a Lewis & Lewis file to a coordinate file. Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
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Maptech Format
Use the standard procedure for converting file formats. No extra steps need to be taken. Maptech's coordinate file is an ASCII file. It is not identified by its file extension. The coordinate file is defined by the first line in the file. The first line has the following format: Position 1-5 6 - 11 12 13 - 17 18 19 - 28 29 -104 105 -118 Description "COORD", indicates coordinate file integer number of points in file comma starting point number comma text desc. on field book (10 chars) text description of file (76 chars) required blanks (14 chars)
All remaining lines in the file contain coordinates for points in the following format. Field Northing space Easting space Elevation space Description <CR>+<LF> Position 1-17 18 19-35 36 37-47 48 49-58 59-60 Length 17 1 17 1 11 1 10 2
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MTI Format
Refer to the MTI Manual for procedures for importing and exporting ASCII coordinate files. In the MTI format, the coordinates are free-form and separated by a comma. The note is at the end of each line of coordinate information and is inside quotes. The format is as follows: Point number, Easting, Northing, Elevation, "Description"
PacSoft Coordinates Format

PacSoft runs on a co-processor board that plugs into the PC. This allows Rocky Mountain Basic to run. After the Survey Link program creates the PacSoft Coordinate file, follow the steps in the co-processor board's manual for transferring a PC file to HP formatted directories. When in the directory, you can import the file into the PacSoft software. In the PacSoft format, coordinates are referenced by their placement on the data line. Except for their position on the line, there are no separators between the coordinate information. Field Point Northing Easting Elevation space Description <CR>+<LF> Position 1-5 6-19 20-33 34-47 48 49 2 Length 5 14 14 14 1 variable
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Plus 3 Format
The Standard ASCII format is compatible with PLUS 3's software. Follow the standard conversion procedure. No extra steps need to be taken. Field Point number comma Northing comma Easting comma Elevation comma Description <CR>+<LF> Position 1-5 6 7-19 20 1-33 34 35-47 48 49++ 2 Length 5 1 13 1 13 1 13 1 variable
WILDSoft Format
WILDSoft has the ability to read an ASCII coordinate file. Follow the normal conversion process. No extra steps need to be taken. WILDSoft is free-form in length, with values being separated by commas in the following format: Point, Northing, Easting, Elevation, Description
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CONVERSIONS
SurvCAD Format
The SurvCAD file format that TDS will convert to, is an AutoCAD DXF format with a different order to its layers: Layer # 0 1 2 3 Object Point marker Point number (text) Elevation (text) Descriptor (text)
See the AutoCAD conversion section for more details.
User-defined ASCII Format

Survey Link has a file conversion selection in which the user can define the format. This enables conversion to or from ASCII formats that are not supported by Survey Links built-in conversion routines. If the CAD or COGO software product you are trying to convert to is not directly supported by Survey Link, you should try the following steps: Determine if your software can convert to and from any other provided format. Select a format that is directly supported in Survey Link. If none are available, you need to determine what ASCII format(s) your software can convert its coordinate data to and from. If your software cannot use one of the available formats and cannot convert to and from an ASCII file, we cannot transfer the coordinate data to that software. Try contacting the company that produced your CAD or COGO software to see if there is a new conversion routine being developed. The possibility of designing a generic or user-defined binary conversion routine is very complex and beyond the scope of Survey Link. Determine if your software can convert to and from our standard ASCII format. If so, use this format. If your software cannot use the standard ASCII format, then you need to custom-define your conversion format. Step 2 Step 1
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Select User-defined ASCII format as the Input or Output type then click the button. The Define Coordinate File Format screen will be displayed as shown here.
Step 3:
First, you need to determine which of two formats your software produces. If your software will produce more than one ASCII format, you might want to recheck to see if the Survey Link standard ASCII format is not already one of them. If not, then pick the one that is closest to the standard ASCII. You will need a printout of an ASCII converted file from your software that has a range of northings, eastings and elevations. Look to see whether the decimal points line up in a column or move over a space when they go between hundreds and thousands (see below).
-- FREE FORM -|||||||||0|||||||||0|||||||||0|||||||||0|||||||||0|||||||||0| Store 34 , 5346.1647 , 23426.4673 , 243.3452 *POB Store 153 , 45543.2949 , 12478.244 , 98.9547 *NW Corner Store 262 , 26298.7434 , 43245.5875 , 1243.3452 *NE Corner Store 1673 , 986.1647 , 38126.25743 , 6.23 *SE Corner -- COLUMNAR -|||||||||0|||||||||0|||||||||0|||||||||0|||||||||0|||||||||0| Store 34, 5346.1647 , 23426.4673 , 243.3452 *POB Store 153, 45543.2949 , 12478.244 , 98.9547 *NW Cor. Store 262, 26298.7434 , 43245.5875 , 1243.3452 *NE Cor. Store 1673, 986.1647 , 38126.25743, 6.23 *SE Cor.
If your data is free form, you should select Free form from the Fields section. Our example will be columnar so select the Fixed number of characters. (The format used in this example will convert to or from a CivilSoft file.)
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Now, check if there are any characters in front of the first field. If there are, they should be entered in the Line prefix field. The prefix must be text that is in each and every line of the file without deviation. In our example, "Store" is in front of the Point Number on each line, so type "Store" in the Prefix field. If your file does not have any characters in front of the first field, leave this field blank. The next step is to assign the order of each data field. If the order is not correct, simply click on each Type field that needs changing. An option list will appear. Select the proper field by clicking on the desired option. Repeat the process until all the fields are in their proper order. If you have less than five fields, use the <<None>> selection to fill any unused fields at the end of the data line. For this example the default order of Point #, Northing, Easting, Elevation, Note, is appropriate.
Store
Step 4
123456 34,
character spacing
5346.1647 ,
23426.4673 ,
243.3452 *POB
Now you need to define each field. Each field has two or three parameters that need setting. First you define the point number field. Determine the number of character positions used for the first field. In our example, we need 6 so, enter 6 in the Length field. (The Length field does not apply when using the free form method.) The second parameter would be Places or the number of digits to the right of the decimal point. Since the point number is a counting number, it has no fractional part. Enter the number of fractional digits for those fields that require it. Finally the Delimiter is one or more characters that are used to separate each field. This will typically be a comma, semicolon, or a space. The free form must have a delimiter, but the Fixed number of characters option does not require a delimiter. For this example, a comma is used as the delimiter between each field of data. The line just above the buttons at the bottom of this dialog box represents a line of the file you are defining. Each P, N, E and Z is a Point #, Northing, Easting and Elevation, respectively, and each D is a Note character. This line is updated as you change the parameters.
Step 5
Step 6
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Step 7: Repeat each of the last three steps for the second field, which is the Northing. Enter 14 as the Length, 5 for the Places and , for the Delimiter.
Store 34,
12345678901234 5346.1647 ,
character spacing
23426.4673 ,
243.3452 *POB
Notice that the Length is the total width of the data field between each delimiter. Step 8: Repeat these steps again for the remaining fields. The Easting is similar to the Northing. The Elevation has 10 for a Length, 4 decimal Places of accuracy and a two character delimiter of a space and an ampersand (*). The Note has a Length of 16 as its only parameter. When the example is completed, the Define Coordinate File Format screen should look like the one shown here. The last entry is the Line Suffix. It is like the prefix in that it must be the same on every line. This example does not have a suffix so leave it blank.
Delimiters can be different between each field. The delimiter before the descriptor has a space in front of the "*". Spaces When using the Fixed number of characters option, you do not need to
have a delimiter between any of the fields. can be a part of, or the whole delimiter.
Let us highlight some points:
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That completes the definition of a User-defined ASCII conversion format. Now click on the button to see a sample display of the format. If there are errors, go back to that line in the Define Coordinate File Format screen and correct them. Step 9
Not all ASCII files can be converted using the User-defined ASCII conversion format. Below is a table that is a guide to what can and cannot be done:
One line of data for each coordinate. Lines that have information other than coordinate data. (a block of text) All lines have the same number of fields. The fields must be in the same order. All fields except the Desc. field must be numeric. No non-numeric information in a numeric field. A different delimiter between each field. Can have less than five fields. Can have fields in any order Between each field you must have a delimiter
Free Form Must Have Can't Have Must Have Must Have Must Have Can Have Can Have Can Have Must Have
Fixed Form Must Have Can't Have Must Have Must Have Must Have Can Have Can Have Can Have Can Have
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Survey Pro CE Import/Export

The Survey Pro CE Import/Export routine allows you to convert coordinate files between the newer TDS JOB file format and the TDS CR5 or ASCII file format. The Import routine will read in a TDS JOB file and output a TDS CR5 or ASCII file. To import a file, select Conversions | Survey Pro CE Import/Export and then click the Import tab. Enter the full path and file name for the JOB file that you want to import in the Job file name field, or use the Browse button to locate and select the file. In the Distance units field, select the units for the coordinates to be stored in the destination file. If the selected units do not match the original units, the new units will be converted. If the JOB file contains both geodetic and plane coordinates, select the type of coordinates that you want in the destination file from the Data type field. If the JOB file only contains one type of coordinates, you must select the same type in the Data type field. To output to a CR5 file, select the TDS CR5 radio button. To output to an ASCII file, select the ASCII radio button. If importing to a CR5 file from a JOB file that contains alpha point names, the alpha names will automatically be renamed to numeric names. If the JOB file contains both numeric and alpha point names, the numeric point names will remain unchanged, but the alpha names will be renamed to numeric names in numeric order after the largest existing numeric name in the JOB file. Specify the full path and a name for the output file in the File name field or use the Browse button to select a location for the file. Click the Import button to create the new file.
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The Export routine will read in a TDS CR5 or ASCII file and output a TDS JOB file. To export a file, select Conversions | Survey Pro CE Import/Export and then click the Export tab. In the Distance units field, select the units that are used in the source file. Selecting different units will not result in a conversion when exporting a file. Select the type of units that are stored in the source file from the Data type field and select the file type for the source file from the File type field. Use the upper Browse button to locate and select the source file. Enter the full path and file name for the destination file in the Job file name field, or use the Browse button to select an existing file to overwrite with the new data. When the screen is filled in, click the Export button to create the new CR5 or ASCII file.
Nikon Import/Export
The Nikon Import/Export screen allows users of the Nikon DTM-700 and DTM800 total stations that are running the AP700 or AP800 software compatibility with TDS software. The Import routine will read in a Nikon DBM database file and output to a Nikon raw data file. This output file can then be converted to a TDS raw data file by using the Conversions | Convert File Format routine. The Export routine will read in a TDS CR5 coordinate file and output to a Nikon DBM database file. To import a Nikon DBM database file, select Conversions | Nikon Import/Export and then select the Import tab.
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From the Data format drop down list, select if you are importing a Nikon AP700 or Nikon AP800 database file. With the DMB database file already stored on your local drive, tap the first Choose File button and then locate and select the file. Enter the full path and file name, including the appropriate TRN, NK, RAW, or DN extension in the Import file name field, or use the second Choose File button to select an existing file to overwrite. Tap the Import button to perform the conversion. To export a TDS coordinate file to a Nikon DBM database file, select Conversions | Nikon Import/Export and then select the Export tab. With the TDS coordinate file already stored on your local drive, tap the first Choose File button and then locate and select the file. You can either select the Entire file radio button to export all of the points in the coordinate file, or select the Block of points radio button to export a range of points specified in the Begin point and End point fields. From the Export format drop down list, select if you are exporting to a Nikon AP700 or Nikon AP800 database file. Enter the full path and file name, in the Job file name field, or use the second Choose File button to select an existing file to overwrite. Tap the Export button to perform the conversion.
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Trimble DC File Import/Export

The Trimble DC File Import/Export routine will convert coordinates between any TDS JOB or CR5 file and a Trimble Geomatics Office DC file. Select Conversions | Trimble DC File Import/Export to open the Trimble DC File Import/Export dialog box.
Importing From a DC File

To convert a Trimble DC file to a TDS file, tap the Import tab. Click the upper Browse button to locate and select the Trimble DC file that you want to convert. Select the appropriate radio button that corresponds with the type of file that you want to create under the TDS File section. Enter a path and file name for the new file in the lower File Name field. Alternatively, you can use the lower Browse button to locate and select an existing file to overwrite with the new file. Click the Import button. All point names and coordinates in the DC file will be imported to the selected TDS file format. If importing a DC file that contains numeric and alpha point names to a CR5 file, the numeric point names in the DC file will remain unchanged, but the alpha names will be renamed to numeric names. The new numeric names will begin in numeric order after the largest existing numeric name in the DC file.
Exporting Coordinates From Within Trimble Geomatics Office

To export coordinates from a Trimble Geomatics Office project, open the project that contains the data that you want to export. Select the Export button on the left side of the screen.
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Select the Survey Controller DC File option. Specify the DC file to create, which will be used by Survey Link to create a new TDS coordinate file.
Exporting to a DC File
To convert a TDS file to a Trimble DC file, tap the Export tab. Select the appropriate radio button that corresponds with the type of file that you want to export under the TDS File section. If selecting a TDS CR5 file, you must also specify the distance units used in that file from the CR5 File Distance Unit dropdown list. Click the upper Browse button to locate and select the TDS file that you want to convert. Enter a path and file name for the new file in the lower File Name field. Alternatively, you can use the lower Browse button to locate and select an existing DC file to overwrite with the new file. Click the Export button. All point names and coordinates in the TDS file will be exported to the specified DC file.
Importing Coordinates From Within Trimble Geomatics Office

To import coordinates from a DC file into an existing project in Trimble Geomatics Office, open the project where the new data will be imported. Select the Import button on the left side of the screen. Select the Survey Controller DC File option. Select the DC file created from Survey Link to import the new data.
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CONVERSIONS
Raw Data Conversions

Converting a raw data file is similar to converting a coordinate file. You select . There are some an input and output format and file, then click differences that need to be addressed. Coordinate files can be converted from one format to another and then converted back to the original format. This works well because all coordinate files are point numbers, northings, eastings, elevations and notes or some subset of these. Once a raw data file is converted, it usually cannot be converted back to the original format. Converting raw data requires the manipulation of what one format has stored about a job into what a second format wants to know about that job. Some data is not available and must be calculated, asked to be entered, or may even be ignored. Some of the formats that a raw data file is converted into are not technically raw data formats, but CAD or coordinate geometry files. This can result in data that is not used. If we tried to convert back to the original format, much of the data that is needed is no longer available. The raw data file would be limited at best. Secondly, this same difference in what each raw data format stores imposes limitations on some of the conversions. These limitations are addressed in the descriptions of each conversion format after the description of the process itself. Only Survey Link-DC has the ability to convert raw data originating from non-TDS data collectors. The steps to convert a raw data file are virtually the same as for a coordinate file. The first step is to select the Raw Data file radio button. Next you specify the file types. Survey Link-DC users can select an input file type by clicking on the button from the Input type field. A selection can be made from the drop-down list. A description of each format can be found at the end of the next section. Click on the desired input file type to select it. Now Click on the button in the Output type field and select the type of file that you want to create from the drop-down list. The file types available will depend on the selection made for the input file type. A description of each format can be found in the next section. Next, you need to select a file for the input file and specify a name for the output button from the Input file name field to select file. Click on the
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CONVERSIONS
a file. For the output file, enter a file name in the Output file name field or use button to select a file to overwrite with the new file. the The last step is to click finished. . A prompt will tell when the conversion is button will become active.
If you chose a Plus 3 output file type, the This is explained in the Plus 3 section.
Raw Data File Format Conversion

Survey Link can convert TDS Raw Data files to various formats used by other surveying or civil engineering software. Survey Link DC can also convert files from other data collectors to these file formats.
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CONVERSIONS
TDS Raw Data to Autodesk-Softdesk ASCII Format

TDS Raw Data can be converted into an Autodesk-Softdesk ASCII field book file. The auto-plotting data may be collected using either TDS's line work commands or Autodesk-Softdesk's field book commands. Data should be collected using one set of commands, not a mixture of the two. A listing of the TDS line work commands is shown in Appendix C. Refer to Autodesk-Softdesk documentation for a description of their line work commands. NOTE: 1. 2. The TDS line work commands that are converted are BEG, C3, END, JFS, JN, JPS, JT, JP and SS. When using Autodesk-Softdesk line work commands: a. You must issue a BEG <polyline> before the first point of a line is shot. If you do not enter <polyline> with the BEG command, the name of the line will be taken from the note field of the next point shot. b. It is not necessary to issue a CONT <polyline> command every time an existing line is resumed. The conversion program will insert CONT <polyline> when it detects that a point shot is in a line, but is not in the same line as the preceding point shot. c. The Note field of a point must have its <polyline> name in it.
To convert a TDS Raw Data file into an Autodesk-Softdesk field book file and import it into Autodesk-Softdesk: In Survey Link, convert the TDS file to the Autodesk-Softdesk ASCII format. The Autodesk-Softdesk filename should have the .FBK extension. Exit Survey Link. Start Autodesk-Softdesk and select: a. OPEN or NEW for project. b. SURVEY module. c. COLLECT from menu. d. IMPORT FIELD BOOK from Collect Menu. e. select the .FBK file created in Step 1. Step 1: Step 2: Step 3:
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CONVERSIONS
NOTES: 1: Autodesk-Softdesk does not recognize 0 as a point number. When an Azimuth or Bearing is used as a backsight, TDS data collectors will store a backsight point number of 0. If the TDS Raw Data file has 0 for a BS point number, (whenever you use a BS azimuth or bearing), the 0 must be replaced with an unused point number. If during conversion a BS point number of 0 is read, the user is prompted to substitute a nonzero unique point number from the screen shown. After entering the desired point number, click to continue the conversion.
2:
Softdesk requires that the starting and closing point numbers of a closed traverse be the same number. Survey Link requires a different point number for the beginning and ending points. Therefore our data collector manuals will instruct you to use a different point number for the closing shot to the beginning point. If you are generating data that will be transferred to an FBK file, the data must be collected in the form that Autodesk-Softdesk requires, independent of the data collector. For example, you must use the same point number for the beginning and ending points. Be aware that if you do use the same point number for the beginning and ending point, only the coordinates of the ending point are retained in the TDS coordinate file. However the raw data for both shots will be stored in the raw data file.
TDS Raw Data to AASHTO Format

TDS Raw Data is converted into an AASHTO SDMS Combined Task data file. The project data item in the AASHTO file will be the name of the TDS Raw Data file.
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CONVERSIONS
TDS Raw Data to Intergraph ADF Format
Survey Link can convert a TDS Raw Data file into Intergraph's ADF file format. If TDS line work commands were not used in the raw data file, the conversion will only generate POINT, DISTANCE and ANGLE data in the ADF file. In order to generate the LINE data in the ADF file, the raw data must contain a "BEG" command in the record just before the first point of a line is defined. Refer to Appendix A at the end of this manual for a complete discussion of the line work commands. This conversion will not recognize any ETI codes in the TDS Raw Data file. In order to generate line work in the ADF file, TDS line work commands must be used. The conversion also produces an ICS file that contains an AUTO PLOT and STORE FIGURE record that corresponds to each LINE in the ADF file. The ICS file will have the same name as the ADF file, but with an extension of .ICS. At this time, Intergraph's InRoads program does not recognize the LINE records in an ADF file. To import line information into InRoads, the ICS file can be loaded. See Appendix B for instructions on loading an ADF file into InRoads.
TDS Raw Data to CAiCE (SRV) Format

TDS Raw Data can be converted into an ASCII SRV file that will interface with CAiCE. Two input files are required: the raw data file and its corresponding Coordinate file. The Coordinate file must have the same name as the raw data file, but with the .CR5 extension. Chains will be included in the SRV file only if TDS line work commands were used when the data was collected. See Appendix A at the end of this Manual for a listing of the TDS line work commands.
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CONVERSIONS
TDS Raw Data to PLUS 3 Raw Data Format

TDS Raw Data can be converted into a PLUS 3 FieldT version 1.0 or 2.0 .TRV format. 1. The FieldT program requires that traverse data be collected in the same order as the traverse. For example, if a traverse goes from point 9 to 10 to 15 to 21 to 9, then the shots must be taken in that order. The FieldT program will not give correct results if, for example, measurements are taken as 9 to 10, 15 to 21, and then back to 10 to 15 and then 21 to 9. The FieldT program requires that the initial backsight with unknown coordinates has 0 as its point number. If you are running FieldT version 1.0, select Plus 3 version 1.0 from the Convert dialog box. If you are running FieldT version 2.0, or higher, select Plus 3 version 2.0. Click on the button and the following dialog box will be displayed. Click on the appropriate options. The first four radio buttons select the traverse type. This is determined by how the traverse was performed. See your Plus 3 manual for a description of each type. The Carry elevation option specifies whether elevations will be transferred to the new file. The Average backsight distance option tells Plus 3 to average the backsight distances. Click to return to the Convert dialog box. Be sure you have selected both of the file types and entered input and output file names. Start the conversion by clicking .
2.
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CONVERSIONS
TDS Raw Data to SDRmap Raw Data Format

Survey Link can convert a TDS Raw Data file into an ASCII file that can be imported into SDRmap. TDS line work commands are converted into SDR Control Codes. To import a file into SDRmap (Version 3.10): From the Main Menu select: [1] Job creation and selection. From the Job Control Menu select: [1] Start a new job. From the Job Initialization Details Menu specify: Job identifier, Directory to store job in, etc. From the Main Menu select: [2] SDR menu. From the SDR Menu select: [1] Receive data from SDR. From the Receive data from SDR Menu select: [F4] Import data file as SDR file. Enter file name. Step 1: Step 2: Step 3:
Step 4: Step 5: Step 6:
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CONVERSIONS
TDS Raw Data to WildSoft Raw Data Format

Survey Link can convert raw data collected using a TDS data collector into a WILD collection file. Data may be collected using either TDS line work commands or any of the WildSoft Data Collection Codes. If data is collected using TDS line work commands, it is assumed that the line work is collected in the same way it would be collected if WILDsoft's Data Collection Codes were used. This limits the TDS line work commands that can be used to the following: BEG to start a line, END to interrupt a line, JPS to continue a line, and C3 for 3 points of an arc . These commands correspond to WILDsoft's Data Collection Codes 70, 71, 72 and 73. If data is collected using WildSoft Collection Codes, WildSoft codes 1 to 999 will be read with their info fields 1-4 and output to a WILD code block record. 1. 2. NOTE: The codes are input as W### or w### in the TDS note record, where ### is the WildSoft data collection code. Info fields, INFO1-INFO4, are input following the code. There must be a space between info fields. An optional info field may be omitted by inputting a zero. An info field may have a maximum of 8 characters; any more will be truncated. Example: TDS Note Record: (The second info field is omitted.) --W145 fence 0 24 Corresponding WILD record: 410006+00000145 42....+000fence 43....+00000000 44....+00000024 To convert a TDS Raw Data File into a WildSoft Collection File and import it into WildSoft: Step 1: In Survey Link, convert TDS file into a WildSoft ASCII collection file. job.RW5 --> Job.WLD
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CONVERSIONS
Exit Survey Link. Run the stand-alone WildSoft program, COLLFIX, to convert the WildSoft ASCII collection file, Job.WLD, into the non-ASCII collection file format that WildSoft reads. a. At the DOS prompt, type COLLFIX. b. Specify option 2) PREPARE FILE FOR WILDSOFT CONVERSION. c. At the 'File to Edit' prompt, give the name of the WildSoft ASCII collection file, Job.WLD. Rename the file so it has the extension .COL that WildSoft looks for. REN Job.WLD Job.COL Step 2: Step 3:
Step 4:
Give the name of the job when Job File Name is From the Main Menu, select: From the Electronic Data Collection Menu, select
1.) CHANGE FILE AND JOB CONFIGURATION From this screen, select: 1.) CHANGE JOB FILE. Give job name and create other files used. 6.) CHANGE JOB CONFIGURATION. 1.) UNITS FOR I/O. Set appropriate angle and distance units. 2.) METHOD OF MEASUREMENT. 1.)REPS-REPETITIONS or 3.)1ANG-SINGLE 5.)EDM 9.) SAVE CONFIGURATION. From the Electronic Data Collection Menu, select 4.) COLLECTION FILE PROCESSING. 3.) CHANGE MEASUREMENT SEQUENCE to be B-F-F-B or B-F-B-F. 4.) CHANGE BEGINNING POINT ID'S to be "Use Points from Measurement Blocks" 1.) BEGIN PROCESSING COLLECTION FILE INTO FIELD DATA FILE. 3.) ELECTRONIC DATA COLLECTION. requested.
To Process the collection file, run WildSoft:
Step 5:
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CONVERSIONS
TDS Raw Data to PacSoft Raw Data Format
This program converts raw data collected by a TDS data collector into an ASCII file that can be read by DesignMaster. In DesignMaster, the file is converted into a PacSoft .FLD binary file. To import the ASCII file to DesignMaster: Step 1: Step 2:
From the DesignMaster Menu: choose: 0 FILES From the Files screen: specify the default directory. choose: 1 OPEN FILES specify coordinate file exit to DesignMaster Menu From the DesignMaster Menu: choose: 3 SURVEYING
Step 3: Step 4:
From the Surveying screen: choose: 1 FIELD SURVEY give name of FIELD NOTE FILE. (This is the binary .FLD file.) give FILE size.
Step 5:
From FIELD NOTE screen: choose: 6 IMPORT FROM ASCII select: 0 CIRCLE READING (for horizontal angle mode) select: 0 RAW (for distance mode) give ASCII FILE NAME (The name of the ASCII file generated by Survey Link.)
TDS line work commands are not interpreted. They are written in the Note Record of the PacSoft file. PacSoft has no line work commands.
TDS Raw Data to Topcon FC-4 Format

Survey Link can convert TDS Raw Data to the Topcon FC-4 format raw data. button from the Input section to select the Topcon .FC4 Use the raw data file that you want to convert. For the Output type, select Topcon FC4 then enter a file name for the output file in the Output file name field. Click the button to create the new file.
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CONVERSIONS
Data Collector Conversion Formats

The raw data conversion routines discussed below are only available when using Survey Link DC or Survey Link DC with Geodetic Functions.
GRE 3 raw data to TDS raw data Format

Data collected with the Wild GRE 3 data collector can be converted into a TDS raw data file. The conversion program assumes that the data collector was set to use the Wild Standard Measurement Format and that Intergraph's ETI codes were used when the data was collected. Refer to the next section, GRE 3 to ADF, for notes on collecting ETI codes and limitations of the conversion routine.
GRE 3 raw data to Intergraph's ADF Format

The conversion routine will read a raw data file from a Wild GRE 3 data collector, reduce the measurements in accordance with the ETI codes in the raw file and output the POINT, LINE, ANGLE and DISTANCE data to the ADF file. The conversion also produces an ICS file that contains an AUTO PLOT and STORE FIGURE record that correspond to each LINE in the ADF file. The ICS file will have the same name as the ADF file, but with an extension of .ICS. At this time Intergraph's InRoads program does not recognize the LINE records in an ADF file. To import line information into InRoads, the ICS file can be loaded. See Appendix B for instructions on loading an ADF file into InRoads. The user should refer to Intergraph's MGE ETI Reference Manual, March 1992, for a complete discussion of the use of ETI codes. (See appendix A also).
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CONVERSIONS
When collecting the data, ETI codes are input to the Wild GRE 3 by using the CODE function key. The data collector will prompt you to input each of the ETI data fields. If you want to skip a data field, select the RUN key without entering any data. The data collector will automatically enter zeros in any skipped data field. A zeroed field is always interpreted as having no data and a default value is taken. If a value of zero is actually required, an approximate, non-zero value should be entered. For example, when using Code 2, in order to enter an azimuth of zero, you could enter either 360 or 00000001. 1. NOTES: No corrections or adjustments are done to the data. For example, if a Code 22Crosstie Shot is issued, the measurements are reduced and output to the ADF file as ANGLE and DISTANCE data, but the traverse point is not adjusted. The number of points in one network (collected with Code 23 - Foresight to Network Point) is limited to 20. However, there may be any number of networks in a file. The number of linear figures in any profile template (collected with Code 24 Profiles by Cross-Section) is limited to 20. However, the number of shots taken is not limited. Defaults for optional data fields in an ETI code record are implemented in the conversion program as specified in the definitions of the ETI codes (See Intergraph's "MGE ETI Reference Manual", March 1992) except: a. Where the default value is taken from the "next" available value for that field. For example, with Code 14, the Figure Number, Field 2, must be specified. Where the default value is taken from the "eti.par" file. There is no userdefined file with default values and parameters comparable to Intergraph's eti.par file used when the data is converted. Consequently, any optional field in an ETI code record that can be taken from the eti.par file must be specified. For example, when using Code 7, the measurement mode, Field 3, must always be entered.
2.
3.
4.
b.
5.
ETI code 27 can be used in two ways: to associate a Descriptor with a point or to associate a Point-Type keyword, FIXED, FREE or SIDE, with a point. PointTypes are used for adjustments.
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CONVERSIONS
If code 27 is to be used to define Point-Types for adjustments, then a number has to be associated with each keyword since you cannot input alpha characters into the GRE3. To do this you can either use the default equivalents or define them yourself by means of an ASCII file. The first time an ETI code 27 (Point Descriptor) is read, the following dialog box will appear. The user is asked to choose how field 2 (Descriptor) is to be interpreted, either as a Point Descriptor or PointType for adjustments. If field 2 is to be interpreted as Point-Type for Adjustments, you can use either the pre-defined default values to equate field 2 with the 3 recognized PointTypes 1 for FIXED 2 for FREE 3 for SIDE or, a user-defined ASCII file to equate field 2 with the 3 Point-Types. For example, with the following ASCII file: 11 FIXED 22 FREE 33 SIDE A raw data record 410001+00000027 42....+00000054 43....+00000011 will set the Point-Type to be FIXED.
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CONVERSIONS
6. ETI code 31 is used to define points that are to be loaded into a surface. The first time an ETI code 31 (DTM-type) is read, the following screen will appear: The user is asked to choose how field 1 (DTM feature) is to be interpreted. The choices are: Use pre-defined defaults to equate field 1 of code 31 with the 6 recognized DTM types. 0 NONE 1 REGULAR 2 BREAK 3 CONTOUR 4 OBSCURE 5 EDGE
A raw data record 410000+00000031 42....+00000001 will set the DTM-Type to be REGULAR. b. Use a user defined ASCII file to equate field 1 of code 31 with the 6 recognized DTM types. For example, with the following ASCII file: 10 NONE 11 REGULAR 12 BREAK 13 EDGE 14 CONTOUR 100 EDGE A raw data record 410000+00000031 42....+00000100 will set the DTM-Type to be EDGE.
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CONVERSIONS
SDR Raw Data to TDS Raw Data Format

Data collected with the Sokkia SDR data collector can be converted into a TDS raw data file. There are two SDR input type options. When using the SDR 2x data collectors, you should select the Sokkia SDR Numeric 4 option. The SDR 33 has the ability to write raw data in Numeric 4 or Alpha 14 format. Select the Sokkia SDR Alpha 14 option when using an SDR 33 and writing raw data in the Alpha 14 format. SDRmap feature codes are converted. The following should be noted: 1. The description field of each SDR observation record is transferred directly into the corresponding TDS record NOTE field. SDR allows multiple point codes for a point; TDS does not. Only the first point code will be used as the point's feature code when TDS line work is done. The following SDR line work control codes are converted into their corresponding TDS line work command: BEGIN, ST, START, JP, JN, JNS, JFS and JPT. The curve control codes, PC, PT, NEWCV, ENDCV, STCV and EC are converted into C2 or C3. TDS line work will only draw curves of 2 or 3 points, whereas SDR allows multiple point curves. A multiple point curve can be achieved in TDS by collecting consecutive 2 or 3 point curves. The points of a curve must be shot consecutively. Line work Example: SDR data: 09F10001100722.200000089.997222242.5861111CURB1 FCE ST PC 09F10001100822.993000089.986111124.6844444CURB1 FCE PT is converted to: --BEG --C2 SS,OP1,FP1007,AR42.5861,ZE89.9972,SD22.2000,--CURB1 FCE ST PC SS,OP1,FP1008,AR24.6844,ZE89.9861,SD22.9930,--CURB1 FCE PT From the Convert dialog box, with the input file type set to the appropriate Sokkia SDR format click the button and the following screen will be displayed.
2.
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CONVERSIONS
Click on the options you want to have converted into a TDS traverse record(TR). You may select as many as you would like. Click on the button to return to the Convert dialog box. Be sure you have selected both of the file types and entered input and output file names. Start the conversion by clicking on the button.
SDR Numeric 4 Raw Data to Intergraph's ADF Format

The conversion routine will read a raw data file from a Sokkia SDR data collector recorded in the Numeric 4 format, reduce the measurements in accordance with the ETI Codes in the file; and, output POINT, LINE, ANGLE and DISTANCE data to the ADF file. The conversion also produces an ICS file that contains an AUTO PLOT and STORE FIGURE record that correspond to each LINE in the ADF file. The ICS file will have the same name as the ADF file, but with an extension of .ICS. At this time, Intergraph's InRoads program does not recognize the LINE records in an ADF file. To import line information into InRoads, the ICS file can be loaded. See Appendix B for instructions on loading an ADF file into InRoads. The conversion routine assumes that the data has been collected with the SDR program either with or without Intergraph's ETI Codes. Refer to the Intergraph's "MGE ETI Reference Manual", March 1992, for a complete discussion of the ETI Codes. (See appendix A also).
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CONVERSIONS
The ETI Codes are entered with the Note function. Each field in the Code record is separated by a space. To leave a field blank, enter an extra space. For example, entering a Code 7 with no blank field would be done as follows: NOTE 7 Space 10 Space 5.14 Space 0 Space 6 To leave field 3 blank in order to use a default value for the instrument height, the data would be entered as follows: NOTE 7 Space 10 Space Space Space 0 Space 6 NOTES: 1. No corrections or adjustments are done to the data. For example, if a Code 22Crosstie Shot is issued, the measurements are reduced and output to the ADF file as ANGLE and DISTANCE data, but the traverse point is not adjusted. 2. The number of points in one network (collected with Code 23 - Foresight to Network Point) is limited to 20. However, there may be any number of networks in a file. The number of linear figures in any one Profile template (collected with Code 24 - Profiles by Cross-Section) is limited to 20. However, the number of shots taken is not limited. Defaults for optional data fields in an ETI code record are implemented in the conversion program as specified in the definitions of the ETI codes (See Intergraph's "MGE ETI Reference Manual", March 1992) except: a. where the default value is taken from the "next" available value for that field. For example, with Code 14, the Figure Number, Field 2, must be specified. where the default value is taken from the "eti.par" file. There is no user-defined file with default values and parameters comparable to Intergraph's eti.par file used when the data is converted. Consequently, any optional field in an ETI code record that can be taken from the eti.par file must be specified. For example, when using Code 7, the measurement mode, Field 3, must always be entered.
3.
4.
b.
5.
ETI code 31 is used to define points that are to be loaded into a surface. To save the user from having to type in the whole DTM-type word, abbreviations can be used. The first time an ETI code 31 (DTM-type) is read in the raw data file the following screen appears.
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CONVERSIONS
The user is asked to choose how field 1 (DTM feature) is to be interpreted. The choices are: a. Use pre-defined defaults to equate field 1 of code 31 with the 6 recognized DTM types.
N NONE R REGULAR B BREAK
O OBSCURE E EDGE C CONTOUR
A raw data record 13NM31 R will be interpreted as if it were 13NM31 REGULAR b. Use a user defined ASCII file to equate field 1 of code 31 with the 6 recognized DTM types. For example, with the following ASCII file: 0 NONE 1 REGULAR 2 BREAK E EDGE 5 CONTOUR 99 EDGE
A raw data record 13NM31 99 will be interpreted as if it were 13NM31 EDGE c. Read field 1 directly as the DTM feature.
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CONVERSIONS
SDR Raw Data to Autodesk-Softdesk FBK

Data collected with the Sokkia SDR data collector in the Numeric 4 or Alpha 14 format can be converted to an Autodesk-Softdesk Field Book file. Autodesk-Softdesk line work commands should be used when collecting data. The following line work commands are converted: B / BEG / BEGIN C3 C / CONT CLOSE R / RECALL RT (distance) : begin line : 3-point curve : continue line : close figure : recall point
From the Convert dialog box, with the input file type set to the appropriate Sokkia SDR format click the button and the following screen will be displayed. Click on the options you want to have converted into a Autodesk-Softdesk traverse record. You may select as many as you would like. Click on the button to return to the Convert dialog box. Be sure you have selected both of the file types and entered input and output file names. Start the conversion by clicking on the button.
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CONVERSIONS
FC-4 raw data to TDS raw data Format

Data collected with the TOPCON FC-4 data collector can be converted into a TDS raw data file. It is assumed that TOPCON's Field Management Program was used when the data was collected.
FC-4 Raw Data to Intergraph's ADF Format

Data collected with the TOPCON FC-4 data collector can be converted into an ADF file, which has POINT, LINE, ANGLE and DISTANCE data. The conversion also produces an ICS file that contains an AUTO PLOT and STORE FIGURE record that correspond to each LINE in the ADF file. The ICS file will have the same name as the ADF file, but with an extension of .ICS. At this time, Intergraph's InRoads program does not recognize the LINE records in an ADF file. To import line information into InRoads, the ICS file can be loaded. See Appendix B for instructions on loading an ADF file into InRoads. The conversion routine assumes that Topcon's Field Management Program was used when data was collected. ETI Codes are not used.
SMI Raw Data to TDS Raw Data Format

Data collected with the SMI data collector can be converted into TDS raw data. For the Input type, select SMI then use the button to select the appropriate Surveyors Module Inc. (.SMI) file. Specify a file name for the new TDS Raw Data file in the Output file name field including the .RW5 extension. button and the Click the
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CONVERSIONS
Topcon GTS210/220/310 Series to TDS Raw Data Format

Survey Link can convert a raw data file from the Topcon GTS210/220/310 series total stations that was created while using the on-board data collection. For the Input type, select Topcon GTS210/220/310 Raw Data then use the button to select the appropriate Topcon Raw Data (.FB0) file. Specify a file name for the new TDS Raw Data file in the Output file name button and the field including the .RW5 extension. Click the following dialog box will appear. You will be asked to specify which Vertical Angle Type was used in the instrument setup. You should select the Zenith Angle radio button if your vertical angle reads 90 when the instrument aims at a level target or select the Vertical Angle radio button if your vertical angle reads 0 when the instrument aims at a level target. Select if the Direction type used was in Angle Right or Azimuth format. If Angle Right is selected, the first angle measurement after the occupy point record is treated as the angle reading from the backsight. If Azimuth is selected, all horizontal angles are assumed to be in reference to true north. Click to start the conversion process. Once the conversion of the .FB0 file begins, you will be prompted to enter the occupied points coordinates if they are not known or confirm them if they are known. Similarly, you will be prompted to confirm the backsight if it is known, or specify it if it is not known. You can define the backsight by entering its coordinates, the backsight azimuth, or the backsight bearing. The conversion will only accept point numbers without alpha characters (letters) in them. If any point contains a letter, you will be prompted to replace the point with a number. Other data from the GTS210/310 series, such as coordinate data and PCODE (descriptors) are automatically converted when those files are transferred.
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CONVERSIONS
Topcon DL-100 Series Digital Level to TDS Raw Data Format

Survey Link can convert a raw data file from a Topcon DL-100 Series Digital Level. For the Input type, select Topcon DL-100 then use the button to select the appropriate Topcon digital level (.LEV) file. You do not specify a file name for the new TDS Raw Data file until the conversion begins. Click the button to start the conversion. It is possible to have multiple jobs stored in a single DL-100 Raw Data (.LEV) file. When Survey Link encounters multiple raw data files, a separate TDS Raw Data file is generated for each job. Each time a new job is encountered during the conversion you are prompted to enter a new file name, or you can simply press enter to accept the default name, which is the name assigned to the job when it was created in the digital level. After the conversion, a list of the TDS Raw Data files generated is displayed. Since a .LEV file only contains elevations with no coordinate values, northing and easting coordinates of -999,999.9999 are automatically assigned to each point.
Nikon DTM-700, 400, 300, DR-48 to TDS Raw Data Format

Survey Link can convert a raw data file from a Nikon DTM-700, 400, 300, and DR-48 to the TDS Raw Data format. For the Input type, select Nikon DTM-700, 400, 300, DR-48 then use the button to select the appropriate Nikon Raw Data (.TRN) file. Specify a file name for the new TDS Raw Data file in the Output file name button to perform the field including the .RW5 extension. Click the conversion.
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CONVERSIONS
Recover an Archived Raw Data File

The final type of conversion in the window is to restore a raw data file from an archived file. With this procedure you have no file type options. You simply select the TDS Raw Archive radio button and select an input file and an output file name. Click in the Input section. Select the archived raw data (.AR5) file from the Open dialog. Next enter a file name in the Output file name field with a .RW5 extension. With the dialog box correctly setup, button. A click on the prompt will tell when the conversion is finished.
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CONVERSIONS
Merge Coordinate File

The Merge Coordinate file routine, takes two coordinate file and combines them. The set up is much the same as for the other routine discussed in this chapter. button select input file 1, input file 2 and the output file. Use the This is done in the same manner as all files are selected in Survey Link, through the Open window. The output file can be configured as a Sequential or Nonsequential file. Finally select the method that is to be used to resolve point number conflicts. There are four choices here. If Prompt for action is selected then each time a point number is found in both input file, the program will stop with a window that will ask how you wish to resolve this conflict. This window displays the coordinates from each file and gives you five options to resolve the conflict. The and buttons will renumber the conflicting coordinate from the selected file to the end of the merged output file. The or buttons will discard the conflicting coordinate from the selected file. The button will abandon the merge operation without effecting the output file.
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CONVERSIONS
The Renumber file 1 and Renumber file 2 will merge the two files, inserting point numbers from file 2 into file one. When there is a point number that exists in both file 1 and 2, the coordinate in file that has been selected for renumbering will be number a the end of the output file. The Append file 2 to file 1 will first copy file 1 to the output file. Then, it will copy file 2 onto the end of the output file, renumbering the points of file 2 starting at the selected Starting pt for file 2. If the Starting pt for file 2 is smaller than the largest point in file 1, then file 2 will be renumbered, starting at one point after the end of file 1. Therefore if you want file 2 to follow directly after the last point in file 1 you can simply leave the Starting pt for file 2 as its default of 1. With the Conflict resolution method selected click on the two files will be combined. button and the
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CONVERSIONS
Create a DTM File

The Stake DTM routine is useful if you wish to recreate, in the field, a surface that is defined in a digital terrain model. As an example, lets say you have topography data for a section of a golf course. Later, that section is altered due to a construction project. The topography points can be imported into mapping software where the mapping software can then create a triangulated irregular network (TIN) and export it to a DXF format file. Survey Link has the ability to convert this DXF file into a DTM file. Once the DTM file is transferred to the data collector, points can be staked anywhere within the boundaries defined in the DTM file allowing you to get the cut and fill information necessary to reconstruct that section of the golf course. The first step in creating a DTM file is to output a TIN for the area that you wish to stake out to a DXF file using Easy Survey Plus, ForeSight, or your favorite mapping software. TINs are typically created prior to generating contour lines. Once the DXF file is created, pull down the Conversions menu in Survey Link and select Generate DTM from DXF to open the window shown below.
Click on the button to select and open the DXF file that you created earlier. Enter a filename for the new DTM file in the Output file field with a .DTM extension. Alternatively select an existing DTM file to overwrite using the button. Click the button to start the conversion and create the DTM file.
Once the DTM file is created, it needs to be transferred to the data collector. See Chapter 3 for more details on file transfers.
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GEODETIC MODULE
Survey Link with Geodetic Module contains all the functions of Survey Link, plus functions for geodetic coordinate and datum transformations. These routines are useful to those who are using TDS Survey Pro with GPS or TDS SOLO.
Introduction
Most GPS equipment, such as TDS Survey Pro with GPS and TDS SOLO record geodetic coordinates. The horizontal geodetic coordinates are stored in latitudes and longitudes and the vertical coordinate is an ellipsoid height. Since most surveyors work with data in a standard plane coordinate system, expressed in northings, eastings, and elevations, the data must go through a transformation before it can be used. Thats one place where the geodetic Module in Survey Link is needed.
Datums
A datum is a basis for a coordinate system. For example, a horizontal datum is established when coordinates, such as N 5000, E 5000, are assumed for a monument and a basis of bearing is chosen. A vertical datum is defined, for example, by assigning an assumed elevation to a monument or temporary point.
Horizontal Datums
When a horizontal datum is established by assigning coordinates to a point and choosing a basis of bearing, the implicit assumption is that the earth is flat. Such an assumption is reasonable as long as the survey is restricted to a small area. In defining a datum to cover the entire continent or the world, however, this assumption is obviously not valid. It is well known that the earth is not a perfect sphere. In fact, the deviation from a true sphere is only about 0.3%. This deviation, however, is significant enough that a spherical model is not sufficiently accurate for survey applications.
7-1
GEODETIC MODULE
Instead, a rotational ellipsoid model is used. This model reflects the fact that the diameter of the earth at the equator is larger than its diameter at the poles. Horizontal geodetic coordinates - latitudes and longitudes - are measured with respect to an ellipsoid. The geodetic latitude of a point P, designated p, is defined as the angle which the ellipsoidal normal at P makes with the equatorial plane. The geodetic longitude of P, designated p, is defined as the angle, measured counterclockwise in the equatorial plane, which the mean meridian plane of P (the plane containing the ellipsoidal normal at P, the North Pole, and the center of the ellipsoid) makes with the mean meridian plane of Greenwich. Throughout Survey Link, Latitudes and Longitudes are expressed as angles in DMS (degrees-minutes-seconds) format and is represented as DDD.MMSSsss: DDD MM SS sss One or more digits representing the number of degrees. Two digits representing the number of minutes. Two digits representing the number of seconds. Zero to three digits representing the decimal fraction part of the seconds.
Geodetic Latitude
In Survey Link, latitudes from 0 to +90 cover the Northern Hemisphere, where latitudes from 0 to -90 cover the Southern Hemisphere. Longitudes from 0 to 180 cover the Eastern Hemisphere, where Longitudes from 0 to -180 cover the Western Hemisphere. It is important to remember that if you are working in North America, or anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere, your longitudes must be entered as negative values in Survey Link. If you are working in the Southern Hemisphere, your latitudes must be entered as negative values in Survey Link.
Geodetic Longitude
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GEODETIC MODULE
Since an ellipsoid is an artificial model of the earth, its size and shape and its position with respect to the real (physical) earth are arbitrary. These defining parameters have historically been chosen to apply to a particular region of the earth's surface. The North American Datum of 1927 (NAD27) is an example of such a regional datum. NAD27 was meant to apply to the conterminous United States (CONUS) but was also used in Alaska and Canada. With the growth of satellite surveying, regional datums have largely been supplanted by global datums such as the World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84), which is the native datum for GPS. For our purposes, WGS84 can be considered to be equivalent to NAD83 (see below). In North America, the transformation used to convert NAD27 latitudes and longitudes into a global datum takes two things into account: The obvious consideration is the relationship of the global datum's ellipsoid to the ellipsoid implicitly defined by NAD27. However, an attempt has also been made to relate the new datum to the existing system of fundamental control points. In order to do this, historical and modern survey measurements on these existing control points were combined in a massive least-squares adjustment. The resulting datum is the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83). Because of the massive amount of survey data that was included in the definition of NAD83, it is not possible to transform coordinates between this datum and NAD27 with simple formulas alone. This is why it is necessary to use NADCON data files (.las and .los, mentioned below) to effect these conversions. The NADCON conversion and other datum conversion methods, which rely on interpolation, such as NTv2 in Canada, are not intended to be used for highprecision control work. NADCON, for example, has a precision of about 0.15 meters in the conterminous US at the 67% confidence level; it's precision is lower than this in Alaska and Hawaii. High-precision tasks, such as control densification, should be based on published coordinates on specific control points.
Projection Systems
Ellipsoidal surface geometry is fairly complicated and, therefore, latitudes and longitudes are not convenient for distance and azimuth computations. Instead, some system of plane coordinates is most often used. As mentioned above, it is reasonable to treat a job site that occupies only a small area as if it were flat - no corrections need be made to account for the curvature of the earth. It is often desirable, however, to provide ties to other control in the larger area surrounding the survey. Such numerical ties, for example, might aid in boundary
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GEODETIC MODULE
retracement or might serve as the "glue" which binds the data in a GIS. The use of plane coordinates then presents a dilemma: it is not possible to create a rectangular grid on the earth's surface. Technically speaking, the surface of a sphere or ellipsoid is not developable. This is the same problem which confronts map makers, whose solution has been to first project the earth's surface onto another surface, such as a plane, cone, or cylinder, which is developable. Standard projection systems, such as State Plane Coordinates in the United States, were created several decades ago to allow surveyors to work in a unified framework where plane trigonometric formulas almost apply. The word "almost" reflects the fact that all map projections are distorted; some corrections must be applied because the scale factor can not be considered to be constant over a large area and meridian convergence can not be ignored. Because the precise WGS84 latitude and longitude of the base are required for the alternative localization method described here, plane coordinate input in Survey Link with Geodetic Module must be in some system which is convertible to WGS84. Examples of such systems are Universal Transverse Mercator and State Plane. A custom (user-defined) projection can be used, but only if the exact relationship between this system and acceptable geodetic latitudes and longitudes is also provided. The NAD83 datum, with its basis on myriad classical survey measurements, is not really suitable for GPS control purposes. Instead, High Accuracy Reference Networks (HARNs) (also called High Precision Geodetic Networks, or HPGNs), which are based on GPS vector measurements, have been established in some parts of the United States. Note that each of these HARNs is treated as a separate datum in Survey Link with Geodetic Module. Although some of these datums overlap one another, different values for latitude and longitude will be obtained for the same location when different HPGNs are selected. Survey Link with Geodetic Module includes utilities to convert between NAD27 and WGS72 (a forerunner to WGS84) and NAD83/WGS84 and HPGN within the United States.
Height Systems and Vertical Datums

Heights are somewhat more closely tied to the real (physical) world than are geodetic latitudes and longitudes. While it is possible to choose a best-fitting ellipsoid for a particular region based on arbitrary criteria, it is not possible, as plumbers know, to arbitrarily select the direction "up". In surveying, height
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GEODETIC MODULE
networks have traditionally been handled separately from horizontal networks. GPS is changing this. GPS can be thought of as a precise three-dimensional tape measure. All three measurements are given with respect to the WGS84 reference ellipsoid. Unfortunately for height determination, an ellipsoid is not (by itself) a suitable reference surface for elevations. Instead, an equipotential surface is used. All points on an equipotential surface are at the same height. A level tabletop is an example of such a surface. A ball placed on this tabletop will not roll unless it is pushed. An example of an equipotential surface on earth is mean sea level. This term is not used much anymore because it is rather imprecise. Instead, the term geoid is used. The figure below illustrates the relationship between the ellipsoid, the geoid, and the earth's surface (terrain). The maximum deviation of the geoid and standard global reference ellipsoids is about 100 meters.
Heights referenced to a surface that approximates the geoid are called orthometric heights. Heights output by GPS are called ellipsoid heights. These heights are related by orthometric height = ellipsoid height geoid height. If someone were able to construct a surface on the ellipsoid, a ball placed on this surface would, in general, tend to roll. In fact, it's possible that if this surface were tilted slightly, gravity could cause the ball could roll from a lower ellipsoid height to a higher ellipsoid height. The force of gravity, however, can not cause a ball to roll from a lower orthometric height to a higher one. Therefore, orthometric heights are much more useful than are ellipsoid heights. The exact relationship between the ellipsoid, the geoid, and the reference surface (datum) for elevations is rather difficult to determine. Due to modern computers and the availability of a great deal of gravity data, however, the ability to
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GEODETIC MODULE
determine this relationship is increasing. This ability, along with the availability of modern leveling data, has prompted the establishment of new, more modern, height datums. In North America, the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD29) is being supplanted by the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88). Survey Link with Geodetic Module includes utilities to convert between ellipsoid and orthometric heights and between NGVD29, NAVD88 (VERTCON), and EGM96 in most of the United States.
Data Files Required for Horizontal and Vertical Transformations

Survey Link with Geodetic Module incorporates the National Geodetic Survey models NADCON (including HPGN), VERTCON, and a variety of geoid models. These files are provided by NGS. If you purchased Survey Link as a stand-alone product, you can obtain these files via anonymous ftp at ftp://ftp.ngs.noaa.gov/pub/pcsoft. If you purchased ForeSight with Survey Link, the necessary files are included on the installation CD. To install the NGS files from the CD, run the Master Install from the CD as described in Chapter 1. button from the Master Install Click on the window. The next screen will ask you where you want to store the files. You can either browse to an alternate directory, or accept the default directory and continue with installation by clicking on Next.
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GEODETIC MODULE
Geodetic Calculations
The Geodetic Calculations Dialog has three functions: To perform a transformation from a file containing coordinates stored in a particular coordinate system and datum to a different coordinate system and datum. To view the coordinates for a single point after transforming it to a different coordinate system. To perform simple CO-GO functions between two points in any different coordinate systems.
A B C
D E F
G H I
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GEODETIC MODULE
A) Transformation Method 3-D Similarity: This transformation method will provide a general solution that is accurate within 5 to 10 meters. The 3-D Similarity transformation method can be used with local geodetic datums for any location on earth. NGS Nadcon: This transformation method provides a solution that is accurate to within 0.15 to 0.5 meters. The accuracy is somewhat lower in Alaska and Hawaii. The NGS NADCON method requires a set of grid files that define specific geographic areas in North America. These files are available via anonymous FTP. See the Introduction to this chapter for more information. B) Select Data Source This is where you specify if you are working with data for a single point or from a file containing data for any number of points. C) Path to Nadcon and Geoid Files When using the NGS Nadcon transformation method, this line displays the path to the necessary .las, .los, and .geo files. Use the Choose Path button to define the path after obtaining the appropriate files either via ftp, or from the ForeSight CD-ROM. When installing the NGS files from the ForeSight CD, the default path is C:\GEO_DATA. D) Coordinate System Geodetic: is selected if your horizontal coordinates are expressed in latitude and longitude. State Plane 1927: is selected if your horizontal coordinates are expressed in northing and easting based on the State Plane Coordinate System of 1927. State Plane 1983: is selected if your horizontal coordinates are expressed in northing and easting based on the State Plane Coordinate System of 1983. UTM: is selected if your horizontal coordinates are based on the Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinate System. This system is expressed in Northing and Easting. You must additionally specify a zone and northern or southern hemisphere when using this coordinate system. Custom: allows you to create a user-defined coordinate system. When using this option, the parameters for the coordinate system are entered in the Create Custom Projection File window. This procedure is explained later.
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GEODETIC MODULE
E) Horizontal Datum: is where you select the horizontal datum for the area that you are using for your calculations. F) Zone: is where you select the zone for the area you are working in. G) Elevation Type: is where you specify if you are using orthometric or ellipsoid heights. These heights are described in the Introduction of this chapter. H) Vertical Datum: is where you define your vertical datum the options available will depend on the selected Region and Elevation Type. I) Height / Distance Units: is where you define if your heights are expressed in meters, feet, or international feet. J) Position: are the horizontal and vertical coordinates for the point. These can be input before performing a transformation, or output as a solution to a transformation. K) Convert: This button is used to convert the coordinates in the system entered in one side of the screen to the coordinate system entered on the other side of the screen. L) Inverse: performs a calculation to show the distance and direction from the point entered on one side of the screen to the point entered on the other side of the screen where the horizontal datums are the same for each point. M) Point In Direction: allow you to calculate the coordinates for a new point after providing the information for a reference point and the direction and distance to the new point.
Performing a Transformation on a Single Point

The Geodetic Calculations Dialog can be used to transform a single coordinate in one coordinate system to the coordinates for that point in a different coordinate system. You must define both coordinate systems and provide the coordinates for the original point. 1. 2. Choose the desired transformation method. Select the Single Point radio button.
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GEODETIC MODULE
3. Enter the points coordinates and select the details for that point in one side of the screen. For this example, enter the information on the left side of the screen for LOCATION A. Select the details for the type of coordinates that you are transforming the original point to on the right side of the screen for LOCATION B. Click on the Convert>> button to transform the information from the left side of the screen to the format defined on the right side of the screen. The coordinates for the transformed point will be shown for LOCATION B.
4. 5.
Performing a Transformation on All Coordinates in a File

You can perform a transformation to all the points stored in a file and save the resulting points to a new file. The procedure is as follows and is very similar to the procedure to perform a transformation on a single point. 1. 2. 3. Choose the desired transformation method. Select the From file radio button. Enter the details for the source files coordinates in one side of the screen. For this example, enter the information on the left side of the screen for LOCATION A. Use the Choose File button to select the source file. Select the details for the type of coordinates that you are transforming the original file to on the right side of the screen for LOCATION B. Enter a path and filename, or use the Choose File button on the right side of the screen for the new file that will be used to store the transformed coordinates to. Click on the Convert>> button to transform the information from the left side of the screen to the format defined on the right side of the screen.
4. 5. 6.
7.
Performing Calculations on Two Different Points in Different Coordinate Systems

Inverse: When two different points are entered in the Geodetic Calculations Dialog, the Inverse>> button will calculate and display the direction and distance from LOCATION A to LOCATION B. Similarly, the <<Inverse button will display the direction and distance from LOCATION B to LOCATION A. Point in Direction: You can calculate coordinates for a point in a different coordinate system and in a different location. You must define the coordinate system for both LOCATION A and LOCATION B and provide coordinates for
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GEODETIC MODULE
one location. Pressing the appropriate Point in direction button will prompt you for direction and distance offsets from the starting point then calculate the new coordinates in the other defined coordinate system.
Defining a Custom Coordinate System

Geodetic Transformations can be performed based on a user-defined coordinate system. Select if you wish to use the 3-D Similarity or NGS NADCON transformation method. The method for defining a custom projection system file varies depending on your selection here. The procedures for using each method are documented individually. Select if you want to convert data for a single point or data from a file in the Select data source: field. Choose Custom from the Coordinate System field. This selection will cause two new buttons to appear in the Geodetic Calculations Dialog window, which allow you to create a new transformation file or open an existing one.
Custom Transformations using the 3-D Similarity or Molodensky Transformation Method

If you choose the 3-D Similarity Transformation Method, you will create or recall a Custom Coordinate System File. These files have a .CS5 extension. Use the Choose File button if you want to use an existing .CS5 file. When creating a new Coordinate System File, you first press the Create File button to open the Create Custom Coordinate System window shown below. You need to enter the parameters for your projection and horizontal datum. The datum can be defined as Molodensky or 3-D Similarity. You can either enter all new parameters or recall the parameters from an existing Coordinate System File for modification. To recall an existing file, press the Recall Crd System button and select a file. After each field is completed correctly, use the Save button and enter a filename to save the data to a file. The .CS5 extension is automatically appended to the filename.
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GEODETIC MODULE
Return to the Geodetic calculations screen, fill in any remaining fields and complete the conversion with the appropriate Convert button.
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Custom Transformations Using the NGS NADCON Method

The NGS NADCON Transformation Method requires that you select either the NAD 1927 or NAD 1983 horizontal datum. If you choose the NGS NADCON Transformation Method, you will create or recall a Projection System File. These files have a .PJ5 extension. Use the Choose File button if you want to open an existing .PJ5 file. When creating a new Projection System File, you first press the Create File button to open the Create Custom Projection System window shown below. Since you select an existing horizontal datum when creating a custom transformation using the NGS NADCON method, you do not need to define datum parameters as you do when using the Molodensky method. As with the previous method, you can either enter all new parameters in the window or edit parameters from an existing custom Projection System File. To open an existing file, press the Recall Crd System button and select the desired Projection System File. After the parameters are filled in correctly, Save the data to a new file, or overwrite an existing file. The .PJ5 extension is automatically appended to the filename. Return to the Geodetic calculations screen, fill in any remaining fields and complete the conversion with the appropriate Convert button.
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GEODETIC MODULE
Creating a Zone File

Survey Link with Geodetic Module provides you with the ability to create a zone file for data collectors that are running TDS SOLO. The zone file is then transferred to a data collector and used to display your position in the coordinate system defined in the zone file. If you are running Survey Pro with GPS on your data collector, Survey Link with Geodetic Module will generate and transfer the necessary transformation parameters to your data collector, which performs the same function as a zone file. To create a zone file for use with TDS SOLO or GPS parameters for use with Survey Pro with GPS, select Create Zone File from the Geodetic pull down menu. Enter the parameters for the desired coordinate system in the Create Zone File window. If using a custom coordinate system, you would additionally need to create or recall the parameters for that coordinate system. Creating and recalling user-define coordinate parameters is described in the previous section.
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Once the Create Zone File windows parameters are defined correctly, click the Create button to open the Zone File window. The parameters for the zone file that you created are shown in this window. If you are using TDS SOLO, or Survey Pro with GPS version 4.3.07 or later, you need to save these parameters to a zone file by clicking the Save Zone File button. From the Save Zone File window. You can enter a new filename to save the transformation parameters to, or select an existing zone file to overwrite. You should include the .ZON default extension for TDS Zone files. Once the file is saved, you would need to transfer the zone file to the data collector using the data transfer routine described in Chapter 3. If you are using Survey Pro with GPS prior to version 4.3.0, you need to send the transformation parameters directly to the data collector from the Zone File window. Click on the Send params button to enter the Communications window. Connect the data collector to the PC with the appropriate transfer cable and select the communications settings that you are using. Click the OK button to start the transfer. You will then return to the Zone File window where a new line in the window shows the status of the transfer.
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GEODETIC MODULE
Map Projections and Geoid Modeling

Map projections are used for horizontal control and allow you to obtain accurate State Plane and UTM coordinates without the need for localizing. Geoid modeling is used for vertical control and allows you to measure elevations based on mean sea level rather ellipsoid heights, which are based on the GPS ellipsoid. When combining these two control methods during data collection, you do not need to localize or use zone files; all you need is the appropriate transformation files and a known base position. TDS Survey Link with Geodetic Module is used to transfer these files to the data collector. All of the necessary files can be installed from the Survey Link installation CD, or downloaded via anonymous FTP from the Internet. The data files describe separate zones for Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. Since a single geoid model file for one zone is approximately 1.2 megabytes in size, only the necessary files for the area you are working in are transferred to the data collector. For users running Survey Pro on a Ranger data collector, the Extract Sub-grid From Geoid File routine (described next) can be used to create smaller geoid files. If you are working near a boundary between two geoid zones, more than one geoid file will be transferred to the data collector. The appropriate geoid file(s) transferred is determined by your base position and project extents, which are entered in the Transfer Geodetic Files dialog box, described later.
Extract Sub-grid From Geoid File

When using Survey Pro on a Ranger data collector, the Extract Sub-grid From Geoid File routine can be used to read Geoid99 or EGM96 geoid files and create a new file in the same format that describes only the area where you will be working. As a result, the geoid files created will be much smaller in size. The file that is generated from this routine is in the same format as the source file so it can be used in other applications that support the Geoid99 and EGM96 file format. To use the routine, you will need three things: The path on your hard drive where the source Geoid99 or EGM96 files are stored; the geodetic coordinates near the center of the area where you plan to work; and the extents that you plan to work away from the specified center.
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1. 2. Pull down the Geodetic menu and select Extract Sub-grid from Geoid File In the Geoid Model dropdown list, select the type of geoid model that you are using (Geoid 99, or Egm 96). 3. In the Geoid File Path field, select the path on your hard drive where the source geoid files are stored. In the Geoid Sub-grid Filename field, enter the path, file name, and extension of the output file that you want to create. In the Base Latitude and Base Longitude fields, enter the latitude and longitude, respectively, of the location near the center of the area where you plan to work.
4.
5.
6. 7.
In the Project Extent field, specify the extent that you plan to work away from the specified centermost location. Tap OK . The new file will be created, which can then be transferred to a data collector and selected as a local geoid file. If the specified extents cross the boundary between two or more source geoid files the routine will automatically read from all of the appropriate files.

Note
Transferring the Files

Before the necessary files can be transferred to the data collector, they must be stored on your PC. If you have not already installed these files from the Survey Link installation CD, downloaded them from the Internet, or created the necessary sub-grid files, refer to Page 7-6 or 7-16 for instructions on these procedures. The transfer procedure and options are different depending on if you are using a Husky or Ranger data collector so each routine is discussed separately below.
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Husky Transfer
1. 2. Using Survey Link with Geodetic Module, click the Geodetic pull down menu and select Transfer Geodetic Files. From the Transfer Geodetic Files dialog, click the Husky tab and then click the Choose Path button and select where the data files are located on your hard drive. If they were installed from the Survey Link installation CD, the default directory is C:\GEO_DATA. From the Survey coordinate system field, select if you want State Plane 83, State Plane 27, UTM NAD 83 or UTM NAD 27 coordinates. Enter an approximate base position in the WGS 84 Base latitude and WGS 84 Base longitude fields. Since this position is only used to determine which zone you are in, accuracy within one minute should be adequate. In the Project extent field, enter the approximate maximum distance that you will be working away from the base in miles or kilometers. Select the type of files that you want to send. a) Select the Send projection and geoid files radio button if you plan to use both map projections and geoid modeling.
3.
4.
5. 6.
b) Select the Send projection files only radio button if you plan to only use map projections without geoid modeling. This option should be used if you do not have at least 1.2MB of available space on the data collector to store any geoid files. c) Select the Send geoid files only radio button if you plan to only use geoid modeling
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without map projections. 7. Click the OK button. The Files to send dialog box will open as shown here. The appropriate files to send will be checked. You can check additional files to send or uncheck files that you know that you wont need before continuing. With the data collector connected to the PC, click the Send button to send all the checked files to the data collector.
8.
Ranger Transfer
1. Select the horizontal projection files that you want to transfer. a. If you want to transfer a custom projection file created from the Geodetic Calculations routine, check the Custom Projection File checkbox, and click the first Browse button to locate and select the custom file. b. If you want to transfer NADCON Datum Transformation files, check the corresponding checkbox, select the area where you will be working from the drop-down list, and then click the first Choose Path button to select the location of the *.las and *.los files on your hard drive.
2. a. b. c.
Select the vertical projection files that you want to transfer.
Check the Geoid Models checkbox and select the appropriate geoid model from the dropdown list. If you selected a geoid model other than EGM 96 or Geoid99, click the lower Choose Path button and select the location of the projection files. If you selected to send either EGM 96 or Geoid99 files, you need to transfer any sub-grid files created with the Extract Sub-grid from Geoid File routine. Tap the lower Browse button to locate and select the appropriate Geoid99 or sub-grid file.
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3. Connect the Ranger to the PC and put the Ranger in server mode by tapping Transfer | Server Mode . With the files selected, click the Send button. A dialog will open explaining that the files will be transferred to the \Disk\TDS Geodata directory on the Ranger. When you are ready, click OK to start the transfer.
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DIGITAL LEVEL MODULE
Survey Link with Digital Level Module contains all the functions of Survey Link, plus functions to support the Topcon DL-Series Digital Levels.
Introduction
Survey Link fully supports the Topcon DL-Series digital levels when purchased with the Digital Level Module. Survey Link with the Digital Level Module can perform the following functions: Create a new Topcon digital level raw data file from scratch Edit an existing Topcon digital level raw data file Perform a digital level loop closure Create a least squares input file from a Topcon digital level raw data file Edit a least squares input file Perform a least squares adjustment
This chapter explains all of the above routines.
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DIGITAL LEVEL ADJUSTMENT
Creating a New Topcon DL-Series Digital Level File

1. 2. 3. To create a new Topcon DL-Series digital level file, pull down the File button. menu and select New, or click the From the New dialog (shown), select Topcon Digital Level Data file and click . A prompt will ask you which distance units you want to . use. Select either Feet or Meters and click
A new file is created containing a single Start Level Loop record entry. New records can be added and existing records can be modified. For a complete description of all the available record types and editing level raw data, see the Overview of the Level Raw Data Editor section, later in this addendum.
Opening Digital Level Raw Data Files

Once a digital level raw data file has been transferred to the PC, it can be opened in the same way as any other file in Survey Link. 1. 2. 3. Pull down the File menu and select Open, or click the button.
Access the directory where the file you want to open is located and either double-click on the file or click on the file and then click . The dialog shown here will appear prompting how to open the non-TDS file. Select the Topcon digital level data radio button and click .
New records can be added and existing records can be modified. For a complete description of all the available record types and editing level raw data, see the Overview of Level Raw Data Editor section, later in this addendum.
8-2
Overview of the Digital Level Raw Data Editor

Once a level raw data has been created or transferred to the PC, it can be edited viewed and printed with the level data editor. In addition to editing raw data files, the editor can be used to enter and reduce level notes manually. The level editor has been designed so that all displays and prompts are in a format that looks like traditional level notes. The editor will also display and reduce level loops that were collected in one of the multiple collection modes. Anybody who is familiar with taking level notes should find this editor easy to learn and use. The first step to editing level data is to create a new level data file, or open an existing file, as described earlier.
Digital Level Editor Screen

The following screen displays how a typical level loop would appear from within the level editor. The first column lists the record numbers and the last column displays the job name and benchmark used. The headings for all the other columns explain what they represent.
Survey Link supports the collection of level data in the any of the following three sequences: Backsight, foresight
8-3

Backsight, backsight, foresight, foresight Backsight, foresight, foresight, backsight
On the first line of the screen there will be displayed Level BF, Level BBFF, or Level BFFB. This display indicates which method of collection was used to collect the level loop. You cannot mix different methods of collection within the same level loop, but you may have different methods of collection between different loops within the same file.
When using one of these methods, the following rules must be followed: Data must be entered in the exact sequence as specified in the method used. If collecting in the BBFF mode, each setup requires two backsight readings and two foresight readings. The backsights must precede the two foresights. If collecting in the BFFB mode then each setup requires two backsight readings and two foresight readings in the order of backsight-foresight; foresight-backsight. Sideshots can only be entered after the two backsights have been entered. You must have the same number of foresights as you have of backsights.
When collecting data with the digital levels in one of the multiple collection modes you have the opportunity to invalidate readings if they are not within specified tolerances. These invalidated records are displayed as invalid in the level editor in the specific record line. Invalidated records cannot be edited; they can only be deleted and are not used in any calculations. The multiple collection modes are essentially the simultaneous collection of two level loops. The program reduces and calculates elevations and height of instruments as if the data were two separate loops. The end record is the only record that displays averaged data. The end record displays the average difference in elevation using the data from both loops. The end record also displays the average horizontal distance leveled between the start and end of the level circuit.
8-4
Editing a Digital Level Data Record

To edit a particular data record, simply locate that record in the Level Editor and double-click on it. Depending on the type of record selected, the data will be opened in its corresponding dialog box where it can then be modified. After the changes are made, click the button to save the changes or the button to close the dialog box without saving any changes. Survey Link does not allow you to edit certain fields. For example, the height of instrument field in the sample dialog shown is a calculated value and Survey Link does not allow the editing of calculated values. Each record type is explained later in the Record Types section of this addendum.
Delete a Digital Level Data Record

To delete a data record, simply click on the desired record, pull down the Edit menu and select Delete Lines Answer to the prompt asking if you are sure.
NOTE
A block of records can be selected simultaneously by clicking on the first record and holding the [Shift] key down on the keyboard while clicking on the last record. Individual records can be toggled between being selected and not selected by holding the [Ctrl] key down on the keyboard while clicking on the individual records.
Duplicate a Digital Level Data Record

To duplicate a data record, select it, pull down the Edit menu and select Duplicate line. The selected line will be repeated below it.
Go to a Particular Record
You can quickly jump to a particular record by selecting Go to from the Edit . menu. Enter the record number and click
8-5

Inserting a New Digital Level Data Record
1. To insert a new record in a data file, select the line above where you want to insert the new line. Pull down the Edit menu and select Insert Line(s). The Insert Topcon DL Data dialog box (shown) will open. Select if your units are in feet or meters by clicking the appropriate radio button. Click on the tab for the record type that you want to insert. You can scroll to additional tabs by clicking the buttons. When the desired record type is selected, fill in the appropriate values and click the button.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Each record type is explained later in the Record Types section of this addendum. Since new records are always inserted below the selected record, you can use the following procedure for the special situation of inserting a new record above the first record in the file. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Select the first data record in the file. Pull down the Edit menu and select Duplicate Line. The fist line will be duplicated and the top line will still be selected. Follow the steps above to insert a new record. After the new record is inserted, select the first record (which has been duplicated). Pull down the Edit menu and select Delete Lines A dialog will prompt you asking if you are sure. Select .
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Digital Level Record Types

There are several types of level records that can be added or modified. The fields available for a particular record type will be different depending on the type of record that is selected. This section addresses all of the available record types and explains each field.
Start Level Loop

Use this record type to begin a level loop. This record type defines the starting benchmark elevation. There are three different Start Level Loop options depending on the sequence that the data is gathered. The fields for each option are identical. Select the option that is appropriate for your situation: Start Loop BF: Backsight, foresight Start BBFF: Backsight, backsight, foresight, foresight Start BFFB: Backsight, foresight, foresight, backsight
The BM elevation field defines a starting elevation of a level loop. When entering data manually this is the only field in the record that has to have a valid entry. Be careful not to mix feet and meter units within the same level loop job.
Backsight for Level Loop

Use this record type to record the rod reading to the backsight when collecting data in the backsight, foresight sequence. The following fields are used by this record type.
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Rod Height: This field defines the rod reading to the backsight. Horizontal distance: Horiz Dist. is the distance to the level rod from the digital level. This value is used to compute the weighting factors in the least squares adjustment. If you are entering level notes by hand and do not know the horizontal distance then you can leave this field blank. Point number: This field is the point number of the point you are backsighting. Benchmark number: This is the benchmark number of the current level loop. Instrument height: This field is the height of instrument. This is computed value and therefore cannot be entered or edited.
Foresight for Level Loop

Use this record type to record the rod reading to the foresight when collecting data in the backsight, foresight mode. The following fields are used by this record type. Rod Height: This field defines the rod reading to the backsight. Horizontal distance: This is the distance to the level rod from the digital level. This value is used to compute the weighting factors in the least squares adjustment. If you are entering level notes by hand and do not know the horizontal distance, you can leave this field blank. Point number: This field is the point number of the point you are foresighting. This field is used in the least squares routine as the foresight description.
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Benchmark number: This field is the benchmark number of the current level loop. Elevation: This field is the computed elevation for the foresight. This is a computed value and therefore cannot be entered or edited.
Sideshot for Level Loop

Use this record type to record the rod reading to a sideshot. The fields for a sideshot are identical in use to a foresight record, described above.
End Level Loop

This record is used to define the end of a level loop. This record contains all computed data and therefore this record can only be viewed or inserted and not edited. The following computed values define this record type.
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Benchmark number: This field is the benchmark number of the current level loop. Change in elev from last Change Point: The change in elevation from the last change point to the previous foresight point. Change in elevation from BM: The change in elevation from the Benchmark to the last foresight point. Distance from last Change Point: The horizontal distance from the last change point to the previous foresight point. Distance from BM: The horizontal distance from the benchmark to the previous foresight point. Elevation: The computed elevation of the previous foresight point.
Start Measurement Sequence

This record contains the starting information for a standard measurement sequence. The operation of the standard measurement sequence is described in the DL-101 Instruction Manual. There are no elevations calculated during the standard measurement sequence. The standard measurement sequence is used to collect raw readings to the rod. In most cases, users will use the line leveling sequence instead of the measurement sequence.
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Measurement Sequence
This record contains the actual measured data for the measurement sequence.
Change Point
This record is used to define the previous foresight point as a change point. Designating a point as a change point is done for two reasons. The first reason is to display the various calculated values for the previous point. The second reason is to define a change point for use in the least squares conversion routine. One of the choices when converting the *.LEV file is to convert only the designated change points. When a point has been designated as a change point, the following information is either entered or calculated for that point.
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Backsight 2 for Level Loop
Use this record type to record the rod reading to the second backsight when collecting data in one of the multiple reading modes. The following fields are used by this record type. Rod Height: This field defines the rod reading to the backsight. Horizontal distance: is the distance to the level rod from the digital level. This value is used to compute the weighting factors in the least squares adjustment. If you are entering level notes by hand and do not know the horizontal distance then you can leave this field blank. Point number: This field is the point number of the point you are backsighting. Benchmark number: This is the benchmark number of the current level loop. Instrument height: This field is the height of instrument. This is computed value and therefore cannot be entered or edited.
Foresight 2 for Level Loop

Use this record type to record the rod reading to the second foresight when collecting data in one of the multiple reading modes. The following fields are used by this record type. Rod Height: This field defines the rod reading to the backsight. Horizontal distance: is the distance to the level rod from the digital level. This value is used to compute the weighting factors in the least squares adjustment. If you are entering level notes by hand and do not know the horizontal distance, you can leave this field blank. Point number: This field is the point
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number of the point you are foresighting. This is used in the least squares routine as the foresight description. Benchmark number: This field is the benchmark number of the current level loop. Elevation: This field is the computed elevation for the foresight. This is a computed value and therefore cannot be entered or edited.
Digital Level Loop Closure

Survey Link can create a closure report from a level loop that is open in the level editor. The closure report displays the vertical closure error and the adjusted elevations for a single level loop. 1. Since a raw digital level file can contain multiple level loops, you must first select a line from within the particular level loop that you want to use for the closure report. 2. Pull down the Adjustments menu and select Digital level loop closure. The Digital Level Loop Closure dialog, shown below, will open. Enter the elevation for the ending benchmark in the Ending BM elevation field. Enter the desired precision in the Precision field. Typical values may range from 0.4 for very rough leveling to 0.01 for precise leveling1.
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From the Units field, select if the measurements were in Feet or Meters.
1 Refer to Manual of Leveling Computation and Adjustment by Howard S. Rappleye. Special Publication No. 290 available from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Coastal and Geodetic Survey.
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6. If no horizontal distances were input, select Adjustment proportional to the number of turns. If horizontal distances were input, select Adjustment proportional to total distance. Press . The Closure error and Allowable error are computed after solving, and a Closure Report is generated.
7.
The Closure Report

The closure report shown here was generated from a level loop that starts and ends at the same benchmark. The first line displays the job number, followed by the benchmark number for the loop. The next line displays the elevation of the start of the loop followed by the unadjusted ending elevation, which was specified by the user. The next line shows the closure error, which is the difference between the ending benchmark elevation and unadjusted ending elevation. The following lines show the total horizontal length of the level loop and the allowable error. The allowable error is calculated using the formula: [precision distance ], where the distance is in kilometers or miles and is computed from the length of the level loop. The method that was used to adjust the elevations is displayed. The final section of the report lists the unadjusted and adjusted elevations for all benchmarks, turning points and sideshots. You can scroll up and down through the report to view all the data. The report can be printed and saved in the same way as other Survey Link reports.
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Least Squares Overview

The least squares adjustment routine will perform a weighted least squares adjustment on a level network. The adjustment can be applied to data that was collected with the digital level or data that was manually entered into a new digital level file. The least squares routine does not actually adjust the *.LEV file, instead, a *.LEV file is first converted into a least squares input file. The least squares input file, which has a default extension of *.DAT is compatible with the input files used by STAR*LEV, the least squares adjustment program from Starplus Software, Inc. The input for the least squares program consists of fixed stations and their elevations, and stations that will be adjusted. Also inputted are the observed differences in elevations between the various stations and the horizontal distance between stations, which is used as a weighting factor. The adjustment can be performed on a simple level loop or it can be used to adjust a network with many interconnecting measurements. The more redundancy in the network, the better the adjustment will be.
Converting Level Input Files to Least Squares Input Files

There are two methods available to convert *.LEV files to least squares input files. One method converts all the turning points, while the other method converts only the change points designated. Since the user designates which turning points are change points, he has more flexibility and control over the conversion if he chooses to convert only change points. The change point method also offers more control over what descriptions are used with each point. However, using the change point method requires the user to either take more time in the field to designate the change points or he must insert the change points in the level editor once the data has been downloaded into the computer. The Convert BM's, turning pts, end pts and SS's option will be adequate when adjusting single loops, but if you are adjusting level networks you will be best served by using the Convert BM's, change pts, end pts and SS's method. Another reason to only convert change points instead of all turning points is that bigger networks can be adjusted if only the points that need to be adjusted are included in the adjustment. When leveling, many of the turning points are of no consequence except as temporary points. Since these points will never be used
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after the initial level loop is completed they can be excluded from the adjustment, freeing up more space for large adjustments. When converting all turning points, the conversion routine uses the point number as the benchmark description in the least squares conversion routine. When converting only change points, the program uses the info1 description field as the benchmark description rather than the point number. The user can enter any description he wants at the info1 prompt. Converting a digital level file into a least squares input file is done as follows: 1. Open the *.LEV file that contains the data to be used in the least squares adjustment. Pull down the Adjustments menu and select Convert raw file to least squares input file. The dialog shown here will be displayed. Type in the full path and file name (including the DAT extension) for the new input file in the Least square input file field or button to locate an existing file to overwrite with the new file. use the Choose which conversion method you want to use, as described above, by clicking the Convert BM's, turning pts, end pts and SS's or Convert BM's change pts, end pts and SS's radio button. Click to create the new *.DAT file.
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Opening an Existing Least Squares Input File

To open an existing *.DAT least squares input file, you select Edit / Adjust least squares input file from the Adjustments menu. This option is only available when a *.LEV file is open and active so before you can open a *.DAT file, you must first open any *.LEV file and make that window active by clicking anywhere on it.
Joining Two Least Squares Input Files
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There may be occasions when you want to append one *.DAT file to another one. For example, if you are working on a large leveling project that involves a network of multiple loops, you may collect each loop on a different day in separate files. When the project is completed, you may want to adjust the entire project as a single level network. 1. To merge two *.DAT input files, open the first *.DAT file as described above. 2. With the input file window active, pull down the Edit menu and select Append least squares input file.
Use the button and select another *.DAT file. The data from the selected file will be appended to the data in the active least squares input file window. 4. Be sure to save the file after making changes.
3.
Editing a Least Squares Input File

When a least squares input file is open or created, it is displayed in the Least Squares Input File Editor, as shown below.
A least squares input file is edited in the exact same way as editing a digital level file. You can edit an existing record simply by double clicking on it. The appropriate record editor for that field will open displaying all of the data from that record.
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To insert a new data record, select the line above where you want to insert the new data. Pull down the Edit menu and select Insert Line(s). Select the type of data record to insert, enter the data, and press . There are only two types of data records in a least squares input file, Fixed Benchmarks and Routes.
Fixed Benchmarks
Description: is the description for the benchmark. Elevation: is the elevation for the benchmark.
Routes
From: is the description for the From station. To: is the description for the To station. Change in elevation: is the change in elevation from the From station to the To station. A decrease in elevation is entered as a negative value. Length: the horizontal distance in meters or feet between the stations. This is used as a weighting factor. If you do not know the distance between the stations and you want the adjustment to be equally distributed between all the stations then you can enter the same number at this prompt for all the routes. You can duplicate, delete, and go to any line in the least squares input file from the Edit menu. These routines are identical to editing a digital level file and explained on Page 5. Be sure to save the file after making changes.
Adjust the Network

To perform a least squares adjustment, be sure the input file window is active (it will become active by clicking anywhere on it). Pull down the Adjustments
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menu and select Adjust least squares network. A Least Squares Level Network Adjustment Report will be generated. A sample report is shown here. You will probably need to scroll through the report to see all of it. The report first lists the input data. The program lists the fixed benchmarks, the stations to be adjusted and a summary of the changes in elevation and distances between the different stations. The ADJUSTED ELEVATIONS section displays the final adjusted elevations of the stations. This section also displays the standard deviation for each adjusted elevation. The standard deviation is a measure of the precision of the final adjusted elevations. A large standard deviation is an indication of a problem with the input data. The last section displays the final adjusted difference in elevations between the stations. This section also displays the residuals for the different routes. The residual is the difference between the inputted elevation differences and the adjusted elevation differences. Checking the residuals is the best method of determining if there is a problem with the level network. If there is a blunder in the survey then
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it will be reflected in the residuals. The route with the highest residual most likely is the source of the blunder. Least squares is a powerful statistical tool and can give the surveyor a wealth of information about the integrity and validity of his survey in addition to providing a statistically valid adjustment. However, least squares adjustment is only as good as the data used to perform the adjustment. Least squares methods work best when there is a lot of redundancy built into the survey. A simple level loop has only one redundant measurement, or one degree of freedom. Using least squares to perform an adjustment on a network with only one-degree of freedom is of only limited use. In fact, if you perform a least squares adjustment on a simple level loop with equal weights for each turning point, you will see that the least squares adjustment did no more than equally distribute the error among every turning point. So to use least squares effectively you must build redundancy into your surveys. With redundancy, we will be able to better detect blunders and problems with our survey as well as perform statistically valid adjustments
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SURVEY ATTRIBUTE MGR
This chapter covers the Survey Attribute Manager, which is a separate application that is launched from Survey Link and is used to create or edit a Feature File. A Feature File is used to help describe objects in Survey Pro for Windows CE. Select Survey Attribute Manager, from the Tools menu to launch it.
Getting Started
In the past, describing a point during data collection involved typing out a description, or using descriptor codes prior to storing it. This was often an awkward and limited solution. TDS Survey Pro for Windows CE allows you to describe points using feature codes. Feature codes can be used to describe points more quickly and in more detail than a standard text description, particularly when data is collected for several points that fit into a single category. For example, if the locations for all the utility poles in an area were being collected, a single feature code could be used to separately describe the condition of each utility pole. When describing a point using feature codes, a selection is made from any number of main categories called features. Once a particular feature is selected, any number of descriptions can be made from sub-categories to the selected feature called attributes. In general, a feature describes what an object is and attributes are used to describe the details of that object. The primary function of the TDS Survey Attribute Manager is to create feature code files. These can contain all of the feature and attribute information that is needed for any particular job. The TDS Survey Attribute Manager can also be used to view or modify the selected features in a particular job and to export them to any of several different file formats for use in other popular software packages.
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SURVEY ATTRIBUTE MANAGER

Features
The most fundamental part of any feature code is called a feature. Features generally describe what an object is. There are three types of features: points, lines, and areas, which are described below. When assigning a feature to data that was collected in Survey Pro for Windows CE, only features of the same type are available for selection. For example, if selecting a feature to describe a point in a job, only the point features are displayed. Likewise, if selecting a feature to describe a polyline, only the line features in the feature file are displayed. Point Features A point feature consists of a single independent point. Examples of a point feature would be objects such as a tree, a utility pedestal, or a fire hydrant. Line Features A line feature consists of two or more points that define a linear object, such as a fence or a waterline. Area Features (Not used in Survey Pro for Windows CE) An area feature consists of several points that define a two-dimensional object that has a measurable area, such as a lake or a city lot. Note: Survey Pro for Windows CE does not store information that specifically defines an area, therefore area features are ignored in Survey Pro for Windows CE. Area features are only available to maintain compatibility with feature files used in other TDS software applications.
Attributes
A feature, by itself, would not be useful in describing a point or a line with much detail since a feature only helps describe what the stored point is. Attributes are used to help describe the details of the object. Attributes are either typed in from the keyboard or selected from a pull-down menu and fall into the following three categories. String Attributes A string attribute consists of a title and a field where the user can type any characters from the data collectors keypad up to a specified maximum
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length. An example of a string attribute is an attribute titled Notes where the user would type anything to describe a feature. Value Attributes A value attribute accepts only numbers from the keypad. These attributes are setup to accept numbers that fall in a specified range. Some examples of a numeric attribute would be the height of a tree or a utility poles ID number. Menu Attributes A menu attribute is an attribute that is selected from a pull-down menu rather than typed in from the keypad. Menu items can also have sub-menu items. For example, you could have a feature labeled Utility with a pulldown menu labeled Type containing Pole and Pedestal. There could also be sub-menu items available that could be used to describe the pole or pedestal in more detail. Menus can only be two levels deep, but there is no limit to the number of items that can be listed in a pull-down menu.
Creating a Feature File

The following examples show how each type of feature and attribute is created. To follow along with any of the examples, you can open an existing feature file, or you can create a new feature file using the following steps: 1. Click the New Feature Code File button , or pull down the File menu and select New. The New Feature File dialog box will open and prompt you for a file name. Enter a file name in the File name field. (The *.FEA extension is added for you automatically in the next step.) The file name can be any name you want and it does not have to match a job name. Click the
2.
3.
6DYH button.
Creating a Feature
1. The fist step to adding a new feature code can be performed using any of the following three commands:
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2. 4. Click on the New Feature Code button Press [Ctrl]-[F] on your keyboard. Pull down the Features menu and select New Feature. Type .
A question mark will be displayed along with a blinking cursor. the name of your feature and press [Enter].
Select if your feature will be used to describe a Point or a Line from the drop-down list in the Type field located on the right side of the screen under the Feature Code Properties. (Area features are not used in Survey Pro for Windows CE.)
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Note: You can easily change the name of any existing feature or attribute and is described on Page 9-11.
Creating a String Attribute

1. 2. First select the desired feature that you want to associate the new attribute with by clicking on it. Open the Select Attribute Type dialog with any of the following commands: 3. Click on the New Attribute button Press [Ctrl]-[A] on your keyboard. Pull down the Features menu and select New Attribute. .
Select the String attribute type by clicking the corresponding radio button and then click 2. , or press [S] on your keyboard to select it.
Note: The fastest method of entering feature codes and attribute is by using the keyboard hotkeys. For example, the fastest method to reach this point when entering an attribute is to hold down [Ctrl] and press [A] followed by [S]. 4. 5. A question mark will be displayed along with a blinking cursor. the name of your attribute and press [Enter]. Type
Define the maximum allowable length of the feature in the Max. Length field located on the right side of the screen under the String Attribute Properties. When the user fills in this field to describe the feature, he will be limited to using the number of characters defined here.
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Creating a Value Attribute

1. 2. First select the desired feature that you want to associate the new attribute with by clicking on it. Open the Select Attribute Type dialog with any of the following commands: 3. Click on the New Attribute button Press [Ctrl]-[A] on your keyboard. Pull down the Features menu and select New Attribute. .
Select the Value attribute type by clicking the corresponding radio button, or press [V] on your keyboard to select it and then click 2. . A question mark will be displayed along with a blinking cursor. the name of your attribute and press [Enter]. Type
4. 5.
Define the parameters listed below on the right side of the screen under the Numeric Attribute Properties. Decimals: is the number of decimal places that will be displayed for the entered attribute. For example, if 1 is entered here and a numeric attribute is entered of 15.666 during data collection, the value will be automatically rounded to 15.7. Minimum: is the minimum value allowed. If an attempt is made to enter a smaller value for this attribute during data collection, an error will result. Maximum: is the maximum value allowed. If an attempt is made to enter a larger value for this attribute during data collection, an error will result. Default: is the default value for this attribute. If nothing is entered for this attribute when describing the associated feature during data collection, the default value is automatically used. Units: if units have been defined using the Unit Editor, described on Page 9-11, the units for this value attribute can be selected from a dropdown list. As a result when using this attribute during data collection, the attribute title will also display the selected units in parenthesis. For example, if a value attribute were titled Height, and Ft was selected for
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the units, the title will be displayed as Height (Ft) for that attribute during data collection.
Creating a Menu Attribute

To illustrate how a menu attribute is created, we will build the menu displayed here. Both the menu structure, as viewed from the Survey Attribute Manager is shown, along with how the dialog would look in a data collector when using this feature to describe a point. The feature code is named Utility and contains a menu attribute named Type. The Type menu attribute contains two menu items called Pole and Pedestal. The Pole menu item contains three sub-menu items called Wood, Steel and Composite, which would be used to describe the type of utility pole. The Pedestal menu item contains two sub-menu items called Phone and Cable, which would describe the type of utility pedestal.
Create the Utility Feature

1. Create a new feature called Utility with the steps described on Page 9-3
Add the Type Menu Attribute

2. 3. Select the Utility feature that was just created by clicking on it. Open the Select Attribute Type dialog with any of the following commands: 4. Click on the New Attribute button Press [Ctrl]-[A] on your keyboard. .
Pull down the Features menu and select New Attribute.
Select the Menu attribute type by clicking the corresponding radio button, or press [M] on your keyboard to select it and then click 2. .
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5. A question mark will be displayed along with a blinking cursor. Type as the name of the new attribute and press [Enter]. Enter
Note: You can save the work you have done at any time by clicking the Save button or by pulling down the File menu and selecting Save.
Add the Pole and Pedestal Menu Items

6. 7. Select the Type menu attribute by clicking on it. Add a new menu item using any of the following commands: 8. 9. Click on the New Menu Item button Press [Ctrl]-[M] on your keyboard. Pull down the Features menu and select New Menu Item. Enter .
A question mark will be displayed along with a blinking cursor. Pole as the name of the new menu item and press [Enter]. Repeat Steps 6 through 8 to add the second menu item, except name it Pedestal in Step 8.
Note: When a menu item or sub-menu item is selected, the Menu Item Properties for that item are displayed on the right side of the screen. This contains a field called Default where either Yes or No can be selected. When Yes is selected for a menu or sub-menu item, a checkmark is displayed next to it. This indicates that this item will be the default selection when using the feature code during data collection.
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Add the Sub-Menu Items to the Pole Menu Item

10. Select the Pole menu item by clicking on it. 11. Add a new sub-menu item using any of the following commands: Click on the New Sub-Menu Item button .
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Press [Ctrl]-[S] on your keyboard. Pull down the Features menu and select New Sub-Menu Item.
12. A question mark will be displayed along with a blinking cursor. Enter Wood, Steel, or Composite as the name of the new menu item and press [Enter]. 13. Repeat Steps 10 through 12 until each of the Wood, Steel, and Composite sub-menu items have been created.
Add the Sub-Menu Items to the Pedestal Menu Item

14. Select the Pedestal menu item by clicking on it and then follow Steps 10 and 12 to create the Cable and Phone sub-menu items.
The Unit Editor

The Unit Editor is used to create a list of units, which can be used with value attributes within the current feature file. When a value attribute is created, the units for that attribute can be selected from the list of units created with the Unit Editor. This will then display the selected units in parenthesis after the value title. For example, if a value attribute were titled Height, and Ft was selected for the units, the title will be displayed as Height (Ft) for that attribute during data collection. To open the Unit Editor, pull down the View menu and select Units
Adding a New Unit Name

To add a new unit, click the 1HZ button, type the new unit name, and click $SSO\ or press [Enter]. Alternatively, you can simply start typing the new unit name as long as the Unit Editor is open.
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Editing an Existing Unit Name
To change an existing unit name, simply click on it to select it then click the (GLW button, or double-click on the unit name. Edit the name, and press [Enter] or click $SSO\ .
Deleting an Existing Unit Name

To delete an existing unit name, simply click on it to select it then click the 'HOHWH button, or press the [Delete] key on your keyboard.
Rearranging the Unit Names

To change the order that the unit names occur in the list, select the unit name that you want to move and press the or buttons to move the unit name up or down in the list.
Undo Changes
Clicking the 8QGR &KDQJHV button will remove all of the changes that were made with the Unit Editor since it was last open use cautiously!
Exiting the Unit Editor

To save your changes and close the Unit Editor, click the 2. button. If you want to close the Unit Editor without saving your changes, click &DQFHO .
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Editing a Feature File

The routines in this section are used to change the way an existing feature file looks. Most of these routines will affect how the features file contents will appear when using it during data collection in Survey Pro for Windows CE, but some only affect how things appear within the Survey Attribute Manager. Note: Once a feature file is used to describe a feature in a job, that feature file cannot be modified and then reassigned to that job unless all of the attributes originally collected in the job are first removed. See Using a Feature File on Page 9-15 for more information.
Renaming Items
To rename any feature or attribute, select it by clicking on it and then edit the existing name in the Type field shown on the right side of the screen under Properties.
Changing the Order of Items

To change the order of any feature or attribute, click on that item to select it, and then click on the and keys to move the item to the desired location. Note: Moving an item that contains sub-items will result in the selected item and all of its sub-items to be moved simultaneously.
Deleting Items
To delete an item, select the item by clicking on it and do any of the following steps: Click the Delete Item button .
Pull down the Feature menu and select Delete Item.
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Press the [Delete] key on your keyboard.
Note: Deleting an item that contains sub-items will result in the selected item and all its sub-items to be deleted.
Expanding and Collapsing Branches

The Survey Attribute Manager displays feature files in a branch format where any item that contains sub-items will show the sub-items branch off from the main item. The items that are in view from the Survey Attribute Manager depend on which branches are expanded and which are collapsed. The branches that can be expanded are shown with a symbol and the branches that can be collapsed are shown with a . To expand a particular branch, click on the symbol associated with that branch. Likewise, you can click on the symbol to collapse a particular branch. Another way to expand or collapse a branch is right-click on the branch and select Expand or Collapse. You can also quickly expand all the branches in a feature file by clicking the Expand All button or by pulling the View menu down and selecting Expand All. Similarly all the branches in a feature file can be collapsed by clicking the Collapse All button or by pulling the View menu down and selecting Collapse All. Fully Expanded Branch Fully Collapsed Branch
Moving and Copying Items

You can copy an item to another location by copying and pasting the item from the Edit menu just like with most Windows applications. Likewise, you can move an item by cutting and pasting. Below are shortcut methods to copy or move items by dragging them with a mouse.
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To copy an item to another location, right-click on the item and drag it to the new location. When using this method, the item will be displayed as the icon shown here while the item is being dragged. To move an item, left-click on it and drag it to the new location. When moving an item in this way, the item is displayed as the icon shown here while it is being dragged. If you attempt to drag an item to an invalid location, the icon will change to a symbol.
The Form Editor

The Form Editor is used to change the size and position of the various fields for any particular feature. This will affect the appearance of the dialog box that is displayed when describing a feature during data collection. To edit a form, select the feature whose form you want to edit by clicking on it. The form is displayed on the right side of the screen, as it would look on a data collector. Note: The Form Editor can only be used when a feature is selected it is not available if an attribute is selected.
Moving a Field
To move a field in the Form Editor, position the mouse pointer over the field that you want to move. When the pointer becomes a , click and drag the field to the desired position.
Resizing a Field
You can resize a field horizontally or vertically with the Form Editor. To resize horizontally, move the cursor near the desired vertical edge until the cursor becomes a and then click and drag the edge to the new position. Resizing vertically is performed the same way, only the cursor is held over the horizontal edge that needs to be moved until it becomes a .
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Note: Menu items cannot be resized vertically.
Changing Text Colors

To change the color of the text in any field, double click on the text in the Form Editor. This will open the Color dialog box. Simply click on the color that you want to use for the text and click 2. . If you want more colors to choose from, custom colors can be created using the 'HILQH &XVWRP &RORUV button.
Resetting Your Form

If a mistake is made in the Form Editor, you can use any of the following commands to put things back the way they were: Click the 8QGR &KDQJHV button to undo all changes that have been made since the particular feature has been selected. Click the 5HVHW )RUP button to change everything back to the default layout for the current feature. Pull down the Features menu and select Reset All Forms to change the layout for every feature back to a default layout
Note: If you do not want changes to inadvertently be made to any forms, pull down the Features menu and select Lock Form Editor. This will place a checkmark ' next to this menu item and disable the Form Editor. Repeat the process to unlock the Form Editor.
9-14
Using a Feature File

Once a feature file is created, it must be selected from the job that you want to use it with. This will allow you to use the feature codes in the selected feature file with the current job. The job and feature file must be located in the same directory. Once a feature file is used to describe a feature in the current job, that feature file must not be edited again if you want to continue using it with the same job. If it is edited, Survey Pro will not allow you to continue using it with the current job. Although the existing attributes collected will remain in the job, no additional features can be added until the original, unmodified feature file is put back in the same directory as the job. The only way a feature file can be used again with a job after it has been edited is to first remove all of the old attributes collected from the job, which is described below. This also holds true if you want to use a new feature file in a job that has feature information stored to it from an old feature file.
Assigning a Feature File to a Job

Normally a feature file is selected for the current job in the data collector (see the Survey Pro documentation for more information), but a feature file can also be selected from a particular job using the Survey Attribute Manager. 1. To assign a feature file to a job using the Survey Attribute Manager, first open the Open dialog box by pulling down the File menu and selecting . Open, or click the Open button
9-15

2. In the Files of type field, change the file type from the *.fea default to Job file (*.job). Click on the job file that you want to open and then click the 2SHQ button. The job data is displayed on the left side of the screen and a plot of the job is displayed in the lower right portion of the screen. Select the feature file that you want to use with the current job by pulling down the Job menu and selecting Feature Code File. Click the %URZVH button to navigate to the correct feature code file. Select the feature file and click 2SHQ . If the feature file is stored in location different than the current job, it will be copied to the directory where the job is stored. Click 2. when you return to the previous dialog. The selected feature file can now be used with the current job.
3.
4.
5. 6.
7.
Job Files in the Survey Attribute Manager

When a job file is open in the Survey Attribute Manager and a feature file has been assigned to it, feature information can be defined for the job and attributes can be edited. The coordinate and feature data is displayed in the left portion of the screen and a 2-D plot of the job is displayed in the lower-right portion of the screen. The zoom controls for the plot view are the same as those used in Survey Pro. Points can be selected by clicking on them from either of these views. Once a point or polyline with feature information is selected, the corresponding feature information is displayed in the upper-right portion of the screen. If the point has no feature information, <None> is displayed and a new feature can be selected.
9-16

If a point from the job is selected, only the point features in the feature file will be available. Likewise, if a polyline is selected, only the line features in the feature file will be available.
Organizing Job Data in the Survey Attribute Manager

When a job is open in the Survey Attribute Manager, all of the coordinate and feature data displayed on the left side of the screen can be sorted by different categories selected from the View pull-down menu. To change the order, pull down the View menu and select from one of the following options
S Sort by Type S Sort by Description S Sort by Northing S Sort by Elevation S Sort by Name S Sort by Feature Code S Sort by Easting
Deleting All Feature Information From a Job

As stated earlier, if a job contains feature information and the feature code file was later modified, the only way the revised feature code can be used with the job again is to first delete all the original feature information from the job. 1. 2. 3. To delete all the feature information in a job, open the job in the Survey Attribute Manager as described above. Pull down the Job menu and select Delete All Attributes Answer 2. to the next prompt. You can now open a new or revised feature file, as described above.
9-17
Exporting Feature Information to Other File Formats

When a job is open in the Survey Attribute Manager, the Export pull-down menu becomes available. The options in this menu are used to export the feature, point and line data stored in the current job file to the file formats below. The new file(s) will, by default, be created in the same directory as where the job file is located. ESRI Shape File: The feature, point and line information from the current job will be exported to several Shape files. Autocad DXF File: The feature, point, line and layer information from the current job will be exported to a DXF file. ASCII File: The feature, point and line information from the current job will be exported to an ASCII TXT file. Trimble DC File: The feature and point information from the current job will be exported to a DC file for use with the Trimble Geomatics Office software.
9-18
APPENDIX A
MGE ETI Reference
This appendix is a list of Intergraph ETI Codes, a description of each and their fields, for use in converting GRE 3 and SDR raw data files. Code Code Description Fields Start of Job f1 Job number 1. 1 f2 Job number 2 / crew number. 2 Starting Point and Azimuth f1 f2 f3 3 4 Coordinate Translations f1 f2 Starting point. Default value is specified in the eti.par file. Azimuth Backsight Point. Default: next available point number. Northing / Southing. Easting / Westing. Point number. Northing / Southing. Default: 0. Easting / Westing. Default: O. Elevation. Default: 0. Height of foresight target prism. Default: specified in the eti.par file. Height of Backsight target prism. Plus or minus additive distance. Plus or minus offset distance. Plus or minus additive target height. Occupied point. Default: previous foresight point. Height of instrument. Default: current height of instrument. Traverse measurement mode. Instrument ID number.
Enter Coordinates f1 f2 f3 f4 Height of Prism f1 f2
Add to Next Shot
f1 f2 f3 f1 f2 f3 f4
Occupy New Point
AppendixA-1
Foresight to Side Traverse Point
f1 f2 f3 f4
Side traverse number. Side traverse foresight point. Default: next available point number. Height of target. Default: current target height. Backsight point. Default: previously occupied point number. Point sighting. Default: next available point number. Height of target. Default: current height of target. Backsight point. Default: previously occupied point number. Foresight turn point. Default: next available point number. Height of target. Default current target height. Backsight turn point. Elevation at Backsight turn point. Height of target. Backsight point when at closing point Backsight point. Default: test direction of last measurement set. Backsight azimuth Feature name or number. Starting point. Default: next available point number. Feature name or number. Figure number. Starting point.
Foresight to Main f1 Traverse Point f2 f3
10
Foresight to Turn point Backsight to Turn joint
f1 f2
11
f1 f2 f3 f4 f1 f2
12
Start Radial Points Point Feature
13
f1 f2 f1 f2 f3
14
Linear Feature
15 16
Mid Are Point Curve Feature
Use Code 15 to insert an arc at any time while locating a linear feature. f1 f2 f3 f1 f2 f3 f4 Feature name or number. Figure number. Starting point. Default: next available point number. Point to recover. Default: last side shot (f2, f3, f3 also). Second point ID. Third point ID. Fourth point ID.
17
Recover Shot
AppendixA-2
18
Closing Point and Azimuth
f1 f2 f3 f4
Closing point, Default: starting point number on the main traverse. Closing azimuth. Control point sighted. Default: next available point number. Backsight point, Default: last occupied station, Close point. Final point, Last sighted point. Side traverse number. Time. User name. Weather. Date. Type adjustment. Linear tolerance. Angular tolerance, Vertical tolerance. Point sighting. Default: next available point number. Height of target. Default: current height of target. Backsight point. Default: previously occupied point. Network point. Target height of f1. Second network point. Target height of f3. Cross-Section Template ID. Cross-Section measurement mode. Starting figure number. Temperature. Barometric pressure. Relative humidity. Target point ID. Prism ID number. Target point ID. Prism ID number.
]
19
Close Side Traverse
f1 f2 f3 f4 f1 f2 f3 f4 f1 f2 f3 f4 f1 f2 f3
20
User ID and Date
21
Adjustment Method
22
Crosstie Shot
23
Foresight to Network Point
f1 f2 f3 f4 f1 f2 f3 f1 f2 f3 f1 f2 f3 f4
24
Profiles by cross-section Atmospheric Parameters Prism specification for Target Points
25
26
AppendixA-3
27 28 29
Point Descriptor
f1 f2
Point number. Descriptor. Figure number. Descriptor. Backsight point, Rod reading, Upper wire. Lower wire. Foresight point. Rod reading. Upper wire. Lower wire. DTM Surface feature.
Figure Descriptor f1 f2 Differential Leveling Backsight Differential Leveling Foresight DTM Surface Feature f1 f2 f3 f4 f1 f2 f3 f4 f1
30
31
AppendixA-4
APPENDIX B
IMPORTING AN INTERGRAPH ADF FILE INTO INROADS
Survey Link-DC can convert raw data from a TDS, SDR, GRE3 or FC-4 data collector into an Intergraph ADF (ASCII Data Format) file. An Intergraph ICS file, with just STORE FIGURE records, is also produced during the conversion. The ADF files can be loaded into InRoads to produce surfaces and to do adjustments. The shortened ICS file can be loaded to bring in lines.
To import an ADF file into InRoads for Adjustments: 1. 2. 3. Start InRoads Select the InRoads command from the menu. Select the PROJECT command from the InRoads menu panel and "Create Project" or "Load Project" from the PROJECT COMMANDS tutorial. Name your project. Select the ADJUST command from the menu and "Create Adjust. Project" or "Load Adjust. Project". Name your adjustment project. From the ADJUSTMENT PROJECT COMMANDS tutorial, select ADJ. This will bring you into the ADJUSTMENT MANIPULATION COMMANDS tutorial. In the ADJUSTMENT MANIPULATION COMMANDS tutorial, select "Create Adjust." Give a name for the adjustment. In the ADJUSTMENT MANIPULATION COMMANDS tutorial, select "Load from ADF". Enter the ADF file name, filename.adf. In the ADJUSTMENT MANIPULATION COMMANDS tutorial, select "Export to .TDP" and then select <D>. The command line will say "nnn Points Added to Alignment CoGo". From the InRoads Menu Panel, select the CoGo command to adjust and display the data.
4. 5.
6. 7. 8.
9.
Appendix B-1
To import an ADF file into InRoads for Surfaces: 1. 2. 3. Start InRoads. Select the InRoads command from the menu. Select the PROJECT command from the InRoads menu panel and "Create Project" or "Load Project" from the PROJECT COMMANDS tutorial. Name your project. Select the SURFACE command from the InRoads menu panel. Select the LOAD command from the InRoads menu panel. Select "Load .ADF File" from the tutorial. At the command line prompt, key in the surface number and then the ADF file name. After the message "Surface Loaded", select "Triangulate" command and then <D>. The surface can be viewed by selecting the DISPLAY command.
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
To import an ICS file for lines: After the points have been loaded into InRoads from the ADF file, you can bring in the lines by loading the corresponding ICS file. This ICS file was created by Survey Link when the ADF was created. It has only the line (STORE FIGURE) information in it. 1. 2. 3. 4. Select the COGO command from the InRoads menu panel. Select the CONTROL command from the InRoads menu panel. From the tutorial, select "Input File". On the command line, key in: 0 filename.ics and then select <D>.
Appendix B-2
APPENDIX C
AUTO LINEWORK
Auto linework is the ability to gather data in the field and, with limited input from the field crew, then have a PC generate an accurate drawing. Plotting is typically a desk top PC function. With auto linework, however the plotting instructions must be input at the time that the data is collected. This appendix addresses Tripod Data System's EASY SURVEY linework codes. EASY SURVEY's auto linework uses surveyor-entered "feature codes" to group various shots in a survey. Feature codes are user-defined codes that identify the kind of point you have shot; for example, a fence, edge of pavement, etc. It also uses "command codes" that are entered while collecting data in the field that instruct EASY SURVEY how to connect these groups when it generates the lines or points. Command codes are system-defined and tell the auto map routine how to join the points to form the linework.
Feature Codes
Feature codes are used to group a series of points or lines. They can be up to 16 alpha/numeric characters or symbols. Feature codes are not case sensitive, so can use upper or lower case letters. Whether you enter a name as "fence" or "Fence", the code "FENCE" will be used. A feature code cannot include a space as part of the code. So, if you want to join two words as a feature code, use the "-" or "_" keys between the words. For example, FENCE WIRE and FENCE POST would be interpreted as the same code : "FENCE". But, FENCE-WIRE or FENCE_POST are valid, two-word feature codes. If you use a space between two words, the information after the space can be used as a descriptor, but only the characters up to the space will be recognized as the feature code. Feature codes are not job-specific. Any feature code created for one job can be used on another job.
Appendix C-1
Command Codes
Command codes tell the auto-mapping routine when to pick up the pen, which points to join and where, where to start and end a line, which points to connect in a curve, and so on. The command codes are system defined as described below. BEG Starts a line segment. Lifts the pen at the previous point and lowers it at the next observed point. Begins a Spline curved line. All points with the same feature code, that are shot between the BC and EC command codes, will have a spline curve drawn through them. The slope of the curve at its beginning and end, are defined by the slope of the line leading into and out of the curve The next two points are the beginning and end points of a curve. When the radius [###.###] is not specified, the two points are assumed to be tangents (PC and PT of the curve). C2 does not lift or lower the pen (unless BEG is also specified). The next three points are the beginning, middle, and end points of a curve. C3 does not lift or lower the pen (unless BEG is also specified). The first point of a 3 point curve. The second point of a 3 point curve. The third point of a 3 point curve. These commands produce the same kind of curve as a C3 command. The difference is that the 3 points do not have to be shot one after another. The points must have the same feature code and be shot in order. Ends a Spline curved line. (See BC) Ends the line segment and lifts the pen.
BC
C2 C2 ###.###
C3
CP1 CP2 CP3
EC END
Appendix C-2
JFS
Joins the current point to the first point in the same feature code. JFS does not lift the pen. Joins the next two observed points, regardless of the code, without lifting the pen. Joins the next observed point to the nearest point of same code, without lifting the pen. Joins the next observed point to the specified [####] point, regardless of the code. It lifts the pen to the specified point and lowers the pen to draw a line to the next observed point. Joins the next observed point to the previous point of the same code. It lifts the pen to the previous point and lowers the pen to draw a line to the next observed point . Joins the current point to the specified [####] point, regardless of the code, and does not lift the pen. The next three points are three consecutive points of a rectangle. Auto linework will draw the rectangle defined by these three point. R3 does not lift or lower the pen. Indicates a side shot taken from the last point.
JN
JNS
JP ####
JPS
JT ####
R3
SS
In summary, the feature codes tell how to group the points, and the command codes tell how to connect the points. With this information, the auto-mapping routine is able to draw lines automatically.
AppendixC-3
INDEX
A
AASHTO Format.....................................6-29 Advanced Communications Settings.........3-9 Append File 2 to File 1 ............................6-50 Archive Raw Data File...............................3-4 attributes......................................................9-2 auto linework............................................30-1 AutoCAD DXF Format .............................6-4 AutoCogo Format ......................................6-6
D
Data Communications ............................... 3-1 Datums ....................................................... 7-1 Horizontal Datums ........................ 7-1 Vertical Datums ............................ 7-5 Default Communication Setting................ 3-3 degrees-minutes-seconds........................... 7-2 Delete Point................................................ 4-3 Delete points .............................................. 4-3 Deleting a Record ...............................5-5, 5-6 digital level file closure ......................................... 8-13 create new ..................................... 8-2 editor ............................................. 8-3 input file conversion.................... 8-15 least squares adjustment .....8-15, 8-19 opening.......................................... 8-2 record types................................... 8-7 digital terrain model................................. 6-51 DMS ........................................................... 7-2 Drafix 1 Plus Format ............................... 6-10 DTM File ................................................. 6-51 Duplicate Mode Lines ............................... 5-8
B
Backsight ....................................................5-3 Backup Copy..............................................3-4 Baud rate.....................................................3-3 Block of Points...........................................3-6
C
C&G Format...............................................6-6 CAiCE (SRV) Format..............................6-30 CLM Format...............................................6-8 Closure Report............................................4-7 Colors folder.............................................2-11 Command Codes......................................30-2 Communications Setup ..............................3-2 Compute Closing Angle.............................4-8 Control File.................................................5-8 Coordinate File Formats ............................6-2 coordinate system.......................................7-8 Create Coordinate File ..............................4-9 Point List .....................................4-10 Raw Data File ..............................5-12 Text File ......................................4-13 Create a File................................................2-3 Current Directory .....................................2-16 Custom Defined Format...........................6-16 Cut Sheet Reports .................................5-9
E
Edit Coordinate File.............................. 4-1 Raw Data....................................... 5-1 Edit Window....................................... 2-16 ellipsoid ...................................................... 7-5 equipotential............................................... 7-5 Error Wizard .............................................. 5-8 extract sub-grid from geoid file......2-14, 7-16
F
FC-4............................................................ 1-2 FC-4 to Intergraph's ADF Format........... 6-45 FC-4 to TDS Format................................ 6-45
Index i
INDEX
Feature Codes...........................................30-1 feature file................................................... 9-2 exporting ..................................... 9-18 features ....................................................... 9-2 File Menu ................................................... 2-5 File type....................................................2-16 Find............................................................. 4-4
L
least squares adjustment.......................... 8-19 least squares input file ............................. 8-15 editing..........................................8-17 joining..........................................8-17 Lewis & Lewis Format............................ 6-11
G
General Preferences.................................2-10 Generate Coordinates ..............................5-11 Geodetic Calculator, The........................... 7-7 Geodetic Functions .............................7-1, 8-1 geoid ........................................................... 7-5 geoid modeling.........................................2-13 Go To.......................................................... 5-7 Go to........................................................... 4-4 GRE 3......................................................... 1-2 GRE 3 to Intergraph's ADF Format........6-36 GRE 3 to TDS Format.............................6-36
M
map projections ....................................... 2-13 Maptech Format ...................................... 6-13 Margins .......................................................4-6 Match Whole Word Only ..........................4-4 Maximize Button........................................2-2 Menu Bar ............................................2-2, 2-5 Merge Coordinate File ............................ 6-49 Minimize Button.........................................2-2 Missing Backsight ......................................5-8 Modules ......................................................1-2 Molodensky ................................................7-8 MTI Format ............................................. 6-14
H
HARNs....................................................... 7-4 Help ..........................................................2-15 HI/HR......................................................... 5-4 HPGNs ....................................................... 7-4 husky transfer ...........................................7-18 husky upgrade ..........................................3-10
N
NAD27........................................................7-3 NAD83........................................................7-3 NADCON...................................................7-3 NAVD88.....................................................7-6 New... ...............................2-3, 4-9, 4-10, 4-13 NGS Nadcon...............................................7-8 NGVD29.....................................................7-6 Nikon format to TDS format .................. 6-47 Nikon Import/Export......................6-22, 6-24 Non-Sequential...........................................3-4 Non-TDS Data Collectors..........................1-2 Note.............................................................5-3
I
INROADS................................................19-1 Insert a Record ........................................... 5-3 Insert Point ................................................. 4-3 Installation.................................................. 1-4 Intergraph ................................................... 9-1 Intergraph ADF Format...........................6-30
O
Occupy Pt....................................................5-4 Offset Stake Cut Sheet ...............................5-9 Open.......................................... 2-3, 2-16, 5-1 Options Menu .............................................2-9 orthometric height.......................................7-5
K
Keyboard folder .................................. 2-11
Index ii
INDEX
P
PacSoft Format...............................6-14, 6-35 Page Setup .......................................... 4-6, 5-7 Parity...........................................................3-2 Plus III Format..........................................6-15 PLUS III Format ......................................6-31 Point Overwrite ..........................................5-8 Point Stake Cut Sheet...............................5-10 Precision folder.........................................2-10 Print..................................................... 4-4, 5-7 Print Preview ...............................2-4, 4-5, 5-7 Print.............................................................2-4 Projection Systems.....................................7-3 Prompt for Action ....................................6-49 SoftDesk (DCA) Format ..................6-9, 6-28 Standard ASCII Format............................. 6-3 State Plane 1927 ........................................ 7-8 State Plane 1983 ........................................ 7-8 Statistics...................................................... 4-7 Status Bar ............................................2-2, 2-6 Stop............................................................. 3-5 Store Points ................................................ 5-4 sub-grid............................................2-14, 7-16 Subtitle........................................................ 4-6 SurvCAD Format..................................... 6-16 Survey Attribute Manager ......................... 9-1 Survey Link- DC .................................... 1-2 Survey Link-DC......................................... 3-5 Survey Pro CE Export ............................. 6-22 Survey Pro CE Import ............................. 6-21 System Requirements ................................ 1-3
R
ranger transfer...........................................7-19 Raw Data Conversions.............................6-27 Receive Non-TDS Data Collector ...............3-5 Receive a File .............................................3-4 Recover Archived File .............................6-48 Redo............................................................5-6 Renumber File ..........................................6-50 Reports........................................................4-7 Running Survey Link .................................1-4
T
template files sending .......................................... 3-6 Test Wizard................................................ 3-3 TIN ........................................................... 6-51 Title ............................................................ 4-6 Title Bar ..................................................... 2-2 Tool Bar ..................................................... 2-2 Toolbar................................................2-3, 2-6 Tools menu......................................2-14, 3-10 Topcon DL-100 Series to TDS Format.. 6-47 Transfer ...................................................... 3-1 Transfer Geodetic Files ........................... 2-13 Transfer Menu.....................................2-7, 2-8 transformation method............................... 7-8 Translate Coordinate File.............................. 6-1 Raw Data File.............................. 6-26 Traverse...................................................... 5-5 triangulated irregular network ................. 6-51
S
Save.............................................................2-3 SDR.............................................................1-2 SDR to Autodesk-Softdesk format..........6-44 SDR to Intergraph's ADF Format............6-41 SDR to TDS Format ................................6-40 SDRmap Raw Data Format.....................6-32 Send a File ..................................................3-6 Sequential ...................................................3-4 serialize .....................................................3-10 Server Mode ...............................................3-7 Sideshot.......................................................5-4 Size an Area..............................................2-17 SMI to TDS Format .................................6-45
U
Unarchive Raw Data................................ 6-48
Index iii
INDEX
Undo ....................................................2-4, 5-6 upgrade husky ..........................................3-10 UTM........................................................... 7-8
V
Versions...................................................... 1-2 View Menu................................................. 2-6
W
WGS84....................................................... 7-3 WildSoft Format ............................ 6-15, 6-33 Windows................................................. 2-2
Z
Zone File...................................................7-14
Index iv

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SURVEY LINK

for Windows 95/NT Users Manual

The Smart Communications Solution

Tripod Data Systems, Inc. 2001 All Rights Reserved

Generate Coordinates ......................................................................................5-11 Create a Raw Data File....................................................................................5-12

How to Read This Manual

Different Survey Link Modules

Installing the Survey Link Program

The Welcome screen will open. Click continue.

Running Survey Link

The Menu Bar

The File Menu

The View Menu

The Transfer Menu

The Reports Menu

The Adjustments Menu

The Options Menu

Create Zone File

Transfer Geodetic Files

Extract Sub-grid from Geoid File

The Tools Menu

The Help Menu

The Edit Window

Save the file?

Receiving Data from a Non-TDS Data Collector

Manage Files With Server Mode

Advanced Communications Settings

The Tools Menu

CR5 or JOB FILE

EDIT A CR5 OR JOB FILE

EDIT A CR5 OR JOB FILE

EDIT A CR5 OR JOB FILE

EDIT A CR5 OR JOB FILE

EDIT A CR5 OR JOB FILE

EDIT A CR5 OR JOB FILE

EDIT A CR5 OR JOB FILE

EDIT A CR5 OR JOB FILE

Create a Coordinate file

EDIT A CR5 OR JOB FILE

Creating and Editing a Point List

EDIT A CR5 OR JOB FILE

Side shot command side shot range

Curve Spiral Curve U D PenUp PenDn

EDIT A CR5 OR JOB FILE

EDIT A CR5 OR JOB FILE

Creating and editing a Text File

RW5 or RAW FILE

TDS Raw Data Editor

EDIT TDS RAW DATA

EDIT TDS RAW DATA

EDIT TDS RAW DATA

EDIT TDS RAW DATA

Change a Line into a Note

Change a Note back into a Line

EDIT TDS RAW DATA

EDIT TDS RAW DATA

EDIT TDS RAW DATA

EDIT TDS RAW DATA

Cut Sheet Reports

Offset Stake Cut Sheet Report

EDIT TDS RAW DATA

Point Stake Cut Sheet Report

Slope Stake Cut Sheet Report