SURVEY+TERRAIN

V6.3
Reference Manual

Copyright 2004

KNOWLEDGE BASE
 Conditions of Sale
The purchaser (further referred to as the Licensee) hereby accepts a
non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the software, Civil
Designer, on the following conditions.
1. The license fee shall be payable in advance and this agreement
commences on said date of purchase.
2. A separate license fee is payable for each CPU upon which the
Licensee wishes to use the software.
3. The Licensee undertakes not to copy, except for backup purposes,
reproduce, translate, adapt, vary or modify the software, nor to
communicate the software to any third party other than the
Licensee’s employees, without the Licensor’s prior written consent.
4. The Licensee agrees that it shall not itself or through any subsidiary,
agent or third party, sell, lease, license, sub-license or otherwise deal
with the software.
5. The Licensee acknowledges that any and all of the intellectual
property rights including trademark, trade name, copyright and
other rights used or embodied in or in connection with the software
shall be and remain the sole property of the Licensor and it’s
principals.
6. The Licensee shall not question or dispute the ownership of any
such rights at any time.
7. It is up to the Licensee to insure the program for the full
replacement value. In the event of theft or loss of the program,
security disk, or security module the license must be re-purchased in
full.
8. No warranty of any kind is made with regard to the use or
application of the software or it’s fitness for any particular purpose.
The verification of all results and output is entirely the responsibility
of the purchaser.
9. While every care has been taken in the preparation of the Civil
Designer program and it’s manual, Knowledge Base cc, it’s
employees and agents shall not be liable for any loss or damage
(including in particular, consequential losses, loss of profits and
penalties) suffered by the Licensee arising from any cause
whatsoever in connection with the Civil Designer program or the use
thereof whether such loss or damage results from breach of contract
(including a fundamental breach), negligence or any other cause and
whether or not this contract is at any time cancelled by the Licensee
arising from any cause whatsoever in connection with the Civil
Designer program or the use thereof whether or not this contract is
at any time cancelled.
 Table of Contents
WELCOME
Where do I go from here? 1
Typefaces in this manual 2
Conventions used in this manual 2
How to get support 3
On-line help 3
Online documentation 4

TUTORIAL - TERRAIN DESIGN

Define a terrace 2
Calculate terrace volumes 5
Create a drawing which includes the terrace 6
Merge the terrace with the original ground 7

i
SURVEY REFERENCE

FILE MENU
New Project 2
Drawing File 3
Terrain File 3
Sewer File 5
Storm File 5
Locale 5
Open Project 7
Edit Project 8
Save Project 9
Save Project As 9
Close Project 9
Import 10
ASCII YXZ 10
Serial YXZ 14
ASCII Heights 15
BLK File 16
Breaklines 17
Import Geo Coords 19
MOSS GENIO 21
ArcInfo 22
SurvPro 23
ModelMaker TOT 24
Export 26
ASCII YXZ 26
MOSS GENIO 29
Wild ASCII 30
Output Manager 31
Spool Output 33
Option Settings 34
Security 34
Authorize 34
Check Network Dongles 35
Exit 35

EDITING MENU
Enter Point 2
Delete Point 3
Edit Point 4
Batch Delete 5
Compare Points 6
Automatic Screen 8
Manual Screen 10
ii
 Remove Duplicates 12
Rotate Points 13
Surface Change 15
Duplicate Surface 16
Name Change 17
Name Constant 18
Height Constants 19
Height Interpolation 20
Height Differences 22

LISTING MENU
Automatic YX 2
Automatic YXZ 4
YX 5
YXZ 6
YX + Comment 7
YXZ + Comment 8
YX + Page + Comment 9
YXZ + Page + Comment 10

CALCULATIONS
Join 2
Polar 3
Resection 5
Intersection 6
Trilateration 7
Arc/Line Intersection 8
Parallel Line Intersection 10
Double Polar 11
Placing Joins 13

HEIGHTING
Forward 2
Simultaneous 4
Mean Elevations 5
Traverse 6

TRANSFORMATIONS
Individual 2
Group 4
Clarke->WGS84 (SA Only) 5
Individual 5
Group 6

CONVERSIONS
Geo Topo 2
iii
 Goldfields 4
Extract DXF 5
Extract Text 6
LO to LO 7
LO to Lat/Long 9
Lat/Long to LO 11
t-T Correction 13
Sea Level and Scale 15
Unit Conversions 17
User Units 18
Coord Conversion 19
User Coord 21

REDUCTIONS
Tache 2
New Field Book 2
Load Field Book 3
Save Field Book 5
List Field Book 6
Reduce Field Book 6
Tache Sections 10
New Field Book 10
Load Field Book 11
Save Field Book 12
List Field Book 13
Reduce Field Book 13
Traverse 14
New Field Book 14
Load Field Book 15
Save Field Book 16
List Field Book 16
Flat Traverse 17
Slope Traverse 22
Full Traverse 22
Levelling 23
New Field Book 23
Load Field Book 25
Save Field Book 26
List Field Book 26
Reduce Field Book 27
Error Figure 30
New Field Book 30
Load Field Book 31
Save Field Book 31
List Field Book 32
iv
 Least Squares 32
Error Figure 33
Control Network 35
New Field Book 36
Load Field Book 37
Save Field Book 38
List Field Book 38
Reduce 39

TOOLS
File Format 2
View ASCII 6

v
TERRAIN REFERENCE

FILE MENU
New Project 2
Drawing File 3
Terrain File 3
Sewer File 5
Storm File 5
Locale 5
Open Project 7
Edit Project 8
Save Project 9
Save Project As 9
Close Project 9
Output Manager 10
Spool Output 12
Option Settings 12
Security 12
Authorize 12
Check Network Dongles 13
Exit 13

MODEL MENU
Insert Point 2
Edit Point 4
Delete Point 5
Move Point 6
Interpolate Point 7
ID Point 9
Locate Point 10
AutoSuffix 11
Polyline to DTM 12
Indicate Polyline 12
Selected Polylines 13
Mark Bank Points 14
Polygon Clip 16
Polygon Copy/Move 18
Fence Clip 19
Define Fence 20
Remove Fence 21
Define PolyFence 22
Remove PolyFence 23
Display 24
Display Defined Fences 24
Display Defined PolyFences 24
vi
 Polygon Area 26
Add Break Line 27
Delete Break Line 27
Remove All Break Lines 28
Add Feature Line 29
Delete Feature Line 29
Remove All Feature Lines 30
Convert Breaklines to Featurelines 31
Intelli-Lines 32
Intelli-Lines 32
Triangulate 35
Validate Model 37

TERRAIN MENU
Band vs Prism Volumes 2
Contours from Lines 3
Cross Sections 5
Extract 5
Translate 8
Fast Cross 10
Long Sections 11
Extract 11
String Long 15
Chainage String 16
Fast 17
Surface Area 18
Plan Area 18
Slope Area 18
Area by Slope Category 19
Surface Volume 19
Terrace Banks 21
Delete Banks 21
Dynamic Drag 22
Fixed Slopes 24
Variable Slopes 27
Terrace Top 30
Terrace Merge 32
Terrace Volume 34
Delete Ground 37
Point Grid 38
DTM Grid Volumes 40
Single Surface 40
Ground/Design Surface 43
Ground/Design Difference 45
Polygon Volume 47
vii
 DTM to ASCII 49
DTM Contours 50
Neutral Contour 51
Isograde Line 52
Line of Sight 54
3D View 56
View 56
Define Fly Path 64
Plot 3D 66

GRAPHICAL MENU
Join 2
Polar 3
Resection 5
Parallel Line 7
Mid Point 9
Two Line Intersection 10
Elevation Tracking 12
Show Tache Rays 13

TOOLS MENU
Rescale Survey 2
Rebuild DBase 3
DBase Statistics 4
Validate Line Data 5
Export DXF View 6

SETTINGS MENU
Names 2
Heights 2
Lines 2
Contours 2
Name Filter 3
Snap Mode 3
Auto Interpolate 4

OPTION SETTINGS
General 2
Survey 5
Terrain 6
Roads 10
Plot 13
Output Window 14

viii
SECURITY
Hasp Dongle Overview 3
NetHasp 4

ix
x
Welcome
Welcome to Civil Designer, the design system created by civil engineers
for civil engineers, to save you time, effort and money. Now you can
work faster, smarter and accomplish more.
This manual introduces you to Civil Designer and gets you up and
running without delay. It shows you how to accomplish the most
common tasks and provides tips on the exciting and innovative new
features to be found in Civil Designer.
The easy-to-follow tutorial will help you gain hands-on experience with
the program, and the Beyond the Basics section shows you how to
complete advanced tasks.

Where do I go from here?

After reading this manual you should know the following:
• How to get Civil Designer up and running
• How to use the menus and the on-line help system
• How to input and edit data files
• How to start an analysis
• How to view and output the results of the calculations
For more detail simply refer to the on-line help file: it contains over 700
pages of detailed information and covers each function.

Welcome 1
Typefaces in this manual
The different typefaces in this manual are used as follows:
Monospace This typeface represents text as it appears onscreen
such as prompts.
Italics Italics are used for emphasis and to introduce new
terms.
[Enter] This indicates a key on your keyboard.
For example:
“Press [Enter] to complete the entry.”
Command This typeface indicates a menu option or a command.
For example:
“Click on the Open icon to load a drawing.”
Menu commands appear with the path separated by an arrow. The
instruction Draw
Ellipses
Ellipse refers to the command you choose by
opening the Draw menu, the Ellipses sub-menu, and by choosing the
Ellipse option.

Conventions used in this manual

In this manual, clicking refers to clicking with your left mouse button
unless otherwise specified. When a click with your right mouse button is
required, the terms right click or right clicking are used.

Clicking means to press and release a mouse button quickly.

2 Civil Designer Survey + Terrain

How to get support
Technical support is available from 08.00 to 17.00 Mondays to Fridays
excluding public holidays from our Customer Support Centre at
[email protected].
You can also call our Customer Support Centre at:
South Africa 086 0101 999
International +27 21 7011850

On-line help
The Civil Designer on-line help system is far easier to use and more
comprehensive than those typically found in other software programs.
It contains about 10 times as much information as this manual and
provides complete answers to virtually any question you may have about
features or how to use Civil Designer.
Access on-line Help from the Help menu option at any time, or by
pressing F1 during the display of any of the dialogs in the program. The
help items can be printed using the Print button on the toolbar.

Welcome 3
Online documentation
The User Guide and the Reference Manual are supplied on the CD-ROM
in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. You have the option to install the Acrobat
Reader when installing Civil Designer. This allows you to browse through
the manual, to search for specific subjects, and to print out all or any
selection of pages.

4 Civil Designer Survey + Terrain

Tutorial - Terrain Design
This exercise will teach you all the basic functions you need to know in
order to create a terrain model. You will complete the following tasks:
• Place a terrace on the ground model
• Calculate the terrace volumes
• Produce a drawing which shows the terrace including cut and fill
bank lines
• Merge the terrace and the original ground model
Note: If you are continuing on from the previous tutorial, switch off the
contour display before proceeding.

Tutorial - Terrain Design 1

Define a terrace
We can define a terrace by graphically adding the corner points to the
terrain database, typing in the coordinates, or importing an ASCII file
which contains just the terrace corner coordinates.
We will define the position of the terrace by specifying the corner points
in Surface 2 and connecting them with lines to indicate the terrace
perimeter.
Firstly, switch to Survey mode by selecting Mode
Survey Mode or by
clicking on the Survey button in the mode toolbar. Input the corner
points by selecting the Editing
Enter Point option. Accept the values
displayed in the Constants Details dialog. Make sure that only Screen
output is selected in the Output Manager dialog to output the data to the
screen and click on OK.
The Point Entry dialog will now be shown. Enter the coordinates for the
terrace corner points as follows:

Click Add and define the other thirteen coordinates in the same manner:
TE2 75911.8 21218.1 1562.0
TE3 75905.5 21220.5 1562.0
TE4 75879.7 21237.4 1562.0
TE5 75812.9 21309.2 1562.0
TE6 75797.3 21335.6 1562.0
TE7 75782.4 21376.6 1562.0
TE8 75783.3 21378.3 1562.0
TE9 75835.6 21397.3 1562.0
TE10 75837.4 21396.5 1562.0
TE11 75852.7 21354.0 1562.0
TE12 75920.0 21281.7 1562.0
TE13 75934.0 21276.4 1562.0
TE14 75934.8 21274.6 1562.0

Click Close to exit this routine. Refresh the display by pressing [S]. The 14
points you have just entered will be displayed. Switch to Terrain mode
and connect the corner points by means of break lines by selecting the
Model
Add Break Lines option.

2 Civil Designer Survey + Terrain

Your site should now look like this (only lines on the terrace surface are
being displayed):

Select the Terrain
Terrace Banks
Fixed Slope option.

The Bank Layer Details dialog box will pop up.
Specify the ground and terrace layers as shown in the next figure:

You will now be prompted to indicate the terrace. Click on one of the
terrace corners.
The Fixed Slope Details dialog will now be displayed. Enter the following
detail:

Tutorial - Terrain Design 3

After this the Bank Creation Details dialog will be displayed. Accept the
default settings. The terrace banks will now be calculated and displayed
on the terrain window in Surface 2 of the model.

4 Civil Designer Survey + Terrain

Calculate terrace volumes
Use the Terrain
Terrace Volumes menu option to activate the Terrace
Layer Details dialog.
Set up as shown below:

Indicate the terrace by clicking on one of the corners.

In the Terrace Volume dialog input the following data:

Civil Designer will calculate the cut and fill quantities and display it on
the Output window. Open the Output window to view the results.

Tutorial - Terrain Design 5

Create a drawing which includes the terrace
Before generating another plot we must first alter the plan details to
activate the terrace display. Select the Settings
Display Settings option to
show the Display Settings dialog. Select the Banks tab and set the
options as illustrated:

To generate the plot, select the Plot
Generate menu option. The plot will
now be displayed together with the terrace in a CAD window.
To print the drawing, use the File
Print option from the CAD menu.

6 Civil Designer Survey + Terrain

Merge the terrace with the original ground
Select the Terrain
Terrace Merge menu option. Specify the ground
surface as Surface 1 and the terrace surface as Surface 2. You will now be
prompted to indicate the terrace by clicking on one of its corners.
Civil Designer will delete the ground points below the terrace, transfer
the terrace points into surface 1 and connect the perimeter of the terrace
to the ground model. Refresh the drawing to update the display and the
show the contours to verify that the terrace has been merged with the
ground.
You will need to change the contour option on the Contours tab in
Display Settings to Quick Contours otherwise the contours that were
previously generated with Contours from Lines will be shown. These
contours were generated before the terrace was merged with the ground
surface and will therefore not reflect the changes that have been made.
Note that you should re-run Contours from Lines to update the stored
contours before attempting to plot them.

Tutorial - Terrain Design 7

Notes:

8 Civil Designer Survey + Terrain

Survey Reference
File Menu
The File Menu contains all the functions to
create, load and save projects as well as
import and export survey data. In addition it
also includes options to set up the security.

File Menu 1-1

New Project
Create a new project

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

ProjectNew

This option allows you to set up a new project and specify the data files
that must be used.

Procedure
The Project dialog is displayed.

To add a drawing to the project simply click in the check box next to
Drawing, click on Browse on the right of the dialog, and select the
drawing using the standard Window file open dialog. The drawing name
will be displayed as shown above.
To add a drawing to the project simply click in the check box next to
Drawing, click on Browse on the right of the dialog, and select the
drawing using the Window's standard open dialog. The drawing name
will be displayed as shown above.

1-2 Survey Reference

Similarly, to add a data file to the project click in the check box next to
the required data type and select the file to use with the Browse button. If
the file does not exist it will be created.
To use the Survey, Terrain or Roads functions, you must select or create
a Terrain data file.

Drawing File
You may only use an existing drawing file. The drawing may be an
AllyCAD DRG, AutoCAD DWG, Caddie CEX or a DXF file.

Terrain File
If you select a terrain file that does not exist, the following dialog will be
displayed:

Click on Yes to create the DTM file.

After you have clicked OK on the New Project Dialog the following dialog
will be displayed for a new DTM file.

Enter the Y and X coordinates of the centre of the site, or of the area of
principal interest, and a diameter that will encompass the site or, once
again, the area of principal interest. It is acceptable to leave the settings
at their default values, but you should then do one of the following.
Either import data from an ASCII file which will perform an automatic
rescale to centre the site, or add data manually and then use Tools

Rescale Survey from the Terrain menu which does the same thing.

File Menu 1-3

After clicking OK on the Database Dimensions dialog, the following
dialog is displayed.

While the previous settings were to ensure an efficient DTM database,

the Project Coordinates are for the Design Centre cad window to match
the DTM. Similarly, these settings can be left as their defaults subject to
a later ASCII Import or Rescale Survey.

1-4 Survey Reference

Sewer File
If you select a sewer file that does not exist, the following dialog will be
displayed:

Click on Yes to create the sewer database file.

Storm File
If you select a storm file that does not exist, the following dialog will be
displayed:

Click on Yes to create the storm database file.

Locale
You must make the settings that determine the manner in which the
stored coordinates are projected onto the display surface (the Design
Centre window).
Hemisphere Select either the Southern Hemisphere or Northern
Hemisphere options to set the hemisphere in which the data
is located.
Projection Select the mapping projection to be used. Currently only
three projections are available, namely Local, Transverse
Mercator and UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator).
Selecting Local will automatically set the Datum to Cape and
causes Civil Designer to treat the Terrain and Road
database coordinates in the same way as Stardust used to.
Datum Select the datum on which the data is to be based. This
determines the ellipsoid on which the projection is based and
therefore the constants used for the mapping projection.
Note that the Cape datum is the equivalent datum for that
used by Stardust.

File Menu 1-5

Prime Longitude Enter the central LO of the panel in which the data falls
(actually the longitude on which the 0 value of the horizontal
ordinates of the coordinate system falls) and also select
whether this LO is East or West of 0° longitude (Greenwich).
Origin Latitude Enter the latitude on which the 0 value of the vertical
ordinates of the coordinate system falls and also select
whether this latitude is North or South of 0° latitude (the
Equator). This should normally be set to 0° (origin at the
equator where North or South are immaterial) but could be
different for some projections.
Scale factor at prime Enter the factor by which coordinates are adjusted in order
longitude to fit the projection. This should normally be set to 1.0 except
if you are using UTM coordinates (see Remarks below).
False Easting and Enter the values to be subtracted/added to the LO
False Northing coordinates during projection conversion. These should
normally be set to 0 except if you are using UTM coordinates
(see below).

DO NOT use the False Easting and False Northing settings to apply
some constant to the data coordinates, as the projection calculations
rely on full coordinates and will give incorrect values if these entries are
used incorrectly.

Remarks
In order to use a UTM system the following settings should be made for
Locale:
• Convert the UTM block number to LO using the formula
(BLOCKNUMBER x 6°) - 183°. This calculates the Longitude of the
central meridian in degrees.
• Set the scale factor at the central meridian to 0.9996.
• Enter the correct False Easting and False Northing values of +500
000m Easting, and 0m Northing for Northern Hemisphere or +10
000 000m Northing for Southern Hemisphere.

1-6 Survey Reference

Open Project
Load an existing project

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

ProjectOpen

You can select which project to open using the standard Windows Open
dialog.

Procedure
The Open dialog will be displayed.

Select the project file (.CDP) to open and click on OK.

The existing project (if any) will be saved and the new project will be
opened. The associated data files will automatically be opened and
displayed in the Design Centre.

Only data that includes coordinates can be displayed in the Design

Centre.

File Menu 1-7

Edit Project
Edit the current project

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

ProjectEdit

This option allows you to add design elements to the project or to change
the data files associated with the project.

Procedure
The Project dialog is displayed.

To add a design element to the project simply set the check box of that
element and select the data file using the Browse button. The standard
Window Open dialog will be displayed. Select the file to add to the
project or type in a new file name to create a new data file.

You may not change the locale settings of an existing project as the
projection settings have already been applied to data files and may not
be changed.

Click on OK.

1-8 Survey Reference

Save Project
Save the current project

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

ProjectSave

This option allows you to save the current project and the associated
data files.

Save Project As
Save the current project to another name

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

ProjectSaveAs

This option allows you to save the current project and the associated
data files to new file names. You may specify a new file name for the
project file and each of the active design files in turn.

Close Project
Close the current project

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

ProjectClose

This option allows you to close the active project and clear the Design
Centre. You will be given the option to save the associated data files.

File Menu 1-9

Import
The following functions allow you to import data from various sources
into the terrain database.

ASCII YXZ
Convert an ASCII (text) file into a Terrain data file

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyImportyxz

The only essential information for import is an X and Y coordinate. To

this may be added a point description, Z ordinate, surface number and
line connecting data.
You will be asked to select the file to be imported. Once you have
selected the file you want to import, a multi-page dialog will be displayed
which shows the first twenty-five lines of the selected file. The data can
be in columns or delimited format of which comma delimited (ASCII
value of 44) is the most common.
It is self evident that if the imported data includes line references, the
splicing of one terrain data set to another will have to be done manually.
The ASCII import routines are tolerant of erroneous data. In other
words, lines of text that do not meet the importation criteria will be
discarded after failing inspection. Therefore, odd lines of descriptive text
or blank lines can be in the file without causing harm. An example of a
readable file is given below:
COORDINATE LIST of LOT 8975 System Lo 31
Constants deducted X=0 Y=3200000 Z=0 Units Int. m.
Name X Y Z
T110 23226.580 299551.150 651.91
T322 21485.440 306900.940 624.50
T605 13824.480 306951.910 568.80
T14 34798.770 298145.540 745.11
General coordinates follow :-
NRB17 22223.087 299091.766 472.358

Procedure
Windows’ standard open dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to import. The drive and path automatically default to the last used
drive and directory for this type of file.
Once you have selected the file to import and clicked on the OK button,
the Survey Import dialog is displayed.

1-10 Survey Reference

Fill in the relevant data and click on the Next button.

File type - Select the option that matches the format in which the data
Delimited or Fixed will be read. If you select the ‘Other’ option you must also
Columns enter the ASCII value of the delimiter. See the ASCII Table
section for the values of various ASCII characters.
Skip lines between Check this option and enter the number of lines to be
imports skipped between each required line. After each line is read
in (including the first line in the file), the specified number of
lines will be skipped before the next line is read. This is
typically used to skip alternating blank lines.
Filter by name and Check this option in order to restrict the points that are
surface imported. Just before the import begins you will be shown a
Name Filter dialog that you can setup to accept and reject
certain points by name and/or surface.
Filter by fence Check this option and select a predefined fence in order to
restrict the import of points to those falling with the fence
polygon. If no fences have been defined previously using the
Terrain menu option Model Define Fence, this check box
will be disabled.
Apply constants Check this option in order to have the specified constants
applied to the Y, X and Z values of each point imported.
Constants - Enter the constants to be applied to the Y, X and Z values of
Y Coord, X Coord and each point imported.
Z Coord
Constants Add The constants will be added to the current values., In order
to accept one or more of the coordinate values unchanged,
specify a value of 0 for that constant .

File Menu 1-11

Constants Multiply The current value will be multiplied by the specified constant.
Do not specify a constant value of 0 as this will result in the
particular coordinate value being set to 0 for every point
imported.
Save settings as Check this option in order to retain the current settings as
defaults the default for future imports.

If you are importing Fixed Column data the following dialog will be
displayed. Click with the mouse to indicate the break between columns.

Thereafter the program will display the columns of data as shown below.

1-12 Survey Reference

Click on the column header. A list of possible data types will be
displayed. Select the data type in each column and click the Finish
button to continue.
If you selected the Filter by name and surface option then the standard
Name Filter dialog is displayed.
The ASCII file selected is scanned to determine the extents of the data to
be imported. Should this extent not be wholly contained within the
extents of the current DTM file, an automatic rescale will be performed
for the DTM to fit the new extents:
The automatic rescaling process can take an appreciable amount of time
with large data sets. You can avoid having a rescale taking place by
having made appropriate entries in the Database Dimensions dialog
presented when you created the project.
The Destination Surface Selection dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Found The surfaces found in the import file are listed here. If no
surfaces were specified for import, or if a surface was
imported as 0, a special entry of None/0 will appear in the
list.
Destination Click on an entry in the found list and then select the
corresponding surface here. This enables the importing of
data to surfaces different to those specified when the data
file was created.
Save settings as Check this option in order to have this surface selection
defaults saved as the default for future imports.

File Menu 1-13

Serial YXZ
Import ASCII breakline data

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyImportSerial

This facility provides for the importation of ASCII data that is in a

generalised feature string format. It is suitable for both feature string
and contour data. The data may be randomly arranged under successive
headings of either 'Random' or 'Serial'. Any data that follows a line in the
file that says 'Serial' is linked sequentially with feature lines until another
'Serial' or 'Random' is encountered.
Note that there is a minimum distance setting which stipulates how far
apart each subsequent point must be before being accepted as a serial
data point (See INI File Components). This import radius is useful in that
it can be used to thin out the points used in serial lines without having to
edit the data file itself.
This function is the same as an ASCII YXZ import in all other respects,
and uses the same dialogs.
An example of a Serial file is given below:
Random
SC,1305386.631,7181048.876,0,2
SCm,1305407.776,7181969.127,0,2
SCm,1305428.915,7182889.376,0,2
SCm,1305450.047,7183809.625,0,2
SCm,1305471.173,7184729.873,0,2
SCm,1305492.292,7185650.121,0,2
SC,1305513.405,7186570.367,0,2
Serial
cl001,1305349,7181598,1240,1
cl001,1305380,7181614,1240,1
cl001,1305408,7181645,1240,1
cl001,1305437,7181654,1240,1
cl001,1305447,7181671,1240,1
cl001,1305420,7181719,1240,1
cl001,1305362,7181769,1240,1
Serial
cl002,1305387,7182273,1260,1
cl002,1305410,7182228,1260,1
cl002,1305459,7182181,1260,1

1-14 Survey Reference

ASCII Heights
Update elevations of existing points with heights from an ASCII (text) file

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyImportAsciihgts

This option is the same as ASCII YXZ except that it is assumed that the
points in the data file already exist and that only the heights of those
existing points are to be updated. The routine uses the Name, Y and X
values of the incoming data to locate the point and then updates the
height with the new Z value.

This routine is particularly slow in that it has to continually search the

database for matching points.

File Menu 1-15

BLK File
Import points and lines from an existing Stardust version 4.3 or 5.x Terrain file.

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyImportBLK

All the points and lines from an existing BLK file are imported and
placed on the same surfaces as they were in the original file.
Note that the old points (which were stored as LO coordinates in the
Cape Datum using the Modified Clarke 1880 ellipsoid) are imported and
stored using the project datum setting currently in effect. This will mean
that you need to apply a Helmert transformation to convert the imported
points to the project datum IF the project datum is not set as Cape AND
the projection is not set to Local.

Procedure
Windows’ standard open dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to import. The drive and path automatically default to the last used
drive and directory for this type of file.
Once you have selected the file you want to import, you are given the
option of specifying constants to be added to the old points as they are
imported.
The Constants dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

1-16 Survey Reference

Breaklines
Import points and lines from an aerial survey breakline file.
Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command
SurveyImportBreak

Breakline files as supplied by most aerial survey companies that use

MicroStation for their work come in two different types. Examples of the
two types are as follows:
Type 1 Type 2
75660.210 21696.324 1557.222 1 1 75660.210 21696.324 1557.222
75668.764 21658.480 1557.885 0 1 75668.764 21658.480 1557.885
75681.466 21619.209 1558.513 0 1 75681.466 21619.209 1558.513
75698.573 21568.016 1559.383 0 1 75698.573 21568.016 1559.383
75715.681 21522.525 1560.047 0 1 75715.681 21522.525 1560.047
75732.789 21475.349 1560.981 0 1 75732.789 21475.349 1560.981
75749.637 21429.080 1561.602 0 1 75749.637 21429.080 1561.602
75769.078 21373.739 1561.874 0 1 75769.078 21373.739 1561.874
75784.630 21331.877 1562.246 0 1 75784.630 21331.877 1562.246
75809.255 21292.089 1562.903 1 2 75809.255 21292.089 1562.903
75837.768 21261.502 1563.452 0 2 75837.768 21261.502 1563.452
75870.687 21228.453 1563.528 0 2 75870.687 21228.453 1563.528
75905.421 21206.680 1563.318 0 2 75905.421 21206.680 1563.318
75951.560 21189.183 1562.774 0 2 75951.560 21189.183 1562.774
76001.069 21170.650 1562.192 0 2 76001.069 21170.650 1562.192
76037.358 21157.690 1561.756 0 2 76037.358 21157.690 1561.756
76073.129 21146.544 1561.331 0 2 76073.129 21146.544 1561.331
76116.935 21136.823 1560.415 0 2 76116.935 21136.823 1560.415
76177.071 21123.474 1559.321 0 2 76177.071 21123.474 1559.321
76223.210 21112.717 1558.524 0 2 76223.210 21112.717 1558.524
76136.809 21140.266 1559.961 1 3 76136.809 21140.266 1559.961
76141.544 21157.728 1559.710 0 3 76141.544 21157.728 1559.710

The sequence of consecutive separate breaklines is clear to see.

Please note that files are usually supplied in pairs with one file being the
actual breakline file, and the other being a normal spotshot file. The
spotshot file must be imported using the normal Import ASCII YXZ routine.

Procedure
Windows’ standard open dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to import. The drive and path automatically default to the last used
drive and directory for this type of file.
Once you have selected the file to import and clicked on the OK button,
the same sequence of dialogs as with the Import ASCII YXZ routine is
followed.

File Menu 1-17

One difference being is there is now an indicator for the column
containing the division between breaklines. Assign the ‘Marker’ label to
this column as shown below.

Click the Finish button to continue as with the Import ASCII YXZ routine.

1-18 Survey Reference

Import Geo Coords
Import and convert geographical coordinates.

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyImportGeo

The routine caters for importing coordinates of a latitude-longitude pair.

The coordinates can be in the ddd.mmss format or in decimal degrees.
The procedure is very similar to the Import ASCII YXZ routine.

Procedure
Windows’ standard open dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to import. The drive and path automatically default to the last used
drive and directory for this type of file.

Once you have selected the file to import and clicked on the OK button,
the following dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click on the Next button. With the exception
of the Coordinate Format, the settings are the same as for Import ASCII
YXZ.

D.MMSS Select if the input format is in degrees, minutes, seconds.

Decimal seconds are allowed after the second ‘s’. Latitudes
in the southern hemisphare and longitudes in the western
hemisphere are negative.

File Menu 1-19

Decimal degrees Select if the input format is in decimal degrees.

Continue as with Import ASCII YXZ. The geographical coordinates are

imported and converted into (y,x) coordinates.

1-20 Survey Reference

MOSS GENIO
Import a MOSS GENIO string file into a Terrain data file

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyImportMoss

The MOSS file should have a general layout as follows (note that the
lines after those starting with 080DB and 080R are actually long lines and
are wrapped into two lines due to space constraints):
GENIO
001FORMAT(6F12.3)
080DB 0.0 0.0 3
5680.348 1070.134 51.794 5667.781 1077.329 51.691
5656.875 1083.397 51.744 5644.877 1089.969 51.758
5631.355 1097.530 51.848 5619.704 1103.781 51.909
5607.348 1111.633 51.918 5597.010 1118.757 51.881
5588.730 1123.436 51.879 5580.031 1127.614 51.985
5463.994 1193.968 52.163 5456.722 1198.648 52.113
5450.435 1202.860 52.309 0.000 0.000 0.000
080R 0.0 0.0 3
5865.336 1157.757 55.715 5853.903 1149.541 55.149
5842.427 1138.657 54.805 5829.645 1128.482 54.499
5814.809 1119.901 54.180 5800.631 1111.691 53.815

The MOSS strings are converted to Civil Designer break line data and
the string code is carried over to the point description.

Procedure
Windows’ standard open dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to import. The drive and path automatically default to the last used
drive and directory for this type of file.
Once you have selected the file you want to import, the Destination
Surface dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

File Menu 1-21

ArcInfo
Import ArcInfo ‘generate’ output into a Terrain data file.

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyImportArcinfo

This format consists of two files of which the file containing line data has
by default an extension of ".lin" and the other file containing the attribute
information is named by default ".atr".
The format of the files is:
1,1180 1
14587.245,36478.120
2,1175 14571.854,36412.847
14504.811.36387.102
3,1170 14488.949,36377.125
END
4,1165 2
19548.124,35884.256
5,1160 etc....

In the above example, the first four coordinates would come into Civil
Designer with an elevation of 1180.

Procedure
Windows’ standard open dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
".lin" file to import. The drive and path automatically default to the last
used drive and directory for this type of file. The same dialog is then
displayed but this time you will need to select a ".atr" file. The
Destination Surface dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

1-22 Survey Reference

SurvPro
Import SurvPro ASCII (text) output into a Terrain data file

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyImportSurvpro

This system uses a fixed column layout very similar to Serial YXZ.
The column layout is:
0 – 9 Y ordinate
10 - 20 X ordinate
21 - 31 Z ordinate
33 - 43 Identifier

Header lines consisting of the single word ‘Random’ or ‘Serial’ on a line

dictate the nature of the data by itself.

Procedure
Windows’ standard open dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to import. The drive and path automatically default to the last used
drive and directory for this type of file.
Once you have selected the file you want to import, the Destination
Surface dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

File Menu 1-23

ModelMaker TOT
Import ModelMaker TOT output into a Terrain data file

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyImportModelmaker

This system uses a fixed column layout for the point data that is followed
by a list of the triangles joining the points.
The format of the files is:
M MK 4043.708 3304670.055 51.431
E ET 4378.213 3304734.180 91.762
E ET 4376.204 3304739.630 91.843
W WC 4393.699 3304674.930 79.791
W WC 4399.079 3304682.930 82.593
TRIANGLE
12 9 11 -1 2 -1
9 11 10 1 -1 3
10 9 8 2 -1 4
8 10 7 3 -1 5

The point data is imported as Terrain points and the triangle data is used
to generate the line model.

Procedure
Windows’ standard open dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to import. The drive and path automatically default to the last used
drive and directory for this type of file.
Once you have selected the file you want to import, the ModelMaker
TOT Import Details dialog is displayed.

1-24 Survey Reference

Apply constants Check this option in order to apply a constant to each point
as it is imported.
Constants Enter the constants to be applied to the point ordinates.
Constants Add The constants will be added to the current values., In order
to accept one or more of the coordinate values unchanged,
specify a value of 0 for that constant .
Constants Multiply The current value will be multiplied by the specified constant.
Do not specify a constant value of 0 as this will result in the
particular coordinate value being set to 0 for every point
imported.
Save settings Check this option to save the current settings as defaults for
future imports.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
Destination Surface dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

File Menu 1-25

Export
The following functions allow you to export terrain database data in
various formats.

ASCII YXZ
Export DTM in YXZ ASCII format

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyExportYXZ

The normal options of constants and name and surface filters to control
the export are available.

Procedure
The Survey Export dialog is displayed.

Export type Select the option that will determine the format in which the
data will be written.
Decimal places for Enter the number of decimal places with which the Y, X and
ordinates Z coordinates will be written.
Filter export by name Check this option in order to restrict the points that are
and surface exported. Just before the export begins you will be shown a
Name Filter dialog that you can setup to accept and reject
certain points by name and/or surface.
Filter export by fence Check this option and select a predefined fence in order to
restrict the export of points to those falling with the fence
polygon. If no fences have been defined previously using the
Terrain menu option Model Define Fence, this check box
will be disabled.

1-26 Survey Reference

Apply constants to Check this option in order to have the specified constants
coordinates applied to the Y, X and Z values of each point exported.
Constants - Y Coord, Enter the constants to be applied to the ordinates of the
X Coord and Z Coord point as they are exported.
Constants Add The constants will be added to the current values., In order
to accept one or more of the coordinate values unchanged,
specify a value of 0 for that constant .
Constants Multiply The current value will be multiplied by the specified constant.
Do not specify a constant value of 0 as this will result in the
particular coordinate value being set to 0 for every point
imported.
Save Settings Check this option in order to retain the current settings as
the default for future exports.

Comma Delimited

If you select the Comma Delimited option you can specify the sequence of
data items in the following dialog.

Field edit boxes For each relevant field specify the position within the
exported line that that field will occupy. Each field will be
separated from the next by a comma (ASCII value of 44). To
ignore any particular field, set its position to 0 (zero). The
first field in the line is position 1.
Save settings as Check this option in order to have the current settings saved
defaults as the default for future exporting of ASCII files.

Fixed Columns
If you had selected the Fixed Columns option you can specify the start
and end positions of each data item as shown below.

File Menu 1-27

Start and Stop For each relevant field specify the character
positions within the exported line that that field will
occupy. The first character in the line is position one.
Both the Start and Stop settings must be entered
and be of a sufficient size to accommodate the
particular data being written out. Furthermore,
ensure that the Stop setting for one field does not
overrun the Start setting for the next field in the line
or the data will become intermingled, and therefore
meaningless. To ignore any particular field, set its
Start and Stop positions to 0 (zero).
Save settings as defaults Check this option in order to have the current
settings saved as the default for future exporting of
ASCII files.

Fill in the relevant data and click the Finish button to continue. If you
selected the Filter by name and surface option then the standard Name
Filter dialog is displayed.
Windows’ standard save dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to which to export. The drive and path automatically default to the
last used drive and directory for this type of file. Once you select the file
the export is carried out.

1-28 Survey Reference

MOSS GENIO
Export DTM points to a MOSS GENIO string file

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyExportMoss

This is the reverse of the procedure described under MOSS Import.

MOSS data depends on features of interest being defined as polylines.
Therefore, the procedure is that having named the ASCII file to be
created, the point filter dialog box will cycle until Cancel is clicked.
Each time a set of descriptors is entered, all lines that qualify are linked
together in homogeneous chains and exported.
It can be seen that a satisfactory export is dependent upon a unique and
well ordered naming convention.
Note that the default output format is for three columns of data, but that
this can be changed to a six-column format (See INI File Components).

Procedure
Windows’ standard save dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to which to export. The drive and path automatically default to the
last used drive and directory for this type of file.
Once you select the file the standard Name Filter dialog is displayed. See
the Name Filter section for details on setting up a set of descriptors to
process. Click the OK button to start the export of this set of descriptors.
The Name Filter dialog will then be redisplayed for you to select another
set of descriptors. Click the OK button to continue the export, or click the
Cancel button to end the import.

File Menu 1-29

Wild ASCII
Export DTM points to a Wild ASCII (text) file

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyExportWild

Terrain point coordinates may be converted into WILD format for

importing into total stations.
These may then be used for setting out purposes. The data order written
is serial number + descriptor, y ordinate, x ordinate and elevation in
millimeters. The following example illustrates the data format (note that
each line is actually one long line starting with 11 and might be wrapped
onto two lines due to margin wrapping):
110001+0000310d 81..10+03983443 82..10+05466439 83..10+00095100
110002+0000304d 81..10+04007461 82..10+05467805 83..10+00100100
110003+0000301d 81..10+04034648 82..10+05468275 83..10+00104100
110004+0000308d 81..10+04023566 82..10+05465216 83..10+00103100
110005+0000402d 81..10+04058882 82..10+05465059 83..10+00105100
110006+0000000V 81..10+03957930 82..10+05488000 83..10+00085100
110007+0000194d 81..10+03967696 82..10+05493890 83..10+00085100
110008+0000311d 81..10+03993901 82..10+05481804 83..10+00095100

After being asked to specify the name of the file to export, you are
presented with the point filter dialog.
All the points that pass the specified filter will be written out to the
ASCII file.

Procedure
Windows’ standard save dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to which to export. The drive and path automatically default to the
last used drive and directory for this type of file. Once you have selected
the file the standard Name Filter dialog is displayed. Click the OK button
to start the export.

1-30 Survey Reference

Output Manager
Set output defaults

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

OutputManager

This function allows you to set up the Output Window's printing and file
export capabilities. If you select to send output to the screen and the
Output Window is not visible, use Window | Toggle Output Window to
display the window.

Procedure
The Output Manager is displayed.

Make the required settings and press OK to continue.

Screen output Check this option to have output directed to the Output
Window. If this window is not visible then select Window |
Toggle Output Window
Printer output Check this option to have output directed to a selected
printer. If this option was selected and you now turn it off,
any output previously directed to the printer will be spooled.
If this option was not selected and you now turn it on, you
will be asked to select the required printer.
File output Check this option to have output directed to a file. If this
option was selected and you now turn it off, the output file
will be closed. If this option was not selected and you now
turn it on, the selected output file will be created.
Don't show this dialog Check this option to retain the current settings for all future
in future output. You will no longer be prompted to make settings. In
order to adjust the settings, or to turn off this option, use File
| Output Manager.

File Menu 1-31

Page Heading Enter the heading to be printed at the top of each page. Only
available if the Printer output option is selected.
Output filename Enter the path and name of the output file to be created.
Only available if the File output option is selected.
Browse Button (...) Click this button to browse for the output file using the
standard Windows Save As dialog. Only available if the File
output option is selected.
Page Number Enter the page number to be printed at the top of the first
page. The number will increment automatically for
subsequent pages. Only available if the Printer output option
is selected.
Start printing on new Check this option to have any printer output still in the print
page queue spooled before printing starts. If this option is not
selected then printer output will be added to that currently in
the print queue. Only available if the Printer output option is
selected.
Append to existing file Check this option to have output appended to that which
already exists in the selected file. If the selected file does not
exist, it will be created. If this option is not selected then the
selected file will be deleted (if it already exists) and then
recreated. Only available if the File output option is selected.

If OK is clicked and Printer output is not checked, but it was previously

checked, any output that has not yet been spooled to the printer will be
sent and the current document ended. If Printer output is now checked,
and it was not previously checked, you will be asked to select the printer
to which output should be directed and a new document will be started.
If OK is clicked and File output is not checked, but it was previously
checked, the specified file is closed. If File output is now checked, and it
was not previously checked, the specified file is opened and will
overwrite an existing file of the same name if the Append to existing file
option is not checked.

1-32 Survey Reference

Spool Output
Spool unprinted data to the printer

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

OutputSpool

Any output (print) data that has been sent to the printer but not yet
printed is spooled to the printer.
Windows tends to hold printed output in a spool file until the print job is
complete. In order to end a print job in Civil Designer you must deselect
the print option in the Output Manager, or exit the program.
Alternatively, this function will carry out the same procedure.

File Menu 1-33

Option Settings
Set INI file defaults that are not set by the program

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

OptionSettings

Refer to the chapter on Option Settings for more details.

Security
When you first install your copy of AllyCAD, it will allocate a 30 day trial
license, allowing you to run the full program for 30 days. During this time
you must contact Knowledge Base for a permanent authorization code.
Refer to the chapter on Security for more details.

Authorize
Authorize the program

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

cyAuthorize

This option allows you to obtain your user code and input the
authorisation code to activate the various modules in the program.

Procedure
The authorisation dialog box is displayed. Your User Code is displayed in
the centre of the dialog.

1-34 Survey Reference

Call the contact number to obtain your authorisation code. Alternatively
click on Save to write the user code into a file which can be e-mailed to
Knowledge Base at [email protected]. Click on the Authorise
button once you have input the confirmation code in the bottom edit
control. This code is stored in the security module.

Check Network Dongles

Toggle network security on/off

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

CheckNetworkSecurity

This function switches the search for a network security module on or

off.

Exit
Quit Civil Designer

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

quit

This function closes down Civil Designer.

File Menu 1-35

Notes:

1-36 Survey Reference

Editing Menu
The Editing Menu contains functions that are used to
edit the coordinate database on a non-graphical basis.
Most of the routines therefore reference points by their
names individually or with a name and surface filter.
(Graphical editing can be done using the Terrain

Model menu)
There are two warnings that should be observed:
Firstly, very substantial changes can be made to the
database with these functions. If an error is made in a
name filter (for example) the entire data set can be
destroyed if the changes are saved. If a mistake was
made, the original data may be recovered by loading
the project file again (File
Open Project) and selecting
No at the Save File prompt.
The second precaution relates to terrain lines. Some of
these routines can have a detrimental effect on lines if they exist. For
example, a rotation of part of a site or the shift of a named subset of
points by the addition of a constant can render a terrain model
completely unusable. To recover from a situation like this, reload the
project file as described above. As a general rule, use these Editing
facilities with discretion once a terrain model has been created.

Editing Menu 2-1

Enter Point
Add a new survey point by Y, X and Z coordinate values

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyEnterPoint

To speed up entry, constants may be set that will be added to all the
coordinates you add to the Terrain database.

Procedure
The Constants dialog is displayed.

Constants to add to... - Y Enter the constants that should be added to the
Coord, X Coord and Z Coord respective ordinates of each point added.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The Output
Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output options. The
Survey Point Entry dialog is displayed.

Name Enter a name of up to 16 characters for the point.

Y Coord, X Coord and Z Enter the ordinates for the point.
Coord
Surface Select the surface on which the point should be created.
Add Button Click this button to add the point to the Terrain database
with the current settings. These settings are retained for
the next point.

2-2 Survey Reference

Delete Point
Delete an existing survey point by name

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyDeletePoint

This routine provides the facility to delete a single point from the
database by its name.

Procedure
The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options.
The Single Point Deletion dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the Find button to locate the point.
Click the Delete button to delete the point.
Point name Enter the name of the point to be deleted.
Find Button Click this button to find the named point. This will enable
the Delete button.
Delete Button Click this button to delete the found point.

Editing Menu 2-3

Edit Point
Edit an existing survey point by name

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyEditPoint

This routine provides the facility to edit a single point in the database by
its name.

Procedure
The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options.
The Point Details dialog is displayed.

Fill in the point name to be edited and click the Search button to locate it.
Edit the point details and click the Save button to update the point.
Name Enter the name of the point.
Search Button Click this button to locate the named point. Note that
clicking this button a second time without changing the
name of the point will not find another point of the same
name, it will simply return the current point again.
Y Coord Enter the horizontal ordinate of the point coordinates.
X Coord Enter the vertical ordinate of the point coordinates.
Z Coord Enter the height ordinate of the point coordinates.
Surface Select the surface on which the point should be located.

2-4 Survey Reference

Batch Delete
Delete a number of survey points using a name filter

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyDeleteBatch

Once the details of a name filter have been completed, the database will
be scanned and all points passing the filter test will be removed.
For a full explanation on the use of name filters, refer to the relevant
section in this reference.

Procedure
The standard Name Filter dialog is displayed.

See the Name Filter section for details on setting up a set of descriptors
to process. Click the OK button to continue.
The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options.

Editing Menu 2-5

Compare Points
List coordinate and elevation differences between points with a certain radius

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyScreen

This routine lists the coordinate and elevation differences between any
two points that are found within a certain distance of each another as
opposed to the automatic screen option that deletes them.
Compare Co-ordinates ( Plan Radius 0.200 )
==========================================
Name Y X Name DY DX Dist Dz
==== ======== ======== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
mh3x 3963.384 5588.428 MH3 0.165 0.164 0.197 -0.036
234c 3923.510 5630.500 G24 -0.049 -0.026 0.074 0.040
235c 3967.211 5687.812 G25 -0.002 0.126 0.138 0.008
236c 3975.584 5697.048 G26 0.118 0.051 0.141 -0.036
237c 3874.020 5727.810 G27 0.188 0.041 0.197 -0.019
mtr5 3956.868 5712.303 G28 0.019 -0.970 0.110 0.020

Procedure
The Compare Details dialog is displayed. Fill in the relevant data and
click the OK button to continue.

Compare distance Enter the distance within which points should be of each
other in order to be compared.
Compare points by Plan Only those points within the specified Compare distance
radius will be listed.
Compare points by Height Only those points within the specified Compare distance
difference that are also within the specified Height difference of
each other will be listed. This is very useful for statistical
comparisons between as-built surveys and design data
of layer works.

2-6 Survey Reference

Use fence Check this option and select a predefined fence in order
to restrict processing to only those points that also fall
within the defined fence polygon. If no fences have been
defined previously using the Terrain menu option Model

Define Fence, this check box will be disabled.

The standard Name Filter dialog is displayed.

See the Name Filter section for details on setting up a set of descriptors
to process. Click the OK button to continue.
The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options.

Click the OK button to accept the settings.

Editing Menu 2-7

Automatic Screen
Rapidly eliminate duplicated data or any points that fall within a certain radius of
each other

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyAutoScreen

This routine is used for rapidly eliminating duplicated data or any points
that fall within a certain radius of each other. Points that are on top of
one another, or even very close together, can present severe problems in
forming terrain models. This is particularly true if their Z values differ
and they should be eliminated whenever possible.
After setting the screen details you will be shown a point filter dialog.
The program will make its own selection as to which points will be
removed and therefore the careful selection of a name filter is critical.
Points with no names will be first choice for deletion, followed by lower
case descriptors and, finally, points with upper case letters and numbers
(like NRB142) will be the least likely candidates for removal. If points
that fall within a certain radius of each other are to be viewed, but NOT
deleted, use Compare Points.

Procedure
The Screen Details dialog is displayed.

Screen distance Enter the distance within which points must be of each
other in order to be considered for screening.
Action to be carried out... Select either the Delete point (which will also enable the
Retain line info option) or Set coords same options. If
you select the Delete point option then one of the points
found will be deleted. If tight control is required on the
deletion of points, it may be better to use the Manual
Screen option. If you select the Set coords same option,
then the point that would have otherwise been deleted
will have its ordinates set to those of the other point. Not
available for Manual Screen.
2-8 Survey Reference
Use fence Check this option and select a pre-defined fence in order
to restrict processing to only those points that fall within
the defined fence polygon. If no fences have been
defined previously using the Terrain menu option Model
Define Fence, this check box will be disabled.
Retain line info Check this option in order to have as many line
connections as possible transferred from the point being
deleted to the point being retained. This option will help
in retaining the line model even though points are
deleted, and is also useful where data points have been
imported from a DXF file which can create duplicate
points with a line model that refers to both duplicated
points but connects to different points. Not available for
Manual Screen.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
standard Name Filter dialog is displayed. Set the filter and click OK to
continue.
The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options. Click the OK button to accept the settings.

Editing Menu 2-9

Manual Screen
Point-by-point elimination or correction of duplicated data or any points that fall
within a certain radius of one another

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyManualScreen

This routine is used for point-by-point elimination or correction of

duplicated data or any points that fall within a certain radius of one
another. If points that fall within a certain radius of each other are to be
viewed but NOT deleted, use Compare Points.
As for Automatic Screen, after setting the screen details (shown in the
following dialog) you will be shown a point filter dialog.

Procedure
The Screen Details dialog is displayed.

Screen distance Enter the distance within which points must be of each
other in order to be considered for screening.
Action to be carried out... Select either the Delete point (which will also enable the
Retain line info option) or Set coords same options. If
you select the Delete point option then one of the points
found will be deleted. If tight control is required on the
deletion of points, it may be better to use the Manual
Screen option. If you select the Set coords same option,
then the point that would have otherwise been deleted
will have its ordinates set to those of the other point. Not
available for Manual Screen.
Use fence Check this option and select a pre-defined fence in order
to restrict processing to only those points that fall within
the defined fence polygon. If no fences have been
defined previously using the Terrain menu option Model

Define Fence, this check box will be disabled.

2-10 Survey Reference

Retain line info Check this option in order to have as many line
connections as possible transferred from the point being
deleted to the point being retained. This option will help
in retaining the line model even though points are
deleted, and is also useful where data points have been
imported from a DXF file which can create duplicate
points with a line model that refers to both duplicated
points but connects to different points. Not available for
Manual Screen.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
standard Name Filter dialog is displayed.
The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options.
For every pair of points passing the filter and falling within the screen
radius of each other, the Manual Details dialog will be displayed and a
choice must be made as to which point to delete or alter or whether to
keep them both.

Typically, if a pair of duplicated points is found, you will elect to keep one
and remove the other. The points will be listed as they are removed from
the database.

Because points with an elevation of '0' are not taken into account by the
terrain model, it is a useful trick to set any data that you wish to retain,
but exclude from the model, to that value. It also means that these
points can be subsequently isolated for inspection or deletion by using a
'Z'' range filter.

Editing Menu 2-11

Remove Duplicates
Delete duplicated points from surfaces

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyRemoveDuplicate

This function will remove duplicated points from all or selected surfaces.
Duplicate points are defined as points where the horizontal and vertical
ordinates are identical to other points in the model. Depending on
selections made in this function, heights can also be selected as a factor
when determining whether a point is duplicated or not.

This function is faster to process than the Automatic and Manual

Screen functions as no searching for points in other blocks is required,
only points within an index block are scanned to detect duplicates.

Procedure
The Remove Duplicates dialog is displayed.

Use height in comparison Check this option in order to remove points which are
duplicated in horizontal, vertical AND height ordinates as
opposed to the standard of horizontal and vertical
ordinates only.
Retain line information Check this option to transfer the line information from
deleted points to points being retained.
Use filter Check this option in order to apply a point filter by name
and/or surface.

Fill in the relevant information and click the OK button to proceed. If the
Use filter option is selected then the Point Filter dialog is displayed. Set
the filter and click the OK button to continue.
The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options. Fill in the relevant details and click the OK button to continue.
The point database is then scanned and any duplicate points are deleted.

2-12 Survey Reference

Rotate Points
Rotate a discrete set of points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyRotatePoints

This routine allows the rotation of a discrete set of points. A common use
would be to correct points from a mis-oriented tache station.
After setting up the Rotation Details dialog you will be shown a point
filter dialog that will allow you to select the set of points to be rotated.
When using In place rotation in conjunction with Use fence lines from
rotated points to points outside the fence are removed to prevent
possible line crossings. However line crossings can still occur if points
are rotated such that they fall into the area outside the fence. Careful
checking of lines is required.
It is advisable to rescale the database after rotation in order to update
the block structure with the coordinates of the newly rotated points.

Procedure
The Rotation Details dialog is displayed.

Point to rotate about Enter the name of the point that will form the axis of
rotation i.e. the point that remains stationary while all
other points are rotated.
Angle to rotate through Enter the angle by which the points should be rotated
about the axis of rotation. This angle is a cartesian angle
so positive values will rotate the point set anti-clockwise.
In place rotation Select this option to have the points rotated in the
database.
Export points Select to have the coordinates of the rotated points
written to an ASCII file and to enable the Delete rotated
points option. The points will not be changed.

Editing Menu 2-13

Delete rotated points Check this option to have the points that are selected for
rotation deleted after the new coordinates are exported.
This will enable the re-import of the rotated points
without any duplication.
Use fence Check this option and select a predefined fence in order
to restrict processing to only those points that fall within
the defined fence polygon. If no fences have been
defined previously using the Terrain menu option
Model
Define Fence, this check box will be disabled.
If you use this option in conjunction with the In place
rotation option then any lines from points inside the
fence that connect to points outside the fence are
removed in order to prevent line crossings from
occuring. Note that line crossings can still occur when
points are rotated such that they fall into the area of the
non-rotated points.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
standard Name Filter dialog is displayed. Set the filter and click the OK
button to continue.
If you selected Export points then Windows’ standard save dialog is
displayed in order for you to select a file to which to export. The drive
and path automatically default to the last used drive and directory for
this type of file. The rotated points are then written to the selected file.
If you selected In place rotation then the point coordinates are updated to
their new positions. If the Use fence option was selected at the same time
then lines from the points being rotated that connect to points not being
rotated are also removed.

2-14 Survey Reference

Surface Change
Move points from one surface to another

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveySurfaceChange

This routine is used to swap the surface flag of points.

A name filter is used to control the data set that will have its surface
altered. All points passing the filter will be listed with their new surface
designation as they are changed in the database.

Procedure
The Surface Change Details dialog is displayed.

Names to pass... Enter the filter that specifies which points to process.
Names to avoid... Enter the filter that specifies which points to ignore.
Current Select the surface on which the points are currently
located.
Destination Select the surface to which the processed points should
be transferred.
Use fence Check this option and select a predefined fence in order
to restrict processing to only those points that fall within
the defined fence polygon. If no fences have been
defined previously using the Terrain menu option Model

Define Fence, this check box will be disabled.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Editing Menu 2-15

Duplicate Surface
Duplicate points on a surface to another surface

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveySurfaceDuplicate

This routine is used to make a duplicate of all points on an existing

surface. The destination surface for the copy must be empty if you wish
to use this routine.
The routine is useful in that you can create a duplicate surface on which
to make modifications without affecting the original surface. It is then a
simple matter of deleting the points on the duplicated surface using
Editing
Batch Delete to return to the original data set.

Procedure
The Surface Details dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Process surface Select the surface on which the points to be processed
are located.
Destination surface Select the surface to which the processed points should
be written.

2-16 Survey Reference

Name Change
Change the name of survey points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyNameChange

This routine is used to change the names of selected points to a specified

name.
A name filter is used to control which points will have their names
changed. All points passing the filter test will have their new names
listed as they are changed in the database.

Procedure
The Name Details dialog is displayed.

New name for points Enter the name to be set for the processed points.
Use fence Check this option and select a predefined fence in order
to restrict processing to only those points that fall within
the defined fence polygon. If no fences have been
defined previously using the Terrain menu option Model

Define Fence, this check box will be disabled.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
standard Name Filter dialog is displayed. Set the filter and click the OK
button to continue.

Editing Menu 2-17

Name Constant
Add or subtract a character from survey point names

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyNameConstant

This routine is used to either add or remove a suffix to the names of

points.
A name filter is used to control which points will be altered. The points
passing the filter test will have their names altered by adding or
removing the relative suffix from each one’s existing name. The points
will be listed as they are altered in the database.

Procedure
The Constant Details dialog is displayed.

Height constant Enter the value to be applied to the existing point

heights.
Apply constant by... - If you select Addition then the specified constant will be
Addition or Multiplication added to the existing height. If you select Multiplication
then the existing height will be multiplied by the specified
constant.
Use fence Check this option and select a predefined fence in order
to restrict processing to only those points that fall within
the defined fence polygon. If no fences have been
defined previously using the Terrain menu option
Model
Define Fence, this check box will be disabled.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
standard Name Filter dialog is displayed. Set the filter and click the OK
button to continue.

2-18 Survey Reference

Height Constants
Add or subtract a constant to the survey point elevation

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyHgtConstant

This routine is used to add a constant to the Z ordinate of a point. A

name filter is used to control which points will have the constant added
to their Z value. The points will be listed with the new Z value as they are
changed in the database.

Procedure
The Constant Details dialog is displayed.

Height constant Enter the value to be applied to the existing point

heights.
Apply constant by... - If you select Addition then the specified constant will be
Addition or Multiplication added to the existing height. If you select Multiplication
then the existing height will be multiplied by the specified
constant.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
standard Name Filter dialog is displayed. Set the filter and click the OK
button to continue.

Editing Menu 2-19

Height Interpolation
Interpolate the elevation of points from a specified surface

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyHgtInterpolate

This routine will set the Z ordinates of all the points on a particular
surface to the elevation of the ground defined by another surface at that
spot.
It is useful for rapidly elevating design points that have a position, but
are not part of the original survey data, for example subdivision layouts,
manhole positions or proposed road centrelines.
A valid terrain model must exist over the ground in order for the
interpolations to be made. There is a warning and an opportunity to
escape before the procedure starts. The program will interpolate the
elevation of the ground at the position of each design point and set the Z
ordinate of the design point to that value. If no interpolation can be made
then the Z ordinate is set to ' 0'.
The points and their levels will be listed as they are changed in the
database.

Procedure
The Height Interpolation Details dialog is displayed.

Names to pass... Enter the filter that specifies which points to process.
Names to avoid... Enter the filter that specifies which points to ignore.
Elevations Select the surface on which the terrain model to
interpolate from has been created.

2-20 Survey Reference

Elevations to Select the surface on which the points whose elevations
should be set are located.
Search distance Enter the maximum distance about the point whose
elevation is being interpolated that will be scanned for
points from which elevations can be interpolated.
Use fence Check this option and select a predefined fence in order
to restrict processing to only those points that fall within
the defined fence polygon. If no fences have been
defined previously using the Terrain menu option Model

Define Fence, this check box will be disabled.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
following message is displayed:

Click the OK button to continue with the function, or click the Cancel
button to stop.
The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options. Click the OK button to accept the settings.

Editing Menu 2-21

Height Differences
Determines the difference in elevation between points in two surfaces

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyHgtDifference

This routine is used to calculate the difference in elevation between the

points in two surfaces directly above or below each other. Typically, this
design data will in fact be points from another survey of one sort or
another. It is useful for check surveys where a set of "as built" data has
been collected in a random manner (for example on a terrace) and this
must be compared to the theoretical elevations at that spot.
A valid terrain model must exist over the surface to be interpolated, in
order for the interpolations to be made. The difference between the Z
ordinate of the design point and the interpolated ground level at that
spot is written to an ASCII file. Also in that file are the Name, X and Y
ordinates of each design point.
This ASCII file has many uses. For example, in the case of "as built"
checks, it can be imported into a spreadsheet program for statistical
analysis. For dredging and construction control it can be read into a new
project, used to form a terrain model and contoured to get isopachyte
contours of cut-and-fill depths.

Procedure
The Height Difference Details dialog is displayed.

Names to pass... Enter the filter that specifies which points to process.
Names to avoid... Enter the filter that specifies which points to ignore.

2-22 Survey Reference

Interpolate on Select the surface on which the points for which height
differences are to be calculated are located.
Heights from Select the surface on which the points to be used for the
difference calculation are located.
Search distance Enter the maximum distance about the point whose
elevation is being interpolated that will be scanned for
points from which elevations can be interpolated.
Use fence Check this option and select a predefined fence in order
to restrict processing to only those points that fall within
the defined fence polygon. If no fences have been
defined previously using the Terrain menu option Model
Define Fence, this check box will be disabled.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. Windows’
standard save dialog is displayed in order for you to select a file to which
to export. The drive and path automatically default to the last used drive
and directory for this type of file.
The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options.
Click the OK button to accept the settings.

Editing Menu 2-23

Notes:

2-24 Survey Reference

Listing Menu
The Listing Menu allows you to list the data in the
DTM in a variety of formats.

Listing Menu 3-1

Automatic YX
List Y and X ordinates of selected points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyListAutoYX

This routine lists the Y and X ordinates of all the points in the database.
Discrete sets of points may also be listed by using the name and surface
filter.
You are asked to enter constants for the data to be listed. The constants
you enter are not actually applied to the point coordinates but are rather
printed at the start of the listing. This gives you the option of listing
constants if your point data has been entered with a constant subtraction
applied.

Procedure
The Listing Details dialog is displayed.

Type of listing Select either the File or Sorted option. If you select File
the points are listed by their position in the database and
therefore will not be in any particular order. This listing
will however be quicker. If you select Sorted then the
points are sorted in the order specified in the Sort by
box.
Sort by Select the option by which the points should be sorted.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
Constants dialog is displayed.

3-2 Survey Reference

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. Note that
the constants entered here are only displayed in the list heading and in
no way affect the point ordinates.
The standard Name Filter dialog is displayed. Set the filter and click the
OK button to continue.
The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options. Click the OK button to accept the settings.

Listing Menu 3-3

Automatic YXZ
List Y, X and Z ordinates of selected points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyListAutoYXZ

This routine lists the Y, X and Z ordinates of all the points in the
database. Discrete sets of points may also be listed by using the name
and surface filter. You are asked to enter constants for the data to be
listed. The constants you enter are not actually applied to the point
coordinates but are rather printed at the start of the listing. This gives
you the option of listing constants if your point data has been entered
with a constant subtraction applied.

Procedure
The Listing Details dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
Constants dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. Note that
the constants entered here are only displayed in the list heading and in
no way affect the point ordinates.
The standard Name Filter dialog is displayed. Set the filter and click the
OK button to continue. The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order
for you to set output options. Click the OK button to accept the settings.

3-4 Survey Reference

YX
List Y and X ordinates of particular points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyListYX

This routine is used to individually list a point's Name, Y and X

ordinates. Either a point may be listed or a line of explanatory text can
be inserted into the listing. An example of this would be 'Trigonometric
beacons follow:'. You are first asked to enter constants for the data to be
listed. The constants you enter are not actually applied to the point
coordinates but are rather printed at the start of the listing. This gives
you the option of listing constants if your point data has been entered
with a constant subtraction applied.

Procedure
The Constants dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. Note that
the constants entered here are only displayed in the list heading and in
no way affect the point ordinates.
The Manual Listing dialog is displayed. Fill in the relevant data and click
the Print button to continue.

Listing Menu 3-5

YXZ
List Y, X and Z ordinates of particular points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyListYXZ

This routine is used to individually list a point's Name, Y, X and Z

ordinates. Either a point may be listed or a line of explanatory text can
be inserted into the listing. An example of this would be 'Trigonometric
beacons follow:'. You are first asked to enter constants for the data to be
listed. The constants you enter are not actually applied to the point
coordinates but are rather printed at the start of the listing. This gives
you the option of listing constants if your point data has been entered
with a constant subtraction applied.

Procedure
The Constants dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. Note that
the constants entered here are only displayed in the list heading and in
no way affect the point ordinates.
The Manual Listing dialog is displayed. Fill in the relevant data and click
the Print button to continue.

3-6 Survey Reference

YX + Comment
List Y and X ordinates of particular points with comments

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyListYXC

This routine is used to individually list a point's Name, Y and X ordinates

with the addition of a comment. Either a point may be listed or a line of
explanatory text can be inserted into the listing. An example of this
would be 'Trigonometric beacons follow:'. You are first asked to enter
constants for the data to be listed. The constants you enter are not
actually applied to the point coordinates but are rather printed at the
start of the listing. This gives you the option of listing constants if your
point data has been entered with a constant subtraction applied.

Procedure
The Constants dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. Note that
the constants entered here are only displayed in the list heading and in
no way affect the point ordinates.
The Manual Listing dialog is displayed. Fill in the relevant data and click
the Print button to continue.

Listing Menu 3-7

YXZ + Comment
List Y, X and Z ordinates of particular points with comments

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyListYXZC

This routine is used to individually list a point's Name, Y, X and Z

ordinates with the addition of a comment. Either a point may be listed or
a line of explanatory text can be inserted into the listing. An example of
this would be 'Trigonometric beacons follow:'. You are first asked to
enter constants for the data to be listed. The constants you enter are not
actually applied to the point coordinates but are rather printed at the
start of the listing. This gives you the option of listing constants if your
point data has been entered with a constant subtraction applied.

Procedure
The Constants dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. Note that
the constants entered here are only displayed in the list heading and in
no way affect the point ordinates.
The Manual Listing dialog is displayed. Fill in the relevant data and click
the Print button to continue.

3-8 Survey Reference

YX + Page + Comment
List Y and X ordinates of particular points with page numbers and comments

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyListYXPC

This routine is used to individually list a point's Name, Y and X ordinates

with the addition of field book page and calcs page references and
comment. Either a point may be listed or a line of explanatory text can be
inserted into the listing. An example of this would be 'Trigonometric
beacons follow:'. You are first asked to enter constants for the data to be
listed. The constants you enter are not actually applied to the point
coordinates but are rather printed at the start of the listing. This gives
you the option of listing constants if your point data has been entered
with a constant subtraction applied.

Procedure
The Constants dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. Note that
the constants entered here are only displayed in the list heading and in
no way affect the point ordinates. The Manual Listing dialog is displayed.
Fill in the relevant data and click the Print button to continue.

Listing Menu 3-9

YXZ + Page + Comment
List Y, X and Z ordinates of particular points with page numbers and comments

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyListYXZPC

This routine is used to individually list a point's Name, Y, X and Z

ordinates with the addition of field book page and calcs page references
and comment. Either a point may be listed or a line of explanatory text
can be inserted into the listing. An example of this would be
'Trigonometric beacons follow:'. You are first asked to enter constants for
the data to be listed. The constants you enter are not actually applied to
the point coordinates but are rather printed at the start of the listing.
This gives you the option of listing constants if your point data has been
entered with a constant subtraction applied.

Procedure
The Constants dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. Note that
the constants entered here are only displayed in the list heading and in
no way affect the point ordinates. The Manual Listing dialog is displayed.
Fill in the relevant data and click the Print button to continue.

3-10 Survey Reference

Calculations
These are the basic coordinate geometry routines
that are most frequently used for design and simple
survey calculations. They deal in the horizontal
plane only and depend on the relevant points being
called by name. Refer to the graphical section for
an alternate system.

General Procedure
Like all the functions in the Survey section that use names to retrieve the
points from the database, if a coordinated point is required for the
calculation and cannot be found, there will be an opportunity to either
type in the known coordinate values, or to change the name and search
the database again.
When a name is provided for a newly calculated point, the database is
first searched for that point. If it is found, the existing values are replaced
with those generated in the current calculation. If it is not found, a new
point with that name and position is added to the database.

Calculations Menu 4-1

Join
Calculate the direction and distance between two points of known coordinates

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyCalcJoin

This routine is used to obtain the direction and distance between two
points of known coordinates.
In the graphical version of this function, the points are selected by
clicking on them with the mouse.

Procedure
The Join Calculations dialog is displayed.

Base station name Enter the name of the point from which the join should
be calculated.
Target station name Enter the name of the point to which the join should be
calculated.
Join type - Standard, Select the option that describes the type of join to be
Radial or Chained carried out. This selection affects the join following this
one. For the Standard option both the base and target
names must be provided for each calculation. For the
Radial option the base is held constant and successive
joins to other targets are taken. For the Chained option
the target of this join becomes the base of the next.
Process Button Click this button to accept the current entries in the
dialog.

Fill in the relevant data and click the Process button to continue.

4-2 Survey Reference

Polar
Fix a new point a given distance and direction from a base point of known
coordinates

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyCalcPolar

This routine is used to fix a new point a given distance and direction
from a base point of known coordinates.
In the graphical version of this function, the base point is selected by
clicking on it with the mouse.

Procedure
The Polar Calculation dialog is displayed.

Base station Enter the name of the point from which the polar should
be calculated.
Measurements – Fileld or Select Field to enter data in the form typically measured
Plan on site. This will allow you to also optionally calculate the
elevation of the target.
Select Plan to enter theoretical flat data.
Observed direction Enter the direction from the base to the target.
Horizontal / Slope Enter the horizontal distance (Plan measurements) or
distance slope distance (Field measurements) from the base to
the target.
Target point Enter the name of the point to be created.
Include elevation in Only available for Field measurements. Check to have
calculation the elevation of the target point calculated,

Calculations Menu 4-3

Instrument height Only available for Field measurements. Enter the
appropriate values for the elevation calculation to take
into account.
Target height Only available for Field measurements. Enter the
appropriate values for the elevation calculation to take
into account.
Destination surface Select the surface on which the new point should be
created.
Type - Standard, Radial or Select the option that describes the type of polar to be
Chained carried out. This selection affects the polar following this
one. For the Standard option both the base and target
names must be provided for each calculation. For the
Radial option the base is held constant and successive
polars to other targets are taken. For the Chained option
the target of this polar becomes the base of the next.
Process Button Click this button to accept the current entries in the
dialog.

4-4 Survey Reference

Resection
Fix an unknown point by means of un-oriented directions from the unknown point
to three known points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyCalcResection

This routine is used to fix an unknown point by means of un-oriented

directions from the unknown point to three known points.
Directions must be used and NOT the subtended angles.

Procedure
The Resection Calculation dialog is displayed.

First, Second and Third Enter the name of the relevant coordinated point
station
Observed direction Enter the unoriented direction from the target point to the
relevant point. Note that directions must be used and
NOT the subtended angles.
Target point Enter the name of the point to be created.
Destination surface Select the surface on which the new point should be
created.
Process Button Click this button to accept the current entries in the
dialog.

Fill in the relevant data and click the Process button to continue.

Calculations Menu 4-5

Intersection
Fix an unknown point by means of oriented directions from two known points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyCalcIntersection

This routine is used to fix an unknown point by means of oriented

directions from two known points. Also known as a ‘triangle’ calculation.

Procedure
The Intersection Calculation dialog is displayed.

First station Enter the name of the relevant coordinated point.

Observed direction Enter the oriented direction from the relevant point to the
target.
Second station Enter the name of the relevant coordinated point.
Observed direction Enter the oriented direction from the relevant point to the
target.
Target point Enter the name of the point to be created.
Destination surface Select the surface on which the new point should be
created.
Process Button Click this button to accept the current entries in the
dialog.

Fill in the relevant data and click the Process button to continue.

4-6 Survey Reference

Trilateration
Fix an unknown point by means of horizontal distances from two known points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyCalcTriLat

This routine is used to fix an unknown point by means of horizontal

distances from two known points. Also known as an arc-arc intersection'
calculation.
There are two possible solutions to the calculation and a selection must
be made as to which of the two should be stored. The complete
calculation for both is listed in order to facilitate the selection.

Procedure
The Trilateration Calculation dialog is displayed.

First and Second station Enter the name of the relevant coordinated point
Measured distance Enter the horizontal distance from the relevant point to
the target.
Target point Enter the name of the point to be created.
Destination surface Select the surface on which the new point should be
created.

Fill in the relevant data and click the Process button to continue. The
Point Adoption dialog is displayed.

1 or 2 Select either of the presented options as the coordinates

to be used for the calculated point.

Calculations Menu 4-7

Arc/Line Intersection
Calculate the intersection point between an arc (distance) from one known point
and a line (oriented direction) from another

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyCalcArcLineInt

This routine is used to calculate the intersection point between an arc

(distance) from one known point and a line (oriented direction) from
another.
There are two possible solutions to the calculation and a selection must
be made as to which of the two should be stored. The complete
calculation for both is printed in order to facilitate the selection.

Procedure
The Arc-Line Intersection dialog is displayed.

Station name Enter the name of the point from which the direction to
the target point was observed.
Observed direction Enter the oriented direction from the base point to the
target point.
Arc centre name Enter the name of the point from which the distance to
the target point was measured.
Arc radius Enter the horizontal distance measured from the arc
centre to the target point.
Target point name Enter the name of the point to be created.
Destination surface Select the surface on which the new point should be
created.

Fill in the relevant data and click the Process button to continue. If you
click the Process button, the Point Adoption dialog is displayed.

4-8 Survey Reference

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Calculations Menu 4-9

Parallel Line Intersection
Fix a point at specified parallel offset from two lines that have a known
intersection point

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyCalcParallel

This function is used to fix a point at specified parallel offset from two
lines that have a known intersection point. A common use would be to
calculate manhole positions a set distance from buildings or boundaries.
The point calculated is assumed to be to the right of the three points in
the order they were specified. In other words, to get the complementary
situation of a point on the other side, specify the points in the reverse
order.

Procedure
The Parallel Point dialog is displayed.

First point Enter the name of a point that falls on line 1.

Middle point Enter the name of the point at the intersection of line 1
and line 2.
Last point Enter the name of a point on line 2.
Target point Enter the name of the point to be created.
Destination surface Select the surface on which the new point should be
created.
Offset from line 1 Enter the horizontal distance from this line to the first
offset line.
Offset from line 2 Enter the horizontal distance from this line to the second
offset line.

4-10 Survey Reference

Double Polar
Fix an unknown point when both oriented direction and distance are available
from two known points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyCalcDoublePolar

This routine is used to fix an unknown point when both oriented

direction and distance are available from two known points.
This is a fieldwork-type calculation and therefore unreduced slope
distances can be used. Joins to outside stations during the calculation
can be used to correct un-oriented observations. An opportunity is given
to calculate orientation corrections for each of the setup stations. After
orientation for both setup stations has been completed, a proportionally
meaned final coordinate is adopted for the calculated point and the
residuals are printed.

Procedure
The Double Polar dialog is displayed.

Name Enter the name of the point observed from.

Horizontal Dirn. Enter the horizontal direction from the station to the
target point.
Vertical Angle Enter the vertical angle between the station and the
target point. If the measured distance is the horizontal
distance then the vertical angle should be set to
90.0000, otherwise it is assumed that the measured
distance is a slope distance and the entered vertical
angle will be used to reduce the slope distance to the
horizontal.
Distance Enter the measured slope or horizontal distance from the
station to the target point.

Calculations Menu 4-11

Correction factor Enter the correction to be applied to the measured
distances in meters per kilometer.
Target point Enter the name of the point to be created.
Destination surface Select the surface on which the new point should be
created.

Fill in the relevant data and click the Process button to continue. The
Orientation dialog is displayed.

No orientation correction Select this option if no orientation is required.

Calculate orientation Select this option if you wish to calculate an orientation
correction correction for the horizontal observation from this station.
Observed station Enter the name of the point to which an orientation
direction was read.
Observed direction Enter the direction from the setup station to the
orientation station.
Calculate Button Click this button to calculate the orientation correction.
The calculated value is displayed in the Correction edit
box.
Correction Enter a value that you want to use as the orientation
correction.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

4-12 Survey Reference

Placing Joins
Obtain directions and distances from a base point to all points within a specified
radius of that point

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyCalcPlacingJoin

This routine is used to obtain directions and distances from a base point
to all points within a specified radius of that point.
Extra points that may fall outside the defined radius can be inserted
manually. This is mainly provided for the insertion of outside orienting
data.
A name and surface filter can be used to control which points will be
processed for the placing joins.
The listing gives the direction and distance from the base point to each of
the points found within the search radius and that passes the name filter.
It also gives (in brackets) the distance that the chainman has to walk to
move from where he is standing to the next point. The order of the listing
is optimised to minimise these walking distances.

Procedure
The Placing Joins dialog is displayed.

Base station Enter the name of the point from which placing joins
should be calculated.
Walking distance Enter the radius around the base station which to scan
for points.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
Additional Joins dialog is displayed.

Calculations Menu 4-13

Station to add Enter the name of a point to be included in the
calculation. This is for points that fall outside the walk
distance radius but should still be included in the
calculation. Used mostly for stations to be used for
orientation.
Add Button Click this button to add the current name to the station
list.
Remove Button Click on a name in the station list and then click this
button to remove the highlighted item from the list.

Fill in the relevant data and click the Done button to continue.

4-14 Survey Reference

Heighting
Here you can calculate the height of specified points
based on observations from known points in the
database.

Heighting Menu 5-1

Forward
Calculate the height of a point from a point of known height by means of forward
vertical angles

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyHgtForward

This routine is used to calculate the height of a point (called the target
station) from a point of known height (called the base station) by means
of forward vertical angles from the base station.
The coordinates for both the base and target points must be known
because the horizontal join distance is used in the calculations.
Correction for earth curvature and atmospheric refraction are made in
the usual way. The calculated height will be adopted for the target
station.
See also the Survey Traverse, which also permits reductions and
adjustment of vertical observations.

Procedure
The Forward Heighting dialog is displayed.

Base station Enter the name of the point from which observations
were made.
Target station Enter the name of the point for which the height should
be calculated.
Instrument height Enter the height of the instrument at the base station.
Target height Enter the height of the observed target or signal at the
target station.
Rejection limit Enter the allowable difference between circle left and
circle right readings. Typically 2 minutes (0.02) is an
acceptable value.

5-2 Survey Reference

Circle left Enter the vertical angle on the left face between the
base and target stations. It is acceptable to enter 0 here
if there is a circle right reading.
Circle right Enter the vertical angle on the right face between the
base and target stations. It is acceptable to enter 0 here
if there is a circle left reading.

Fill in the relevant data and click the Process button to continue.

Heighting Menu 5-3

Simultaneous
Calculate the unknown height of a point from the known height of another point
by means of vertical angles from both stations

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyHgtSimul

This routine is used to calculate the unknown height of a point (called

the target station) from the known height of another point (called the
base station) by means of vertical angles from both the base and target
stations.
Curvature and refraction correction is printed for information only. The
reciprocal calculation does not use it. The calculated height will be
adopted for the target station. See also the Survey Traverse, which also
permits reductions and adjustment of vertical observations.

Procedure
The Simultaneous Heighting dialog is displayed.

Name Enter the name of the relevant station.

Circle left Enter the vertical angle on the left face from the relevant
station to the other. It is acceptable to enter 0 here if
there is a circle right reading.
Circle right Enter the vertical angle on the right face from the
relevant station to the other. It is acceptable to enter 0
here if there is a circle left reading.
Inst. height Enter the instrument height at the relevant station.
Rejection limit Enter the allowable difference between circle left and
circle right readings. Typically 2 minutes (0.02) is an
acceptable value.
Slope distance Enter the measured slope distance between the two
stations.

5-4 Survey Reference

Mean Elevations
Assign an elevation to a point where height differences have been obtained to or
from it to several other points of known elevation

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyHgtMeanElev

This routine assigns an elevation to a point (base point) where height

differences have been obtained to or from it to several other points of
known elevation. The height differences are adjusted in indirect
proportion to the distances between the base station and the observed
stations. The meaned height calculated will be adopted as the Z ordinate
for the base station.

Procedure
The Mean Heighting dialog is displayed.

Base station Enter the name of the point for which the height must be
calculated.
Known station Enter the name of a station for which the height
difference between it and the base station is known.
Height diff. Enter the measured height difference between the
stations. In the case of inward observations, the signs of
the height differences must be transposed.
Add Button Click this button to add the current entries for Known
station and Height diff. to the list.
Delete Button Click on an entry in the Known stations list and then click
this button to remove the highlighted item from the list.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Heighting Menu 5-5

Traverse
Calculate the height of a number of points by means of a series of height
differences linked in a traverse

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyHgtTraverse

This routine is used to calculate the height of a number of points by

means of a series of height differences linked in a traverse.
The traverse assumes that you will start and end on points of known
elevation. These points can of course be one and the same.
The height differences for each traverse leg are adjusted in indirect
proportion to the length of the leg. The heights for the points along the
traverse are calculated and the individual leg adjustments are printed as
well as the overall misclosure. If the traverse is a loop with common
points, the adjusted elevation of each common point is meaned in turn to
obtain the final value.
See also the Survey Traverse, which also permits reductions and
adjustment of vertical observations.

Procedure
The Traverse Heighting dialog is displayed.

Starting station Enter the name of the point on which the traverse
begins.
Traverse point Enter the name of the next point in the traverse.
Height diff. Enter the difference in height between this point and the
previous point in traverse order.

5-6 Survey Reference

Add Button Click this button to add the current entries for Traverse
point and Height diff. to the list. The traverse is carried
out in the order of the items in the list.
Delete Button Click on an item in the point list and then click this button
to remove the highlighted item from the list.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Heighting Menu 5-7

Notes:

5-8 Survey Reference

Transformations
These functions transform a set of coordinates
from one plane system to another by applying an
optimum shift, swing and scale transformation to
the coordinates. If more than two points have
known coordinates on both systems there is redundancy and a least
square (Helmert) system can be used to obtain the final parameters.
These functions are also to be used in South Africa in order to convert
point coordinates from Clarke 1880 to WGS 84 as is now required by the
Surveyor General.
A new method of transforming points from Clarke 1880 to WGS 84 has
been introduced specifically for South African clients.
This transformation is based on degree squares for which the required
transformation parameters have been pre-calculated. These parameters
are applied to all points within their containing degree square in order to
calculate corrected coordinates.
The transformation is dependant on degree square files (KNB files)
which can be obtained from the following (sole) supplier:
Mark Newling
Tritan Survey cc
PO Box 18597
Wynberg
7824
Tel: 021 797-2081
Fax: 021 797-8195
EMail: [email protected]

The supply and use of the KNB files supplied by Mark Newling and
Tritan Survey is a matter between yourself and their company and
Knowledge Base will, other than to the extent of verifying that the
internal calculation used is correct, bear no responsibility for the
outcome of any transformation using these supplied files.

Transformations Menu 6-1

Individual
Convert points from one system to another, one by one on an individual name
basis

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyHelmertIndividual

This option is used to convert points from one system to another, one by
one on an individual name basis. The converted points are stored in an
ASCII file that may be subsequently imported into another job.
At least three points with coordinates on both systems must be available
to start, or the transformation parameters from a previous trans-
formation or an outside source must be available.
If transformation parameters are not available, then they must first be
established by the entry of common points. The names of points on the
original system must be provided as well as the (different) names of the
corresponding points on the target system.
Once the transformation parameters and list of points to transform have
been established, a name must be provided for the ASCII file in which to
store the converted coordinates. The point names are listed as they are
converted.

Procedure
The following message is displayed:

Click the Yes button to use predefined transformation parameters, or

click the No button to calculate the parameters.
If you select to use your own transformation parameters then the
Helmert Transform Parameters dialog is displayed.

6-2 Survey Reference

Origin shifts Y and X - Enter the required origin shifts in metres.
From and To
Constants - a and b Enter the required constants.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. If you
selected not to use your own transformation parameters then the
Common Points dialog is displayed.

Old system Enter the name of a point with coordinates in the system
to be transformed from.
New system Enter the name of a point with coordinates in the system
to be transferred to.
Add Button Click this button to incorporate the current Old system
and New system entries into the solution. As each
additional pair of points is introduced after the first ones,
the updated scale and swing is displayed. The
percentage change induced by the last entry is also
displayed. There is little sense continuing with the entry
of common points once the percentage change has
become small.
OK Button Click this button to accept the entered common points.
Only available after a minimum of three common points
have been entered.

Transformations Menu 6-3

Fill in the relevant data and then click the OK button to continue. The
Scale and Swing dialog is displayed.

Scale factor and Swing These values are displayed for confirmation purposes
only.

Click the OK button to continue. The Point Selection dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Group
Convert points from one system to another on a batch basis

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyHelmertGroup

This option is used to convert points from one system to another on a

batch basis.
Data entry is identical to the Individual Transformation section.
Once the transformation parameters have been established, a name must
be provided for the ASCII file in which to store the converted
coordinates. The points are then dealt with on a batch basis by passing
them through a name and surface filter. Each point is listed as it is
converted.

6-4 Survey Reference

Clarke->WGS84 (SA Only)
These functions are used to convert points from Clarke 1880 to WGS84 in
accordance with the requirements of the South African Surveyor
General.

Individual
Convert points from Clarke 1880 to WGS84, one by one on an individual name
basis, using KNB files

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyKNBIndividual

Convert points one by one on an individual name basis. The converted

points are stored in an ASCII file that may be subsequently imported
into another job.
The correct degree square files (KNB files, see the Notes entry for details
on obtaining these files) must be available in order to use this function. If
files are missing, or corrupted, you will be told which files need to be
obtained.

Procedure
The Browse Folder dialog is display.

Select the directory in which your KNB files are stored and click the OK
button to continue, or click the Cancel button to cancel the function. If
the correct KNB files are not found in the selected directory then the
following message is displayed:
Transformations Menu 6-5
Contact the KNB file suppliers (see the Note section for contact details)
and order the correct degree square files.
If the correct degree square files are found then the Output Manager
dialog is displayed in order for you to set output options. Click the OK
button to accept the settings.
The Point Selection dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant details and click the OK button to continue. The new
coordinates for the selected points are calculated and displayed.

Group
Convert points from Clarke 1880 to WGS84, on a group basis, using KNB files

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyKNBGroup

This option is used to convert points from Clarke 1880 to WGS84 in

accordance with the requirements of the South African Surveyor
General on a group basis. The converted points are stored in an ASCII
file that may be subsequently imported into another job.
The correct degree square files (KNB files, see the Notes entry for details
on obtaining these files) must be available in order to use this function. If
files are missing, or corrupted, you will be told which files need to be
obtained.

6-6 Survey Reference

Procedure
The Browse Folder dialog is display.

Select the directory in which your KNB files are stored and click the OK
button to continue, or click the Cancel button to cancel the function. If
the correct KNB files are not found in the selected directory then the
following message is displayed:

Contact the KNB file suppliers (see the Note section for contact details)
and order the correct degree square files.
If the correct degree square files are found then the Output Manager
dialog is displayed in order for you to set output options. Click the OK
button to accept the settings. The standard Name Filter dialog is
displayed. Set the filter and click the OK button to continue.
Windows’ standard save dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to which to write. The drive and path automatically default to the last
used drive and directory for this type of file.

Transformations Menu 6-7

Notes:

6-8 Survey Reference

Conversions
Most of these functions are designed to handle
conversions between different projection systems and
to correct physical data for conformance to map
projections. There is also a routine for converting
coordinates from one set of units to another.

LO System
Where reference is made to a 'National system' or a
'LO system' this refers to the Gauss Conformal or
Transverse Mercator projection as used throughout
southern Africa and in other countries. In South
Africa this is based (as of January 1999) on the WGS
1984 determination of the ellipsoid and having
standard parallels based on every odd degree of longitude. Prior to this it
was based on the Cape Datum which used the Modified Clarke 1880
ellipsoid. A “panel” refers to a coordinate system two degrees of
longitude wide with one of these standard parallels as origin.

Conversions Menu 7-1

Geo Topo
Convert geographical coordinates to Y and X coordinates in the project projection

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyConvGeoTopo

This converts geographical coordinates in the form of degrees, minutes

and seconds of latitude and longitude, to Y and X coordinates in the
project projection in Civil Designer format.
An ASCII file is read and another one is written. The converted
coordinates can be set relative to any standard line of longitude.
Incoming data must be comma separated in the form:
Name, Lat.deg, Lat.min, Lat.sec, Long.deg, Long.min, Long.sec, Altitude
123617,29,46,56.2447,30,49,13.4724,492.57,02,14,11,19,00,068
123647,29,46,56.3786,30,49,13.7638,492.79,02,14,11,19,00,068
123717,29,46,56.3682,30,49,13.6238,491.73,02,14,11,15,00,068
123747,29,46,56.9579,30,49,12.5997,491.56,02,14,11,15,00,068
123817,29,46,56.4389,30,49,12.3948,497.75,02,14,11,19,00,068
123847,29,46,56.4549,30,49,12.5944,494.99,02,14,11,28,00,068
123917,29,46,56.7650,30,49,13.6075,495.62,02,14,11,28,00,068
123947,29,46,56.2697,30,49,13.6729,495.64,02,14,11,15,00,068
124017,29,46,56.1959,30,49,13.9915,494.91,02,14,11,15,00,068

Data after the last valid item will just be ignored. In the preceding
example these would be the six figures following the elevation that are
the GPS satellite numbers and PDOP.
Converted data is written as Name, Y, X, Z.
Note that in the above example, the time stamp on the reading has been
adopted as the name. This can be a very useful technique for tracking
movement and can also be used for the Intelli-Lines function.

Also note that latitudes in the southern hemisphere and longitudes in

the western hemisphere must be entered as negative values.

Procedure
The LO Details dialog is displayed. Fill in the destination LO and click
the OK button to continue.

7-2 Survey Reference

Windows’ standard open dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to process. The drive and path automatically default to the last used
drive and directory for this type of file.
Once you have selected a file to process Windows’ standard save dialog is
displayed in order for you to select a file to which to write. The drive and
path automatically default to the last used drive and directory for this
type of file.

Conversions Menu 7-3

Goldfields
Convert coordinates on the Witwatersrand Goldfields systems to the Gauss
Conform (Mercator) projection

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyConvGoldfields

This routine is used to convert coordinates on the Witwatersrand

Goldfields systems to the Gauss Conform (Mercator) projection.
The routine caters for the five major systems, namely Johannesburg,
Krugersdorp, Boksburg, Heidelburg and Balfour South. The incoming
coordinates must be in Cape Feet in an ASCII file in the format Name, Y,
X, Z. Outgoing data will be in International Meters in similar form.

Procedure
The Goldfields dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. Windows’
standard open dialog is displayed in order for you to select a file to
process. The drive and path automatically default to the last used drive
and directory for this type of file.
Once you have selected a file to process Windows’ standard save dialog is
displayed in order for you to select a file to which to write. The drive and
path automatically default to the last used drive and directory for this
type of file.

7-4 Survey Reference

Extract DXF
Convert DXF points and lines to Civil Designer readable ASCII (text).

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyConvDXF

This routine takes any points, lines, polyline structures or text that can
be converted to a floating point number in a DXF file and converts them
to Civil Designer readable ASCII.

Procedure
Windows’ standard open dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
DXF file to process. The drive and path automatically default to the last
used drive and directory for this type of file. Once you have selected a
DXF file to process Windows’ standard save dialog is displayed in order
for you to select a file to which to write. The drive and path automatically
default to the last used drive and directory for this type of file.

Conversions Menu 7-5

Extract Text
Convert numeric text from CAD to DTM points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyConvText

This routine converts numeric text on any layer or combination of layers

in the currently loaded drawing to DTM points. The location of the text
items forms the Y and X coordinates of the new points while the value of
the text string (which must be numeric) forms the elevations of the new
points.

Procedure

Fill in the relevant details and click the OK button to continue. The
Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options. Click the OK button to accept the settings.
The text items on the selected layer(s) are processed and converted to
DTM points.

7-6 Survey Reference

LO to LO
Convert coordinated points from one LO panel to another

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyConvLoLo

This routine converts coordinated points from one LO panel to another.

The LO System origin to convert from is taken as the project LO but the
LO System origin to convert to must be supplied. There is an option for
constants to be added to the X and Y coordinates of the points to be
converted. The points may be converted individually by name or on a
batch basis controlled by a name and surface filter.
A name must be provided for an ASCII file into which the converted
coordinates will be stored. If necessary this ASCII file can be imported to
form a new database with the adjusted coordinates.

Procedure
The LO to LO Details dialog is displayed.

The Old LO entry is automatically set to the projection LO.

New LO Enter the value of the central meridian of the system to
be converted to.
Constants to add to old Enter constants that should be added to existing point
LO ordinates before conversion.

Constants to subtract from Enter constants that should be subtracted from the
new LO converted ordinates before being written to file.
Convert... Select either the Selected points option to convert
individual points, or the Complete file option to convert a
batch of points.

Conversions Menu 7-7

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. If you
selected the Complete file option the standard Name Filter dialog is
displayed. Set the filter and click the OK button to continue.
If you selected the Selected points option then the Point Selection dialog
is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

7-8 Survey Reference

LO to Lat/Long
Convert coordinated points from a LO panel to geographical coordinates

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyConvLoLatLong

This routine converts coordinated points from a LO panel to

geographical coordinates.
The LO System to convert from is taken as the project LO. Any constants
to be added to the X and Y coordinates of the points to be converted
must be supplied. The points may be converted individually by name or
on a batch basis controlled by a name and surface filter. The coordinates
will be listed as they are converted. The geographical coordinates are
listed to four decimal places of a second of arc.

Procedure
The LO to Geo Details dialog is displayed.

LO system for output is automatically set to the project LO.

Constants to add to input Enter constants that should be added to point
ordinates before conversion.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. If you
selected the Complete file option the standard Name Filter dialog is
displayed. Set the filter and click the OK button to continue. If you
selected the Selected points option then the Point Selection dialog is
displayed.

Conversions Menu 7-9

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.
Windows’ standard save dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to which to write. The drive and path automatically default to the last
used drive and directory for this type of file.

7-10 Survey Reference

Lat/Long to LO
Convert geographical coordinates in angular Latitude and Longitude to a LO
panel in the project projection

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyConvLatLongLo

This routine converts geographical coordinates in angular Latitude and

Longitude to a LO panel in the project projection.
The LO system to convert to must be supplied as well as any constants to
be deducted from the X and Y coordinates of the coordinates to be
converted. The geographical coordinates are entered individually and
they will be listed as they are converted.
Geographical coordinates may be entered to four decimal places of a
second of arc.

Procedure
The Geo to LO Details dialog is displayed.

Constants to subtract from Enter constants that should be subtracted from point
output ordinates after conversion.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The Geo to
LO Conversion dialog is displayed.

Conversions Menu 7-11

Calculated point name Enter the name of the point to be created.
Destination surface Select the surface on which the new point should be
created.
Degrees - Latitude and Enter the geographic ordinates of the point to be
Longitude created. Note that latitudes are negative in the south and
longitudes are negative in the west.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Please note that southern latitudes and western longitudes must be

entered as negative values.

7-12 Survey Reference

t-T Correction
Calculate the adjustment required to bring angular field observations into
conformance with the orientation of a Gauss Conform projection

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyConvTT

This routine is used to calculate the adjustment required bringing

angular field observations into conformance with the orientation of a
Gauss Conform projection.
It only has a significant effect on longer distances (over 2 km) and where
the Y ordinate is well removed from the standard parallel (over 20 km).

Procedure
The t-T Correction Details dialog is displayed.

Name of base point Enter the name of the setup point from which
observations were made.
Constants to add to input Enter constants that should be added to existing point
ordinates before conversion.
Convert... Select either the Selected points option to convert
individual points, or the Complete file option to convert a
batch of points.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. If you
selected the Complete file option the standard Name Filter dialog is
displayed.

Conversions Menu 7-13

See the Name Filter section for details on setting up a set of descriptors
to process. Click the OK button to continue. If you selected the Selected
points option then the Point Selection dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

7-14 Survey Reference

Sea Level and Scale
Calculate the adjustments for atmospherics, sea level, scale and slope required
reducing measured distances to the horizontal at Mean Sea Level

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyConvSeaLevel

This routine calculates the adjustments for atmospherics, sea level, scale
and slope required reducing measured distances to the horizontal at
Mean Sea Level.
The atmospheric reduction pertains to distance measurements taken
with electro-optical equipment and the Barrel and Sears formulae.
Ambient temperature and altitude is used as a practical substitute for
pressure and humidity. A more detailed discussion of Barrel and Sears’
reduction can be found in the Tache Reductions section.
The base station must have a known elevation in order for the correction
to be correctly calculated. This is vital, even if it means entering a
dummy elevation at approximately the correct height just for the
purposes of this calculation.
The entry of the horizontal direction is not critical. It must be an oriented
direction but an accuracy of +/- 20 degrees is usually quite adequate.

Procedure
The Sea and Scale Constant Details dialog is displayed.

Name of base point Enter the name of a setup point with a known elevation.
Constants to add to input Enter constants that should be added to existing point
ordinates before conversion.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The Sea
Level and Scale Correction dialog is displayed.

Conversions Menu 7-15

Point to fix Enter the name of the point for which the correction
should be calculated.
Direction Enter the oriented direction from the base station to the
point to fix.
Temperature Enter the ambient temperature at the time of
measurement.
Measured distance Enter the distance measured from the base station to the
point to fix. This can be a slope distance.
Vertical angle Enter the measured vertical angle (face left) between the
base station and the point to fix. This angle is used to
reduce the measured distance to the horizontal. Enter a
value of 90.0000 if Measured distance is not a slope
distance.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

7-16 Survey Reference

Unit Conversions
General-purpose conversions of length, area and volume

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyConvUnits

This routine is used for general-purpose conversions of length, area and

volume. The units to convert from and the units to convert to must be
selected. The values to convert are entered individually and are listed as
they are converted.

Procedure
The Unit Conversions dialog is displayed.

Conversion type Select the type of conversion to be carried out. Non-

relevant options will be greyed out.
Convert from... Select the units of the value to be converted.
Convert to... Select the units into which you want the value to be
converted.

The General Unit Conversions dialog is displayed. Fill in values and click
the Process button to continue.

Conversions Menu 7-17

User Units
Conversions using the users own units

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyConvUserUnits

This function does conversions using the users own units. In other
words, this option allows the user to multiply by a constant. The
inclusion of a shortcut to the Windows Calculator on the Desktop may be
found to be a more practical alternative to this routine.

Procedure
The User Conversion dialog is displayed.

Unit conversion factor Enter the factor to by which to multiply values in order to
convert from one unit to another.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK Button to continue. The
General Unit Conversions dialog is displayed.

Value to convert Enter the value that you want to convert from the old
to the new units.

Fill in the relevant data and click the Process button to continue.

7-18 Survey Reference

Coord Conversion
Convert coordinated points from one unit of measure to another

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyConvCoords

This function converts coordinated points from one unit of measure to

another. The conversions available correspond to the units of length that
are available in Unit Conversions.
The converted coordinate values are not stored in the database, but are
stored in an ASCII file that must be named. This ASCII file can be
subsequently imported to form a new database with the adjusted
coordinates.
See also Geo Topo for complete GPS data file conversions, Goldfields for
the Witwatersrand system conversions and LO to LO for panel to panel
conversions.

Procedure
The Unit Conversions dialog is displayed.

Conversion type Select the type of conversion to be carried out. Non-

relevant options will be greyed out.
Convert from... Select the units of the value to be converted.
Convert to... Select the units into which you want the value to be
converted.

Conversions Menu 7-19

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
Coordinate Details dialog is displayed.

Constants to add to old Enter values for constants to be added to point ordinates
coordinates before conversion.
Constants to subtract from Enter values for constants to be subtracted from the
new coordinates ordinates after conversion.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
standard Name Filter dialog is displayed.

See the Name Filter section for details on setting up a set of descriptors
to process. Click the OK button to continue.
Windows’ standard save dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to which to write. The drive and path automatically default to the last
used drive and directory for this type of file.

7-20 Survey Reference

User Coord
Convert coordinated points to a user-defined coordinate system

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyConvUserCoords

This routine facilitates the conversion to a user-defined coordinate

system.
It allows you to multiply coordinates by a constant that is entered, as
opposed to being predefined. In all other respects it is the same as
normal Coord Conversion.
The converted coordinate values are not stored in the database, but are
stored in an ASCII file that must be named. This ASCII file can be
subsequently imported to form a new database with the adjusted
coordinates.

Procedure
The User Conversion dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
Coordinate Details dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
standard Name Filter dialog is displayed. Set the filter and click the OK
button to continue.
Windows’ standard save dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to which to write. The drive and path automatically default to the last
used drive and directory for this type of file.

Conversions Menu 7-21

Notes:

7-22 Survey Reference

Reductions
The functions on this menu allow you to calculate either
coordinate points or heights in various ways. All data
input is done through a spreadsheet interface and this
input is then reduced to create the final output.

General Notes
When loading field books for Error Figures, Tache reduction, Tache
Sections, Traverse, Levelling and Control Network, the data may be
loaded in three ways:
• By selecting Load Field book.
• By selecting New Field book to activate the correct input
spreadsheet and then typing in the relevant data.
• By selecting New Field book to activate the correct input
spreadsheet and then loading from a comma delimited file.
See ASCII Data Structures for details on the format of data files.

Reductions Menu 8-1

Tache
These items reduce tacheometric (tache) observations that have been
captured using a theodolite and staff, or theodolite and EDM, or a Total
Station. The data for the reduction must be provided in the form of a
field book. To activate the procedures, a field book must first be loaded
or a new one started.

New Field Book

Create a new tache field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyTacheNew

Tache data can be typed directly into the spreadsheet. Each line of the
spreadsheet represents a set-up station, an outward orienting ray or a
tache observation. Tache observations can either be an EDM or prism
observation, a tache or staff observation or a polar observation (generally
from a total station).
Each type of entry has different requirements. All entries require at least
a field book indicator code (see below) and a point name. Set-up stations
require in addition an instrument height. Outward orienting rays require
in addition a horizontal angle reading. EDM or Tache observations
require in addition a horizontal angle reading, vertical angle reading, a
distance and a target height (stadia or prism). Polar observations require
in addition a horizontal angle reading, a distance and a height difference
(instead of the prism height).
Permissible field book indicator codes are:
{ Set-up station
% Outward orienting ray
e EDM (or prism) observation
t Tache (or staff) observation
p Polar option (see note below)

The Polar option

A "p" causes the vertical angle to be ignored and the reduction
calculation is performed as though the distance is flat. It is the equivalent
of using a 90° vertical angle, but without the necessity of entering it as
such. Used primarily with total stations that export fully reduced
horizontal distances and height differences.

8-2 Survey Reference

Curvature and refraction corrections are applied by default. Sea level,
scale and temperature corrections ARE applied if selected ON.

Load Field Book

Load an existing tache field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyTacheLoad

The following description covers the Civil Designer (Stardust) field book
type. For other acceptable types refer to the Alternative Data Sources
section below.
The order of the data fields is:
1 Indicator code
2 Set-up name or target point descriptor
3 Horizontal angle reading
4 Vertical angle reading
5 Slope distance
6 Instrument or Target height (Stadia or prism)

The following is a listing of a typical Tache field book:

{,T1,0.0000,0.0000,0.000,1.642
%,P4,0.0000,0.0000,0.000,0.000
%,P2,304.2011,0.0000,0.000,0.000
e,Re,289.4158,86.1946,30.794,1.940
e,Re,295.1743,86.0412,27.756,1.940
e,Re,276.1219,86.4122,19.585,1.940
t,RDWe,182.4556,86.2919,8.880,2.000
t,Re,138.5245,89.2622,46.823,3.400
p,TRIG,345.1734,81.4520,294.785,63.254

• The first line is a set-up station called 'T1' and the instrument height
is 1.642.
• The second line is an orienting ray to 'P4'.
• The third line is an orienting ray to 'P2'.
• The next three lines are EDM observations to a feature described as
'Re'
• The next two lines are staff observations.
• The last line is a Polar observation where the final item is a height
difference

Reductions Menu 8-3

Alternative Data Sources
Alternative types of field books that can be loaded into the Tache
spreadsheet. These types are:
• Logger
• Booker (in either Young or Brown formats)
• WILD
• Geodos
Descriptions of Booker and Logger data formats as well as instructions
for preparing for Civil Designer (or Stardust, as it was previously known)
are fully covered in their respective user manuals.

WILD Data Format

Files in the form of the following example are handled. Data output from
Wild equipment is configurable and users should amend their output
appropriately.
410001+000NRD25 42....+00001568
110002+00000001 21.104+09745430 22.104+27154500 31..00+00000000
51..1.+0015+000 71....+00000001 72....+000TR244 87..10+00002150
110003+00000002 21.104+28800400 22.104+26834520 31..00+00317598
51..1.+0015+000 71....+00000003 72....+000000GL 87..10+00002150
110004+00000003 21.104+27012400 22.104+26546250 31..00+00322258
51..1.+0015+000 71....+00000003 72....+000000GL 87..10+00002150

Note that in the above examples each line (after the first) is in fact a very
long line that starts with '11'. They may have been split onto two or more
lines due to margin constraints.
The WILD codes that are understood are as follows:
41 – Set-up station
42 - Instrument height in metres
21 - Horizontal angle as DDDMMSS
22 - Vertical angle as DDDMMSS
31 - Slope distance in metres
71 - Observation code (1 = orientation, 3 = tache shot)
72 - Point name
87 - Prism height

GEODOS Data Format

Geodos is a popular Swedish data collection and survey package. The
raw data that may be accepted looks like the example below:
P=MDTA C=
P=5 C=Stn 1.475 0 0 0
P=2 C=Bobj 0 111.904 42.544 1.34
P=7 C=M 166.718 98.297 61.126 1.34
P=100 C=TB 165.058 98.045 41.029 1.5
P=101 C=TB 162.307 98.007 41.029 1.5
P=102 C=TB 159.466 97.958 34.671 1.5
P=103 C=TB 156.479 98.108 33.418 1.5

8-4 Survey Reference

Procedure
The Tache File dialog is displayed.

Select the file type and click the OK button to continue.

Windows’ standard open dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to load. The drive and path automatically default to the last used
drive and directory for this type of file.

Save Field Book

Save the current tache field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyTacheSave

This function will save the Tache data in the spreadsheet into an ASCII
file in Stardust Tache format.
If data has been loaded from an alternative type of field book, you will be
asked to supply a new name for the file as only Stardust Tache format
files can be saved.

Procedure
If the data in the spreadsheet was loaded from an external file Stardust
Tache format file then it is saved back to that file. Otherwise, Windows’
standard save dialog is displayed in order for you to select a file to which
to save. The drive and path automatically default to the last used drive
and directory for this type of file.

Reductions Menu 8-5

List Field Book
List the current field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyTacheList

This routine lists the Tache observation data from the spreadsheet in the
Output Window in a more readable format.

Procedure
The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options.

Reduce Field Book

Reduce the current field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyTacheReduce

Once field data is present, it can be reduced.

Coordinates and elevations of set-up stations must be available in the
database or be ready for typing in on request. New stations can be
calculated by observation from another within the same field book. In
other words, if there is a set-up at 'Cow' and 'Horse' was sighted from it,
then the position and elevation of 'Horse' will have been established in
the database in preparation for a subsequent set-up at that location.
As each set-up station is encountered, there is an option to enter (or
revise) an orientation correction, a vertical index error correction, the
instrument height and correction for temperature, sea level and scale
factors. In the case of the latter, if the site is being surveyed on a local
system, a Y constant can be added to bring the Y ordinate up to the full
value.
Reductions are listed as they are produced and the resulting points are
added to the database. There is no search for duplicated names as these
points are added to the database. Any point descriptor can be repeated
as many times as necessary.
In the case of normal tache reduction, the orientation correction will be
displayed for each set-up station and an opportunity given to alter the
correction angle. The details of each set-up station are also displayed for
acceptance or amendment before the reductions from that station take

8-6 Survey Reference

place. The points will be listed as they are reduced and added to the
database.
A unique descriptor can be added to the point names of the shots from
each station. This permits these points to be identified as a group later
on. Typically they would be rotated, and/or shifted if the station
coordinate changed after the survey was entered. A descriptor has to be
added in order to use the Show Tache Rays function.
The station dialog box in Tache Reduction also offers an option to store
reduced data to a particular surface. This can be used advantageously
when several surveyors are gathering a large survey. By allocating each
one a particular surface, progress can be monitored, mistakes are
isolated and overlapping data becomes obvious.

Data Corrections
Four corrections are applied in the reduction process. One is
automatically applied and affects the elevation. The other three are
optional and apply to the measured distance. Each one is itemised and
some idea of each effect is given.
1) The observed vertical angle is automatically corrected for earth
curvature and refraction. On a sighting of 1000 m this increases the
elevation by 68 mm. On 2000 m this is 273 mm.
2) Sea level correction adjusts a distance measured at altitude to what
it would have been at sea level (where all map datums are based).
The effect is to reduce a distance of 1000 m by 157 mm if it was
measured at an altitude of 1000 m and by 314 mm if it was measured
at an altitude of 2000 m.
3) Scale correction corrects a distance for the Gauss Conform or UTM
map projection. The effect is to progressively increase a measured
distance the further away it is from the central standard meridian.
At 50 km from the meridian it will add 62 mm to a measured 1000 m
and at 100 km from the meridian it will add 124 mm.
4) Temperature correction adjusts distances measured with an infrared
or laser device using the Barrel & Sears formula. It uses
temperature and altitude (as a substitute for pressure) to compute
the correction. The standard temperature at which no correction will
take place is 11° C at sea level. This reduces by 32° C for every 1000
metre rise in altitude. In other words, to cancel out the effect of
temperature (but still get the effect of sea level and scale), enter a
temperature of -21° C for an altitude of 1000 metres. For every 10° C
above the standard temperature, the formula will increase a 1000
metre measurement by 10 millimetres.

Reductions Menu 8-7

Procedure
The following procedure is followed for each of the setup stations in the
tache. The Orientation Corrections dialog is displayed.

Edit Button Click on an item in the list and then click this button to
edit the highlighted item. The Orientation Observation
dialog is displayed.
Disable Button Click on an item in the list and then click this button to
remove an orientation observation from the calculation.
Orientation Correction Enter the revised orientation correction if necessary.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The Station
Setup Details dialog is displayed.

Station name Enter the name of the setup station (filled in from the
spreadsheet data).
Y Coord, X Coord and Z Enter any updated ordinates of the setup station.
Coord
Orientation correction Enter any revised orientation correction.
Index correction Enter the constant required for index correction on the
theodolite observations.

8-8 Survey Reference

Instrument height Enter the height of the instrument at the setup station
(filled in from the spreadsheet data).
Suffix to add to reduced Enter a single character that will be added to the names
points of all points reduced from this setup station.
Store to surface Select the surface on which the reduced points should
be created.
Temperature correction Check this option and enter the ambient temperature at
the time of observation in order to apply temperature
corrections.
Scale correction Check this option and enter the Y constant required to
bring the Y ordinates of the setup station and reduced
points to the full Y coordinate value in order to apply
scale corrections.
Sea level correction Check this option in order to apply height above sea
level corrections.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Reductions Menu 8-9

Tache Sections
These tache cross-section routines enable cross-sectioning to be done
with a theodolite as opposed to using a level. It is intended for use in
rough terrain or in heavy vegetation where sections need to be observed
individually. No horizontal directions are required as it is assumed the
observations are taken normal to a horizontal alignment.

New Field Book

Create a new tache sections field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveySectionNew

Tache Section data can be typed directly into the spreadsheet. Each line
of the spreadsheet represents a header entry, a set-up station or a section
observation. Tache section observations can either be an EDM or prism
observation or a tache or staff observation.
Each type of entry has different requirements. All entries require at least
a field book indicator code (see below) and a point name or descriptor.
Header lines require in addition a section chainage. Set-up stations
require in addition an instrument height. EDM or Tache observations
require in addition a vertical angle reading, a slope distance and a target
height (stadia or prism).
Permissible field book indicator codes are:
# Header line for section start
{ Set-up station
e EDM (or prism) observation
t Tache (or staff) observation

Naming Conventions
The theodolite must be set up at a station somewhere along the cross-
section. Up to 11 set-up stations can be occupied per cross-section, but
must conform to a naming convention. The reserved names for the set-
up stations are as follows:
• CL – set-up station on the horizontal alignment centreline
• L1 through to L5 – set-up stations to the left of the horizontal
alignment
• R1 through to R5 – set-up stations to the right of the horizontal
alignment
8-10 Survey Reference
Although the elevation of the CL point will be used as the datum for the
reduction of the observations, it is not necessary to physically occupy it.
An observation may be taken from one of the other set-up stations to the
CL.
Observations can be made from any number of the set-up stations in any
order as long as they are referenced to one another in some way and
ultimately with CL. For example, it is possible to set up at a station L1
and take observations, move to a station R1 and take more observations
but also observe L1 and CL at this set-up. In this way, L1 is referenced to
CL via L1's connection to R1.
Each observation of a section point must have an ' L' as the first letter of
the comment for an observation left of the current set-up station, or an '
R' if it is to the right of the current set-up station. If the observation
needs further comment it should be separated from the first letter by '/ '
e.g. 'L/ER' or 'R/TB'.

Load Field Book

Load an existing tache sections field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveySectionLoad

The order of the data fields is:

1 Indicator code
2 Set-up name or target point descriptor
3 Vertical angle reading
4 Slope distance or section chainage
5 Instrument or target height (Stadia or prism)

The following is a listing of one cross-section in a field book:

#,,0.0000,2160.000,0.000
{,CL,0.0000,0.000,1.570
t,L/BB,97.2000,14.500,1.170
e,L/TB,97.1800,16.200,0.680
e,R,270.3800,16.100,0.780
t,R,272.2400,18.000,1.400
t,L1,97.1100,22.000,1.200
{,L1,0.0000,0.000,1.530
t,L/ER,89.2300,2.000,1.100

• The first line denotes the start of a cross-section at chainage 2160

• The second line is a set-up at CL with an instrument height of 1.570

Reductions Menu 8-11

• The next two lines are observations are to the left of CL (with
comments 'BB' and 'TB').
• The next two lines are observations to the right of CL
• The seventh line is an observation to the next set-up station L1 (First
station to the left)
• The eighth line is a set-up at L1 with an instrument height of 1.530
• The last line is an observation to a point 'ER' that is to the left of L1
• The next cross-section should follow directly after the last
observation of the current section.

Procedure
Windows’ standard open dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to load. The drive and path automatically default to the last used
drive and directory for this type of file.

Save Field Book

Save the current tache sections field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveySectionSave

This function will save the Tache Section data in the spreadsheet into an
ASCII file.

Procedure
If the data in the spreadsheet was loaded from an external file with the
standard ".dat" extension then it is saved back there. Otherwise,
Windows’ standard save dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to which to save. The drive and path automatically default to the last
used drive and directory for this type of file.

8-12 Survey Reference

List Field Book
List the current field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveySectionList

This routine lists the Tache Section observation data from the
spreadsheet in the Output Window in a more readable format.

Procedure
The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options.

Reduce Field Book

Reduce the current field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveySectionReduce

Once field data is present, this can be reduced.

A file name must be provided for the storing of the ASCII cross-sections.
The observations will be listed on the screen as they are reduced and the
cross-sections will be written to the ASCII file in delimited form. These
sections may then be imported and manipulated in the Road Module.

Procedure
The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options.
Windows’ standard save dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to which to save. The drive and path automatically default to the last
used drive and directory for this type of file.

Reductions Menu 8-13

Traverse
These functions reduce a traverse using observed directions and
distances:
• A flat traverse can be reduced by using horizontal distances
• A slope traverse, using slope distances, can be reduced by
incorporating vertical angles
• A full traverse is a slope traverse that incorporates corrections for
the map projection
By default the traverse reduction works with Y and X coordinates only
but, by adding instrument and target heights, an elevation traverse can
be calculated simultaneously.
All traverses are adjusted by the Bowditch method.

New Field Book

Create a new traverse field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyTraverseNew

Traverse data can be typed directly into the spreadsheet or loaded from
a comma delimited file. Each line of the spreadsheet represents a set-up
station, an outward orienting ray, an oriented traverse observation or an
unoriented traverse observation. Traverse observations can either be an
EDM or prism observation or a tache or staff observation.
Each type of entry has different requirements. All entries require at least
a field book indicator code (see below) and a point name or descriptor.
Set-up stations require in addition an instrument height. Outward
orienting rays require in addition a horizontal angle reading. EDM or
Tache observations require in addition horizontal angle readings,
vertical angle readings, a distance and a target height (stadia or prism).
Permissible field book indicator codes are:
{ Set-up station.
% Outward orienting ray.
o Oriented traverse observation.
u Unoriented traverse observation.
n Redundant traverse observation (for network adjustment of the traverse).

8-14 Survey Reference

General Notes
Several orientation rays are acceptable. The weighted mean correction
will be presented as the default but you can override this.
The order of the observations at a set-up station is immaterial while the
order of the traverse is dictated by the sequence of the set-up stations in
the ASCII file.
If both Circle Left and Circle Right observations are entered, the mean of
the two will be used in the reduction of the traverse.
Distances can be observed in either direction. If both are present a mean
will be taken.
It is not vital that every traverse point has observations from it. In other
words, not every station has to be occupied. This applies to both the first
and last points as well. However, if a station is not occupied, the one after
it must have some outside orientation or the traverse cannot be reduced.

Load Field Book

Load an existing traverse field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyTraverseLoad

The order of the data fields is:

1 Indicator code
2 Set-up or target point name
3 Horizontal Circle Left
4 Horizontal Circle Right (optional)
5 Distance (Sloped or horizontal)
6 Vertical Circle Left (Not applicable to flat traverses except for heighting)
7 Vertical Circle Right (optional)
8 Instrument or Target height (optional except for heighting)

An example of a field book is given below:

{,T236,0.0000,0.0000,0.000,0.0000,0.0000,1.570
o,U17,354.3049,174.3043,98.259,93.4246,266.1723,1.590
%,T71,202.3705,22.3701,0.000,0.0000,0.0000,0.000
{,U17,0.0000,0.0000,0.000,0.0000,0.0000,1.570
u,T236,174.3048,354.3051,0.000,86.1746,273.4200,0.300
u,U21,202.3505,22.3502,673.194,89.2136,270.3808,1.536
%,WT,207.0102,27.0106,0.000,0.0000,0.0000,0.000

Reductions Menu 8-15

• The first line is a set-up station called 'T236' and the instrument
height is 1.570.
• The second line is an oriented reading to the next set-up station
called 'U17'
• The third line is an orientation ray to an outside point called 'T71'
• The fourth line is a set-up at the next station ('U17')
• The fifth line is an unoriented back observation to 'T236'
• The sixth line is an unoriented forward observation to 'U21'
• The last line is orientation ray to 'WT'

Procedure
Windows’ standard open dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to load. The drive and path automatically default to the last used
drive and directory for this type of file.

Save Field Book

Save the current traverse field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyTraverseSave

This function will save the Traverse data in the spreadsheet into an
ASCII file.

Procedure
If the data in the spreadsheet was loaded from an external file then it is
saved back there. Otherwise, Windows’ standard save dialog is displayed
in order for you to select a file to which to save. The drive and path
automatically default to the last used drive and directory for this type of
file.

List Field Book

List the current field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyTraverseList

This routine lists the Traverse observation data from the spreadsheet in
the Output Window in a more readable format.

8-16 Survey Reference

Procedure
The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options.

Flat Traverse
Reduce the traverse with horizontal distances

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyTraverseFlat

This function reduces a conventional simple traverse, in which it is

assumed that all distance reductions have been carried out separately
and that the distances supplied have been reduced to the horizontal. It
therefore does not require the entry of the vertical angles unless a height
traverse has been incorporated.
It can also be used for theoretical calculations, such as cadastral
reconstruction, where an adjustment is required.
Misclosures are presented for inspection and acceptance prior to the
final adjustment. If a height traverse has been incorporated, this will be
done immediately after the horizontal traverse. The final adjusted
coordinates of the traverse stations will be added to the terrain database.

Procedure
The Destination Surface dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. You now
need to make a choice as how outside orientation is to be handled. The
following message is displayed:

Click the Yes button if you want the opportunity of editing the calculated
orientation corrections, or click the No button if the calculated

Reductions Menu 8-17

corrections should be use as-is. The Output Manager dialog is displayed
in order for you to set output options.
If you selected Yes for Manual input of outside orientation, then at every
setup station you will be asked to confirm the final orientation
correction. The Orientation Correction dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

If an oriented back observation is available from the final point, there is
the option of carrying out a preliminary angular adjustment before the
Bowditch adjustment. Generally, the angular adjustment will improve a
traverse with no outside orientation but make one with outside
orientation worse. The following message is displayed:

Click the Yes button to have angular adjustment carried out or click the
No button to accept the calculated angles. Once the final coordinate
misclosure has been calculated, you must decide if you wish to proceed
with the final adjustment:

Click the Yes button to complete the reduction, or click the No button to
cancel the reduction. If you select Yes, and there are no redundant
observations in the data, then the traverse coordinates are added to the
database.
If there are redundant observations (denoted by the code 'n') then the
following message is displayed:

8-18 Survey Reference

Click the Yes button if you want to carry out a network adjustment of the
final coordinates based on the redundant observations, or click the No
button to cancel the reduction.
The Adjustment Settings dialog is displayed:

Direction accuracy Enter the accuracy of directional observations in

seconds. For a single second instrument this should be
in the order of 3 to 5 seconds, and for a twenty second
instrument in the order of 50 seconds.
Distance accuracy Enter the accuracy of distance observations in metres.
For electronic measurements this should be in the order
of 0.004m, and for tape measurements in the order of
0.015m.
Acceptable closure Enter the desired closure in metres. The closure is the
measure of the adjustments made to provisional
coordinates in order to produce the final coordinates.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
observations are processed and the Observation Matrix Inspection dialog
is displayed.

Reductions Menu 8-19

Data in the table is presented for inspection purposes only. The Diff.
column shows the current correction required to bring the observations
into conformity. If any value in this column is very large compared to
similar values then that particular observation has
Click the Proceed button to continue with the adjustment, or click the
Cancel button to cancel the function. The network adjustment is
calculated. If no solution can be found then the following message is
displayed:

Click the OK button to end the function. If the network adjustment

converges then the final coordinates and corrections are listed. The
following message is displayed:

Click the Yes button to have the provisional coordinates updated to the
final calculated coordinates, or click the No button to retain the
provisional coordinates. The Output Manager dialog is redisplayed in
order for you to set output options.

8-20 Survey Reference

The free points are updated with the final coordinates, and the error
ellipse parameters (a measure of the accuracy of the observations) are
displayed. The error ellipses are displayed in the Design Centre window
centered on each of the free points and the following prompt is
displayed:
Error ellipses displayed...Press ESC to cancel
Use the standard CAD keys to zoom in and out in order to inspect the
error ellipses at each point. Press the ESC key when inspection is
complete.

Reductions Menu 8-21

Slope Traverse
Reduce the traverse with slope distances

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyTraverseSlope

This function is used to reduce a traverse where the provided slope

distances must be reduced to the horizontal. It therefore requires that
the vertical angles be supplied in the field book, which will also generate
a height traverse. Other general details are as for the Flat Traverse.

Full Traverse
Reduce the traverse with slope distances and corrections

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyTraverseFull

This routine is used to reduce a traverse where the distances provided

must be reduced to the horizontal and also require correction for Sea
Level, Scale and Temperature. Vertical angles must therefore be
supplied in the field book and the average elevation of the traverse and
the temperature correction will have to be supplied.
The temperature correction is a straightforward proportional multiplier
(Actually any factor can be entered as a plus or minus metres per
kilometre factor).

Procedure
After selecting the surface for reduced points (See Flat Traverse
Reduction), the Temperature and Elevation Corrections dialog is
displayed.

Mean elevation Enter the average elevation in metres of the traverse

points.
Temperature correction Enter the proportional multiplier in metres per kilometre
to be used in the reduction.

8-22 Survey Reference

Levelling
These routines permit the reduction of normal and cross-section spirit
levels by the rise and fall method.
The data for spirit level reductions must be provided in the form of an
ASCII field book file.

New Field Book

Create a new level field book
Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command
SurveyLevelNew

Levelling data can be typed directly into the spreadsheet. Each line of
the spreadsheet represents either a change point or an intermediate
point.
Each type of entry has different requirements. All entries require at least
a field book indicator code (see below) and a point name or descriptor.
Change points require in addition a back sight and/or fore sight reading.
Intermediate points require in addition an intermediate reading.
Permissible field book indicator codes are:
c Change point
i Intermediate point

Cross-sections
Spirit levelled Cross-sections are a special case of levelling.
The field book for levelled cross-sections has the same format as the
normal level field book with a few additional features.
You may optionally specify codes and offsets in the first few rows of the
spreadsheet for the points to the left and right hand side of the centre
line. Should the values (offsets) of the codes change, the changed values
have to be entered in the spreadsheet (in the same way as described
below) before these codes are used. These values may be changed as
many times as desired as long as the new values are entered for each
change. Allowed values for codes are A - Z and a - z. A maximum of five
is allowed on each side of the centre line.

Reductions Menu 8-23

An example in text form is given below:
A,,-6.5,,,
B,,-3.5,,,
C,,0,,,
D,,2,,,
E,,4,,,
c,2.094,0.000,0.000,BM206
#,0.000,0.000,0.000,24120
i,0.000,1.568,0.000,C
i,0.000,2.690,0.000,B
i,0.000,2.100,0.000,D
i,0.000,2.320,0.000,A
i,0.000,1.580,0.000,E
c,0.635,0.000,1.284,
#,0.000,0.000,0.000,24200
i,0.000,0.889,0.000,C
i,0.000,0.980,0.000,A
i,0.000,1.160,0.000,B
c,4.510,0.000,0.660,

The '#' is used to denote a chainage value that is set in the comment
field. All the readings following a '#' will be applied to that cross-section
until another '#' is read and that section then becomes the current cross-
section.
The 'Change Points' ('c') and Intermediate readings ('i') are similar to a
normal level traverse except that the comment can be used to either
specify an offset directly or have a single character conversion code. In

8-24 Survey Reference

the example, line 5 has a comment of 'D' and therefore, in the reductions,
an offset of 2.0 will be added to the section at chainage 24120.
The section observations can be taken in any order and there is no need
to complete any one section before starting the next. In fact it is often
convenient to complete the whole of one side of a road in one direction
before levelling the other side on the return. This is quite acceptable, as
complete sections will be built from whatever data is found.

Load Field Book

Load an existing level field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyLevelLoad

The order of the data fields is:

Observation code, Back sight, Intermediate sight, Fore sight, Point name

An example of the normal field book format is given below:

c,2.094,0.000,0.000,MR11
i,0.000,1.580,0.000,60
i,0.000,1.171,0.000,70
c,0.635,0.000,1.284,MH1
c,4.510,0.000,0.660,
i,0.000,0.510,0.000,80
c,0.000,0.000,2.682,MR12

The first line represents the start of the run, which is also a 'Change
Point', and denoted by 'c'.
The following two lines are Intermediate readings denoted by 'i'. Two
‘Change Points’ follow these, another Intermediate reading and the final
'Change Point' indicates the end of the traverse. Note that the entry of
the point description is optional.

Procedure
Windows’ standard open dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to load. The drive and path automatically default to the last used
drive and directory for this type of file.

Reductions Menu 8-25

Save Field Book
Save the current level field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyLevelSave

This function will save the Levelling data in the spreadsheet into an
ASCII file.

Procedure
If the data in the spreadsheet was loaded from an external file with the
standard ".dat" extension then it is saved back there. Otherwise,
Windows’ standard save dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to which to save. The drive and path automatically default to the last
used drive and directory for this type of file.

List Field Book

List the current field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyLevelList

This routine lists the Levelling observation data from the spreadsheet in
the Output Window in a more readable format.

Procedure
The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options.

8-26 Survey Reference

Reduce Field Book
Reduce the current leveling data from the field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyLevelReduce

This routine reduces and adjusts spirit levels by the rise-and-fall method.
Two basic types of field book are catered for. The first is for the
reduction of a normal level traverse and the other, an adaptation, for the
levelling of road cross-sections. The cross-section level data is recognised
as such by the presence of a "#" (indicator for chainage) in the first
column. See the New Field Book section for details.
Before running a reduction make sure that the Output Window is visible.
The field book data are reduced and the misclosure is calculated and
displayed in the Output Window for adoption. If the misclosure is
accepted, the adjusted elevations are calculated and printed.
In the case of a loop (traverse starts and ends on the same point), there is
the option of also adjusting the traverse onto the elevation of a known
turning point. Any common points (points with the same name) will have
their elevations meaned. If there is no particular turning point, or there
is a turning point but its elevation is unknown, the default turning point
elevation should be accepted. In this case there will be no re-adjustment
of the traverse but the common points will still be meaned.
An option exists to write the elevations as the z ordinates of the points
bearing same name in the database.
If the misclosure is unsatisfactory and the level traverse is either a
straight run or a loop without common points, there is very little that can
be done except to inspect your field book entries very carefully.
However, if there is a loop that contains common points in the forward
and back runs, any mistake can be rapidly isolated by running the full
reduction and looking for anomalies in the final means.
If the Level Traverse is of a road, it is advisable to create the chainages in
Horizontal Alignment in the Road Menu and store them before reducing
the field book so that the final elevations may be automatically added to
the road chainage coordinates on file.
In the case of levelled sections, the option is provided to store the cross-
sections in Civil Designer ASCII format so that they may be imported
into a road database at a later stage.

Reductions Menu 8-27

Procedure
The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options.
The field book misclosures are first calculated and displayed and you
need to select to proceed with the adjustment:

Click the Yes button to proceed with the adjustment, or click the No
button to cancel the adjustment.
If you select No then you are asked if you wish to carry out an error trace
on the field book:

Click the Yes button to have the error trace printed. The error trace
consists of a list of the change points in the levelling loop and their
calculated elevations. If any stations have been occupied twice in the run
then both calculated elevations and the difference between them are
listed.
If you selected Yes to proceed with the adjustment then you are asked if
you wish to update the elevations of the points in the terrain database:

Click the Yes button to have points in the database with the same name
as points in the field book updated with the calculated levels. Click the
No button to ignore this option.
If the level field book represents a closed loop, i.e. the start and end point
have the same name, then you have the option of readjusting the levels
onto the loop turning point. In other words, a mean correction for each
half of the loop will be calculated and added to the calculated levels:
8-28 Survey Reference
Click the Yes button to have the readjustment carried out, or click the No
button to ignore this adjustment.
If you select Yes then you are asked to confirm the name and elevation of
the loop readjustment point. The Bend Point Details dialog is displayed.

Point name Enter the name of the change point that represents the
loop mid-point.
Point elevation Enter the elevation of the loop mid-point.
OK Button Click this button to accept the entries in the dialog.
Cancel Button Click this button to cancel the function.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Reductions Menu 8-29

Error Figure
These functions adjust a provisionally fixed point that has redundant
observations by means of a least squares solution, or a graphical fix of
the error figure, or both.
A rough fix for the point should be calculated prior to using this routine
and usually this will be done under Survey Calculations. The data for the
calculation must be provided in the form of a field book.

New Field Book

Create a new Error Figure field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyErrorNew

Error Figure data can be typed directly into the spreadsheet. Each line of
the spreadsheet represents either a set-up station or an observation.
Each type of entry has different requirements. All entries require at least
a field book indicator code (see below) and a set-up point name or an
origin point name. Observations require in addition a target point name
and either a horizontal distance or a horizontal angle reading, depending
on the type of observation.
Permissible field book indicator codes are:
{ Set-up station
* Horizontal distance
% Direction

Observations can be in any order. Two types of observations are allowed,

distances (reduced to the horizontal) and denoted by ' *'; or directions,
either outward (unoriented) or inward (oriented) and denoted by '%'.
Where both a distance and a direction have been observed, they must be
entered in the field book as two separate observations.

8-30 Survey Reference

Load Field Book
Load an existing Error Figure field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyErrorLoad

The order of the data fields is:

Observation code, Origin station, Target station, Reading

An example of a field book follows:

{,M11
%,M11,M10,122.3847
*,M11,M10,108.190
*,M11,M12,387.780
%,M12,M11,39.5725
%,M11,M13,71.5712
*,M13,M11,439.550

The '{' on the first line is used to denote a set-up station, and provides the
name of the point to be fixed. The following lines consist of the
observations to be used for the calculations.

Procedure
Windows’ standard open dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to load. The drive and path automatically default to the last used
drive and directory for this type of file.

Save Field Book

Save the current Error Figure field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyErrorSave

This function will save the Error Figure data in the spreadsheet into an
ASnCII file.

Procedure
If the data in the spreadsheet was loaded from an external file then it is
saved back there. Otherwise, Windows’ standard save dialog is displayed
in order for you to select a file to which to save. The drive and path
automatically default to the last used drive and directory for this type of
file.
Reductions Menu 8-31
List Field Book
List the current field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyErrorList

This routine lists the Error Figure observation data from the spreadsheet
in the Output Window in a more readable format.

Procedure
The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options.

Least Squares
Calculate least squares fix

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyErrorLeast

A straightforward least square solution is calculated.

An erroneous ray can cause the calculation to iterate outwards. If this
happens a solution is not possible and it is recommended that a graphical
error figure be executed to locate the rogue observation. A listing of the
results is printed with the residuals.
An option is provided to accept or reject the calculated co-ordinates for
the fixed station, so make sure that the Output Window is visible first.

Procedure
The coordinates of the point are calculated and output according to the
options specified in the Output Manager dialog. The following message is
then displayed:

Click the Yes button to have the provisional coordinates updated to the
calculated coordinates, or click the No button to retain the current point
coordinates.
8-32 Survey Reference
Error Figure
Graphical error figure fix

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyErrorFigure

This option produces an error figure plot that enables the point to be
fixed graphically.
The plot is auto-scaled so it is quite easy to do three or four error figures
in quick succession to home in on a final solution. Results virtually as
good as the least square solution can be achieved in this way.

Procedure
On the screen plot, by default, a line normal to the direction of a
measured distance is drawn with Pen 2, outward rays are drawn with
Pen 3 and inward rays are drawn with Pen 4. See INI File Components
for details on how the pens used may be changed.
The cross in the screen centre represents the provisional position of the
station. The mouse is used to select the final location. Once the cursor is
in the correct position, click the left mouse button and the coordinates
will be presented for final adoption or modification.

Reductions Menu 8-33

Once a position is chosen, a listing of the results is printed with the
residuals.
An option is provided to accept or reject the calculated coordinates for
the fixed station, so make sure that the Output Window is visible first:

Click the Yes button to have the provisional coordinates updated to the
calculated coordinates, or click the No button to retain the current point
coordinates.

8-34 Survey Reference

Control Network
These functions adjust provisionally fixed points that have redundant
observations by means of a least squares solution.
A rough fix for the free points should be calculated prior to using this
routine and usually this will be done under Survey Calculations. The
data for the calculation must be provided in the form of a field book.

Requirements
Any control network survey requires at least two fixed points from which
to adjust the network. At least one free point (provisionally fixed) must
be present in order for the solution to calculate.
The free points must have provisional coordinates. These can be
obtained using the various survey calculation routines such as Resection,
Intersection and Trilateration.
Below is an example of a control network:

As can be seen from the above diagram, it is not necessary to set up at all
stations. There must however be redundant observations in the network
like, for example, the observations to FREE1 from FIXED1, FREE2 and
FREE3.
The network shown also conforms to our requirements in that there are
four fixed points (TRIG1, TRIG2, FIXED1 and FIXED2) and five free or
provisionally fixed points (FREE1 to FREE5).

Reductions Menu 8-35

New Field Book
Create a new Control Network field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyControlNew

Control data can be typed directly into the spreadsheet. Each line of the
spreadsheet represents a set-up station or a network observation.

Procedure
Each type of entry has different requirements. All entries require at least
a field book indicator code (see below) and a point name or descriptor.
Network observations require any combination of horizontal angle
readings, vertical angle readings and distances.
Permissible field book indicator codes are:
{ Set-up station.
n Network observation.

General Notes
The order of the observations at a set-up station is immaterial. The order
of setups is also immaterial.
If both Circle Left and Circle Right observations are entered, the mean of
the two will be used in the adjustment of the network.
If vertical angles are present with a distance observation then it is
assumed that the distance is a slope distance and the observed vertical
angle (or the mean vertical angle if both circle left and circle right are
present) will be used to reduce the observed distance to the horizontal.
Without vertical angles the distance will be assumed to be a horizontal
distance.
It is not vital that every point has observations from it. In other words,
not every point has to be occupied. This applies to both fixed and free
points. However, if a point is not occupied, there must be redundant
observations to it or the network cannot be reduced.

8-36 Survey Reference

Load Field Book
Load an existing Control Network field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyControlLoad

The order of the data fields is:

1 Indicator code
2 Set-up or target point name
3 Horizontal Circle Left (for direction observations)
4 Horizontal Circle Right (optional)
5 Distance (Sloped or horizontal for distance observations)
6 Vertical Circle Left (only if the observed distance is sloped)
7 Vertical Circle Right (optional)

An example of a field book is given below:

{,T236,0.0000,0.0000,0.000,0.0000,0.0000
n,U17,354.3049,174.3043,98.259,93.4246,266.1723
n,T71,202.3705,22.3701,0.000,0.0000,0.0000
{,U17,0.0000,0.0000,0.000,0.0000,0.0000
n,T236,174.3048,354.3051,0.000,86.1746,273.4200
n,U21,202.3505,22.3502,673.194,89.2136,270.3808
n,WT,207.0102,27.0106,0.000,0.0000,0.0000

• The first line is a set-up station called 'T236'.

• The second line is a direction and slope distance observation to a
point called 'U17'.
• The third line is a direction reading to a (probably) fixed point called
'T71'.
• The fourth line is a set-up at station 'U17'.
• The fifth line is a redundant direction and slope distance observation
to 'T236'.
• The sixth line is a direction and slope distance observation to a point
called 'U21'
• The last line is a direction reading to a (probably) fixed point called
'WT'

Procedure
Windows’ standard open dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to load. The drive and path automatically default to the last used
drive and directory for this type of file.

Reductions Menu 8-37

Save Field Book
Save the current Control Network field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyControlSave

This function will save the Control Network data in the spreadsheet into
an ASCII file.

Procedure
If the data in the spreadsheet was loaded from an external file then it is
saved back there. Otherwise, Windows’ standard save dialog is displayed
in order for you to select a file to which to save. The drive and path
automatically default to the last used drive and directory for this type of
file.

List Field Book

List the current field book
Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command
SurveyControlList

This routine lists the Control Network observation data from the
spreadsheet in the Output Window in a more readable format.

Procedure
The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options.

8-38 Survey Reference

Reduce
Reduce the current field book

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyControlReduce

This function reduces a control network.

Misclosures are presented for inspection and acceptance prior to the
final adjustment. The final adjusted coordinates of the free points will be
added to the terrain database.

Procedure
The Point Type Details dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
Adjustment Settings dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The Output
Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output options. The
observations are processed and the Observation Matrix Inspection dialog
is displayed.

Reductions Menu 8-39

Click the Proceed button to continue with the adjustment, or click the
Cancel button to cancel the function. The network adjustment is
calculated. If no solution can be found then the following message is
displayed:

Click the OK button to end the function.

If the network adjustment converges then the final coordinates and
corrections are listed. The following message is displayed:

Click the Yes button to have the provisional coordinates updated to the
final calculated coordinates, or click the No button to retain the
provisional coordinates.
The Output Manager dialog is redisplayed in order for you to set output
options.
The free points are updated with the final coordinates, and the error
ellipse parameters (a measure of the accuracy of the observations) are
displayed. The error ellipses are displayed in the Design Centre window

8-40 Survey Reference

centered on each of the free points and the following prompt is
displayed:
Error ellipses displayed...Press ESC to cancel
Use the standard CAD keys to zoom in and out in order to inspect the
error ellipses at each point. Press the ESC key when inspection is
complete.

Reductions Menu 8-41

Notes:

8-42 Survey Reference

Tools
This menu contains various utilities to assist you.

Tools Menu 9-1

File Format
Reformat ASCII (text) file data from delimited to column-based, or vice-versa

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyToolsFile

There are two types of ASCII data files that are commonly encountered,
either column-based or delimited. Civil Designer will import or export
either type. This routine enables any file of either type to be reformatted
to the other and the data can be rearranged at the same time.
Use View ASCII to determine the type of file structure. If the file is in
Fixed Column format, the row of numbers above the listing can be used
to determine the start and end location for each item.
If what appears to be a column-based file will just not produce any
sensible answers, try it again as a delimited file but specifying the Tab
character (ASCII 9) as the delimiter. The speed of large file conversions
will be improved considerably if all forms of output are switched OFF.

Procedure
The File Format dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Fixed Columns
In column-based files, you specify the start and end location for each
field. This controls the order of the items as well. The actual data item
can be anywhere within the field. Using the example below, the Z
ordinate could be picked up by specifying the Start Column and Stop
Column as 30 and 35, or 27 and 37, or 28 and 36 etc.
The column ranges specified for items should not overlap and should be
large enough to accommodate the largest anticipated value. If any items
listed are not available, a ‘0’ should be entered for 'Start' and 'Stop' to
bypass that item.

9-2 Survey Reference

 1 2 3 4 5
1234567890123456789012345678901234567890
---------+---------+---------+---------+
ER -1691.247 2457.806 61.757
-1707.215 2469.010 61.011
ER -1695.679 2460.114 61.824
PEG -1697.261 2465.106 61.422
ER -1685.876 2470.018 62.417
PI1 -1739.073 2491.621 0.000

Column-based files look better but make for larger files, and it is easy to
make mistakes in specifying the column locations. When a fixed-column
file is selected as source or destination, the File Format (Fixed) dialogs
are presented.

Fill in the column data and click the OK button to continue.

Tools Menu 9-3

ASCII Delimited
A delimited file is smaller (because it has few blank spaces, or none at
all), very rarely causes specification problems, but is difficult to read. The
reading difficulty is largely overcome by the ease with which delimited
files can be dealt with in spreadsheet programs. The same data listed
above is shown below, delimited with commas. Using the example, the Z
ordinate would be specified by using a Field value of 4.
ER,-1691.247,2457.806,61.757
,-1707.215,2469.010,61.011
ER,-1695.679,2460.114,61.824
PEG,-1697.261,2465.106,61.422
ER,-1685.876,2470.018,62.417
PI1,-1739.073,2491.621,0.000

With delimited files, you only specify the order of the incoming or
outgoing data. Use ‘0’ if it is not present. The actual delimiter character
itself is specified (as an ASCII value) each time you convert. When a
delimited file is selected as source or destination, the File Format
(Delimited) dialogs are presented.

9-4 Survey Reference

Fill in the data sequence and click the OK button to continue. Windows’
standard open dialog is displayed in order for you to select a file to read.
The drive and path automatically default to the last used drive and
directory for this type of file. Once you select a file to read Windows’
standard save dialog is displayed in order for you to select a file to which
to save. The drive and path automatically default to the last used drive
and directory for this type of file.

Tools Menu 9-5

View ASCII
List a portion of an ASCII file

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

SurveyToolsView

Use this option to view an ASCII file in order to determine the structure
of the file. You are asked to name the file and a listing of the first 20 lines
of text, whatever they might be, will be displayed in the Output Window.
There will also be a row of numbers above the text, which represent the
column position in the ASCII file.
For example:
1 2 3 4 5
1234567890123456789012345678901234567890
---------+---------+---------+---------+
ER -1691.247 2457.806 61.757
-1707.215 2469.010 61.011
ER -1695.679 2460.114 61.824
PEG -1697.261 2465.106 61.422
ER -1685.876 2470.018 62.417
PI1 -1739.073 2491.621 0.000
CC2 -1795.894 2502.028 0.000
ER -1690.512 2471.949 62.488
-1727.930 2481.962 61.514

Procedure
The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options. Click the OK button to accept the settings.
Windows’ standard open dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to read. The drive and path automatically default to the last used
drive and directory for this type of file.

9-6 Survey Reference

Terrain Reference
File Menu
The File Menu contains all the functions to create,
load and save projects as well as import and export
survey data. In addition it also includes options to
set up the security.

File Menu 1-1

New Project
Create a new project

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

ProjectNew

This option allows you to set up a new project and specify the data files
that must be used.

Procedure
The Project dialog is displayed.

To add a drawing to the project simply click in the check box next to
Drawing, click on Browse on the right of the dialog, and select the
drawing using the standard Window file open dialog. The drawing name
will be displayed as shown above.
To add a drawing to the project simply click in the check box next to
Drawing, click on Browse on the right of the dialog, and select the
drawing using the Window's standard open dialog. The drawing name
will be displayed as shown above.

1-2 Terrain Reference

Similarly, to add a data file to the project click in the check box next to
the required data type and select the file to use with the Browse button. If
the file does not exist it will be created.
To use the Survey, Terrain or Roads functions, you must select or create
a Terrain data file.

Drawing File
You may only use an existing drawing file. The drawing may be an
AllyCAD DRG, AutoCAD DWG, Caddie CEX or a DXF file.

Terrain File
If you select a terrain file that does not exist, the following dialog will be
displayed:

Click on Yes to create the DTM file.

After you have clicked OK on the New Project Dialog the following dialog
will be displayed for a new DTM file.

Enter the Y and X coordinates of the centre of the site, or of the area of
principal interest, and a diameter that will encompass the site or, once
again, the area of principal interest. It is acceptable to leave the settings
at their default values, but you should then either import data from an
ASCII file which will offer a rescale that centres the site, or add data
manually and then use Tools
Rescale Survey from the Terrain menu
which does the same thing.

File Menu 1-3

After clicking OK on the Database Dimensions dialog, the following
dialog is displayed.

While the previous settings were to ensure an efficient DTM database,

the Project Coordinates are for the Design Centre cad window to match
the DTM. Similarly, these settings can be left as their defaults subject to
a later ASCII Import or Rescale Survey.

1-4 Terrain Reference

Sewer File
If you select a sewer file that does not exist, the following dialog will be
displayed:

Click on Yes to create the sewer database file.

Storm File
If you select a storm file that does not exist, the following dialog will be
displayed:

Click on Yes to create the storm database file.

Locale
You must make the settings that determine the manner in which the
stored coordinates are projected onto the display surface (the Design
Centre window).
Hemisphere Select either the Southern Hemisphere or Northern
Hemisphere options to set the hemisphere in which the data
is located.
Projection Select the mapping projection to be used. Currently only
three projections are available, namely Local, Transverse
Mercator and UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator).
Selecting Local will automatically set the Datum to Cape and
causes Civil Designer to treat the Terrain and Road
database coordinates in the same way as Stardust used to.
Datum Select the datum on which the data is to be based. This
determines the ellipsoid on which the projection is based and
therefore the constants used for the mapping projection.
Note that the Cape datum is the equivalent datum for that
used by Stardust.

File Menu 1-5

Prime Longitude Enter the central LO of the panel in which the data falls
(actually the longitude on which the 0 value of the horizontal
ordinates of the coordinate system falls) and also select
whether this LO is East or West of 0° longitude (Greenwich).
Origin Latitude Enter the latitude on which the 0 value of the vertical
ordinates of the coordinate system falls and also select
whether this latitude is North or South of 0° latitude (the
Equator). This should normally be set to 0° (origin at the
equator where North or South are immaterial) but could be
different for some projections.
Scale factor at prime Enter the factor by which coordinates are adjusted in order
longitude to fit the projection. This should normally be set to 1.0 except
if you are using UTM coordinates (see Remarks below).
False Easting and Enter the values to be subtracted/added to the LO
False Northing coordinates during projection conversion. These should
normally be set to 0 except if you are using UTM coordinates
(see below).

DO NOT use the False Easting and False Northing settings to apply
some constant to the data coordinates, as the projection calculations
rely on full coordinates and will give incorrect values if these entries are
used incorrectly.

Remarks
In order to use a UTM system the following settings should be made for
Locale:
• Convert the UTM block number to LO using the formula
(BLOCKNUMBER x 6°) - 183°. This calculates the Longitude of the
central meridian in degrees.
• Set the scale factor at the central meridian to 0.9996.
• Enter the correct False Easting and False Northing values of +500
000m Easting, and 0m Northing for Northern Hemisphere or +10
000 000m Northing for Southern Hemisphere.

1-6 Terrain Reference

Open Project
Load an existing project

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

ProjectOpen

You can select which project to open using the standard Windows Open
dialog.

Procedure
The Open dialog will be displayed.

Select the project file (.CDP) to open and click on OK.

The existing project (if any) will be saved and the new project will be
opened. The associated data files will automatically be opened and
displayed in the Design Centre.

Only data that includes coordinates can be displayed in the Design

Centre.

File Menu 1-7

Edit Project
Edit the current project

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

ProjectEdit

This option allows you to add design elements to the project or to change
the data files associated with the project.

Procedure
The Project dialog is displayed.

To add a design element to the project simply set the check box of that
element and select the data file using the Browse button. The standard
Window Open dialog will be displayed. Select the file to add to the
project or type in a new file name to create a new data file.

You may not change the locale settings of an existing project as the
projection settings have already been applied to data files and may not
be changed.

Click on OK.

1-8 Terrain Reference

Save Project
Save the current project

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

ProjectSave

This option allows you to save the current project and the associated
data files.

Save Project As
Save the current project to another name

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

ProjectSaveAs

This option allows you to save the current project and the associated
data files to new file names. You may specify a new file name for the
project file and each of the active design files in turn.

Close Project
Close the current project

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

ProjectClose

This option allows you to close the active project and clear the Design
Centre. You will be given the option to save the associated data files.

File Menu 1-9

Output Manager
Set output defaults

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

OutputManager

This function allows you to set up the Output Window's printing and file
export capabilities. If you select to send output to the screen and the
Output Window is not visible, use Window | Toggle Output Window to
display the window.

Procedure
The Output Manager is displayed.

Make the required settings and press OK to continue.

Screen output Check this option to have output directed to the Output
Window. If this window is not visible then select Window |
Toggle Output Window
Printer output Check this option to have output directed to a selected
printer. If this option was selected and you now turn it off,
any output previously directed to the printer will be spooled.
If this option was not selected and you now turn it on, you
will be asked to select the required printer.
File output Check this option to have output directed to a file. If this
option was selected and you now turn it off, the output file
will be closed. If this option was not selected and you now
turn it on, the selected output file will be created.
Don't show this dialog Check this option to retain the current settings for all future
in future output. You will no longer be prompted to make settings. In
order to adjust the settings, or to turn off this option, use File
| Output Manager.

1-10 Terrain Reference

Page Heading Enter the heading to be printed at the top of each page. Only
available if the Printer output option is selected.
Output filename Enter the path and name of the output file to be created.
Only available if the File output option is selected.
Browse Button (...) Click this button to browse for the output file using the
standard Windows Save As dialog. Only available if the File
output option is selected.
Page Number Enter the page number to be printed at the top of the first
page. The number will increment automatically for
subsequent pages. Only available if the Printer output option
is selected.
Start printing on new Check this option to have any printer output still in the print
page queue spooled before printing starts. If this option is not
selected then printer output will be added to that currently in
the print queue. Only available if the Printer output option is
selected.
Append to existing file Check this option to have output appended to that which
already exists in the selected file. If the selected file does not
exist, it will be created. If this option is not selected then the
selected file will be deleted (if it already exists) and then
recreated. Only available if the File output option is selected.
OK Button Click this button to accept the current settings.

If OK is clicked and Printer output is not checked, but it was previously

checked, any output that has not yet been spooled to the printer will be
sent and the current document ended. If Printer output is now checked,
and it was not previously checked, you will be asked to select the printer
to which output should be directed and a new document will be started.
If OK is clicked and File output is not checked, but it was previously
checked, the specified file is closed. If File output is now checked, and it
was not previously checked, the specified file is opened and will
overwrite an existing file of the same name if the Append to existing file
option is not checked.

File Menu 1-11

Spool Output
Spool unprinted data to the printer

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

OutputSpool

Any output (print) data that has been sent to the printer but not yet
printed is spooled to the printer.
Windows tends to hold printed output in a spool file until the print job is
complete. In order to end a print job in Civil Designer you must deselect
the print option in the Output Manager, or exit the program.
Alternatively, this function will carry out the same procedure.

Option Settings
Set INI file defaults that are not set by the program

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

OptionSettings

Refer to the chapter on Option Settings for more details.

Security
When you first install your copy of AllyCAD, it will allocate a 30 day trial
license, allowing you to run the full program for 30 days. During this time
you must contact Knowledge Base for a permanent authorization code.
Refer to the chapter on Security for more details.

Authorize
Authorize the program

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

cyAuthorize

This option allows you to obtain your user code and input the
authorisation code to activate the various modules in the program.

Procedure
The authorisation dialog box is displayed. Your User Code is displayed in
the centre of the dialog.
1-12 Terrain Reference
Call the contact number to obtain your authorisation code. Alternatively
click on Save to write the user code into a file which can be e-mailed to
Knowledge Base at [email protected]. Click on the Authorise
button once you have input the confirmation code in the bottom edit
control. This code is stored in the security module.

Check Network Dongles

Toggle network security on/off

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

CheckNetworkSecurity

This function switches the search for a network security module on or

off.

Exit
Quit Civil Designer

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

quit

This function closes down Civil Designer.

File Menu 1-13

Notes:

1-14 Terrain Reference

Model Menu
The functions on this menu allow you to
graphically manipulate the terrain database.

Model Menu 2-1

Insert Point
Graphically insert points into the database.

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainInsertPoint

This routine is used for inserting points into the database graphically
with a mouse. When the mouse is clicked, a dialog box will pop-up
indicating the coordinates at which the mouse button was clicked.
Switching on Snap Mode under Settings allows you to snap to the
nearest existing point. A name may be entered and a surface to which
the point should be assigned must be selected. The Y, X or Z coordinates
may be altered if required.
If the Auto Interpolate function under Settings is switched on, a height
will be interpolated for this point from the currently selected surface.
See also Interpolate Point for situations where one needs to control the
surface and points used to define the plane used for interpolation or
where one needs to interpolate points beyond the limits of the reference
plane.
Because the default Y, X and Z ordinates that are presented in the dialog
box may be altered, this routine can also be used for rapidly typing in
new coordinates without resorting to Enter Point in the Survey Editing
Menu.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
Indicate position for new point
After clicking on a position in the Design Centre window the Survey
Point Entry dialog is displayed.

2-2 Terrain Reference

Name Enter the name of the point to be created.
Y Coord, X Coord and Z Enter the ordinates of the point.
Coord
Surface Select the surface on which the new point should be
created.
Add Button Click this button to accept the current entries for the
dialog.

Fill in the relevant data and click the Add button to continue.
So long as you remain in this function the dialog box will retain the
previous entries for Name, Z Coord (unless Auto Interpolation is
switched on), and Surface. The name entry will however be adjusted if it
ends in a digit. In this case the digits at the end of the name will
automatically be incremented by one.

Model Menu 2-3

Edit Point
Graphically edit points in the database

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainEditPoint

This routine is used to edit points in the database graphically with a

mouse. A dialog box with the name and coordinates of the nearest point
to the cursor when the mouse is clicked will be displayed. Snap Mode is
automatically toggled on. Any of the fields (Name, Y, X, Z or Surface)
may be altered.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
Snap on point to edit
After clicking on an existing terrain point in the Design Centre window
the Point Details dialog is displayed.

Name Enter the name of the point to be created.

Y Coord, X Coord and Z Enter the ordinates of the point.
Coord
Surface Select the surface on which the new point should be
created.
Save Button Click this button to accept the current entries for the
dialog.

Fill in the relevant data and click the Save button to continue.

2-4 Terrain Reference

Delete Point
Graphically delete points from the database

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainDeletePoint

This routine is used for deleting a point from the database graphically
with a mouse. A dialog box with the name and coordinates of the nearest
point to the cursor when the mouse is clicked will be displayed. This
obviously pertains to active surfaces only. Snap Mode is automatically
switched on. The deletion can be confirmed or aborted.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
Snap on point to delete
After clicking on an existing terrain point in the Design Centre window
the following message is displayed:

Click the Yes button to have the selected point deleted, or click the No
button to retain the point.

Model Menu 2-5

Move Point
Graphically move points in the database

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainMovePoint

Used to move a point graphically. First snap on the point to be moved,

then on the position to which the point is to be moved. Snap Mode can be
toggled on during this routine to place new points precisely on top of
existing points. You may also use any of the CAD snap modes to position
the point.
This facility does not move points from one surface to another. To move
a single point to another surface, use the Terrain
Edit Point or Survey

Edit Point functions. To move multiple points to another surface use the
Survey
Surface Change function.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
Snap on point to move
After clicking on an existing terrain point in the Design Centre window
the following prompt is displayed:
Indicate new position for point
Click on a new position in the Design Centre window and the point
coordinates are updated.

2-6 Terrain Reference

Interpolate Point
Set the height of a new point on a plane defined by three existing points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainInterpPoint

Used to set the height of a new point precisely on a plane defined by

three existing points. Snap on the three points that define the plane for
interpolation. These may be on any surface. Then click or snap on the
point for which a height is to be interpolated. It may be on or off the
defining plane.
This facility is similar to using Insert Point with Auto Interpolate (under
Settings) switched on. The difference is that, under Interpolate Point,
you choose the points from which interpolations are to be made, and
they may be on any surface.
When using Insert Point, the surface from which to interpolate is set
under Auto Interpolate. Therefore only the active surface can used and
the actual plane from which to interpolate the level is selected by the
computer.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
Snap on first plane point
Snap to an existing point in the Design Centre window and the following
prompt is displayed:
Snap on next plane point
Snap on an existing point and the following prompt is displayed:
Snap on next plane point
Snap on an existing point and the following prompt is displayed:
Indicate position for new point
After clicking on a position in the Design Centre window the Survey
Point Entry dialog is displayed.

Model Menu 2-7

Name Enter the name of the point to be created.
Y Coord, X Coord and Z Enter the ordinates of the point.
Coord
Surface Select the surface on which the new point should be
created.
Add Button Click this button to accept the current entries for the
dialog.

Fill in the relevant data and click the Add button to continue. The
function continues prompting for a position for the new point.

2-8 Terrain Reference

ID Point
Graphically identify all the details known about a point

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainIDPoint

This function is used to print and graphically identify all the details
known about a point.
The ID, Name, Y, X, and Z coordinates, surface, lines (connections from
this point to another point) and shadow lines (connections to this point
from other points) are displayed. Graphically, the lines and shadow lines
are displayed in user-selected pens.
The function is useful when trying to identify errors in the bounding
polygon of a site. It sometimes happens that what appears to be a clean
edge is actually broken as there are duplicate points with different line
connections. Using this function, you can identify the points and lines
that actually make up the boundary and thereby identify the error.

Procedure
The Point ID Settings dialog is displayed.

Pen for lines and Pen for Click these buttons to show the colour dialog from where
shadow lines Buttons you can select the pen in which to display the relevant
items.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
following prompt is displayed:
Snap on point to ID
Thereafter click on the points in the Design Centre window that you wish
to process.

Model Menu 2-9

Locate Point
Find and display the position of a named point

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainLocatePoint

This function will find a named point in the terrain database and zoom
the Design Centre window so as to centre the view on this point. In
addition, concentric circles will be displayed around the point to isolate it
from surrounding points.
There is also an option to find the next point of the same name. The
normal point location functions that use names will always find the same
point with a given name every time they are run. This function is the
only one that can locate duplicate named points.

Procedure
The Point Locator dialog is displayed:

Point name Enter the point name you wish to search for.
Find Button Click this button to find the first point with the given
name.
Next Button Click this button to find the next point with same name
as the last point found.
Close Button Click this button to end the function.
Found data Displays data relevant to the last found point.

Fill in the relevant details and click the Find button to find the first point.
If found the current view will be zoomed around the point position. To
find the next point with the same name as the point last found click the
Next button. Click the Close button to end the function.

2-10 Terrain Reference

AutoSuffix
Automatically add a selected suffix to indicated points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainAutoSuffix

This function will add a selected suffix from a range of suffixes

(!@$%^&) to each point indicated graphically. This suffix can then be
used in conjunction with a Name Filter to select certain points for
processing or display.
Normally the Name Filter operates on points with the same or very
similar names. However, using this function, you can give disparate point
names a common entry that will suffice to recognise them as a group in
Name Filter operations.
The selected suffix and all characters following it are not displayed on
the screen or any plots.

Procedure
The Autosuffix Settings dialog is displayed:

Select suffix Select the suffix (!@$%^&) to be added to indicated

points.

Make the relevant settings and click the OK button to continue. The
following prompt is displayed:
Snap on point for autosuffix
Thereafter click on the points in the Design Centre window that you wish
to process.

Model Menu 2-11

Polyline to DTM
These functions allow you to extract terrain model points from cad
polylines and assign a height to all the extracted points.

Indicate Polyline
Generate DTM points from a single indicated CAD polyline

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainPolyToDTM

This routine will create DTM points from the vertices of a CAD polyline.
The points have a user-assigned surface, height and line.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
Indicate polyline to process
Click on the polyline to be converted. The Polyline to DTM dialog is
displayed:

Point name Enter a name to be assigned to each of the generated

points.
Height to assign Enter the height to be assigned to each of the generated
points.
Destination surface Select the surface on which the DTM points should be
created.
Generate lines as Select the type of line to be created between generated
points.

Fill in the relevant details and click the OK button to continue.

2-12 Terrain Reference

The polyline points will be regenerated as DTM points. The function will
continue prompting for a polyline to process. Press [Esc] to end the
function.

Selected Polylines
Generate DTM points from a single indicated CAD polyline

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainSelPolyToDTM

This routine will create DTM points from the vertices of a CAD polyline.
The points have a user-assigned surface, height and line.

Procedure
Select the polylines to be converted. The Polyline to DTM dialog is
displayed:

Point name Enter a name to be assigned to each of the generated

points.
Height to assign Enter the height to be assigned to each of the generated
points.
Destination surface Select the surface on which the DTM points should be
created.
Generate lines as Select the type of line to be created between generated
points.

Fill in the relevant details and click the OK button to continue.

The points of each selected polyline will be regenerated as DTM points.

Model Menu 2-13

Mark Bank Points
Graphically mark points in the database as either shoulder or top/bottom bank
points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainMarkBanks

Used to mark points graphically as bank points in order to generate bank

lines for points that have not been generated by the Terrace Banks
functions.
This function would be used if you wished to display bank lines for
certain areas of your model. However, in order to display bank lines
correctly, the line model for the points must be correct. Use the Terrace
Banks function to generate a bank and see how the line connections are
made. Your marked points should implement the same type of line
model.

Procedure
The Mark Bank Points dialog is displayed.

Bank surface Select the surface on which the points to be marked

reside.
Mark points as Select whether to mark the points as Shoulder, Top or
Bottom points.
Point Selection Select whether points should be selected individually
(Individual) or all points within an indicated polygon
should be selected (Polygon).

Fill in the relevant details and click the OK button to continue.

The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options.

2-14 Terrain Reference

If you selected the Individual option for Point Selection then the
following prompt is displayed:
Snap on point to change
Indicate the required point and its name is changed to reflect its status as
a bank point.
If you selected the Polygon option for Point Selection then the following
prompt is displayed:
Perimeter: Indicate start point
Click on a position in the Design Centre window and the following
prompt is displayed:
Perimeter: Indicate next point
Continue indicating perimeter points and end by clicking on or near the
starting point again. The names of points within the indicated polygon
are changed to reflect their status as bank points.
In either case the function will continue until you press [Esc].

Model Menu 2-15

Polygon Clip
Mass deletion of points within a specified horizontal and vertical plane

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainPolyClip

This routine enables the mass deletion of points within a specified

horizontal and vertical plane. The horizontal plane is determined by a
polygon and the vertical plane by maximum and minimum height values
entered in a dialog box. In addition, a name and surface filter may be
used to control which points, passing the polygon and height range test,
should be removed.
Define the perimeter of the polygon with the mouse and close it by
clicking on the start point. Snap Mode may be switched on. A dialog box
will then be displayed requesting the minimum and maximum height
values for the vertical range. The default values will normally delete ALL
the points within the area.
You may elect to remove the points within the boundaries of the polygon
and within the height ranges, or points outside the boundaries of the
polygon. The tests are mutually exclusive. This means that if you choose
to delete points 'inside' and a certain point falls within the perimeter of
the defined polygon but is higher than the maximum value of the height
range, it will not be deleted
To delete all the points in a polygon, set a height range that encompasses
all the data (like '-9999' to '9999') and universal names filter (like 'ALL'
and 'NONE') and apply it to ALL surfaces.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
Perimeter: Indicate start point
Click on a position in the Design Centre window and the following
prompt is displayed:
Perimeter: Indicate next point
Continue indicating perimeter points and end by clicking on or near the
starting point again.
The Polygon Clip dialog is displayed.

2-16 Terrain Reference

Delete points… Select either the Inside option to delete points inside the
defined polygon, or the Outside option to delete points
inside the defined polygon.
Height range for clip… - Enter the minimum (Min.) and maximum (Max.) heights
Min. and Max. to be considered for points to be deleted. Only available
if the Inside option has been selected.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
standard Name Filter dialog is displayed. Set the filter and click on the
OK button to continue.

Model Menu 2-17

Polygon Copy/Move
Mass moving or copying of points within a specified horizontal plane to a different
surface.

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainPolyCopyMove

This routine enables a group of points within a specified polygon to

either be moved or copied to a different surface. A name and surface
filter may be used to control which points should be copied or moved.

Procedure
Define the perimeter of the polygon with the mouse and close it by
clicking on the start point. The following dialog is then displayed.

Copy points Select to have a copy made of the points on the

destination surface.
Move points Select to have the points moved to the destination
surface.
Current surface The surface on which the points that are to be moved or
copied are situated.
Destination surface The surface to which the points are to be moved or
copied.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
standard Name Filter dialog is displayed. Set the filter and click on the
OK button to continue.

2-18 Terrain Reference

Fence Clip
Mass deletion of points within a specified horizontal and vertical plane

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainFenceClip

Before this function can be used, at least one Fence has to be defined
using the Define Fence function.
Fence Clip is similar to Polygon Clip, the difference being that once a
Fence has been defined, the same polygon may be used several times to
clip points using different height ranges or different name filters.

Procedure
The Select Fence dialog is displayed.

Fence name Enter a new name for this fence (if defining a new
fence), or select any of the existing fence names to
replace that fence with the new polygon definition (if
defining a fence) or to use that pre-defined fence.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. From here
the function proceeds as for Polygon Clip.

Model Menu 2-19

Define Fence
Name and define an area of interest that will be used subsequently for
other operations

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainFenceDefine

Used to name and define an area of interest that will be used

subsequently for other operations. Civil Designer allows multiple fences
to be defined and selected.
Define the perimeter of the polygon and close it by clicking on the start
point again. There is no output from this routine. The fence perimeter is
stored in the Project .cdp file.
This is a very powerful tool because it enables most of the name-based
survey editing routines such as Height Constant, Surface Change,
Automatic Screen, etc., to be constrained to a visually defined polygon.
See also Fence Clip in the Model Menu and Isograde Line in the Terrain
Menu.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
Perimeter: Indicate start point
Click on a position in the Design Centre window and the following
prompt is displayed:
Perimeter: Indicate next point
Continue indicating perimeter points and end by clicking on or near the
starting point again. The Select Fence dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

2-20 Terrain Reference

Remove Fence
Remove a previously defined fence

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainFenceRemove

This function allows the removal of a fence that was created previously
by the Define Fence function.

Procedure
The Select Polygon(s) dialog is displayed.

Select Polygon(s) Select any of the existing fence names to replace that
fence with the new polygon definition (if defining a fence)
or to use that pre-defined fence. Multiple names can be
selected by holding down the shift or control key.

Click the OK button to continue.

Model Menu 2-21

Define PolyFence
Name and define a contour fence that can be used subsequently to prevent
certain contours from being generated

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainPolyFenceDefine

Used to name and define a polygon that can be used as a contour fence
during the Contours from Lines function. Civil Designer allows multiple
polyfences to be defined and selected.
A polyfence is a polygon in the line model completely defined by the lines
that surround it. No other lines can cross through such a polygon. This
polygon would represent such items as dams, settling ponds, dunes, etc.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
PolyFence: Indicate inside desired polygon near a line
Click on a position in the Design Centre window and the polygon formed
by the lines surrounding that point will be tracked.
If the polygon was tracked successfully then the Select Fence dialog is
displayed.

Fence name Enter a new name for this fence (if defining a new
fence), or select any of the existing fence names to
replace that fence with the new polygon definition (if
defining a fence) or to use that pre-defined fence.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
function continues prompting for a position until you press [Esc].

2-22 Terrain Reference

Remove PolyFence
Remove a previously defined polyfence

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainPolyFenceRemove

This function allows the removal of a polyfence that was created

previously by the Define PolyFence function.

Procedure
The Select Polygon(s) dialog is displayed.

Select Polygon(s) Select any of the existing fence names to replace that
fence with the new polygon definition (if defining a fence)
or to use that pre-defined fence. Multiple names can be
selected by holding down the shift or control key.

Click the OK button to continue.

Model Menu 2-23

Display
These two functions will highlight the defined fences and polyfences
respectively and print out the area.

Display Defined Fences

Graphically display all fences previously defined.

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainDispFence

This routine is used to display graphically all the fences that have been
defined in this project. Each fence is shown by displaying a solid hatch
with the fence name in the centre.

Procedure
If fences have been defined then the fences are shown and the following
prompt is displayed:
Displaying Fences (Esc to cancel)
The area of the fence is printed in the Output Window.
Use the normal CAD functions to pan and zoom to view the different
fences. When you are done press [Esc] to end the function.

Display Defined PolyFences

Graphically display all polyfences previously defined.

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainDispPolyFence

This routine is used to display graphically all the polyfences that have
been defined in this project. Each polyfence is shown by displaying a
solid hatch with the fence name in the centre.

Procedure
If fences have been defined then the fences are shown and the following
prompt is displayed:
Displaying PolyFences (Esc to cancel)
The area of the fence is printed in the Output Window.

2-24 Terrain Reference

Use the normal CAD functions to pan and zoom to view the different
polyfences. When you are done press [Esc] to end the function.

Model Menu 2-25

Polygon Area
Calculate the area and perimeter length of a polygon

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainPolygonArea

This routine enables the area and perimeter length of a polygon, defined
by series of points, to be determined.
Use Screen Output and Printer Output to view the results.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
Perimeter: Indicate start point
Click on a position in the Design Centre window and the following
prompt is displayed:
Perimeter: Indicate next point
Continue indicating perimeter points and end by clicking on or near the
starting point again.
The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options. Click the OK button to accept the settings.

2-26 Terrain Reference

Add Break Line
Generate break lines between points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainAddBreakLine

This function is used to generate break lines between points by clicking

the mouse on the first point and then on the second.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
Break Line: Snap on start point
Click on an existing point in the Design Centre window and the following
prompt is displayed:
Break Line: Snap on next point
Lines are added continuously (with single clicks). To break a string of
continuous lines click the right mouse button. Pressing the [Esc] key will
end the function.

Delete Break Line

Delete break lines between points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainDelBreakLine

This routine is used to remove break lines between points by clicking the
mouse on the line connecting two points.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
Indicate break line to remove
Click on the break line between any two points to delete it. The nearest
break line to the indicated position will be removed.
Pressing the [Esc] key will end the function.

Model Menu 2-27

Remove All Break Lines
Delete all break lines between points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainRemoveBreakLines

This function is used to remove the break lines from all points currently
visible on the display. You are given the opportunity to cancel the
function before it starts, or you can press the [Esc] key during the
function to stop it.

Procedure
The following message is displayed:

Click the Yes button to proceed with the function, or click the No button
to cancel the function.

2-28 Terrain Reference

Add Feature Line
Generate feature lines between points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainAddFeatureLine

Operation of this function is the same as for Add Break Line, except that
Feature Lines (semi-permanent lines) are added.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
Feature Line: Snap on start point
Click on an existing point in the Design Centre window and the following
prompt is displayed:
Feature Line: Snap on next point
Lines are added continuously (with single clicks). To break a string of
continuous lines click the right mouse button. Pressing the [Esc] key will
end the function.

Delete Feature Line

Delete feature lines between points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainDelFeatureLine

Operation of this function is the same as for Delete Break Line, except
that Feature Lines (semi-permanent lines) are deleted.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
Indicate feature line to remove
Click on the feature line between any two points to delete it. The nearest
feature line to the indicated position will be removed.
Pressing the [Esc] key will end the function.

Model Menu 2-29

Remove All Feature Lines
Delete all feature lines between points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainRemoveFeatureLines

Operation of this function is the same as for Remove All Break Lines,
except that Feature Lines (semi-permanent lines) are deleted.

Procedure
The following message is displayed:

Click the Yes button to proceed with the function, or click the No button
to cancel the function.

2-30 Terrain Reference

Convert Breaklines to Featurelines
Batch conversion of break lines to feature lines.

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainConvertBreakFeature

This function will convert break lines originating from selected points to
feature lines.

Procedure
The Fence Filter dialog is displayed.

Names to pass Enter the filter that specifies which points to process.
Names to avoid Enter the filter that specifies which points to ignore.
Specific surface or All Select the surface on which the points are located or
selected surfaces have the function pertain to all surfaces.
Only convert lines where If left unchecked (default), then all lines originating from
both terminals pass the a point that passes the filter will be converted. If
filter checked, then the opposite terminal must also pass the
filter.
Use fence Check this option and select a predefined fence in order
to restrict processing to only those points that fall within
the defined fence polygon. If no fences have been
defined previously using the Terrain menu option Model

Define Fence, this check box will be disabled.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Model Menu 2-31

Intelli-Lines
Automatically generate break and feature lines between points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainIntelliLines

This function is used to generate break and feature lines between points
automatically. The function joins points that lie within a certain
proximity of one another and that pass a name filter. There is no limit on
how many times the routine can be run. Either points that are currently
visible on the screen or points located within a defined fence are
processed.
Each time the routine is run, up to four search distances can be entered
to set the maximum distance beyond which no two points will be
connected. As a rule of thumb, use the nominal point spacing multiplied
by 1.5 or 1.75. For example, if the terrain points are at 20m intervals, try
using a search area of 30 or 35m. For ground surfaces it is better to err on
the short side rather than the long. For design surfaces, a long search
distance is usually required.
'Spaces' may have been left between spot heights when doing a survey
because of inaccessible areas. If your search distance is too short, points
will not be joined across these areas. This may cause problems when
generating contours. On the other hand, a long search distance may
generate inaccurate contours therefore good judgement is required from
the operator.
A name filter and surface must also be specified. This controls the data
points that will be considered for connection. To consider every point,
use the key word 'ALL' in the inclusion filter and 'NONE' in the exclusion
filter. The distance specified for the search distance will usually be
dependent on the criteria in this name filter.
You can select whether to retain or abandon any existing break lines (all
feature lines are automatically retained). If existing break line data is
retained, no new lines will cross existing lines. This allows you to handle
tricky sites by first joining critical areas (such as valley lines, banks and
roads) manually or in separate passes and then connecting the
remainder of the site automatically.
The routine will attempt to link each point to eight other points, one in
each octant, within the specified search distance, and without crossing
an existing or previously generated line. Lines will not be connected to
points on different surfaces and any points with an elevation of '0' will not
be considered.

2-32 Terrain Reference

Once lines have been generated, they should be checked to make sure
that they are a true reflection of the site (a 3D View can help here).
Remember that the idea is to have a system of co-planar polygons that
hug the ground surface. Generally, if the lines between the points do this
then the polygons will take care of themselves. However, some manual
editing is usually required in areas of complicated or man-made terrain.
Run the routine several times if more than one descriptor is to be used.
The lines should be generated by specifying the most critical data in the
first name filter followed by less critical data in subsequent filters and
finally a 'mopping up' filter for the remainder of the points.
See also the Terrain section in Basic Concepts.

Procedure
The Intelli-Line Details dialog is displayed.

Max Dist Enter the maximum distance around a point to be

searched for points with which to connect. To ignore any
particular passes enter ‘0’.
Names to include Enter the names of points to be processed in each pass.
Names to exclude Enter the names of points to be ignored in each pass.

Model Menu 2-33

Existing Lines Select either the Keep option in order to retain any
existing break lines, or the Delete option in order to
delete existing break lines before beginning the first
pass.
New Lines As Select either the Break option to create new lines as
break lines, or the Feature option to create new lines as
feature lines.
Surface to process Select the surface on which the points to be processed
are located.
Use fence Check this option to process only points within a
selected fence, and select the required fence.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

2-34 Terrain Reference

Triangulate
Automatically generate break lines between points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainTriangulate

This routine is similar to Intelli-Lines. It also joins points with lines that
lie within a certain distance of each other on the site. All points on the
specified surface are processed, not only those that are currently visible
on the screen.
The difference between the two routines is that Intelli-Lines joins points
within a certain radius of each other by forming polygons and both pre-
defined break lines and name filters are possible.
The Triangulate routine is much, much faster but it creates triangles
using break lines only and all pre-existing line data on that surface is
deleted before processing begins. Therefore, where data is sensitive and
only points with a certain character in the names should be joined, use
Intelli-Lines.
This form of model creation uses a Delauney tessellation algorithm to
form the most equal-angular triangles that are possible and then
converts these data to lines. Because it is a high speed alternative to
Intelli-Lines it will be found most useful for large sites with little or no
break line detail.
There is very little required in the way of input, just a maximum search
distance (which can be ignored if so desired). No name filters are
available, as this would negate the benefit of the high speed.
Before processing begins you are given the opportunity of cancelling the
function as all existing lines for the visible points (whether break or
feature lines) on the surface to be processed will be deleted. On a site
with limited detail it sometimes makes sense to run a triangulation first
and then edit the detail lines.
Remember that every time the routine is used it deletes all lines that
were generated previously. However, also remember that like all the
other graphical routines, it works only on what is visible on the screen.
So, by zooming into an area of interest, limited triangulation is possible.

Model Menu 2-35

Procedure
The Triangulation Settings dialog is displayed.

Surface to process Select the surface on which the points to be processed

are located.
No length check Check this option in order to accept lines of any length.
Maximum line length Enter the maximum distance between points that will be
joined with lines. Only available if the No length check
option has not been selected.
Single pass or two passes Choose the number of passes. If you have many feature
lines that constrain the triangulation it is safer to select
two passes. The default is a single pass.

Timing information is given.

2-36 Terrain Reference

Validate Model
Validate the lines forming a model on a surface

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainValidateModel

This routine scans the line model on the visible portion of a selected
surface to check for any errors. It does this by firstly tracking a perimeter
around the visible points, and then by tracking all the polygons that form
the surface within that perimeter. If the program encounters an error in
a polygon it will display a message indicating why the tracking failed.
The view is then zoomed into the area where the failure occurred and a
pointer with the word “ERROR” is given so you can correct the model.
There are a number of reasons why polygon tracking will fail. Chief
among these are duplicate points, crossing lines and points linked only to
one other point. Inspect the model carefully in the vicinity of the zoomed-
in area and you will find the cause of the error.
Quick contours are switched off automatically with this function as they
interfere with the display of the afore-mentioned error indicator.

Procedure
The Model Validation dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Surface to check Select the surface on which the points and lines to be
processed are located.

If polygon tracking fails the following message is displayed:

Model Menu 2-37

The second line of the message will indicate the reason for the failure.
Click the OK button and the view will be zoomed to the general area of
the problem. Correct the problem and then re-run the function.
Once the tracking has been completed the following message is
displayed:

Click the OK button to close the message box.

2-38 Terrain Reference

Terrain Menu
These functions produce data from the fully formed
terrain model. For example, terrace banks can be
calculated between two surfaces, cross- and long
sections can be extracted, and volumes can be
calculated.
All these routines presuppose that a polygon network
of break and feature lines has been generated that
completely describes the surface or surfaces to
process.
Errors in the polygon network will generate errors in
the calculations so take time to ensure that the
polygon model is correct.

Terrain Menu 3-1

Band vs Prism Volumes
The terrace volume calculation functions (Terrace Volume, Fixed Slope
Banks and Variable Slope Banks) can output details of the volumes in
depth ranges.
There are two ways of calculating the volumes by depth range.
• The Band method of calculation will subdivide the calculated
volume for a particular depth into the various depth bands
consisting of the actual cut or fill depth AND all the preceding
bands. This is in accordance with the SABS 1200 method of volume
calculation.
• The Prism method of calculation will assign the entire calculated
volume for a particular depth to the depth band of the actual cut or
fill depth.
Numerical examples might help to explain these options better:
Assume that we have a cut of 2.75 metres in depth and that depth ranges
have been assigned as 0 to 1m, 1 to 2m and 2 to 3m.
Using the Band method of calculating volumes, the volume of excavation
up to 1m will be calculated and assigned to the depth range 0 to 1m, the
volume of excavation between 1 and 2m will be calculated and assigned
to the depth range 1 to 2m, and the volume of excavation between 2 and
2.75m will be calculated and assigned to the depth range 2 to 3m.
Using the Prism method of calculating volumes, the volume of
excavation from 0 to 2.75m will be calculated and assigned to the depth
range 2 to 3m.
There is a relationship between Band and Prism calculations in that the
volume for any depth range calculated by the Prism method is equal to
the sum of the volume for that depth range AND all preceding depth
ranges when calculated by the Band method.
Either way of calculation will result in the same overall cut and fill
volumes. In other words, your choice of calculation method will not affect
the volume calculation in any way. It will merely change the way the
volume calculation is reported.

3-2 Terrain Reference

Contours from Lines
Track contours singly or at any specified interval.

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainContourLine

This function is used to track contours either singly or at any specified

interval through a network of polygons connecting the terrain points.
The layer to be contoured and the vertical interval have to be specified.
Fractions such as '0.5' are permitted.
The function will first locate the perimeter of the site. Once a perimeter
has been located the contours will then be tracked from the lowest
possible elevation to the maximum elevation at the specified interval.
Contours will be stored in a file called Jobname.CNT.
Because this routine is based on polygons, the lines forming the polygon
boundaries must have been previously created under Model using Add
Break Line, Add Feature Line, Intelli-Lines or Triangulate. The accuracy
of the contours is directly dependent on these lines, thus it is essential
that the lines conform to the terrain surface as accurately as possible.
It is essential to join all the points on the perimeter of the portion of the
site to be contoured. Once the operation starts, the first process is to
locate the perimeter. If a 'Perimeter failed' message comes up, inspect
the site to see where the tracking stopped, then carefully check the lines
in that area. Look for crossed lines, single lines that go into space or
points that appear to be connected by lines but are in fact not joined,
thereby creating a gap (The ID Point function is ideal for this).
Duplicated data is a common criminal in this regard. Make sure all gaps
are closed before generating contours again.
Refer to DTM contours for a discussion on the relative merits between
generating contours from break lines and generating contours from
DTM information.
There are two potential hazards in generating Contours from lines:
• As a contour is being tracked, if there is more than one possible exit
from a polygon, the contour will exit through the point closest to its
entry point. This may not necessarily be correct.
• If two lines on the surface being contoured cross each other, it has
the effect of producing two overlapping polygons. If this situation is
encountered, the contours in that section will be omitted so that the
user may make the correct connections by hand later on.

Terrain Menu 3-3

Both hazards can be overcome by correctly formed polygons.
Always check your contours. Being a line-based system, the contours are
in their theoretically correct positions but this only holds true if the
line/polygon system is also correct. Of course it never is, and a bad break
line will result in erroneous contours. See the remarks under DTM
Contours.
See also Contours from Lines versus from DTM.

Procedure
The Contour Details dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Surface to contour Select the surface whose line model must be used to
generate contours.
Contours by interval Enter the vertical interval between successive contours.
Single contour Alternatively, enter the elevation if just a single contour is
required.
Use exclusion polygons Check to be offered a list of all defined PolyFences after
clicking OK. Contours will then not appear within these
areas.

3-4 Terrain Reference

Cross Sections
These functions allow you to extract cross sections from the terrain
model and also convert cross sections into terrain model points.

Extract

Extract cross sections along a pre-calculated horizontal alignment

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainCrossExtract

This function is used to extract cross sections from ground or design data
along a pre-defined route. A horizontal road alignment should therefore
have been generated prior to using this function. This can be
accomplished using Alignment
Horizontal in the Road Menu.
A start and stop chainage must be specified for the extraction of the
sections. The chainage values and the chainage coordinates will be
retrieved from the current road database. First select the required road if
necessary.
The width of the section to the left and right of centreline must be
specified. If the extracted cross section data extends beyond these limits,
the cross section is 'snipped' and an elevation is interpolated at the offset
limit.
The search distance is the distance (left and right of the section line) that
is scanned for line nodes. The shorter the distance, the less data has to be
scanned and the faster will be the operation. There is however a
minimum distance of 100 m that is applied if the entered distances are
less than that.
Be careful of specifying a very short search distance which may result in
points being omitted, particularly in the case of design data where lines
joining terrace corners are of critical importance but can often be a long
way apart. The line might fall within the search radius but the nodes may
not and the line will therefore be ignored.
A minimum distance between section points may be entered. This is
used to filter out redundant data on the section that are closer together
than the specified distance. In areas of critical detail such as existing
roads, drains, etc., this value should be set to '0' so that all points or line
crossings on the section line are adopted.

Terrain Menu 3-5

Sections may be extracted from the lines connecting points or from the
point coordinates directly. In the case of extraction from lines, a terrain
model must have been previously generated using Add Break Line, Add
Feature Line, Intelli-Lines or Triangulate.
An offset and elevation will be added to the section by interpolation at
each point where the section crosses a terrain break line. This option will
be used where sections are required in new and theoretical locations on
a previously surveyed or defined site.
In the case of extracting the sections from coordinates, the offsets and
elevations will be derived from all points within a specified distance of
the section line. All points falling within this "band of interest" will be
assumed part of the section, and their offsets and elevations added to the
file.
This option has relevance where sections are surveyed in the field
approximately along some physically defined alignment, for example
between batter boards during road construction or along a boundary for
pipeline design.
A layer (in the current road database) must be entered into which the
cross sections will be stored. You may choose if the extracted cross
sections are to be stored or simply viewed by selecting or de-selecting the
Store to road layer option.
De-select the Store to road layer option if your cross sections are to be
checked first before storing them. If this has been done previously, and
the sections are to be saved, make quite sure that the correct road file is
loaded.
The speed of these routines will be greatly improved by switching the
screen output OFF in Output Manager.
If the first or last section on a run appears misaligned, check that the
horizontal alignment in the road database is correct. The direction of
each section is derived by comparing the current chainage coordinate
with the one before and after it.
If one of those is wrong (as a result of a partial recalculation for example),
the derived section will be skew. Another possibility is that the section
has been deliberately set skew by editing the Chainage Record under
Tools in the Road Menu.

3-6 Terrain Reference

Procedure
The Cross Section Extraction dialog is displayed.

Chainage - Start and Stop Enter the first and last chainages of the portion of the
horizontal alignment to process.
Section width - Left and Enter the distances left and right of the centreline over
Right which to extract the cross section.
Extract from terrain Select the surface that contains the points/line model
surface from which to extract sections.
Store to road layer Check this option and select the road layer in which the
extracted cross section must be stored. If this option is
not checked then the extracted data is only listed for
information purposes.
Extract sections from… Select either the Break lines option to extract sections
from line model intersections, or the Coordinates option
to extract sections directly from points along the cross
section.
Allowable offset to normal Enter the distance around the normal to the centreline
that will be considered when searching for a point to use
in the cross-section (in order to accomodate points that
might not be exactly on the normal to the centreline).
Only available if the Coordinates option has been
selected in Extract sections from...
Minimum distance Enter a filter distance to be used to thin out points along
between points the cross section.
Section search distance Enter the maximum distance away from the centreline
that will be searched for cross section line crossings or
points. Note that the actual maximum search distance
will be the greater of this distance and the specified left
and right section widths with a min. distance of 100m.

Terrain Menu 3-7

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The Output
Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output options.

Translate
Insert existing cross sections back into the model as points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainCrossTranslate

This function is used to convert cross sections from a road database into
YXZ coordinate points in the Terrain model. The cross sections must
therefore already exist in a road database and a horizontal alignment
must have been coordinated.
The layer from which the cross sections in the roads file will be
extracted, and the terrain surface into which the generated points will be
added, is selected. A suffix may optionally be entered to add to the names
of the points generated. By default, all the points on the cross sections
will be translated to YXZ coordinates. If the ‘Batters Only’ check box is
selected, only the first two points on the left and the last two points on
the right of the cross section will be translated (In other words, the banks
only).
The generated points are automatically named to enable the points to be
connected by lines using a suitable name filter in the Intelli-Lines
function. The naming convention is as follows:
• Ground points are called ...., l3x, l2x, l1x, clx, r1x, r2x,.....
• Design points are called bblx, sblx, ..., l1x, clx, r1x, ..., sbrx, tbrx.
The "x" suffix on all the points indicates that they come from cross
sections and would enable a mass deletion at a later stage if necessary.
An Intelli-Line name filter that connected all the "l1" points would pick
up the left edge of the road, a filter that connected all the "bb" points
would pick up all the bottom of banks (both left and right), and so on.

3-8 Terrain Reference

Procedure
The Cross Sections to YXZ dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Chainage - Start and Stop Enter the first and last chainages of the portion of the
horizontal alignment to be processed.
Transform road layer Select the road layer containing the cross sections to be
translated.
Store to terrain surface Select the surface on which the generated points should
be stored.
Suffix to add to names Enter a single character suffix that will be added to the
names of all generated points. This helps in identifying
points at a later stage.
Translate… - Batters only Select this option to translate only the first and last two
points in each section.
Translate… - By offset Select this option (and enter the Left and Right offsets)
to translate points between specified offsets.
Translate… - By point Select this option (and enter the Left and Right PLC
location code codes) to translate points between specified points in the
cross-section.
Create lines on section Check this option and select either the Break lines option
as… or the Feature lines option to have lines automatically
generated between the translated points. The generated
lines automatically delete any crossing lines in the
surface to which the cross-section is being translated.

Terrain Menu 3-9

Fast Cross
Extract cross sections along an alignment selected with the mouse

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainCrossFast

This function is used to extract sections along a randomly defined

straight line. It is well suited to the extraction of sections for volumes of
terraces and sites where the orientation of the cross sections is not an
issue. A start and an end point are entered with the mouse and sections
are extracted in a straight line between the two points at the interval that
you define. No prior horizontal alignment is required but the sections are
stored in the current road file.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
Snap on start point
Click on a position in the Design Centre window and the following
prompt is displayed:
Snap on end point
Click on another position in the Design Centre window and the Cross
Section Interval dialog is displayed.

Interval for cross sections Enter the spacing at which cross sections should be
extracted.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
following message is displayed:

Click the Yes button to overwrite the current road file, or click the No
button to cancel the function. From this point the function proceeds as
for the Extract function.
3-10 Terrain Reference
Long Sections
These functions allow you to extract long sections from the terrain
model.

Extract
Extract a long section along a defined alignment (road or pipe bend points)

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainLongExtract

This function is used to extract long sections from ground or design data
along a pre-defined route. The route the long section takes may be
specified by 'bend point' names (e.g. a pipeline) or by chainage points
from the road database. Like the Cross Section functions, the long
sections may be extracted from either lines or points.
In the case of extracting the long section from points, an offset from the
section line must be entered. This defines a 'band of interest'. All points
falling within this band will be assumed part of the section and their
offsets and elevations added to the file.
A minimum distance between successive section points may be entered.
This is used to filter out redundant data on the section that are closer
together than the specified distance. In areas of critical detail such as
existing roads, drains, etc., this value should be set to '0' so that all points
or line crossings on the section line are adopted.
In the case of entering the bend points by name, a list box must be filled
with the names of the points defining the route through which the long
section should be extracted. There is an option to interpolate a height for
the bend points or to leave them as is.
If the route of the long section is to be derived from the chainage points
in the road database, a Start and Stop chainage for the extraction must
be entered.
The long section extracted may be stored in an ASCII file or in the
currently loaded road file as chainage and centre point elevation. The
names, heights and coordinates of the bend points are also stored. This
long section may be plotted using the Plot function. If you choose to store
the data to the current road file, existing data in that file may be
overwritten and any new data will be added to the file. Select a
redundant road file if you do not wish to keep the output.

Terrain Menu 3-11

Technical Notes
The method used for interpolating the heights for the bend points
depends on whether the section is being gathered from lines or points.
In the case of a long section from lines, the program will first attempt to
height all the bend points that do not have a Z value.
In the case of a long section from points, the entire long section is
extracted and then the elevations of the bend points are determined by
interpolation from the long section.
Running chainages are handled differently depending on the long
section type:
• A section through named bend points will have its chainages related
to the straight-line distances between bend points.
• A section based on road points will have its chainages adjusted onto
the bend points. In other words, between 22400 and 22500 there will
be 100 m of section regardless of whether the actual straight-line
distance is less than this or not.

Procedure
The Long Section Extraction dialog is displayed.

Extract from terrain Select the surface from which the long section should be
surface extracted.
Store to road layer Check this option and select a layer in which to store the
long section. If this option is not checked then the
extracted data is only listed for information purposes.

3-12 Terrain Reference

Minimum distance Enter a filter distance to be used to thin out points along
between points the long section.
Extract section from... - Select this option to extract points from line crossings.
Lines
Extract section from... - Select this option to extract the long section directly from
Coordinates points along the long section. For Allowable offset to
normal enter the maximum distance around the long
section that will be searched for points.
Bend point types Select either the Name option to extract the long section
along an alignment defined by named points, or the
Chainages option to extract the long section along an
alignment defined by the horizontal alignment of the
current road file.
Minimum search distance Enter the maximum distance away from the centreline
that will be searched for cross section line crossings or
points. Note that the minimum distance is 100m.
Height the bend points Check this option to have the bend points assigned a Z
ordinate by interpolation (See the Technical Notes in
Long Section for details on how the interpolation is
carried out).
Save to ASCII file Check this option to have the long section points written
out in comma-delimited format for later import into a
spreadsheet or other program.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. If you
selected the Name option in Bend point types then the Bend Point Names
dialog will be displayed.

Start chainage Enter the chainage to be assigned to the first bend

points. Subsequent chainages will be relative to this start
chainage.
Bend point name Enter the name of an existing point that defines the
alignment.

Terrain Menu 3-13

Add Button Click this button to add the current Bend point name to
the bend points list. The long section will be extracted in
the order of the names in the list.
Delete Button Click on an item in the bend points list and then click this
button to remove a name from the list.

Fill in the relevant data and then click the OK button to continue. If you
selected the Chainages option in Bend point types then the Chainage
Details dialog will be displayed.

Chainage - Start and Stop Enter the first and last chainages of the portion of
the horizontal alignment for which processing should
be carried out.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
following message is displayed:

Click the Yes button to have the longsection chainages added to the
existing chainages in the current road file.
If you click the No button then the following message is displayed:

Click the Yes button to have the current road file replaced by the
longsection that is extracted. Click the No button to cancel the function.

3-14 Terrain Reference

String Long
Creates a long section following terrain lines and a unique name filter

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainLongString

This function is similar to the one described under Extract Long Section.
The long section is extracted along a route defined by points joined up to
each other by the user. These points have to be joined by using Add
Break Line or Add Feature Line before the String Long Section routine
is run. You select the start point and the long section is generated from
this point along the series of lines starting from this point.
It must be a unique string, as unpredictable results will occur if there are
multiple branches from a node. Generally it is recommended that the
extraction string be allocated to a unique layer. An efficient way to do
this is to create the bend points or nodes in Model
Insert Point with Auto
Interpolate under Settings toggled on.
Note that even though the point being created is being allocated to a
particular surface, auto-height can calculate the elevation from any other
surface. In the same way, when the long section is extracted, it may be
derived from a surface independent of the one on which the bend points
are located.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
String Long: Snap on line start point
Click on an existing point in the Design Centre window that is the start of
a series of points joined by lines. From this point on the function
proceeds as for Extract except that in the extraction dialog the Bend
point types options are disabled as the alignment has already been
defined from the lines joining the points.

Terrain Menu 3-15

Chainage String
Creates road chainages from connected points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainLongStringChg

This function will generate road chainages from a series of connected

points. No long section will be extracted between these points, in
contrast to the String Long function described above. A chainage will be
generated for each point which is in the connected string.
The points must have heights assigned as no height calculations are
performed.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
String Long: Snap on line start point
Click on an existing point in the Design Centre window that is the start of
a series of points joined by lines.
The String Chainage dialog is displayed:

Store to road layer Select the layer for the cross section level.
Save to ASCII file Check this option to have the generated chainages
written to a file.

Fill in the relevant details and click OK to continue. The following

message is displayed:

Click the Yes button to have the long section chainages added to the
existing chainages in the current road file.
3-16 Terrain Reference
If you click the No button then the following message is displayed:

Click the Yes button to have the current road file replaced by the long
section that is extracted. Click the No button to cancel the function.

Fast
Extracts a long section along an alignment selected with the mouse

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainLongFast

This function extracts a long section along a route selected graphically.

As long sections are generally defined by pre-defined conditions, it is
mostly used for quick looks at a particular profile across the site
Click on a start point, successive bend points (if any) and an end point
that defines the route. Click the right mouse button to indicate that the
whole route has been entered. The data is collected in the current road
file. This can sometimes result in a lot of unwanted chainages so swap to
a redundant road file if you do not wish to keep the output.
To capture the data to an ASCII file, use the Output Manager to switch
on text file output.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
Fast Long: Indicate start point
Click on a position in the Design Centre window and the following
prompt is displayed:
Fast Long: Indicate next point
Continue indicating points for the longsection alignment. Right-click in
order to continue with the extraction.
From this point on the function proceeds as for Extract except that in the
extraction dialog the Bend point types options are disabled as the
alignment has already been defined from the lines joining the points.

Terrain Menu 3-17

Surface Area
These routines work on the whole site. Use a temporary layer to
calculate areas or volumes on a portion of a site.

Plan Area
Calculate area without taking slopes into account

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainAreaPlan

This routine calculates the area inside the perimeter of the site by using
polygons. It is essential to join all the points that fall on the perimeter of
the site. See Contours from Lines for more information on perimeters
and joining of lines. Any polygons that are encountered on the surface
during these calculations are automatically broken up into temporary
triangles.

Procedure
The Area Details dialog is displayed.

Surface for area Select the surface that contains the line model for which
the area must be calculated.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The Output
Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output options.

Slope Area
Calculate area taking individual slope polygons into account

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainAreaSlope

This function works in the same way as Plan Area except that the slope
of the polygons is taken into account when calculating the area.

3-18 Terrain Reference

Area by Slope Category
Calculate area taking individual slope polygons into account and display results
ordered by slope category

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainAreaSlopeCalc

This function works in the same way as Slope Area. The results however
are output grouped by slope categories that have been set up using the
Slope Shading option of Display Settings.

Surface Volume
Calculate the volume of the terrain above a certain datum inside a
perimeter by using polygons

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainVolume

This routine calculates the volume of the terrain above a certain datum
inside the currently defined perimeter by using polygons. The datum
itself may be set before the calculation starts.
It is essential to join all the points that fall on the perimeter of the volume
to be calculated. See Contours from Lines for more information. Before
using this option, break lines obviously have to be generated using Add
Break Line, Add Feature Line, Intelli-Lines or Triangulate.
Any polygons that are encountered on the surface during the volume
calculation are automatically broken up into temporary triangles.
The volume that is obtained corresponds to the 'Datum volume' that is
given in the Single Surface option of DTM volumes.

Terrain Menu 3-19

Procedure
The Volume Details (Surface) dialog is displayed.

Surface for volume Select the surface that contains the line model for which
the volume must be calculated.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The Volume
Details (Datum) dialog is displayed.

Datum for volumes Enter the datum above which volumes should be
calculated. The initial value is one metre below the
lowest point on the surface rounded to the next lowest
full metre, and you may not enter a value greater than
this.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The Output
Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output options.

3-20 Terrain Reference

Terrace Banks
The design points defining the terrace must have been inserted into the
database and connected with lines prior to using any of the options
under Terrace Banks. The lines connecting the outer design points must
form a complete perimeter around the terrace. There may be a complex
network of design lines and points defining the surface within the
perimeter.
When banks are created, points are generated along each side of the
selected terrace on the shoulders and at the toes of banks. They are
named according to the following convention:
• sbz for points on the shoulder (terrace edge).
• bbz for points on the bottom of a bank.
• tbz for points on the top of a bank.
Suffixes may also be added to the generated names. This combination
gives excellent control on subsequent point deletion and plotting. For
example, any one terrace may be deleted by name or the bank lines may
be drawn with one pen color for cut slopes and another for fill slopes.
After banks have been generated, you may choose to display the bank
lines on the screen by switching on the display in the Display Settings
dialog.
In projects that consist of a large number of terraces, it is advisable to try
and reduce the number of individual platforms by connecting adjacent
terraces with extra design lines between them. This intervening area can
then be treated as earthwork shaping and may be considered as part of a
single larger terrace. The larger each perimeter is, the easier and the less
work there will be to balance the earthworks.

Delete Banks
Delete all banks around a terrace perimeter

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainBankDelete

This function is used to remove previously generated bank points from a

terrace. The mouse must be clicked on any one of the design points
defining the terrace perimeter. All the previously generated bank points
connected to the selected terrace will then be removed. It is not
necessary to use this routine before generating new banks around a
terrace as it will be carried out automatically.
Terrain Menu 3-21
Procedure
The Surface Details dialog is displayed.

Terrace surface Select the surface on which the terrace points are
located.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
following prompt is displayed:
Snap on terrace point
Click on one of the terrace points. Once the terrace has been located the
following message is displayed:

Click the Yes button to continue with the function, or click the No button
to cancel the function.

Dynamic Drag
Dynamically move a complete terrace to a new location

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainBankDrag

This function enables you to graphically reposition a platform. A point on

the perimeter of the platform has to be selected in order to identify the
platform to use. Any point may be chosen but the point closest to the
bottom right corner will be found to be the easiest as this becomes the
reference point for the subsequent move.
The actual move is a two-stage operation. Once identified, the platform
perimeter changes colour and can be dragged to a new position. The new
position is confirmed by clicking with the left mouse button.
The platform may now be rotated around the reference point. The
position will be fixed once the left mouse button is clicked a second time.

3-22 Terrain Reference

It will be found that more control can be exercised on the rotation if the
mouse point is kept some distance from the reference point.
In the process of the move the old banks (if they exist) will have been
automatically deleted. They can be regenerated in the new location with
the normal Fixed Slope or Variable Slope options.

Procedure
The Surface Details dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
following prompt is displayed:
Snap on terrace point
Click on one of the terrace points. Once the terrace has been located the
following prompt is displayed:
Indicate new terrace position
Drag the terrace to a new position and click to place it. The following
message is displayed:

Click the Yes button to rotate the terrace about the placing point. Click
the No button to retain the current terrace orientation.
If you click the Yes button the following prompt is displayed:
Indicate rotation for terrace
Move the mouse cursor and the terrace will rotate. Click on a position to
fix the terrace in place.

Terrain Menu 3-23

Fixed Slopes
Create banks around a terrace with constant slopes

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainBankFixed

This function is used to generate bank points along each side of a terrace
using the same cut or fill slopes along the entire perimeter. Before
commencing the routine, it is a good idea to Zoom onto the particular
terrace of interest so that it fills the whole screen.
The mouse must be clicked on any one of the terrace points defining the
perimeter to identify the perimeter of interest. The perimeter is then
tracked and any previously generated bank points connected to the
selected perimeter will be removed.
Data entry consists of:
• The cut-and-fill slopes to apply
• A name suffix to add to the generated bank points
• The interval between generated points along the terrace edges
• A search distance from the terrace edge
Two further options exist:
• The terrace may be raised or lowered prior to calculation
• A unique serial number may be attached to each generated toe point
The purpose of the serial number is to facilitate the extraction of placing
data for setting out the terrace. Bank points will be generated along each
edge of the terrace at the specified interval. Each bank intersection with
the ground will be at, or within, the search distance from the edge.

Procedure
The Bank Surface Details dialog is displayed.

3-24 Terrain Reference

Ground surface Select the surface which contains the points/line model
that define the ground or base surface.
Terrace surface Select the surface which contains the points/line model
that define the terrace surface.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
following prompt is displayed:
Snap on terrace point
Click on one of the terrace points. Once the terrace has been located the
Fixed Slope Details dialog is displayed.

Cut slope Enter the slope (as 1 in X) at which banks in cut

should be calculated.
Fill slope Enter the slope (as 1 in X) at which banks in fill
should be calculated.
Section spacing Enter the distance between successive bank
sections around the terrace.
Search distance Enter the maximum distance from the terrace
perimeter to which bank lines will be extended.
Suffix to add to names Enter a single character code that will be added to
the names of all the generated bank points.
Automatic cut/fill optimization Check this option and enter the percentage
difference between cut and fill volumes to have the
terrace automatically lifted or dropped and
recalculated in order to balance cut and fill volumes.
Balancing will stop when the percentage difference
is less than the specified value or twenty attempts at
balancing have been made without reaching this
value.

Terrain Menu 3-25

Compaction factor Enter the factor to apply to cut material before being
used as fill. A factor of 100 gives no compaction,
less than 100 gives compaction, and over 100 gives
bulking. Note that this entry is not used during the
balancing calculations but is used when the final
volumes are reported.
Topsoil to strip Enter the depth of topsoil to be stripped from the
terrace before fill takes place. Note that this entry is
not used during the balancing calculations but is
used when the final volumes are reported.
Volume report by Band or Select the required option. See the entry on Band vs
Prism Prism Volumes for details on the various options.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The Bank
Creation Details dialog is displayed.

Add elevation constant to Check this option and enter the constant to be added to
terrace elevations in order to lift or drop (negative constant) the
terrace points before calculating the banks.
Add serial number to toe Check this option in order to have a serial number added
points to the names of the generated bank points in addition to
the specified suffix.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The terrace
banks are now calculated.

The following error message could be displayed.

This happens if banks extend out in such a way that they overlap with
the banks from another part of that same terrace. It is a design problem
and suggestions are given to correct it. Pressing Yes will lead to the

3-26 Terrain Reference

terrace surface having an invalid model. Pressing No will lead to an
indicator pointing to the problem area with the word ‘ERROR’.

If you selected the optimisation option then the Output Manager dialog is
displayed in order for you to set output options.
Optimisation calculations are done and the following message is
displayed:

Click the Yes button to have the new elevations of the optimised terrace
top listed.

Variable Slopes
Create terrace banks with different slopes on each face

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainBankVariable

This function is used to generate bank points along each side of a terrace
using a different cut or fill slope for each edge of the terrace. It is useful
where circumstances require one edge of a terrace to be a retaining wall
or perhaps an access ramp.

Procedure
The Bank Surface Details dialog is displayed.

Ground surface Select the surface which contains the points/line model
that define the ground or base surface.
Terrace surface Select the surface which contains the points/line model
that define the terrace surface.

Terrain Menu 3-27

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
following prompt is displayed:
Snap on terrace point
Click on one of the terrace points. Once the terrace has been located the
Variable Slope Details (General) dialog is displayed.

Section spacing Enter the distance between successive bank sections

around the terrace.
Search distance Enter the maximum distance from the terrace perimeter
to which bank lines will be extended.
Suffix to add to names Enter a single character code that will be added to the
names of all the generated bank points.
Automatic cut/fill Check this option and enter the percentage difference
optimization between cut and fill volumes to have the terrace
automatically lifted or dropped and recalculated in order
to balance cut and fill volumes. Balancing will stop when
the percentage difference is less than the specified value
or twenty attempts at balancing have been made without
reaching this value.
Compaction factor Enter the factor to apply to cut material before being
used as fill. A factor of 100 gives no compaction, less
than 100 gives compaction, and over 100 gives bulking.
Note that this entry is not used during the balancing
calculations but is used when the final volumes are
reported.
Topsoil to strip Enter the depth of topsoil to be stripped from the terrace
before fill takes place. Note that this entry is not used
during the balancing calculations but is used when the
final volumes are reported.
Volume report by Band or Select the required option. See the entry on Band vs
Prism Prism Volumes for details on the various options.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The cut-
and-fill slopes are entered for each edge of the terrace individually. The
edge currently requiring cut or fill details will be highlighted in the
3-28 Terrain Reference
defined Fill pen. See INI File Components for details. The Variable Slope
Details (Slopes) dialog is displayed for each edge of the terrace.

Cut slope Enter the slope (as 1 in X) at which banks in cut should
be calculated.
Fill slope Enter the slope (as 1 in X) at which banks in fill should
be calculated.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. From this
point on the function proceeds as for the Fixed Slope Banks function.

Terrain Menu 3-29

Terrace Top
Identify the probable extent of a terrace

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainTerraceTop

This function is used to identify the probable extent of a terrace if the

perimeter of the outsides of the banks is known. It is typically used to
maximise a platform within a property boundary.
The surfaces of the terrace and the base, a reference point on the outside
perimeter for the banks, the platform level and the cut-and-fill slopes are
entered.
The routine interpolates points inwards from the perimeter to indicate
the limits of a theoretical platform. It is normal to use these displayed
data points to visually insert final terrace corner points at locations that
make optimum use of the space available but still provide a pleasing
aesthetic appearance.

Procedure
The Bank Surface Details dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Ground surface Select the surface which contains the points/line
model that define the ground or base surface.
Terrace surface Select the surface which contains the points/line
model that define the terrace surface.

The following prompt is displayed:

Snap on terrace point
Click on one of the terrace points. Once the terrace has been located the
Terrace Base Details dialog is displayed.

3-30 Terrain Reference

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Terrain Menu 3-31

Terrace Merge
Convert terrace and batters into ground surface points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainTerraceMerge

This function is used to convert the terrace and batters generated under
Terrace Banks into ground surface points.
You must specify the terrace and ground surfaces (and optionally a third
surface on which the merged points should be created) and identify the
terrace to be used by clicking on a corner point. The function will:
• Copy all the points on that design surface into the relevant ground
surface
• Add the lines that describe terrace and banks to the ground surface
• Connect the bank top and toe points into the terrain model
• Delete all the ground points that previously fell under that terrace
and it's banks.
Note that after this function is complete the original terrace will still
exist, even though it will have been merged into either the ground or
merge surface. Previous versions of the program would remove the
specified terrace after the merge.

Procedure
The Bank Surface Details dialog is displayed.

Ground surface Select the surface which contains the points/line

model that define the ground or base surface.
Terrace surface Select the surface which contains the points/line
model that define the terrace surface.
Merge surface Check this option and select a surface in order to
have the specified ground surface copied to the
merge surface (which must be an empty surface)
before the terrace merge takes place.Only available
when merging the terrace and ground surfaces.

3-32 Terrain Reference

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
following prompt is displayed:
Snap on terrace point
Click on one of the terrace points. Once the terrace has been located the
following message is displayed:

Click the Yes button to proceed with the merge, or click the No button to
cancel the function.

Terrain Menu 3-33

Terrace Volume
Calculate cut-and-fill quantities for one specific terrace

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainTerraceVolume

This function is used to calculate cut-and-fill quantities for one specific

Terrace at a time.

Once the terrace (with or without banks) is identified, a DTM grid is run
across it and the cut-and-fill volumes are determined. Figures for
compaction and topsoil stripping can be incorporated and a final figure is
presented. The results are presented in the Output window as usual.
The volume data is substantially the same as is given under DTM -
Design/Surface Difference.
Use this function to get a preliminary idea of whether the cut-and-fill
balances for a specific terrace. If the quantities do not balance, the
terrace may be very quickly adjusted and the procedure used again.

Procedure
The Bank Surface Details dialog is displayed.

Ground surface Select the surface which contains the points/line model
that define the ground or base surface.
Terrace surface Select the surface which contains the points/line model
that define the terrace surface.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
following prompt is displayed:
Snap on terrace point
Click on one of the terrace points. Once the terrace has been located the
Terrace Volume Details dialog is displayed.

3-34 Terrain Reference

Platform name Enter a descriptive name for this terrace. This name is
shown in the results.
Compaction factor Enter the factor for cut compaction before it is used as
fill. Specify a compaction factor of 100 for no
compaction, less than 100 for compaction, and greater
than 100 for bulking.
Topsoil to strip Enter the depth of topsoil to be stripped before
calculating cut-to-fill quantities.
Grid interval Enter the spacing in metres between grid points to be
used for interpolating levels. A large grid interval causes
more error in the calculated volumes but is faster to
calculate.
Set Depths Button Click this button to set the depth ranges at which to
report the cut and fill volumes.
Use exclusion polygons Check this option to exclude predefined regions from the
volume calculation.
Volume report by Band or Select the required option. See the entry on Band vs
Prism Prism Volumes for details on the various options.
CAD Output Click this check box to have the generated grid points
created as CAD points on a selected CAD layer.
CAD Layer Combo Select the (existing) CAD layer to which the CAD points
should be written.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Click the Set Depths button in this dialog to display the Depth Intervals
dialog in order to set the depth ranges at which to report the cut and fill
volumes.

Terrain Menu 3-35

The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options.

3-36 Terrain Reference

Delete Ground
Delete all the points on a surface that fall within or "under" a particular terrace and its
banks

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainTerraceDelGround

This function is used to delete all the points on a surface that fall within
or "under" a particular terrace and its banks. Since changes are not
stored until the file is saved, you can recover from this operation by
loading the file again and selecting No at the 'Do you want to save'
prompt.
The routine will remove all surface points within the selected terrace.
Unlike the Terrace Merge function, it will not attempt to link up any
terrain lines and it will not change the surface allocated to the terrace
points.

Procedure
The Bank Surface Details dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
following prompt is displayed:
Snap on terrace point
Click on one of the terrace points. Once the terrace has been located the
following message is displayed:

Click the Yes button to delete the ground points under the terrace
perimeter, or click the No button to cancel the function.

Terrain Menu 3-37

Point Grid
Generate a grid of points with interpolated heights

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainPointGrid

This function will, given a rectangle, generate a grid of points inside the
rectangle with interpolated heights.

Procedure
The Point Grid Settings dialog is displayed.

Interpolate heights from Select the surface from which the grid points heights
should be interpolated.
Interpolation search Enter the maximum distance in metres to search around
distance a generated grid point in order to find lines from which to
interpolate heights.
Generate grid on Select the surface on which the grid points should be
generated.
Grid Spacing - Horizontal Enter the spacing between grid points in metres. The
and Vertical spacing is measured from the first point placed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
following prompt is displayed:
Enter first point of grid rectangle (grid generated from
this corner)
Click on a position in the Design Centre window that defines the first
point of the grid rectangle. The first point of the grid will be placed here
and all spacing will be calculated from this point.
The following prompt is displayed:
Enter second point of grid rectangle

3-38 Terrain Reference

As the mouse is moved a rectangle is displayed. Click on a position in the
Design Centre window that defines the second point of the grid
rectangle.
The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options. The grid points are generated within the defined rectangle.

Terrain Menu 3-39

DTM Grid Volumes
These functions impose a regular grid over one or two terrain surfaces.
Elevations are interpolated from the line data at each grid point and
volumes are calculated. Particular attention should be paid to the
general discussion on DTM Volumes.
The elevations on the grid generated by these routines are stored in a file
with the same name as the terrain file but with a ".grd" extension.
The calculations will be performed only on the portion of the site
currently visible on the screen. Therefore, if a volume of a particular area
is required, the zoom functions should first be used to display the entire
desired locality on the screen.
For volumes of terraces, it will be quicker to use the dedicated Terrace
Volume function.
It is always a good idea to contour the DTM grid in DTM Contours
and/or generate a 3D View after creating a model. This should at least
show up any gross errors that might exist due to one of the terrain points
having an incorrect elevation.
One of the following routines must be run in order for DTM contours to
be generated.

Single Surface
Calculate a grid and volume from one surface to a datum

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainGridSingle

This function is used to generate a grid model of one specified surface.

Each 'sheet' is processed in turn, starting at the top right-hand corner.
Lines of grid points are dropped vertically at the specified interval and
levels are interpolated at each point as they are displayed. All other
surfaces are ignored in this process.
The resultant DTM grid (and hence derived contours) will reflect the
single chosen surface ONLY.
A grid interval must be defined. This interval controls a trade off
between speed and precision. The site is broken up into squares (called
sheets). These sheets may be viewed by selecting Preview inside the
dialog box. Each sheet comprises of 40 x 40 grid points at the specified
spacing. A maximum of 200 sheets is permissible. If this number is
exceeded, larger grid spacing must be specified.

3-40 Terrain Reference

A smaller grid interval produces more sheets, and thus a more
concentrated grid, which will yield a higher accuracy in the volumes and
smoother contours, but takes longer to process.
A 'Search hole' distance controls the way in which the data is interpreted.
As each grid line is scanned, elevations are initially interpolated from the
line data at the spots where the 'grid line' crosses them. If the distance
between these interpolations is greater than the specified 'Search hole'
distance, no elevations will be generated at those locations and contours
and volumes will not be obtained in this region. This setting can
therefore be used to avoid contouring or quantifying through dams or
large buildings, across the arms of horseshoe shaped sites, etc.
A specific elevation datum is set in order to enable a constant datum
elevation to be used for sequential volume measurements. The datum
elevation that is set may not be higher than the default provided.
Two volumes from the model are printed:
• The Perimeter Base Volume is obtained by creating a uniform base
around the perimeter of the gridded surface. This base is assumed to
run from the first grid point on a 'grid line', directly to the last grid
point on the line. Thus, for each line of grid points, a base will be
created between the first and last grid points in that line.
Any grid point elevations below the base will be considered as cut
and any above will be considered as fill. This volume is useful for
dumps and stockpiles where the base level below the surface is not
known, or where it may be assumed that there is a plane surface
from one side to the other.
• The Elevation Datum Volume is the volume between the gridded
surface and a datum elevation below it. This volume is most
frequently used in comparative measurements spaced over a period
of time and special attention must be given to the reliable definition
of a perimeter in these circumstances.
In using these volumes, particular attention should be paid to the points
raised in the general discussion on DTM Volumes.

Terrain Menu 3-41

Procedure
The DTM Surface Details dialog is displayed.

Surface to grid Select the surface for which the DTM grid must be
calculated.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The Grid
Details dialog is displayed.

Grid interval Enter the spacing between grid points in metres.

Preview Button Click this button to regenerate the grid display. If the
specified grid interval would generate too many sheets,
then the interval is reset to the previous value.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The Single
Surface Details dialog is displayed.

Search hole distance Enter the distance beyond which interpolations should
be discarded.
Datum elevation Enter the base elevation from which to determine
volumes. The initial value is calculated from the lowest
point on the site and a higher value than this may not be
specified.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
calculated volume is displayed in the Output Window.

3-42 Terrain Reference

Ground/Design Surface
Calculate a grid and quantities between two surfaces

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainGridGndDes

This function is used to generate a model of a combination of two

surfaces that can be thought of as the "ground" and "design" surfaces.
General details are the same as those described for the Single Surface
DTM. The difference is that the grid points will generally track along a
ground surface, but will follow the second "design" surface whenever it is
found. This means that the resulting grid represents an 'as built'
situation.
The gridded points on the design surface are stored with a different flag
compared to the ground surface so that subsequent contours and 3D
models can show the design portions in a unique colour.
When setting the "Hole Distance" for this routine it is usually necessary
to set a much larger 'hole' distance when gridding the design surface.
This is because the point interpolation procedure has to reach from one
side of a terrace to another.
Volumes and areas of the earthworks will be calculated and displayed.
These are the quantities of cut and fill between the two surfaces as well
as the plan areas of cut and fill. The amount of topsoil to be stripped may
then be entered as well as a bulking or compaction factor for the
excavated material. To increase the amount of cut available due to
bulking, set the factor greater than 100%. To decrease the amount of cut
due to compaction, set the factor below 100%.
This last part of the routine will cycle so that further topsoil and
compaction factors can be entered. Click Cancel to terminate.

Procedure
The DTM Surface Details dialog is displayed.

Ground surface Select the surface on which the ground or base model is
located.

Terrain Menu 3-43

Design surface Select the surface on which the design or terrace model
is located.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The Grid
Details dialog is displayed.

Grid interval Enter the spacing between grid points in metres.

Preview Button Click this button to regenerate the grid display. If the
specified grid interval would generate too many sheets,
then the interval is reset to the previous value.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The Double
Surface Details dialog is displayed.

Ground hole distance Enter the distance beyond which interpolations on the
ground surface should be discarded.
Design hole distance Enter the distance beyond which interpolations on the
design surface should be discarded.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The
Volume Details dialog is displayed.

Topsoil to strip Enter the depth of topsoil to be stripped before

calculating cut and fill volumes.
Compaction factor Enter the factor to be applied to cut volumes before
being used as fill. A factor of 100 gives no compaction,
less than 100 gives compaction, and over 100 gives
bulking.

3-44 Terrain Reference

Ground/Design Difference
Calculate a grid and height difference between two surfaces

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainGridDiff

This function is used to grid, and obtains the difference between, a

"design" surface and "ground" surface.
General details are the same as those described for the Ground/Design
Surface DTM. Volume details are the same as those described in the
Ground/Design Surface option.
In this routine the grid points will be generated only in areas where there
is both ground and design data The grid elevations that are retained are
the differences in elevation between the two surfaces.
This type of grid model is extremely useful in showing depths of cut and
fill. These contours are widely used to check designs, control site
earthworks and obtain "as built" data. Due to their flexibility, these
isopachyte contours largely replace the traditional mass haul diagram for
planning and executing bulk earthworks and dredging.

Procedure
The DTM Surface Details dialog is displayed.

Ground surface Select the surface on which the ground or base model is
located.
Design surface Select the surface on which the design or terrace model
is located.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The Grid
Details dialog is displayed.

Terrain Menu 3-45

Grid interval Enter the spacing between grid points in metres.
Preview Button Click this button to regenerate the grid display. If the
specified grid interval would generate too many sheets,
then the interval is reset to the previous value.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The Double
Surface Details dialog is displayed.

Ground hole distance Enter the distance beyond which interpolations on the
ground surface should be discarded.
Design hole distance Enter the distance beyond which interpolations on the
design surface should be discarded.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The Volume
Details dialog is displayed.

Topsoil to strip Enter the depth of topsoil to be stripped before

calculating cut and fill volumes.
Compaction factor Enter the factor to be applied to cut volumes before
being used as fill. A factor of 100 gives no compaction,
less than 100 gives compaction, and over 100 gives
bulking.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue, or click the
Cancel button to end the function.

3-46 Terrain Reference

Polygon Volume
Calculate volumes within a user-defined polygon

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainGridPolyVolume

This function is used to obtain a volume between two surfaces, or

between a surface and a specified height, within an indicated polygon or
a predefined fence.

Procedure
The Polygon Volume dialog is displayed.

Determine volume by - Select whether the polygon is to be defined by a

Fence or Polygon predefined fence (see Define Fence) or by indicating an
arbitrary polygon. If determining volume by fence then
you must select the name of an existing fence.
Base surface Select the base surface for the calculation.
Terrace - Surface or Level Click the Surface option and select the terrace surface
for the calculation, or click the Level option and enter the
height to be assumed for the terrace surface.
Compaction factor Enter the factor to be applied to cut volumes before
being used as fill. Use a factor of 100 for no compaction,
less than 100 for compaction, and over 100 for bulking.
Search Distance Enabled for the terrace surface option, not the terrace
level option. Enter the distance from an imaginary
rectangle that encloses the fence/ polygon area such
that points on the terrace surface will be found. The
default is 10 (metres).
Topsoil to strip Enter the depth of topsoil to be stripped before
calculating cut and fill volumes.

Terrain Menu 3-47

Volume report by - Band Select the required option. See the entry on Band vs
or Prism Prism Volumes for details on the various options.
Set Depths Button Click this button to display the Depth Intervals dialog for
setting the depth intervals for reporting purposes.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. If you
selected to determine volume by polygon then the following prompt is
displayed:
Perimeter: Indicate start point
Click on a position in the Design Centre window and the following
prompt is displayed:
Perimeter: Indicate next point
Continue indicating perimeter points and end by clicking on or near the
starting point again.
In either case the Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to
set output options. The volumes for the polygon are calculated and
displayed according to the output selections made.

3-48 Terrain Reference

DTM to ASCII
Write the most recently generated DTM information to an ASCII file

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainGridExport

This function writes the most recently generated DTM information to an

ASCII file.
The format is Name, y, x, z with a "g" being inserted for the name. The
ASCII file can then be imported and triangulated to form a standard
DTM model in addition to the current line model if required.
Duplicate points are stored in this file. If you import the data into a DTM
then you will need to run the Editing
Automatic Screen function in the
Survey menu in order to remove these.

Procedure
Windows’ standard save dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to which to write. The drive and path automatically default to the last
used drive and directory for this type of file.
Once you have selected a file the Output Manager dialog is displayed in
order for you to set output options.

Terrain Menu 3-49

DTM Contours
Track contours at any interval through a regular grid of elevation points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainGridContour

This function is used to track contours at any interval through a regular

grid of elevation points created in DTM Grid Volumes. This obviously
implies that one of the DTM Grid routines has to be run first.
If the DTM grid was created on a portion of the site, this is the area that
will automatically be displayed for contouring. Only the contour interval
need be entered and fractions (like 0.5) are permitted. The contours will
then track through each DTM grid 'sheet' in the order in which they were
created. The type of contours created will depend on the DTM
generated. If either a Single Surface or Ground/Design Surface DTM was
created, the contours will conform to the relative terrain surface. If the
Ground/Design Difference DTM was generated, the contours produced
will indicate depths of cut-and-fill (Isopachyte contours).
The area first has the original gridding squares (or sheets) plotted on it.
Each square is scanned round its edges and then quartered in the search
for a contour start position. If a start point is not found the contour will
be abandoned. It is therefore possible for highly localised contours to be
omitted if the DTM grids are too large.
Always check your contours. Being a grid-based system, the contouring
is almost infallible. The area can be any shape and even have holes in it.
Any topographical feature, other than a reverse slope, will be contoured
as long as it is reasonably well defined by the spot heights.

Procedure
The DTM Contour Details dialog is displayed. Fill in the relevant data
and click the OK button to continue.

Contour interval Enter the vertical difference in elevation between

successive contours.

3-50 Terrain Reference

Neutral Contour
Convert a datum contour to ASCII coordinates

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainGridDiffContour

This function converts a Datum Contour to ASCII coordinates to assist

the setting out of earthworks.
Datum Contour actually refers to the cut/fill break line from isopachyte
contours generated in DTM Contours that were in turn derived from a
DTM Difference grid. The ASCII coordinates that are generated
represent the "prick" point of neutral cut and fill and can be read back
into a job for the further processing of setting out data.

Procedure
Windows’ standard save dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to which to write. The drive and path automatically default to the last
used drive and directory for this type of file.
Once you have selected a file the Output Manager dialog is displayed in
order for you to set output options.

Terrain Menu 3-51

Isograde Line
Track a route at a defined constant grade

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainIsograde

This function will track a route at a defined constant grade in the

direction indicated by you. The main uses for this facility lie in irrigation,
canal, and furrow design as well as low-cost road route location where
constant grades are required. Haul roads and timber extraction routes
are typical examples.
You only need to identify a start point and a direction in which to track.
The function will hunt a route along a specified slope.
The initial data entry box permits definition of the extraction surface and
the slope to track. The line start point may be on a different surface to
allow for separated defining data or points obtained from another source.
If the 'Track to pre-defined fence' option is checked, the grade line will be
constrained to tracking within the boundaries of a particular polygon. If
this option is used the Define Fence function under Model has to be
completed before the Isograde Line is tracked.
After the data entry box has been completed, it is necessary to use the
mouse to select a start point for the grade line. Because at any one spot
(unless it is on the edge of the site), there will be two possible directions
for a grade to run, you must also provide a starting direction. This
direction is approximate and only needs to be within the same quadrant
as the required line.
The line will then be tracked. Tracking always attempts to take place in
the same general direction. In other words, lines will not double back on
themselves within the same polygon. This is not to say that a gradual
double back, which occurs over several polygons, will not take place.
Although the function attempts to follow a particular direction, this
decision is sometimes marginal. Unexpected results are therefore not
uncommon in grade line tracking, particularly in rough country. It is a
good idea to work on small portions at a time.
The generated grade line points are linked with lines and automatically
integrated into the extraction surface. Each point is named 'fl' plus the
suffix that has been specified. This permits lines to be isolated and
plotted or deleted in the normal way.
See the section on Farm Planning for Furrows and Roads in How To Do
It for a typical application.

3-52 Terrain Reference

Procedure
The Grade Line Details dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Surface for grade line Select the surface on which the grade line will be stored.
start point
Extract grade line on Select the surface from which the grade line will be
surface calculated.
Suffix to add to generated Enter the single character suffix that will be added to the
points names of points generated by this routine.
Track grade line at Enter the percentage grade (positive is rise, negative is
fall) that must be tracked.
Track to pre-defined fence Check this option and select a fence in order to have
tracking constrained to a polygon.

The following prompt is displayed:

Snap on start point
Click on an existing point in the Design Centre window and the following
prompt is displayed:
Isograde: Indicate starting direction
Click on a position in the Design Centre window to indicate a first-try
direction from the start point and the isograde line will be calculated (if
possible).

Terrain Menu 3-53

Line of Sight
Generate a set of points at a given height at the nearest intersection with the model at
that height

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainLineOfSight

This function will, given a centre point and an eye-level height, generate
a set of points at the given height either at the nearest intersection with
the model at that height or at the specified sight distance should no
ground intersection occur within that distance.
In order to generate the line-of-sight points, a cross-section is taken
every three degrees around the centre point and the intersection
between the line of sight and ground model calculated. The default
rotation angle can be changed using the setting Sweep=n in the
[Terrain] section of the file CivDes6.INI where n is the sweep angle
increment (in degrees) to be used. See INI File Components for more
information.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
Indicate eye location
Click on a position in the Design Centre window and the Line of Sight
Details dialog is displayed.

Track elevation Enter the height at which the tracking line should be
generated.
Track surface Select the surface that contains the model defining the
site to be processed.
Max. track distance Enter the maximum distance that the tracking line can be
from the eye point.

3-54 Terrain Reference

Result surface Select the surface on which the tracking line should be
created.
Result name Enter the name to be assigned to the points generated
during tracking.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The Output
Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output options.

Terrain Menu 3-55

3D View
The following functions allow you to generate a rendered three
dimensional view of the terrain model. You may generate a model that
includes up to 2 surfaces, and overlay that with contours or a bitmap.
The model can be rotated along various axes.

View
Generate and view the site in 3D

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

Terrain3DView

This function generates and displays a 3D view based on the line

polygons in the terrain model.
You can select to generate the view for only a base surface, or for a base
and terrace surface. In either case the line polygons that define the
surface are decomposed into triangles for the view. As each triangle is
created it is filled with a colour determined by the slope of the triangle.
The colours and slopes used are the same as those defined for Slope
Shading in the Display Settings dialog.
If the view data was created previously, you will be given an option to use
that data or to regenerate the data. You should select to regenerate if the
line model has been changed in any way.

Procedure
If the view data had been generated previously then the following
message is displayed:

Click the Yes button to reuse the existing view data, or click the No
button to redefine the view.
If the view data had not been generated previously or you clicked the No
button for the previous message then the View Surface Details dialog is
displayed.

3-56 Terrain Reference

Base surface Select the surface containing the line model that defines
the ground surface.
Terrace surface Check this option and select the surface containing the
line model that defines the terrace surface in order to
generate a dual surface model or fly path.
Eye height Enter the height above the surface at which the fly path
should be generated. Only available when generating a
fly path.
View radius Enter the distance ahead of the current position that will
define the position being looked at. Only available when
generating a fly path.
Speed Enter the distance that the view position moves between
successive frames. Only available when generating a fly
path.
Acceleration Enter the distance that the view moves between
successive frames when changing direction (only
available if the Path from road file option is not selected).
Only available when generating a fly path.
Path from road file Check this option and select the road file from which the
fly path definition should be taken. Only available when
generating a fly path.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The 3D
View dialog is displayed.

Terrain Menu 3-57

Click the Close button to close the view.
Some of the settings made on the tabs in this dialog are applied to the
view immediately. Other settings need to be typed in and then you click
on the Apply button to redraw the view according to the new settings.

3-58 Terrain Reference

View Tab

View Scale - Z Scale Enter the scaling exaggeration factor to be applied to

point heights.
View Translation - Eye X, Enter the ordinates of the view position. Alternatively,
Eye Y and Eye Z drag the mouse pointer in the view with the right button
held down to change the Eye X and Eye Y values
interactively.
View Rotation - Rotation Enter the rotation and inclination angles of the view.
and Inclination Alternatively, drag the mouse pointer in the view with the
left button held down to change the Rotation and
Inclination interactively.
View Axes - None, Cross Select these options to turn off all axis display, to display
or Cube the axes as a 3D cross, or to display the axes as a unit
3D cube respectively.
Show - Contours and Fly Check these options to display contours and/or the
path defined fly path as overlays on the view.
Fly - Start/Stop button, Click the Start button to display the fly animation. Once
Frame delay and AVI flying has started, the Start button will change to a Stop
output button, which can be clicked to terminate the animation
prematurely. For Frame delay enter the delay in seconds
between successive frames of the animation. Check the
AVI output option to have the successive view frames
written out as an AVI file for subsequent replay. The
created file has the same name as the terrain file with an
'.avi' extension.

Terrain Menu 3-59

Material Tab

Shininess Enter the value of the reflectance of the colours in the

view.
Colour by… - Height or Select either the Height option to display the view
Constant colour coloured by heights, or the Constant colour option to
display the view in solid colours.
Start Hue and End Hue Click these buttons to set the start and end hues of the
Buttons range of colours that will be applied to the site when the
Height option is selected.
Base and Terrace Buttons Click these buttons to set the solid colours that will be
displayed when the Constant colour option is selected.
Texture Enter the name of the texture file to be loaded.
Browse Button Click this button to locate a texture file.
Apply texture Check this option to have the selected texture applied to
the view.

3-60 Terrain Reference

Lighting Tab

Light Select the light (from 1 to 8) whose parameters you wish

to change.
Enabled Check this option to enable the selected light.
Parameters - % Ambient Enter the percentages of the types of light emitted by the
light, % Diffuse light and selected light source.
% Specular light
Ambient light is directionless and lights all surfaces
evenly in all directions. Diffuse light comes from a
particular direction but is reflected evenly off a surface.
Specular light is also directional, but is reflected sharply
and in a particular direction.
X, Y and Z Enter the position of the selected light.
Spot or Infinite Select the Spot option to have the selected light behave
like a spotlight, or select the Infinite option to have the
selected light behave like the sun.

Terrain Menu 3-61

Output Tab

Save Button Click this button to save the current view. The Bitmap
Dimensions dialog is displayed.
Print Button Click this button to print the current view.
Info Button Click this button to display information on the renderer
and the version of the libraries being used. A text file
called "PixelFormats.txt" is also written to the program
directory and is useful in sorting out problems with the
display in conjunction with the programmers.
Start/Stop AVI Capture Click this button to create a new AVI file. Once capturing
has started click this button again to close the AVI file.
Capture Frame Click this button to add the current view as a frame into
the current AVI file.

3-62 Terrain Reference

Below are examples of the type of information displayed after clicking
the Info button. Details will change depending on the presence (and use)
of 3D accelerator cards capable of accelerating OpenGL.

Terrain Menu 3-63

Define Fly Path
Define a path for tracking around the 3D site

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

Terrain3DPath

This function generates a path that can be flown in the 3D View.

The path can be defined either by clicking on the display to define corner
points (or PI’s) or can be generated from the chainage coordinates of an
existing road file. If the path is defined by clicking then you should end
the definition by clicking with the right mouse button on the final point
in the path.
In either case the direction of the path is taken from the first point
looking towards the second, from the second looking towards the third,
and so on. The path is smoothed according to the entered acceleration
factor. The higher the acceleration factor the smoother the path will be
as it changes from one direction to another, but the larger the data set
will become.
The height of the viewpoint is taken as the elevation of the selected point
plus the specified eye height. If only a base surface is specified then the
elevation is interpolated from that surface. If both base and terrace
surfaces are specified then the elevation is interpolated from the terrace
surface.

Procedure
The View Surface Details dialog is displayed.

Base surface Select the surface containing the line model that defines
the ground surface.
Terrace surface Check this option and select the surface containing the
line model that defines the terrace surface in order to
generate a dual surface model or fly path.

3-64 Terrain Reference

Eye height Enter the height above the surface at which the fly path
should be generated. Only available when generating a
fly path.
View radius Enter the distance ahead of the current position that will
define the position being looked at. Only available when
generating a fly path.
Speed Enter the distance that the view position moves between
successive frames. Only available when generating a fly
path.
Acceleration Enter the distance that the view moves between
successive frames when changing direction (only
available if the Path from road file option is not selected).
Only available when generating a fly path.
Path from road file Check this option and select the road file from which the
fly path definition should be taken. Only available when
generating a fly path.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. If you did
not select the Path from road file option then the following prompt is
displayed:
Fly Path: Indicate start point
Click on a position in the Design Centre window and the following
prompt is displayed:
Fly Path: Indicate next point (Right click to end)
Continue indicating positions in the Design Centre window. Right click
on the last point in the path to end.
If at any point a height cannot be interpolated for an indicated position
the Fly Height dialog is displayed.

Surface elevation Enter the height at the surface of the indicated position.

Fill in the relevant details and click the OK button to continue.

Terrain Menu 3-65

Plot 3D
Create a 3D line model as a CAD drawing

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

Terrain3DPlot

This function is used to produce 3 dimensional views of a site using a

model created by DTM generated from one of the DTM Volume routines.
There is also a proofing view that uses the original line data.
The function generates a full perspective view with two vanishing points,
not an isometric view. This means that objects that are further away will
appear closer together in depth and further apart in spread.
The site is automatically scaled to fit into the selected sheet size and will
not tolerate sites with a DTM sheet configuration that yields more than
20 sheets on a face.
There are no hard and fast rules for obtaining a good 3D model. It is very
much dependant on the artistic flair of the operator and a fair bit of
personal taste. Within a few general guidelines, trial and error is the only
way. Use the quick Lines option to experiment.
For site orientation, try a view that results in the lowest ground being
closest to you as the viewer. In other words, let the ground slope
upwards as you look at it. Looking up a valley also helps. If it is a long
skinny site, orient it so that the length faces you and use a low vertical
viewing angle.
It is frequently possible to achieve an orientation and vertical viewing
angle that eliminates any hidden spots in the topography but still gives
the impression of relief. If this can be achieved, one can plot a full
drawing without switching on hidden line removal. However, for any sort
of presentation that includes the base surface, hidden lines should be
removed.

3-66 Terrain Reference

Procedure
The 3D Plot Settings dialog is displayed:

Type Select the type of view to be generated. Lines will

generate a model based on the lines of a selected
surface while the other types will generate a model
based on the generated DTM grid.
Horizontal view angle Enter the direction from which the site will be viewed.
Any angle may be used although angles around 45
degrees (and 135, 225 or 315 degrees) are generally
considered the most aesthetically pleasing. Usually the
most important consideration when setting a horizontal
viewing angle is to choose a view that positions the
lowest part of the site closest to the viewer.
Vertical view angle Enter is the deflection or “tilt” of the model relative to the
horizontal. This angle may range from 0° 30" (worm’s
eye view) to 89° 30" (bird’s eye view). The greater the
vertical angle the fewer the hidden spots but also the
flatter the apparent relief. The flatter the angle the more
dramatic the relief but more portions of the site will be
hidden.
Vertical exaggeration Enter the exaggeration factor in the vertical plane.
Values between 1 and 20 are acceptable. This factor
exaggerates the vertical scale of the plot to enhance
relief features. The higher the vertical viewing angle the
greater the need for vertical exaggeration. Obviously at
the extreme case of a birds eye view, no amount of
exaggeration is going to help.

Terrain Menu 3-67

Grid lines to skip Enter the number of grid lines that can be skipped. This
value enables rows of grid points to be left out of the
plot. The purpose is to speed up plots and reduce the
size of CAD files as large amounts of drawing data may
be generated.
Sheet size Select the sheet size for the generated drawing.
Lines from surface Select the surface from which lines should be extracted
for plotting. Only available when the Lines option is
selected under Type.
CAD layer Enter or select the name of the CAD layer on which the
view should be generated.
Hidden lines Check this option in order to hide grid lines that should
not be visible. This incurs a processing time penalty so
should be used with caution on large sites.
Contours Check this option to have the stored contours generated
as part of the plot.
Pens - Horizontal Click this button to set the pen colour for horizontal grid
lines.
Pens - Vertical Click this button to set the pen colour for vertical grid
lines.
Pens - Base Click this button to set the pen colour for the grid base.
Pens - Design Click this button to set the pen colour for grid lines from
the design surface.
Pens - Contours Click this button to set the pen colour for contours.
Pens - North Click this button to set the pen colour for the north arrow.

Fill in the relevant details and click the OK button to continue. A new
CAD window is created and the 3D plot is generated into it.

3-68 Terrain Reference

Terrain Menu 3-69
Notes:

3-70 Terrain Reference

Graphical Menu
These functions enable the basic survey calculations
to be executed in a graphical environment by
clicking on the relevant points instead of calling
them up by name. Refer to the Survey Calculations
section for the naming equivalent to these routines.
When using the survey routines it is a good idea to
make frequent reference to the prompt line in the
Power Bar that will describe what action is currently
being requested.

Graphical Menu 4-1

Join
Obtain the direction and distance between two points of known coordinates

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainJoin

This routine is used to obtain the direction and distance between two
points of known coordinates.
The two points are selected by clicking on them with the mouse. The
database will be scanned to retrieve their YX and X ordinates and the
join information will be displayed.
The terminal of the last join then becomes the origin of the next.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
Join: Snap on start point
Click on an existing point in the Design Centre window and the following
prompt is displayed:
Join: Snap on next point
Click on a second existing point in the Design Centre window and the
join information is displayed:

The function continues in a cycle prompting for the next point.

4-2 Terrain Reference

Polar
Fix a new point a given distance and direction from a base point of known coordinates

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainPolar

This routine is used to fix a new point a given distance and direction
from a base point of known coordinates. The base point is selected by
clicking on it with the mouse. The database will be scanned to retrieve its
Y and X ordinates and new point will be inserted a specified distance
and direction away from the base point.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
Polar: Snap on base point
Click on an existing terrain point in the Design Centre window and the
Polar Details dialog is displayed.

Direction Enter the bearing from the indicated point to the new
point.
Distance Enter the distance from the indicated point to the new
point.
Name of calculated point Enter the name to be assigned to the new point.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The Point
Details dialog is displayed.

Graphical Menu 4-3

Name Enter the new name for this point.
Y Coord Enter the new horizontal ordinate for this point.
X Coord Enter the new vertical ordinate for this point.
Z Coord Enter the new height ordinate for this point.
Surface Select the surface to which the point should be stored.
Search Button Click this button to search the database for the first point
with the entered name.

Fill in the relevant data and click the Save button to continue. The
function continues in a cycle prompting for the base point.

4-4 Terrain Reference

Resection
Fix an unknown point by means of un-oriented directions to three known points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainResection

This routine is used to fix an unknown point by means of un-oriented

directions from the unknown point to three known points.
The three known points must be identified by clicking on them with your
mouse. The direction from the unknown point to each of them then has
to be entered.

Directions must be used and NOT the subtended angles.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
Resection: Snap on start point
Click on an existing terrain point in the Design Centre window and the
following prompt will be displayed:
Resection: Snap on next point
Click on an existing terrain point in the Design Centre window and the
following prompt will be displayed:
Resection: Snap on last point
Click on an existing terrain point in the Design Centre window and the
Resection Calculation dialog is displayed.

Direction from Enter the bearing from the specified point to the new
point.
Calculated point name Enter the name to be assigned to the new point.

Graphical Menu 4-5

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The Point
Details dialog is displayed.

Name Enter the new name for this point.

Y Coord Enter the new horizontal ordinate for this point.
X Coord Enter the new vertical ordinate for this point.
Z Coord Enter the new height ordinate for this point.
Surface Select the surface to which the point should be stored.

Fill in the relevant data and click the Save button to continue. The
function continues in a cycle prompting for a start point.

4-6 Terrain Reference

Parallel Line
Fix a point at specified parallel offset from two lines that have a known intersection
point

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainParallel

This function is used to fix a point at specified parallel offset from two
lines that have a known intersection point. A common use would be to
calculate manhole positions a set distance from buildings or boundaries.
The intersecting lines are defined by entering a point that falls on the
first line, followed by the intersection point and finally a point defining
the second line. Thereafter offsets are entered from both the first and
second lines and the intersection point is calculated.
The point calculated is assumed to be to the right of the three points in
the order they were specified. In other words, to get the complementary
situation of a point on the other side, specify the points in the reverse
order.

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
Parallel Intersection: Snap on start point
Click on an existing terrain point in the Design Centre window and the
following prompt will be displayed:
Parallel Intersection: Snap on next point
Click on an existing terrain point in the Design Centre window and the
following prompt will be displayed:
Parallel Intersection: Snap on last point
Click on an existing terrain point in the Design Centre window and the
Parallel Intersection dialog is displayed.

Graphical Menu 4-7

Offset from line Enter the offsets from the first and second lines.
Calculated point name Enter the name to be assigned to the new point.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. The Point
Details dialog is displayed.

Name Enter the new name for this point.

Y Coord Enter the new horizontal ordinate for this point.
X Coord Enter the new vertical ordinate for this point.
Z Coord Enter the new height ordinate for this point.
Surface Select the surface to which the point should be stored.

Fill in the relevant data and click the Save button to continue. The
function continues in a cycle prompting for a start point.

4-8 Terrain Reference

Mid Point
Calculate a point midway between two points

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainMidPoint

This function calculates a point that falls in the middle of a straight line
joining two points indicated with a mouse. After the points are defined,
the mid point is calculated and its coordinates are displayed on the
screen. You have the option of adding the point to the database or
canceling the operation.
Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
Midpoint: Snap on start point
Click on an existing terrain point in the Design Centre window and the
following prompt will be displayed:
Midpoint: Snap on end point
Click on an existing terrain point in the Design Centre window and the
Point Details dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the Ok button to continue.

Name Enter the new name for this point.
Y Coord Enter the new horizontal ordinate for this point.
X Coord Enter the new vertical ordinate for this point.
Z Coord Enter the new height ordinate for this point.
Surface Select the surface to which the point should be stored.

The function continues in a cycle prompting for a start point.

Graphical Menu 4-9

Two Line Intersection
Calculate the point where two lines intersect

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainLineLine

This function is used to calculate the point where two lines intersect.
You must select two points on each line by indicating them with the
mouse. The intersection point is calculated and its coordinates displayed
on the screen. You have the option of adding the point to the database or
canceling the operation.
In the diagram below, the user clicks on the circled points and the point
in the box is calculated:

Procedure
The following prompt is displayed:
Line Intersection: Snap on line 1 start point
Click on an existing terrain point in the Design Centre window and the
following prompt will be displayed:
Line Intersection: Snap on line 1 end point
Click on an existing terrain point in the Design Centre window and the
following prompt will be displayed:
Line Intersection: Snap on line 2 start point
Click on an existing terrain point in the Design Centre window and the
following prompt will be displayed:
Line Intersection: Snap on line 2 end point
Click on an existing terrain point in the Design Centre window and the
following dialog is presented:

4-10 Terrain Reference

This gives the option of specifying from which of the two lines the z-
ordinate should be interpolated. Alternatively press Cancel to assign a
zero height to the point.
The Point Details dialog is displayed.

Name Enter the new name for this point.

Y Coord Enter the new horizontal ordinate for this point.
X Coord Enter the new vertical ordinate for this point.
Z Coord Enter the new height ordinate for this point.
Surface Select the surface to which the point should be stored.

Fill in the relevant data and click the Ok button to continue. The function
continues in a cycle prompting for a line 1 start point.

Graphical Menu 4-11

Elevation Tracking
Dynamically track elevations on one or two model surfaces

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainElevationTrack

This function is used to dynamically track the elevations on one or two

surfaces as the mouse is moved over the project. When tracking
elevations on two surfaces the height difference between the tracked
elevations is displayed in addition to the elevations themselves.

Procedure
The Elevation Tracking dialog is displayed:

Base surface Select the base surface from which elevations should be
extracted.
Terrace surface Check this option and select the terrace surface from
which elevations should be extracted in order to track
elevations from two surfaces simultaneously.
Search distance Enter the distance around the cursor position to search
for lines in order to interpolate elevations.

Fill in the relevant details and click the OK button to continue. The
following prompt is displayed:
Move cursor to display data (Esc to cancel)

As the cursor is moved over the project elevations are interpolated from
the selected surfaces and displayed in the form of a prompt. When
tracking a single surface the prompt is as follows:
Surface 1 height = 66.676

When tracking two surfaces the prompt is as follows:

Surface 1 height = 58.275 : Surface 2 height = 53.875 : Diff = 4.400

Press [Esc] to exit the function.

4-12 Terrain Reference

Show Tache Rays
Display rays from one point to points with a known suffix

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainTacheRays

This function is used to display rays from a set-up station to points with a
known suffix.
It is assumed that a unique suffix was added to all points from a
particular station when a tache survey was reduced.

Procedure
The Tacheometric Rays dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Tache setup station name Enter the name of the point from which the rays should
be drawn.
Suffix for reduced Enter the single character suffix on the names of the
observations points to which the rays should be drawn.

Graphical Menu 4-13

Notes:

4-14 Terrain Reference

Tools Menu
These functions allow you to clean up or recover an
entire database.
In addition, the Statistics option displays information
pertaining to the terrain database that is invaluable in
maintaining a fast access time to the data contained in
it.

Tools Menu 5-1

Rescale Survey
Rescale the current Terrain database and reset the data structure

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainRescale

This function rescales the current Terrain database and resets the data
structure. You will be prompted with the calculated centre point
coordinates and site diameter, which may be changed. A constant may
also be added or multiplied to the points at the same time.
If the block structure of the database becomes unbalanced (typically as a
result of adding large amounts of data outside the original site limits)
efficiency can degrade. This routine actually resets the block structure
by performing an automatic ASCII export and re-import. See also the
Data Structure theory and Efficiency in a Terrain Database in the How
to do It section.

Procedure
The Database Dimensions dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Y Coord and X Coord Enter the coordinates you wish to use for the site centre.
Site diameter Enter a diameter that encompasses all the main points
on the site.
Apply constants Check this option to have constants applied to all point
coordinates during the rescale.
Constants - Y Coord, X Enter the constants to be applied to the coordinates.
Coord and Z Coord
Constants - Add or Select the method by which the constants should be
Multiply applied.

5-2 Terrain Reference

Rebuild DBase
Recover data from a damaged .DTM file

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainRebuild

This function will interrogate a damaged .dtm file and scavenge as much
data as it possibly can. This is written in a comma-delimited ASCII
format to another file for subsequent re-importing.
There are only two data entry boxes, one to select the Civil Designer .dtm
file to recover, and one to select the name of the ASCII file to which it is
to be written.
It is recommended that all forms of output be switched off for this
operation, as a screen listing will substantially slow down the procedure.

Procedure
Windows’ standard open dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to rebuild. The drive and path automatically default to the last used
drive and directory for this type of file.
If the ".dtm" file being processed was not created or upgraded by a
version from 6.00 F onwards, then the Projection Details dialog will be
displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Windows’ standard save dialog is displayed in order for you to select a
file to which to write. The drive and path automatically default to the last
used drive and directory for this type of file.

Tools Menu 5-3

DBase Statistics
Prints statistics on the block structure of the current job

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainStats

This function prints the statistics on the block structure of the terrain
database of the current job.
If you are dealing with large amounts of data that are being progressively
accumulated, it is a good idea to use this routine to monitor the situation
from time to time. If the structure looks as though it is becoming
inefficient, rescale the survey. This has the effect of creating the
reference system from scratch.
Refer to the Terrain Data Structure section for a full discussion on the
terrain data structure.

Procedure
The Output Manager dialog is displayed in order for you to set output
options.

5-4 Terrain Reference

Validate Line Data
Check all the lines in the database for possible errors

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainValidateLines

This function will check all the lines in the database for possible errors. If
an error is found, the offending line is removed and a report of the fault
is printed.
Those points with a faulty line structure are modified by adding the
following prefixes (depending on the fault encountered) to the point
names:
• ! – shadow line mismatch
• * - duplicate line entry
• $ - duplicate shadow entry
• @ - line entry duplicated as shadow entry

Procedure
There is no input required for this function. For each point that has an
error in the line data a message detailing the error is displayed.

Tools Menu 5-5

Export DXF View
Exports the current view as a 3D DXF file

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainExportDXF

This function exports the current view of the database as a 3D DXF file.
All elements of the view with the exception of symbols are exported. The
DXF file created is compatible with version 12 or later of AutoCAD.
Note that elements are written out as 3D elements where possible, and
that slope shading is written as 3D Faces.

Procedure
The DXF Layers dialog is displayed.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Layer name - Add Button Type in the name of a layer to be created.
Add Button Add the name to the layer list.
Delete Button Click on a name in the layer list and then click this button
to remove the highlighted name from the list.

5-6 Terrain Reference

The DXF Export dialog is displayed.

Combo boxes Only comboboxes for the available elements in the view
will be enabled. For each of these elements select the
layer in the DXF file to which the element should be
written.

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue. Windows’
standard save dialog is displayed in order for you to select a file to which
to write. The drive and path automatically default to the last used drive
and directory for this type of file.

Tools Menu 5-7

Notes:

5-8 Terrain Reference

Settings Menu
These functions allow you quick access to some of the
display options as well as the setting of options when
working in graphical mode.

Settings Menu 6-1

Names
Toggles name display

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainViewNames

Toggles on or off the display of point names in the graphical display. You
must refresh the screen to see the changed view.

Heights
Toggles height display

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainViewHeights

Toggles on or off the display of point heights in the graphical display.

You must refresh the screen to see the changed view.

Lines
Toggles break line display

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainViewLines

Toggles on or off the display of break and feature lines in the graphical
display. You must refresh the screen to see the changed view.

Contours
Toggles contour display

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainViewContours

Toggles on or off the display of contours in the graphical display. You

must refresh the screen to see the changed view.

6-2 Terrain Reference

Name Filter
Toggles display name filtering

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainViewFilter

Toggles on or off a filter of the points to be displayed in the graphical

display. If you are toggling on the name filter then you must specify the
names to pass, the names to avoid and the surface to use in the filter. You
must refresh the screen to see the changed view.
See the Name Filters section for details on setting up a name filter.

Snap Mode
Toggles snap mode

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainSnapMode

Toggles snap mode on or off. When snap mode is on and you are busy
with one of the graphical functions, clicking at a position on the site in
response to a request to indicate a position will automatically retrieve the
coordinates of the nearest point to the indicated position.
The nearest point to the cursor is taken as being within a radius of one-
twelfth of the current screen size around the cursor. If no point is found
within this radius there will be a beep sound and the coordinates of the
indicated position will be used instead.
Certain functions such as Edit Point and Delete Point will automatically
turn on Snap Mode.

Settings Menu 6-3

Auto Interpolate
Toggles height interpolation

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

TerrainAutoInterp

Toggles auto interpolation on or off. When auto interpolation is toggled

on you will be asked to select an interpolation surface (which must have
a line structure) and a search radius. Then, when a point is indicated in a
function such as Insert Point, the Z ordinate of the point’s coordinates
will be interpolated from the line structure of the selected surface.

Procedure
The Auto-Interpolation Settings dialog is displayed:

Fill in the relevant data and click the OK button to continue.

Interpolation surface Select the surface from whose line model the
interpolation should be calculated.
Search distance Enter the distance around the point being interpolated to
search for interpolation lines.

6-4 Terrain Reference

Option Settings
Set INI file defaults that are not set by the program

Icon Button Toolbar Shortcut Command

OptionSettings

The settings for various items in Civil Designer are stored in the file
CivDes6.ini which is located in your User directory. While most settings
in this file are manipulated from within the program itself, some settings
have no menu option or dialog associated with them.
In order to facilitate the changing of these settings, we have implemented
a dialog specifically for adjusting these settings. This saves you from
having to edit the INI file and making the changes by hand.
The left side of the dialog displays a tree list of available items. Click on
the top-level item to display the relevant page. Some of the top-level
items have further pages implemented as sub-items. Click on the + sign
to the left of any top-level item to display the sub-items. Click on a sub-
item to display the relevant page.

Certain settings are only read at program startup. These items are
marked with an asterisk (*). Changes to these settings will only be
implemented once the program has been exited and restarted. All other
settings are read at the start of relevant functions and changes to these
settings will therefore be available the next time the relevant function is
activated.

The possible top-level items and their respective sub-items are as

follows:
• General
o Southern Hemisphere
o Northern Hemisphere
• Survey
• Terrain
o Spreadsheets
o Pens
o View 3D
• Roads
o Spreadsheets
o Pens
• Plot
• Output Window

Option Settings 7-1

General

Percentage RAM Enter the percentage of physical RAM (from 25 to 75

allocated to DTM percent) that must be allocated for DTM point caching.
The default value is 25. The more RAM allocated to
cache, the faster DTM point processing can be done but
the less RAM will be available for general operations in
Windows.
Permanent Road window Check this option to have the Road window permanently
displayed. If this option is not checked then the window
will be created and destroyed as needed. This can save
some screen space in tight situations.
Delimiter Enter the ASCII code of the delimiter to be used during
some DTM export functions. The default value (44) is a
comma and it is not recommended that this be changed.
You might however require tabs as delimiters. In this
case enter ASCII code 9 as the delimiter value.
Default pen Click this button to set the CAD pen colour for drawing
all design items that do not have an associated pen. This
setting is made available in order to compensate for the
fact that you can change the background colour of the
current drawing.

7-2 Terrain Reference

Southern Hemisphere

Short Axis labels Enter single character values to be used to label the
relevant axes in dialogs, print-outs, etc. for Southern
Hemisphere projects.
Long Axis labels Enter labels to be used to label the relevant axes in
dialogs, print-outs, etc. for Southern Hemisphere
projects.

Option Settings 7-3

Northern Hemisphere

Short Axis labels Enter single character values to be used to label the
relevant axes in dialogs, print-outs, etc. for Northern
Hemisphere projects.
Long Axis labels Enter labels to be used to label the relevant axes in
dialogs, print-outs, etc. for Northern Hemisphere
projects.

7-4 Terrain Reference

Survey

Screening radius for Enter the radius (in metres) within which successive
ASCII Serial import coordinates in a Serial file import will be screened out.
Number of data columns Select the number of data columns to generated during
for MOSS export a MOSS file export. Your options here are 3 or 6.
Number of entries in Enter the limit of point names to be stored in the Names
names list list. The Names list keeps track of all the point names
currently visible on the screen. This allows for easy entry
of point names in all the filter dialogs.
Include numerical names Select whether you want numerical names to be
included in the Names list.

Option Settings 7-5

Terrain

Separator between Enter the single character to be displayed between the

degrees, minutes and degree, minute and second portions of bearings when
seconds for printing printing. The default separator is a space.
Default point name suffix Enter the single character default to be added as a suffix
for Tache Reduction to point names during Tache Reduction.
Additional file extension Enter an extension to be used in addition to the standard
for Tache files DAT file extension when selecting Tache field books to
load.
4 decimal places in Level Check this option to have levels displayed to 4 decimal
Reduction places rather than the standard 3 decimal places in
Level Reduction.
Field number of Enter the number of the field that contains the orientation
orientation station name in station name in Booker tache files. This is normally 1 but
Booker files files with the name in the eighth field have been found.
Each field in a Booker file is separated by a tab with the
first field being number 1.
Percentage of screen size Enter the percentage of the current screen size to be
for polygon auto-close used as the separation between starting and current
snap indicated points in order to automatically close an
indicated polygon.
Rotation angle about eye Enter the angle (in degrees) by which to increment
position for Line of Sight rotation about the eye point when generating the visible
sweep boundary in Line of Sight calculations.
Display lines for terrace Check this option to display the lines of the selected
surface only during terrace surface only when selecting a terrace. Line
terrace selection display for all other surfaces will automatically be
switched off.
Display autosuffix Check this option to have any defined autosuffix appear
7-6 Terrain Reference
together with point name as part of the point name in the screen display. It will not
appear on a plot generation.

Spreadsheet

Minimum number of Enter the default number of spreadsheet rows to be

spreadsheet rows created when a blank spreadsheet is created during the
relevant function.

Option Settings 7-7

Pens

Intelli-Lines Click the relevant buttons to set indicator colours for the
four Intelli-Lines processing passes.
Graphical Error Figure Click the relevant buttons to set indicator colours for the
various elements in a Graphical Error Figure.
Banks Click the relevant buttons to set indicator colours for the
various elements in banks during Terrace Banks
generation.
DTM Click the relevant buttons to set indicator colours for the
various elements in DTM Grid generation.
Perimeter indication Click this button to set the indicator colour of the
perimeter polygon when selecting items such as
terraces.

7-8 Terrain Reference

View 3D

Depth buffer bits Select the number of bits available for depth buffering.
Your options here are 16, 24 and 32. Your setting will
depend on your video card and some experimentation
might be required.
Colour depth bits Select the number of colour bits available. Your options
here are 16,24 and 32. Your setting here should match
the colour depth of your Windows Desktop for optimal
results.
Field of view Enter the vertical field of view in degrees to generate the
correct perspective view. In order to calculate the
required field of view for your particular setting, measure
the distance from your normal seated eye position to the
screen and measure the height of the view area from top
to bottom. Divide the second measurement by the first
measurement, take the arc sin of the result, and round
that result to the nearest degree.
Contour separation Enter the value (in metres) to be added to contour
heights in order to prevent contours dissappearing
underneath the 3D View.
Enable mouse dragging Uncheck this option to prevent mouse dragging within
the 3D View from changing the view parameters. This
should normally be left checked, but some video cards
have problems with the rapid updates required.
Ignore video driver Check this option to have the OpenGL acceleration
acceleration capabilities of your graphics card ignored. This should
normally be left unchecked, but some video cards have
problems with the accelerated drivers.

Option Settings 7-9

Roads

Maximum number of road Specify the maximum numbers of roads per project. The
files value must be between 100 and 150.
Use Interactive Roads Check this button to enable the Interactive Roads
Expert Expert. Before every roads operation the program will
check if there are any operations that still needs to be
done before the specified operation can commence. If
there are then the Roads Expert will appear with the
relative operations checked. Simply press OK to perform
all the necessary operations and display the dialog for
the specified operation.
Use TRH format when Check this option to use TRH format when slaving Edge
slaving Edge Control Control. If this option is checked then the distance given
for the development length of the superelevation will be
applied from the stage where the grade is 0 (flat) until it
is fully developed. The initial portion where the normal
crossfall is picked up (or reduced) to 0, is automatically
calculated and added to the specified development
length.
Use element entry for Check this option to enter horizontal alignments by
horizontal alignment element (straights and curves) rather than by PI (with
instead of PIs and radii associated curve radius).
Use element entry for Check this option to enter vertical alignments by element
vertical alignment instead (grades) rather than by VPI (with associated curve
of VPIs length).
Display VPI names when Check this option to have VPI names displayed during
editing a vertical graphical editing of vertical alignments.
alignment
Text size for Horizontal PI When Editing the Horizontal alignment, the PI names

7-10 Terrain Reference

Names and Warnings and Design Criteria warnings will be displayed using this
text size (points). A text size of 0 will cause the PI names
and warnings not to be displayed.
Box out Check this option to box the Horizontal PI names and
warnings. The text will be drawn within a rectangular
frame, filled with the background colour.
Extension to use when Enter the default extension to be used when selecting
importing CARDS cross data files for CARDS cross section import.
section files

Spreadsheet

Maximum number of Enter the maximum number of spreadsheet rows to be

spreadsheet rows created when a blank spreadsheet is created during the
relevant function.

Option Settings 7-11

Pens

Horizontal alignment Click the relevant buttons to set indicator colours for the
various elements.
Vertical alignment Click the relevant buttons to set indicator colours for the
various elements.
Pipeline Click the relevant buttons to set indicator colours for the
various elements.
Intersection Click the relevant buttons to set indicator colours for the
various elements.
Template Editor Click the relevant buttons to set indicator colours for the
various elements.
Layerworks Note: The Layerworks pen will be used to draw the
layerwors in Graphical Edit mode as well.

7-12 Terrain Reference

Plot

Number of lines Enter the maximum number of lines that can be

plotted/labelled in a long generated when plotting a long- or cross section. The
section and cross section default is 20.
Interpolate long section If this option is set then, when plotting longsections and
level for 0 values a zero level is encountered for a chainage, the level at
that chainage will be interpolated from the nearest
chainages on either side that do have levels.
Split height labels into two If this option is set, then when generating a plot with
at the decimal point heights displayed, the height for a point will be shown as
two distinct text entities separated at the decimal point.
This is usefull for where the height is obscured by say a
symbol inserted at the point and you wish to move the
values apart for clarity.

Option Settings 7-13

Output Window

Number of lines retained Enter the number of lines of output that should be
in memory retained at any time for the various output windows. This
will be the last x number of lines that have been sent to
the Output Window for display, enabling you to scroll
back to see lines that have dissappeared off the top of
the window.
Display/Print Font Enter the display/print font size (in points) and the
position at which a right margin marker should be
displayed in the Output Window.

7-14 Terrain Reference

Security
When you first install your copy of AllyCAD, it will allocate a 30 day trial
license, allowing you to run the full program for 30 days. During this time
you must contact Knowledge Base for a permanent authorization code.
Your program can be protected in the following ways:
1) Hardware Lock (Dongles)
Two types of hardware lock are supported.
a) Hasp key (white)
b) Net Hasp key (red)
2) Crypkey software protection
Includes 30 day trial licence issued automatically at install time.

Terminology
Driver A software component required to communicate between the
program and the dongle
Server A central computer with a Net Hasp dongle attached. The server
is attached to the client’s by a network.
Client A computer that does not need a dongle itself, but must be
networked to a server.
Crypkey driver A software component needed to communicate between the
Crypkey security system and AllyCAD.

How do I tell what type of protection I have

If your dealer supplied you with a dongle (hardware lock about the size
of a box of matches), then you can identify the type from its colour and
the writing on it. The dongles all have a 5-letter code in the bottom left
corner of their label. Hasp dongles will have one of the codes
OYEEX
AQXWY
OZCCZ
WQEGC
While Net Hasp dongles will have one of these codes
GATWT
AREMB
CYOOO
EMOEC
MGXAD

Security 8-1
If your dongle does not have one of these codes then it is NOT a Civil
Designer dongle.

Single user and Network licensing

Knowledge Base can supply you with either single user licenses (one per
machine) or floating licenses (issued from a central network server).
Normal Hasp keys (white) are for single user licensing, Net Hasp keys
(red) are for floating licenses.
By default our security system does not check for Network dongles (as
this can take time when the program first starts up). Thus if you are
using a network dongle you need to tell the program to check it by
selecting File
Security
Check Network Dongles, and then giving “1” as
the answer to the question
Enable Network Security?

Do I need to do anything to enable security

We try to automate as much as possible during installation. However, if
you are running on NT, or running a network license (Net HASP), then
you might need to install the network dongle on a machine on the
network, and/or run a network security server program.

Obtaining Permanent Authorization

You must obtain permanent authorization from Knowledge Base. Select
File
Security
Authorize and a dialog box will be displayed with a site
key. Phone, fax or email us with the site key, and we will reply with an
authorization code that will permanently enable the program.
If you phone us you must keep the dialog box open till we respond with
your site key, as the codes change every time you pop up the authorize
dialog box.
Alternatively you can press the Save Button on the authorize dialog box
which will save a file called AUTHORIZE.TXT into your \$KBSEC$
directory. Email or fax this file to us and we will then reply with your site
key. Pressing Save allows you to close the dialog box, and will ensure
that authorize keeps the same codes the next time (and only the next
time) it is opened.

8-2 Terrain Reference

Our contact numbers are:
Tel + 27 (21) 701-1850
(between 8h00 and 17h00 CAT GMT + 2h00)
Fax + 27 (21) 701-1822
email [email protected]

Files and Registry settings used by Security

All Knowledge Base products keep encrypted information about security
in a directory called \$KBSEC$, which is usually on your root drive, or
the same drive that you installed Civil Designer on, or on your windows
drive. Do not delete or move these files as this will destroy your security,
and disable all Knowledge Base products.
Civil Designer uses the following registry settings for security.
Key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Knowledge Base\Security
Values
CheckNetworkDongles 0 or 1 depending on whether to check the network
dongles or not
SecurityHome c:\$kbsec$ (location of security files)
Program7 110 (last type of security found)

Hasp Dongle Overview

A dongle is a device approximately the size of a box of matches, and
plugs into your parallel (or printer) port at the back of your computer.
The dongle must be plugged in whenever you run Civil Designer.
Without it, the program will refuse to operate. It is suggested that you
plug the dongle into your machine before beginning the installation
process.
As well as the physical hardware dongle, a software driver is required to
communicate with the dongle. The driver is installed automatically
during the installation process.
There are two types of Hasp dongles:
• MemoHasp
Single-user dongle. The colour is white.
• NetHasp
Network dongle enabling multiple users on one dongle. The colour is
red.

Security 8-3
NetHasp
The NetHasp dongle need only be plugged into your server when you
run Civil Designer. The server will be licensed to allow a limited number
of copies or modules of Civil Designer to run on different client
computers simultaneously. The server can be a computer running
Windows 95, Windows NT, or Novell NetWare.

Hasp Driver
As well as the physical hardware dongle, a software driver is required to
communicate with the dongle. The driver should be installed
automatically during the installation process.
During installation, you may get the error:
HASP Hardware lock Installation failed.
This indicates that there was a problem installing the driver. You must
then install it manually.

Installing the Hasp Driver Manually

Click on the Windows Start button.
In the group where you installed Civil Designer (by default CivDes62),
there is a “Security Tools” section. Click on “Hasp Install”
A message should appear indicating that the HASP driver installation
has succeeded. If it reports that the installation failed, then you should
contact your dealer or technical support number. If you are running
Windows 95, then you will need to restart your computer. If you are
running Windows NT, then a restart is not necessary.

Client Installation
From your workstation use Windows Explorer to access the network
server. Find the directory where Civil Designer is installed (by default
CivDes62) and the program NETSET.EXE. Run NetSet.exe. This will
adjust the “program home” setting for Civil Designer in the registry on
your client machine to point to the location of Civil Designer on the
server, and will add a new group to your Start menu called AllyCADNet.

Server Installation
Civil Designer must first be fully installed on the server. Before any
clients can run Civil Designer, the Hasp Security Server must be run on
the server. Go to Start
Civil Designer 62
Security Tools. The Hasp
Security Server contains online help.

8-4 Terrain Reference

 Index

3
3D ............................................................................................................................56
Export DXF View...............................................................................................6
Plot 3D line model............................................................................................66
3D View ..................................................................................................................56
A
Alternative Data Sources .....................................................................................2
ArcInfo ...................................................................................................................22
Areas................................................................................16, 20, 32, 3, 5, 11, 18, 50
ASCII ................................................................................................... 30, 35, 49, 51
ASCII file ............................................................................................ 30, 35, 11, 49
export..................................................................................................................26
import .................................................................................................................10
Authorize ...............................................................................................................34
Auto Interpolate .....................................................................................................4
AutoCAD..................................................................................................................6
Autosuffix
define ..................................................................................................................11
display...................................................................................................................6
B
Bank Intersections...............................................................................................21
Batters................................................................................................................5, 32
Bend Point Types ................................................................................................11
Booker ......................................................................................................................2
Bowditch................................................................................................................14
Break Line.............................................................................. 27, 32, 3, 5, 19, 51, 2
add.......................................................................................................................27
convert to Feature Line ..................................................................................31
delete...................................................................................................................27
import from aerial survey...............................................................................17
remove all...........................................................................................................28
Brown .......................................................................................................................2
C
CAD.........................................................................................................................35
Calculation menu ...................................................................................................1
Chainage ..................................................................................................... 5, 11, 56
Chainages ....................................................................................................... 23, 11
CivDes6.ini ............................................................................................................54
Civil Designer .......................................................................................................20
Comma-delimited .................................................................................................. 3
Contours..................................................................................................3, 50, 51, 2
Conversions menu................................................................................................. 1
Convert
break lines....................................See Break Line, convert to Feature Line
coordinate units ............................................................................................... 19
geodetic...................................................................................................... 7, 9, 11
Goldfields system............................................................................................... 4
Helmert group .................................................................................................... 4
Helmert individual ............................................................................................ 2
units.................................................................................................................... 17
Coordinate Geometry ........................................................................................... 1
Corrections
datum ..................................................... See Corrections Sea level and scale
Sea level and scale........................................................................................... 15
t-T........................................................................................................................ 13
D
Data traverse ............................................................................ See Flat Traverse
Datum .............................................................................................................. 19, 51
Datum Contour .................................................................................................... 51
Decimal degrees ............................................................See Import Geo Coords
Define Fence .................................................................................................. 20, 21
Define Fly Path .................................................................................................... 56
Delauney ............................................................................................................... 35
Delete Ground...................................................................................................... 37
Delete Point .......................................................................................................... 16
Dongle.................................................................................................................... 34
DTM .................................................................................................3, 19, 34, 49, 50
corrupt .......................................................................... 37, See Rebuild DBase
statistics ............................................................................................................... 4
DTM file................................................................................................................... 3
DTM Grid........................................................................................................ 34, 50
DXF file
export DTM to .................................................................................................... 6
extract DTM from.............................................................................................. 5
E
Edges.................................................................................................................. 5, 50
Editing menu.......................................................................................................... 1
Elevation Tracking.............................................................................................. 12
Error Figure ......................................................................................................... 30
Error indicator ............................................................................................... 37, 27
Exclusion polygon .........................................................................See PolyFence
Export ASCII data various formats ................................................................. 26
Export DXF View .................................................................................................. 6
 F
Fast Cross ................................................................................................................5
Fast Long...............................................................................................................11
Feature Line
add.......................................................................................................................29
delete...................................................................................................................29
remove all...........................................................................................................30
Feature Lines....................................................................................................32, 2
Fence ............................................................................................................... 19, 21
Display Fences..................................................................................................24
Fence Clip..............................................................................................................19
Field Book .................................................................................................. 2, 30, 35
File Menu
Survey mode .......................................................................................................1
Terrain mode ......................................................................................................1
Fly Path..................................................................................................................56
G
Geodos......................................................................................................................2
Geographical coordinates ..............................................................................19, 2
convert from Transverse Mercator ..............................................................11
Gradient .............................................................................................................52, 2
Graphical menu......................................................................................................1
Gridding.................................................................................................................50
H
Height Differences...............................................................................................12
Height Interpolation..............................................................................................4
Heighted traverse ................................................................See Traverse, Slope
Heighting menu......................................................................................................1
Heighting traverse .................................................................................................6
Heights .................................................................................................. 11, 50, 56, 2
I
ID Point....................................................................................................................9
Import ASCII data various formats .................................................................10
Intelli-Lines...........................................................................................................32
Interpolate ........................................................................................ 2, 5, 11, 30, 56
Interpolate Point ....................................................................................................7
automatic .............................................................................................................4
Intersection ................................................................................................ 54, 7, 10
Isograde Line ........................................................................................................52
Isopachyte contours ..................................................................................... 50, 51
J
Join..................................................................................................... 3, 5, 11, 18, 19
 field and plan ...................................................................................................... 2
graphical.............................................................................................................. 2
L
Least Squares....................................................................................................... 30
Level Traverse ..................................................................................................... 23
Levelling................................................................................................................ 23
Line Intersection ................................................................................................. 10
Lines.................................................................................... 11, 32, 37, 49, 54, 56, 2
Listing menu .......................................................................................................... 1
Locate Point ......................................................................................................... 10
Logger...................................................................................................................... 2
Longsection .......................................................................................................... 11
M
Mid Point................................................................................................................. 9
Model .......................................................................................................3, 5, 49, 54
Model menu............................................................................................................ 1
ModelMaker ......................................................................................................... 24
Moss Genio ..................................................................................................... 21, 29
N
Name Filter.............................................................................................11, 5, 11, 3
Names ...................................................................................................................... 2
Network....................................................................................................... 14, 35, 3
Network Menu ..................................................................................................... 35
O
Optimisation ......................................................................................................... 21
Option Settings ................................................................................................ 34, 1
Output Manager .................................................................................................. 31
Output Window.................................................................................................... 31
P
Parallel Line ........................................................................................................... 7
Perimeter ........................................................................... 16, 20, 3, 18, 19, 30, 37
Pipe ........................................................................................................................ 11
PI's .......................................................................................................................... 56
Platform............................................................................................2, See Terrace
Plotting
terrace .................................................................................................................. 6
Point
batch delete......................................................................................................... 5
delete graphically .............................................................................................. 5
delete manually.................................................................................................. 3
edit graphically................................................................................................... 4
edit manually ...................................................................................................... 4
 enter manually....................................................................................................2
insert graphically................................................................................................2
move......................................................................................................................6
PolyFence ..............................................................................................................22
Display PolyFences..........................................................................................24
Polygon Clip ..........................................................................................................16
Q
Quantities ..............................................................................................................34
R
Rebuild DBase........................................................................................................3
Reductions menu ...................................................................................................1
Reference manual..................................................................................................4
Remove Fence ......................................................................................................21
Rescale Survey .......................................................................................................2
Road............................................................................................................. 5, 11, 56
Road Alignment .....................................................................................................5
Road Layer ..............................................................................................................5
Road width .................................................................................See Parallel Line
S
Sections....................................................................................................................5
Security ..................................................................................................................34
Settings menu
Terrain mode ......................................................................................................1
Show Tache Rays.............................................................................................2, 13
Snap Mode ..............................................................................................................3
Spirit levelled Cross-sections ............................................................................23
Spreadsheet ................................................................................................... 30, 35
Stardust....................................................................................................................2
Stardust Tache .......................................................................................................2
Surface ................................................... 2, 9, 16, 32, 3, 5, 19, 21, 30, 37, 50, 56, 3
Surface change
by filter ...............................................................................................................15
by polygon..........................................................................................................18
SurvPro..................................................................................................................23
T
Tache ..................................................................................................................2, 13
Tache Reduction ....................................................................................................2
Terrace ...............................................................................................................2, 34
generate banks with fixed slopes ..............................................................3, 24
generate banks with variable slopes ............................................................27
merge with original ground .............................................................................7
volumes ................................................................................................................5
Terrace Banks ......................................................................................................21
Terrace Merge...................................................................................................... 32
Terrace Top .......................................................................................................... 30
Terrace Volume ................................................................................................... 34
Terrain Database...................................................................................35, 10, 2, 4
Terrain menu ......................................................................................................... 1
Terrain model .................................................................................................. 5, 32
Tools menu
Survey mode....................................................................................................... 1
Terrain mode...................................................................................................... 1
Track
dynamic .......................................................................See Elevation Tracking
Transformation menu .......................................................................................... 1
Traverse ................................................................................................................ 14
adjustment of.................................................................................................... 18
corrections, e.g. sea level, temperature etc. .................. See Traverse, Full
Data ........................................................................................ See Flat Traverse
fieldbook codes................................................................................................. 14
fieldbook format............................................................................................... 15
Flat...................................................................................................................... 17
Full...................................................................................................................... 22
Heighted ............................................................................ See Traverse, Slope
network adjustment of redundancy............................................................. 18
Slope................................................................................................................... 22
Triangulate ..................................................................................................... 35, 49
U
Units.......................................................................................... See Convert, units
V
Validate Line Data ................................................................................................ 5
Validate Model ..................................................................................................... 37
Vertical ..............................................................................................2, 35, 16, 19, 3
Volumes.................................................................................................5, 18, 19, 34
W
Wild ASCII............................................................................................................ 30
WILD Data Format ............................................................................................... 2
Y
Young....................................................................................................................... 2
YXZ .......................................................................................................................... 5