data collection link?

[Anonymous]

Newbie to c3d here.

Am I missing something here or has the data collection link been eliminated.
I see it is still in my ldd 2007 companion. If so....how do most companies
import their survey files?


JT

[Matt.Anderson]

Trimble Link for Civil 3d works, if you have a number of "extra" files. We use the Trimble Survey Controller for our GPS stuff, so transferring it for observations is pointless.

The majority of our field collection is with TDS.

How did I determine how, Good question. I tried for 20 minutes to search the newsgroups, but I can't find it. It was a short, two or three line comment buried somewhere that mentioned the TDS is a Geodemeter format.

I've tested it on a couple of projects and got it to work. The screen captures I sent you are from the 2nd time I did it on the attached files above.

I've also spent some time with Trimble asking them to "fix" the lack of support in Trimble link for a division of Trimble. It was Trimble support that told me that the format is different and that TSC 7 and above works with Trimble Link.

If I find it I'll send it too you.

Matthew Anderson
Civil 3d SP3

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Stringer Connect is also free.

--

Laurie Comerford
CADApps
www.cadapps.com.au
www.civil3Dtools.com

"Ran" wrote in message
news:5408125@discussion.autodesk.com...
Carlson Connect is free.
http://update.carlsonsw.com/updates.php?product=Carlson%20Connect

"JT" wrote in message
news:5408050@discussion.autodesk.com...
Why am I getting less software for more money? As poor as the conversion
program was it did work. Now we have to purchase additional software to
import data.............geeeeez

JT


"Jon" wrote in message
news:5407834@discussion.autodesk.com...
Hi JT,

Yes, the link has gone. Most companies are using either a program specific
to their instruments (prolink for Sokkia) or with a usb memory stick. We
then translate this to a field book file with either Stringer Connect or
Carlson Connect. The link for Stringer Connect is
http://www.civil3dtools.com/catalog24.html , which I supply because I am
associated with the company, but a lot of people are also happy with Carlson
Connect.

Jon

"JT" wrote in message
news:5407434@discussion.autodesk.com...
Newbie to c3d here.

Am I missing something here or has the data collection link been eliminated.
I see it is still in my ldd 2007 companion. If so....how do most companies
import their survey files?


JT

[Anonymous]

The attached file is actually in the rw5 format. If you rename the extension
to RW5, then stringer connect can convert it to a field book file. It does
not recognise the fbk parameters as they are comments immediately before the
shot. This could be included in Stringer Connect if there was any interest.
I have taken the liberty of attaching the latest Stringer Connect for you to
try.

Regards,

Jon

wrote in message news:5409760@discussion.autodesk.com...
And here I go again...
In response to your #3 Jason 🙂

"3) The only real and valid reason for Survey Link to really exist is
because people still use TDS software on the HP48GX data collectors.
However, most of them are slowly migrating to more current options, such as
the Ranger or Recon. Both of those data collectors use Microsoft
ActiveSync to transfer data, with no need for Survey Link"

We have a recon and ranger, but can't get ANY info on how to create a fbk
file with them, wit
hout using LDT Survey (survey link). There was more to the Survey Link
program than just "connecting" to the data collector! It ALSO "converts"
RAW files and COORDINATE files (produced by the ranger & recon) to FBK files
(required by Civil 3d and LDT).

I hve not been able to get Carlson or Stringer to "convert" to a fbk and the
fbk successfully draw the linework!
Attached is our current RAW file. I wish someone could tell me what's wrong
with it and why Stringer or Carlson can not "c
onvert" it to fbk and successfully draw the lines!!!

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Further to Jon's post I've expanded on using the supplied file with Stringer
connect.

As advised by Jon I renamed the file with an RW5 file extension and started
the supplied Stringer Connect program - which is a later version than is on
our web site. I'll arrange for this file to be available from the web site
ASAP.

The attached screen grabs show some aspects of the process and high light
why no software is likely to handle this file satisfactorily, but that, had
the file been correctly coded, linework could be generated with it. Also
that editing the file with Stringer Connect can fix it with minimal effort.

Look at the screen grab files in the attached order.
1 Stringer Connect Input files - Note the File types available for input
with Stringer Connect
2 Stringer Connect File Selection - To get here browse to the file after
renaming it and Click on "Accept current file".
3 Stringer Connect Edit 1 - Note how the selected yellow line has a
description of EPR and an Edit intention of the normal fieldbook command of
B EPR (which should have been created in the field with the original survey)
4 Stringer connect FB Codes - advice to the user of the supported fieldbook
stringing codes in Stringer Connect
5 Stringer Connect Edit 2 - After clicking on "Accept" to accept the edit
6 Stringer Connect SaveAs - note this is a resave of the file as it had
already been saved earlier.
7 Stringer Connect Output files - Options for the File Save options from
Stringer Connect
8 Stringer Connect Part Fieldbook - Lines from a text editor showing the
difference between output of the correctly coded "B EPR" and the original
data in the file
9 Stringer Connect Part Fieldbook 2 - Further lines in the fieldbook file
when the EPR code recurs


--

Laurie Comerford
CADApps
www.cadapps.com.au
www.civil3Dtools.com




"Jon" wrote in message
news:5413565@discussion.autodesk.com...
The attached file is actually in the rw5 format. If you rename the extension
to RW5, then stringer connect can convert it to a field book file. It does
not recognise the fbk parameters as they are comments immediately before the
shot. This could be included in Stringer Connect if there was any interest.
I have taken the liberty of attaching the latest Stringer Connect for you to
try.

Regards,

Jon

wrote in message news:5409760@discussion.autodesk.com...
And
here I go again...
In response to your #3 Jason 🙂

"3) The only real and valid reason for Survey Link to really exist is
because people still use TDS software on the HP48GX data collectors.
However, most of them are slowly migrating to more current options, such as
the Ranger or Recon. Both of those data collectors use Microsoft
ActiveSync to transfer data, with no need for Survey Link"

We have a recon and ranger, but can't get ANY info on how to create a fbk
file with them,
wit
hout using LDT Survey (survey link). There was more to the Survey Link
program than just "connecting" to the data collector! It ALSO "converts"
RAW files and COORDINATE files (produced by the ranger & recon) to FBK files
(required by Civil 3d and LDT).

I hve not been able to get Carlson or Stringer to "convert" to a fbk and the
fbk successfully draw the linework!
Attached is our current RAW file. I wish someone could tell me what's wrong
with it and why Stringer
or Carlson can not "c
onvert" it to fbk and successfully draw the lines!!!

[Nrhoads]

Laurie & Jon,
I guess you guys did some work to fix some things in Stringer, hence the new exe posted in this discussion. I tried it again with the exe Jon posted here and it seems to convert codes better, BUT the linework and points are messed up! This data works fine using the Survey Link and the code system for TDS (--BEG). I would really like to use stringer connect and eventually purchase the stringer program if we can get it going. Maybe it's something I'm doing, but try this:

I am attaching a zip file containing:
royal_tds.raw = The edited raw with comments used to make linework!
royal_tds.fbk = Imported into "correct.dwg" (GOOD FBK)
royal_stringer.rw5 = The original raw file renamed to RW5 with B space CODEs used to make linework!
royal_stringer.fbk = imported into "bad.dwg" (SPIDER WEB)
correct.dwg = the dwg with imported fbk created from TDS survey link
bad.dwg = the dwg with imported fbk from stringer

1. Open the "correct.dwg" and notice how it looks.
2. Open the "bad.dwg" and notice the difference from "correct.dwg", it is kind of "spider web" looking.
Try converting the stringer rw5 file yourself and let me know your thoughts. I realize the royal_tds.raw file will not work in stringer, due to the comment --BEG code system, that's ok with me. I do not want to use "comments" anyway, it is more work for me. I would like to use and recommend stringer but it is still not importing this data correctly. Please, let me know what is wrong here!

[Anonymous]

I'll take a look. Thanks for taking the time to give me this feedback.

Jon

wrote in message news:5414159@discussion.autodesk.com...
Laurie & Jon,
I guess you guys did some work to fix some things in Stringer, hence the new
exe posted in this discussion. I tried it again with the exe Jon posted
here and it seems to convert codes better, BUT the linework and points are
messed up! This data works fine using the Survey Link and the code system
for TDS (--BEG). I would really like to use stringer connect and eventually
purchase the stringer program if we can get it going. Maybe it's something
I'm doing, but try this:


I am attaching a zip file containing:
royal_tds.raw = The edited raw with comments used to make linework!
royal_tds.fbk = Imported into "correct.dwg" (GOOD FBK)
royal_stringer.rw5 = The original raw file renamed to RW5 with B space CODEs
used to make linework!
royal_stringer.fbk = imported into "bad.dwg" (SPIDER WEB)
correct.dwg = the dwg with imported fbk created from TDS survey link
bad.dwg = the dwg with imported fbk from stringer

1. Open the "correct.dwg" and notice how it
looks.
2. Open the "bad.dwg" and notice the difference from "correct.dwg", it is
kind of "spider web" looking.
Try converting the stringer rw5 file yourself and let me know your thoughts
I realize the royal_tds.raw file will not work in stringer, due to the
comment --BEG code system, that's ok with me. I do not want to use
"comments" anyway, it is more work for me. I would like to use and
recommend stringer but it is still not importing this data correctly.
Please, let me know wh
at is wrong here!

[Matt.Anderson]

Let me understand this.

Stringer Connect will/could/might convert a TDS file RW5 format to fieldbook if we coded our fieldbooks as we did with our SDR by creating the B in the description?

[Nrhoads]

Another problem I'm seeing is that the DP command in the RAW file is being IGNORED. DP is delete point. They deleted point 97 and shot it over, changing the descriptor. Our files has some duplicate points and that is causing errors in Civil3d. Some of the duplicates are SP (staked points) and the crew overworte the first shot with another. To make a long story short, the latest point in the file is good. They also changed a descriptor on point 96. Stringer is not taking out the deleted points nor overwriting the older points causing duplicates. Stringer is also trying to create a coord point at all the OC commands. They are in red in the stringer editor!
You don't have to thank me Jon. Thanks for your help, I just want to move forward and get some work done...
We're getting there!

[Nrhoads]

It is but...read the post above yours (two above this one)
Carlson connect is able to use the B space too, it just can't handle the delete point (DP)or duplicate points with same point number. It is using the FIRST instance of a point number ONLY!!!

[Matt.Anderson]

I played with the royal_tds.raw file.

I used Foresight to convert, Stringer, and Carlson to convert the points. It's interesting to see the differences in the files.

[Anonymous]

Hi,

"DP" is not a known command or functionality in any of the Autodesk systems.

Clearly, it is specific to some other software. If you have used it is
historical surveys, those surveys have been processed by that software. To
move to other software, you will need to at least read the functionality of
that software and try to work within its confines.

eg with Stringer Connect, you could easily manually delete a point in the
editor, or comment it out as you prefer.


--

Regards,


Laurie Comerford
CADApps Australia
www.cadapps.com.au
www.civil3Dtools.com
wrote in message news:5414319@discussion.autodesk.com...
Another problem I'm seeing is that the DP command in the RAW file is being
IGNORED. DP is delete point. They deleted point 97 and shot it over,
changing the descriptor. Our files has some duplicate points and that is
causing errors in Civil3d. Some of the duplicates are SP (staked points)
and the crew overworte the first shot with another. To make a long story
short, the latest point in the file is good. They also changed a descriptor
on point 96. Stringer is not taking out the deleted points nor overwriting
the older points causing duplicates. Stringer is also trying to create a
coord point at all the OC commands. They are in red in the stringer editor!
You don't have to thank me Jon. Thanks for your help, I just want to move
forward and get some work done...
We're getting there!

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Yes. But not "might/could". It does.

If you look at the screen grabs I posted you will see all of the supported
fieldbook commands from Stringer connect.

Note that the full Stringer product uses a much more powerful string system
and the fieldbook string commands are not needed.

--

Regards,


Laurie Comerford
CADApps Australia
www.cadapps.com.au
www.civil3Dtools.com

wrote in message news:5414331@discussion.autodesk.com...
Let me understand this.

Stringer Connect will/could/might convert a TDS file RW5 format to fieldbook
if we coded our fieldbooks as we did with our SDR by creating the B in the
description?

[CoolHand_Luke]

Wow, that's quite a difference! Have you tried actually importing those fieldbooks to see if the drawing ends up different yet?

Jumping back to the earlier portions of this discussion, we also use a TDS Ranger with Survey Pro software. So far, our most efficient approach to importing to C3D has been to either use the SurveyLink software or the Foresight DXM software (both came with the Ranger) to convert the RAW file directly to a FBK file. This gets the observation data and points over, but it is useless if you have coded linework in. For the automated linework, we found that we must first convert the JOB file to a CR5 file, then to a FBK file. Again, both will work.

HOWEVER! If you want to use the MCS or MCE commands (for multi-point curves), forget it. None of the TDS software recognizes them. This is a big deal for us since we use them alot (none of the curves in this old city are round). Even if it did, it still strikes me as ridiculous that it takes 7 steps to get everything into a drawing (RAW to FBK to CAD, plus JOB to CR5 to FBK to CAD), when most others do it in 1 or 2 steps!

I don't know if this will help anyone, but know that you're not the only TDS user out there who feels left high and dry.

[Anonymous]

Attached is an amended Stringer Connect. I found the problem and have
rectified it (obviously, otherwise I would have stayed at the bar)

It even drew the linework.:)

Give it a try and let me know how we can improve on it.

Jon

wrote in message news:5414159@discussion.autodesk.com...
Laurie & Jon,
I guess you guys did some work to fix some things in Stringer, hence the new
exe posted in this discussion. I tried it again with the exe Jon posted
here and it seems to convert codes better, BUT the linework and points are
messed up! This data works fine using the Survey Link and the code system
for TDS (--BEG). I would really like to use stringer connect and eventually
purchase the stringer program if we can get it going. Maybe it's something
I'm doing, but try this:


I am attaching a zip file containing:
royal_tds.raw = The edited raw with comments used to make linework!
royal_tds.fbk = Imported into "correct.dwg" (GOOD FBK)
royal_stringer.rw5 = The original raw file renamed to RW5 with B space CODEs
used to make linework!
royal_stringer.fbk = imported into "bad.dwg" (SPIDER WEB)
correct.dwg = the dwg with imported fbk created from TDS survey link
bad.dwg = the dwg with imported fbk from stringer

1. Open the "correct.dwg" and notice how it
looks.
2. Open the "bad.dwg" and notice the difference from "correct.dwg", it is
kind of "spider web" looking.
Try converting the stringer rw5 file yourself and let me know your thoughts
I realize the royal_tds.raw file will not work in stringer, due to the
comment --BEG code system, that's ok with me. I do not want to use
"comments" anyway, it is more work for me. I would like to use and
recommend stringer but it is still not importing this data correctly.
Please, let me know wh
at is wrong here!

[Nrhoads]

Jon,
I am trying the new version of stringer now. I have a couple of questions about the "full" version.
1. What coding does it use?
2. Our crews code for SelectCAD which uses commands at the end of the descriptor. Can my commands codes be at the end of the descriptor or must they be at the beginning?
Exmaple: EPR B instead of B EPR
3. SelectCAD also handles one more column after the descriptor, we call a note column. Can Stringer handle the "note" column?
Example: EPR B, 20' wide
4. Could you guys allow stringer to convert coordinate files (point number, northing, easting, elev, descriptor, and/or note)? I think a lot of folks are still using coordinate files but there are not many converters that handle them.
Thanks for your help, you guys are great!

[Nrhoads]

Jon,
I tested it and it is doing MUCH better now. I am still getting "Point number 1 already exists" error. It is using NEZ (fbk) to create a point at the OC lines (raw). There are some settings in C3d for point errors but I have not been able to get them to work on this problem.
The only other problem I see is it is not using the DP (delete point) command nor is it keeping the latest shot on a point that has been overwritten in the raw file. In the file I sent, I manually "commented out" (--) the first point(s) of several duplicates. You can take out the -- at those lines to test.
A couple of places to look are:
Point 2, Point 96, Point 174, Point 175, I forgot to comment out point 97's duplicate. The crew changed the descriptor to "LP" from "EPR", that is how I know it is not using the latest point!!!
Let me hear your thoughts or suggestions. I do not know if you can fix this or not, but I sure hope so.
Thanks again,
Nick Message was edited by: Nrhoads

[Anonymous]

Hi again (its morning here now)

Stringer relies on the already reduced data in c3d, so it doesn't care how
the points got in there. This makes it a bit easier to use for gps data. Any
code that has a number after it is regarded as stringable. For example,
simply coding a feature EB1 tells stringer to join all of the EB1's
together. We then have parameters for enhancing linework, which are placed
at the end of the code. So, to start a curve, we would code EB1.A or to
generate the rest of a rectangle from 3 points EB1.R, etc.

I'll look into what is required for the DP and the duplicate point problem.

Regards,

Jon

wrote in message news:5415006@discussion.autodesk.com...
Jon,
I am trying the new version of stringer now. I have a couple of questions
about the "full" version.
1. What coding does it use?
2. Our crews code for SelectCAD which uses commands at the end of the
descriptor. Can my commands codes be at the end of the descriptor or must
they be at the beginning?
Exmaple: EPR B instead of B EPR
3. SelectCAD also handles one more column after the descriptor, we call a
note column. Can Stringer handle the "note" column?
Example: EPR B, 20' wide
4. Could you guys allow stringer to convert coordinate files (point number,
northing, easting, elev, descriptor, and/or note)? I think a lot of folks
are still using coordinate files but there are not many converters that
handle them.
Thanks for your help, you guys are great!

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I have discussed the Stringer coding system in detail several times in the
NG and if you search my posts you will find this.

Stringer does not use the Autodesk string commands, but strings points based
on a String number occurring in conjunction with the point description

eg point codes of

EP1
EP2
EP1
EP2

will create two strings - one joining the first and third points and one
joining the second and forth points. The strings can be modified by
.Instructions

eg
EP1.A will start continuous curves until the user enters an EP1.L to return
to tangents
EP1.F will start a 3 point arc and continue as arcs till the user enter the
EP1.L to return to tangents as above
EP1.C will close the string
EP1.M NumericValue draws additional lines parallel to the string
SEP1.P will align the Pit block inserted by the SEP point description key
with the direction to the previous shot
SEP1.N will align the Pit block inserted by the SEP point description key
with the direction to the next shot

EP1 EP2 will dual string the point with strings EP1 and EP2

There are other Instructions, but this is enough for you to get the idea.

With this system, if you have point file, the only thing needed is to have
the string codes in the point descriptions and import the point file - then
run Stringer to do the Stringing.

If you see strings which are obviously wrong in the drawing, Stringer has an
interactive point code editor which enables you to adjust the strings.

This includes things like point number swap to overcome the issues
associated with accidental pickup of a point backwards along a string
compared with the previous point.

In setting up Stringer, you set it to draw a 2D polyline, a 3D polyline, or
both depending on the Point code, by assigning the layer(s) you want the
strings drawn on in a settings file. On a curve the 3D polyline is drawn as
chords with correct level interpolation between points.

You can also draw a 'template' based string set based on point description.
eg pick up edge of pavement and draw kerb lines simultaneously.

The 3D polylines can be added to the DTM as breaklines.

------------

Note that some translators to a fieldbook handle EPR B as well as B EPR

The only way you know is by experiment as the documentation of all
translators (with the exception of Stringer Connect) from Raw file to
fieldbook does not give sufficient information for you to know what will or
wont work.

Lastly, with the notable exception of the Topcon FC5, every data recorder
I've ever heard of allow a range of file format outputs.

Depending on the translator you are using there can be advantages in
outputting to different formats and testing the conversion of those to a
fieldbook.


--

Laurie Comerford
CADApps
www.cadapps.com.au
www.civil3Dtools.com

wrote in message news:5415006@discussion.autodesk.com...
Jon,
I am trying the new version of stringer now. I have a couple of questions
about the "full" version.
1. What coding does it use?
2. Our crews code for SelectCAD which uses commands at the end of the
descriptor. Can my commands codes be at the end of the descriptor or must
they be at the beginning?
Exmaple: EPR B instead of B EPR
3. SelectCAD also handles one more column after the descriptor, we call a
note column. Can Stringer handle the "note" column?
Example: EPR B, 20' wide
4. Could you guys allow stringer to convert coordinate files (point number,
northing, easting, elev, descriptor, and/or note)? I think a lot of folks
are still using coordinate files but there are not many converters that
handle them.
Thanks for your help, you guys are great!

[taisoft]

Thank you for posting Stringer...I tried it and have the following comments:

1) Since you are dealing with Raw data, I think you should try to protect this data from being edited so easily. I see that by clicking on any part of the SS line it automatically gets the edit line for that part.. Maybe you should only have auto edit the FP and the description. Same goes for LS, where the HI should be left untouched.

2) Would be nice to have at least a vertical scrolling bar.

3) Arrowing up/down....I will get a response after holding the key down for a couple of seconds. Seems the cursor is invisible? Also, the highlight does not move.

4) PgUp/PgDn...at top of page PgDn moves a couple of lines and then full pages. Same for PgUp when at bottom of file.

5) I did not see a Save File? after making changes and exiting the program (without hitting the Save button).

6) Is there a backup file created?

As for the DP code, it really does nothing in Survey Link 7.5.5. It is a new code found in the latest release of TDS software (which now use the extension RAW instead of RW5. There is no difference in the processing as i see it). Using Stringer you may go back to the deleted point and convert the SP to a note.

As far as using Survey Link, there is a workaround in order to be able to run Survey Link without having to start LDD and without having a dongle....

Ric.

[Anonymous]

Hi Ric,

Except in the one case where you start with an RW5 file, Stringer Connect
does not touch the source file other than to read it and immediately convert
it to RW5 format for editing.

If your source file is an RW5 file, I would put the original file in an
appropriate directory and work on a copy of it.

The normal output of the edited RW5 file is a fieldbook or points file for
input to LDD or C3D as the case may be.

I'm sure Jon will see your other comments and respond.

--

Laurie Comerford
CADApps
www.cadapps.com.au
www.civil3Dtools.com

wrote in message news:5416802@discussion.autodesk.com...
Thank you for posting Stringer...I tried it and have the following comments:

1) Since you are dealing with Raw data, I think you should try to protect
this data from being edited so easily. I see that by clicking on any part of
the SS line it automatically gets the edit line for that part.. Maybe you
should only have auto edit the FP and the description. Same goes for LS,
where the HI should be left untouched.

2) Would be nice to have at least a vertical scrolling bar.

3) Arrowing up/down....I will get a response after holding the key down for
a couple of seconds. Seems the cursor is invisible? Also, the highlight does
not move.

4) PgUp/PgDn...at top of page PgDn moves a couple of lines and then full
pages. Same for PgUp when at bottom of file.

5) I did not see a Save File? after making changes and exiting the program
(without hitting the Save button).

6) Is there a backup file created?

As for the DP code, it really does nothing in Survey Link 7.5.5. It is a new
code found in the latest release of TDS software (which now use the
extension RAW instead of RW5. There is no difference in the processing as i
see it). Using Stringer you may go back to the deleted point and convert the
SP to a note.

As far as using Survey Link, there is a workaround in order to be able to
run Survey Link without having to start LDD and without having a dongle....

Ric.