Activity Feed › Discussion Forums › Software, CAD & Mapping › Providing CAD files, a question…
I really think I would limit the sharing of CAD data to those I am collaborating with on a project. Then it would be my part of all who are contributing work in other specific parts of the whole project.
Requests to provide all CAD data for a project by others who intend to work on it for a different purpose or to those who do not have specific reasons for needing it would be analogous to asking to copy somebody else’s homework.
If my map is recorded then that is all others need to see. I use the work of others all the time that is available from public sources and have not found the need to ask for the electronic data associated with their work.
Historic Boundaries and Conservation EffortsProviding a CAD file of a boundary survey, unless it is very complicated is not something I would do. And in any case, I would expect compensation, a standard agreement with the new client, a review of the file and probably a driveby to see if there are any obvious changes in the landscape. When I explain this to the person requesting it they usually go away peacefully which makes me happy. Think about it. They are asking because it would save them time and money on what was probably an under bid project which is only going to drag you into it somehow. Those of us who will do this, please give your E&O carrier a call and see what they think first. Than ask your wife and/or dog what they would do.
I don’t see any upside for you, and plenty of potential downside. If it were me, I’d say as much to the engineer as the reason behind my decision not to provide the file.
That would be a hard NO from me too. I would either say that my insurance company suggests I not do that, or that I no longer have that particular CAD file. They spent more time asking for it and waiting for your response than it would have taken to just draw from the recorded document, apparently.
@bstrand I tied 8 monuments that straddled the adjusted property and all fit within hundredths. Tying more monuments wouldn??t have added any confidence – or added benefit to the cost-conscious developer.
Thanks for the replies!
I??d already declined to send the file when I posted. I didn??t give much of an explanation (??I??m not comfortable…?) and was getting some pushback. The communications were via email with everybody-and-his-brother copied, except the original owner/developer. That developer – who I still work for – called me. He understandably wants to help the potential buyer as much as possible but he now understands that the file wouldn??t help in a significant way. I??m now going to email everybody-body-and-his-brother with a more thorough explanation. Thanks again for the replies.
In my experience, as the one who provides the files if the RPLS says to, yes that’s exactly the case. Either they don’t know how to create the boundary in their CAD system or they just don’t want to. I’ve seen it both ways, many times.
T. Nelson – SAM, LLCI can’t say whether you should or should not provide the file but if you decide to share the file, there are ways to “dumb it down” so they only get what you want them to have, (ie line work no anno, a “block” drawing, etc). Granted it does take time on your end but may be worth it if it gives you peace of mind.
T. Nelson – SAM, LLCAfter so long NO one gets a cad file unless they are an existing (an GOOD paying) client.
It hinges on what one means by a “CAD” file. During a project my AutoCad file consists of various layers of record monument search coords, field surveys with annotations and a recalc to produce the map where I accept or reject mons and adjust. It’s complicated and is my job.
Once recording or filing an ROS or Subdivision Map my Cad file is stripped of conjectural layers and I’ll freely distribute the bare bones required Cad file submitted to the County for the actual Mylar recorded. Not a big deal.
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