We are going to need to add another seat of a CAD program and I am hoping to get some recommendations as to how practical it is to use the Intellicad version of Carlson Survey. We will not be using this seat for any serious design or topo drafting it is primarily to check the field work and process and check the line work created by Carlson FTF.
We are comfortable using both Carlson Embedded and Acad C3D and share files back and forth daily. The catch is we need to stick with the 2010-2012 version to not get ahead of many of our clients and it just seems wrong to buy outdated software. I am hoping I can buy the Intellicad 2014 version and be able to create files with FTF that are 100 percent compatible with C3D 2012 (we export all our points to a csv file so crd vs acad points is not an issue).
I'm relatively experienced with Carlson with Embedded AutoCAD and the IntelliCAD versions. I have been on Carlson Embedded for 8 years and have been on the IntelliCAD version for around 6 months...sort of as a test to see how it worked out...so here's my take.
What it lacks when compared to the Embedded version is more noticeable when you use it day to day for advanced drafting, topo, and comp work. There is no support for PDF files and the rendering of images is pretty weak (can't see under while selected or dragging, sometimes not rendering an image at all if zoomed in...etc). I also find the the rendering of curves is sub par...sometimes it simply will not render the curve correctly. In general the commands are a bit more complex in that there is often an extra step or two to complete what you need (small things...i.e. a snap not automatically being set or an extra dialog box). I have also had problems and crashes when working with large or multiple surfaces. And finally, there is no support for AutoCAD native objects...they just show up as boxes. For those wondering, my machine is an Intel i7 (Haswell) with 12 gigs of ram, and a SSD.
OK...now that I have said all of that...The IntelliCAD version is PERFECT for field laptops, occasional use, basic comps, and even limited topo. I am certainly keeping and using my licenses of it. We have one on a field laptop that is used by our construction layout crew, and one that is on an office computer so I can have people do basic things like plot descriptions, check linework, etc. It sounds like it will be perfect for your use and I think you can et the default save setting to be an older .dwg version.
Tom
For PDF files in Carlson Intellicad type pdfattach and you can bring in any pdf file .
I used embedded for 8 years as-well switch to intellicad this year . I have no real complaints except printing landscape is not acting correctly for 18x24 wish they would fix it . I know its intellicad not the printer . I wish they would get rid of those curved menu buttons they are hard to look at .
But as far as production Carlson intellicad is great.
I stand corrected! Thank you for that tip!
>.... I have also had problems and crashes when working with large or multiple surfaces.
That problem could be related to layer names. Make certain there are no spaces in any layer name. With earlier versions a space in a layer name meant an instant crash. Now, the problem is trickier in that it will not always show up instantly. Particularly when you get a drawing from someone else, check the layer names.
Larry P
Thanks guys, that is what I was hoping and will give it a try.
