Which is the better field software SurvCE or Smartworx. It will be running on a Leica CS15 collector most likely, which has me leaning toward Smartworx. I might be doing a lot of on the fly stakeout calculations. For that stuff, I think SurvCE would be better. Then again, since the CS15 doesn't have the same keyboard, it might be tough to run SurvCE on it effectively. Any opinions? I'm hoping the hardware is a Leica TS12 robot and Leica GS14 network rover.
Nothing will ever out-perform the two top-tier brands when you have every component from one end to the other. That said, I'm a big fan of Carlson too.
If calcs are less than 5% of your day I think you would be faster overall to stay holistic to the brand.
As with everything it depends.
I used the Viva here recently and although I really liked the hardware, I am not a fan of the software. It has clear menus and is easily used, but there is a bit of a learning curve when doubling angles...at least the way I like to do them, but they are both solid platforms. My impression of Viva is that it is over thought and developed by non-surveyors.
That said I have had some connectivity problems with the Carlson...which I never had with the viva. I do like the Carlson better..but if you are doubling angles and processing line work...definitely Carlson.
We use both Viva (SmartWorx) and Carlson here. My outstanding(!) instrumentman prefers Carlson while I tend to use Viva for fieldwork, though I can run either.
Carlson- although not perfect- is definitely more intuitive in my opinion, versus Viva. As someone I knew a while back commented on Leica stuff, "Engineered by Germans, for Germans." I do think the latest iteration of SmartWorx (which is Viva) is significantly improved in user-friendliness, though.
We've also had connectivity issues running Carlson on the CS15 controller; we found that if in Carlson you go to the 'Instrument' menu and under the Comms tab essentially re-authorize the TS15 Bluetooth settings, it seems to fix it if there's a problem.
It seems there is more you can do with the Viva software versus Carlson when you need to, but Carlson fills about 95% of our needs.
We use both Viva and Carlson on a CS15 with Leica TCRP 1205 and GS 14 GPS. I think the Carlson is more construction staking friendly and button pusher friendly. By button pusher I mean the person using it doesn’t really have to know what they are doing in order to use it. The Viva is definitely more advanced; it has more options available and gets along better with my Leica equipment. It is my opinion that Viva is structured for companies that want to get very organized and consistent about their work flow and requires the user to realize (learn) why they are pushing the buttons they are pushing. Viva is not real intuitive but the possibilities are truly awesome. If I had multiple crews I would go to Viva exclusively because I feel it would be better for my liability exposure in the long run.
Carlson I can give to someone that doesn’t have any experience with Carlson and they can figure out how to get some work done. It doesn’t always play nicely with my robot or my GS14 and I wish it had some of the options Viva does but if you do many different types of work and you are controlling your own liability than I find it nice to work with without a bunch of time invested in education.
Leica did a good job with the overhaul of the smartworx program in its current Viva version. The interface is clear and pleasant, especially for the younger crowd coming out of schools. The manufacturer simplified things too, such as direct import of dxf for DTM, export to various formats without the need of these demanding *.frt files.
Carlson does a good job with SurvCE too. It is a very fast program (especially if using the desktop products) very useful in a construction environment. Carlson offers free technical support but for most guys with good reading and comprehension skills, that service will be rarely sought I would say.
I tend to lean more towards Viva as the manufacturer cannot say "well, it's the other guy's problem", should issues arise. Older equipment? I would use Carlson, example the 1200/Allegro combo; solid.
:good:
I agree with everything you just said. Since you've used both, does Viva create a lot of files?
My biggest (and probably only) gripe with the Carlson approach is all the dang files it creates in the field AND in the office. I know why they make all the files, but I've been spoiled by the compact* approach Trimble takes lately.
Does Leica create a bunch of files associated with your job file, or does it just have one?
*as compact as it can be I guess. Static files and pictures are still stored separately, but they have to be...
I should probably point out, too, that a lot of people like all the different files and DON'T want as much as possible in one file.
They did come up with a better system on that side of things. There's still a bunch of files but the software automatically creates a job folder in which all them files are located. It does make data transfer easier than in the past.
Trimble Access does have a more flexible data management system where a guy can create folders, save different jobs in different folders etc. A good design.
That's good to hear, was this implemented with 4.0?
I do not know. My guess would be yes.
