I know that is a Carlson term, but how many of you are doing this either through Carlson or some other way? A while back I created a pretty detailed FCL file for my data collector, but I kind of only used it to keep track of where I was on a job and stuff like that. Today I performed some as-built work with a lot of tricky angles of concrete sidewalks, curbs, pavers, etc. I took the time to carefully code the line features and I am amazed how good it came out. I think I may start using this all the time. I imported the DXF file from today into my DWG and the lines I wanted as 3D are 3D and the 2D ones are 2D. This is a huge time saver.
I always used to make the argument that it's not worth the extra time spent in the field, but it might be after all......I'll have to admit that I might have been wrong.....
We used to do this a long time ago through TDS, but it seemed a lot more clunky to me back then. I also realized I didn't have to code top of curb 17 and I could've just used the begin and end line command. I think with a bit of practice one could get very efficient with this.
We have been using field to finish for years and it does save alot of time in the field and drafting as well. I do not think it slows me down any to hit the Beg, PC, PT or Clo command after I enter in the point code. Our field guys are really into it as well, they have the line work on the data collector so they can see and check the line work as they are taking the shots, and can correct it then or on the drive home.
Sometimes when I have alot of the same line open and cant remember if I was on BC16 or BC17 I will just jump a few numbers to BC19 however if you end each line code you can keep using BC1.
I think it just depends on your business model and the type of work you do; it doesn't really make sense for us in most cases.
I've been doing F2F since 1997. I field code the points and the conversion/drawing happens on import to AutoCAD. I've used Carlson Survey to do it, I've used Land Desktop, and I've used a proprietary LISP written by a coworker. I even tried out C&G Survey System's F2F. Now I'm using Civil3d and it really works well for that.
I have been shown how to create linework at the data collector directly, but haven't found that very satisfactory, particularly because it involves dealing with lines on a 3" screen in the sunshine. So I don't do that.
I'm a big believer in F2F. IMO it is worth the time. But the speed is not the only reason. It's the quality control. I encourage my surveyor friends to use it and my competitors to avoid it.
I came late to the F2F party, having started in 2011 it so, but I use it on every topo I do now. It saves a ton of time both in the field (I rarely have to sketch anything anymore) and in the office (no more scratching my head trying to remember how to connect the points).
I'm mostly Microsurvey, but have always, since early mid 90's appreciated FTF.
Initially using appropriate coding, but later with Field Genius and straight codes.
Not sure I'd want to not use it for any topo over 200 (?) points.
Be extremely time consuming and like Jim said a lot of head scratching otherwise.
Adds a measure of quality assurance IMO, knowing line work is generated in the field not later.
Well worth effort to get up to speed I'd suggest.
Richard, post: 393050, member: 833 wrote: I'm mostly Microsurvey, but have always, since early mid 90's appreciated FTF.
Initially using appropriate coding, but later with Field Genius and straight codes.
Not sure I'd want to not use it for any topo over 200 (?) points.
Be extremely time consuming and like Jim said a lot of head scratching otherwise.
Adds a measure of quality assurance IMO, knowing line work is generated in the field not later.Well worth effort to get up to speed I'd suggest.
Field to finish for everything I do. I don't want to be sitting behind the computer drafting what the f2f can accomplish in the field.
Mark Mayer, post: 393036, member: 424 wrote: I've been doing F2F since 1997. I field code the points and the conversion/drawing happens on import to AutoCAD. I've used Carlson Survey to do it, I've used Land Desktop, and I've used a proprietary LISP written by a coworker. I even tried out C&G Survey System's F2F. Now I'm using Civil3d and it really works well for that.
I have been shown how to create linework at the data collector directly, but haven't found that very satisfactory, particularly because it involves dealing with lines on a 3" screen in the sunshine. So I don't do that.
I'm a big believer in F2F. IMO it is worth the time. But the speed is not the only reason. It's the quality control. I encourage my surveyor friends to use it and my competitors to avoid it.
So the way you currently do it the lines are not visible in the field? I kind of like being able to check them as I go to see if I made a mistake, and also to see if I'm missing anything.
I haven't played around much with linework in the field, but base on my experience with simple tasks like looking at points on that tiny little screen, I'm thinking that I wouldn't use it much, if at all. Just viewing points is a real pain.
Dan Patterson, post: 393063, member: 1179 wrote: So the way you currently do it the lines are not visible in the field?
True. Frankly, if I miss any lines I'm not likely to pick that up on a 3" screen in the sunshine. I can view the points, of course.
To a certain point the line work can be a pain. But one can immediately see crossing lines and know something is a miss.
Heading up the road and forget to change from bitumen edge (linework) to verge (linework) one immediately sees a wrong entry.
As said that's Field Genius and my method.
Basically being comfortable with your software is No 1.
I love it. I started using it about 4 years ago and want go back to the "old way" of topo. Seeing it draw right in front of you eliminates a lot of user error and allows you to immediately fix mistakes in the field. When data arrives to the office, it's right and the thinking part is over with.
For the guys who have a hard time seeing in sunshine, you can turn your map background black in survce.
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Being fairly new to f2f. I understand he concept, but my problem is trying to remember what bc, top, toe,eg,ea line # im on.
John. Birner, post: 393555, member: 12084 wrote: ...my problem is trying to remember what ...... line # I'm on.
For just that reason I usually run a whole line, then run the next one on the way back. That makes for more walking I suppose but so what. A small white paint dot, keel mark, or boot scuff in the dirt helps me get the shots at corresponding places where needs be, as with gutter line and top of curb.
