Hi
We got trimble S7 and TSC3. But we got no CAD program. We have ArcMap GIS-software, but it doesnt work with dxf/dwg files. You can watch the files but not work with them. You have to export the polyline, points to shape. Very time consuming. And it cant "connect" the codelist with the data to automatically set correct symbology etc.
So I want to know if there is any freeware/open source CAD program we can use when we work with our survey-data in dxf format ? It should be able to read the "feature definition manager - code list" and automatically set correct symbology. And it would be interesting for me to know if some of you use such a freeware cad at your work? Do you think its good or is it really neccessary to buy like "trimble business center, GEO2000 or Carlson cad" to even be able to work with the data?
Thanks in advance
S
Hi.
Siemens has Solid Edge 2D version, which is free. I have installed it, but never use, so I dont know, if it is solution for you. It works with DWG, DWF, DGN files.
esset, post: 356278, member: 11153 wrote: Hi
We got trimble S7 and TSC3. But we got no CAD program. We have ArcMap GIS-software, but it doesnt work with dxf/dwg files. You can watch the files but not work with them. You have to export the polyline, points to shape. Very time consuming. And it cant "connect" the codelist with the data to automatically set correct symbology etc.
So I want to know if there is any freeware/open source CAD program we can use when we work with our survey-data in dxf format ? It should be able to read the "feature definition manager - code list" and automatically set correct symbology. And it would be interesting for me to know if some of you use such a freeware cad at your work? Do you think its good or is it really neccessary to buy like "trimble business center, GEO2000 or Carlson cad" to even be able to work with the data?
Thanks in advance
S
Draftsight.
Thanks for the answers. I will check them both out and see how they work. 🙂
QGIS (quantum GIS) reads DXF
No free CAD program on its own (that I am aware of) is going to process your codes and/or set symbology, layers etc. That will require one that costs some money. DraftSight is a good program but you would need a script to deal with your input file and process the codes, strings etc and generate the dxf, and from memory you need the paid version to run them.
" you get what you pay for. Your CAD package is the LAST place you need to "save money".
Bringing in points, drawing line work in 2D AND 3D at the same time, adding symbols and related text will not happen with any free CADS package available today. What you want is called "Field to Finish". You want to prepare a 90% complete drawing in under 2 minutes? In pure dwg format (forget dxf. It adds extra steps.) That will not happen with any free software. Period.
Your least expensive solution to all of what you want to do is Carlson with Intellicad. It's the easiest to use and the gentlest on the pocket book. That's the bottom line.
You will find that that investment will pay for itself in a very short time.
cptdent, post: 356887, member: 527 wrote: You want to prepare a 90% complete drawing in under 2 minutes?
I'm a big fan of F2F, but I don't think I've ever come close to 90% done on the strength of F2F alone. Tuning the DTM, adding underground utilities, annotating site grades and inverts, hatching pavement materials, orienting blocks, adding notes, etc. take me way more than 10% on a typical urban topo.
Jim Frame, post: 356892, member: 10 wrote: I'm a big fan of F2F, but I don't think I've ever come close to 90% done on the strength of F2F alone. Tuning the DTM, adding underground utilities, annotating site grades and inverts, hatching pavement materials, orienting blocks, adding notes, etc. take me way more than 10% on a typical urban topo.
Jim, you need to tweak your F2F a bit. If you field locate the utilities via a locator service and/or ground markings, then F2F can do that. Annotation of invert elevations is simple when they are field shots. Orientation of blocks can be done with code in F2F (Fixing overprints is an entirely different issue.). My standard notes come in with my sheet layout. On our work, I have been told by Carlson reps, 90% is a LOW estimate.
I am not talking about post survey design work. I am talking about the initial plannimetrics from the field. I stand on 90% IF the field crew does its part. Good F2F is a team effort and if you have a good team, you can easily hit that percentage.
gschrock, post: 356941, member: 556 wrote: Can the Draftsight standalone run without having to sign up for the trial.
The maker of Draftsight (Dassault) makes some great high-end packages for aviation manufacturing etc, but was not aware there was a forever-free version - would be cool.
Yes. I think you register with your email address, but no trial is needed, although the "Pro" version itself is only a few hundred dollars, but we've been using the free version for over a year (for mechanical drawing files primarily...no surveying). And as Cptdent points out, it doesn't do F2F out of the gate.
