Hello,
I've been surveying for a heavy highway construction company for about a year and a half. Recently my boss has asked me to start learning how to build 3D models for our dozers and graders. My company uses Agtek, I don't have any experience with this or any other cadd program. Where is the best place to start for an absolute beginner? Are there any books or free tutorials that I can start with? They don't necessarily have to be Agtek specific, just something that explains the process of building a model. I have access to a few videos on Agteks website but I'm looking for any other information.
Really just looking for the best place to start. Thanks for any feedback
Art, I just recently started building models for machine grading but that was after decades of 2D drafting, topos, generating contours, etc. Did I understood you correctly- you have no previous CAD Experience? I build mine in ACAD and import into our Topcon 3D office. My first was a real challenge. We were furnished a 2D CAD drawing of the proposed contours and a 3D REVIT drawing of the proposed buildings. I made 3D polylines of the proposed contours, used properties to raise them to their proper elevation, used 3D face to make meshes out of the finished floor elevations, and imported the TIN into 3D office. Without knowing CAD, I'm not sure how you will do it- not saying you can't I just don't know how you will do it.
Good luck.
Start with one of your estimators. They probably have a "rough" file already built from the takeoff. Once you see how they built theirs, if you have enough layout experience, you should catch on pretty fast. Agtek is a pretty simple software compared to Terramodel, TBC, Civil 3D, etc. You will be freaked out at first and think there is no way you will ever get it, but after a couple weeks and a thousand questions, it'll just click.
I'd say video tutorials are a great start. I'm not sure how popular that Agtek program is, but YouTube is how I figure out most things when I am stuck in CAD. If that fails I search the problem on Google and there's usually a discussion on it. I use Civil 3D which is pretty widely used, so there tends to be a lot of information out there.
Get two screens, run the software on one and the video tutorial on the other and try to follow along step by step. In some ways it can be better than a class because you can keep rewinding and watching things over if you didn't get it the first time.
There...I've revealed my secret and the reason everyone at my office thinks I am some kind of computer wiz....
SHHH! Don't give away all my secrets too!
And everyone thought I had two monitors to be cool...
Also, the other Thad on this site had posted some stuff about machine control models in the past.
Thanks for the responses. I've got a second monitor and I've spoken with our estimator about getting any files. Time to start learning! Thanks again
Art,
Call me and I can tell you whatever you want to know about models for machine control. Have been building them for over 12 years specifically for machine control.
803-810-0313
Thad
Agtek will get the job done. But I'm not sure it's the best package out there.
One thing to look out for is your curves.
Agtek will make them a bunch of little chord segments.
The problem with this is when you are using a DXF overlay for the linework (I use Trimble in the field) the curve is an arc, this can cause the elevations to be off slightly. Because the arc doesn't line up exactly with all the little chords. I've seen elevations go up and down .20' because of this.
It can really screw up the flow of water if you are not careful.
I know this is an old post, but it still has great value today I believe.?ÿ I'm very interested in starting a small CAD Modeling business of my own. I was also wondering what kind of training I could find online and the best way to practice not having any of the software. I worked for a family business as a laborer for 6 years while the owner (my cousin) let me mess with InSite software a few times he never commit to me learning the program. After all the year of hurting my body, being in a dangerous setting all of the time, I decided to leave the job after having a cut-off saw kick back on me and knock me out and break my nose. There was something more I had to offer than just being a laborer, but at the time there wasn't a budget for me at the company. I now sit here trying to figure out what to do with my life, looking for a job to pay the mortgage.
The short amount of time I was on the computer in the office was very fun/interesting to me. Creating a business to do this type of work would be a dream come true, but I find it hard to find any information on GPS modeling. My guess is the engineering firms don't care to provide this information, as it has been there job for many years and they don't want that to change. I'm 26 and ready to start something different. Is there anyone expertise they care to share? I would appreciate any and all comments. Thank you.
In North Carolina you must be licensed as a Surveyor or Engineer.
Why don't you take advantage of a strong economy and get a job surveying for a company that provides machine control to contractors??ÿ As a construction surveyor you will be able to see how large construction projects begin and end.?ÿ A lot happens before the contractor becomes aware of the project.?ÿ Once inside the company you can see for yourself what it takes to provide machine control and if you like it, you can slowly push the company to move you from field to office.?ÿ Construction surveying is not easy, but it is way better than construction laborer work (I've done both).
Youtube videos are great but actual experience is better.?ÿ?ÿ
Thad, I am trying to find any information I can get my hands on about creating 3D models for Topon GPS. Are you still available to talk to?
