Anyone else using or demo'ed this combination? I finally got around to downloading BricsCAD and Dot Soft today.
I'm looking for the closest thing I can find to LDD.
So far, I've tested many of my lisp files and all have worked, which is a major plus. I also figured out how to make new buttons that load and fire off the LISPs. That was very important to me.
Overall, I'm very happy with what I've seen so far, but I'm a guy that really likes to customize, so I've really just scratched the surface. Also, no crashes, which is great.
What I'm having a problem with, and maybe I'm overlooking something, is that I can't seem to figure out how to import a PNEZD text file. It seems to support many different point file formats, like JOB and CR5, but not simple TXT, ASC, or CSV??
Also, I'm having a hard time figuring out how to change the elevation datum. I do a lot of jobs on assumed datum, import the points, and adjust to a benchmark. I found the translate command, but it's kind of strange in how it works, in that you can't just specify the elevation offset. I had to create a dummy point, manually edit the Z value, because even though I entered the elevation when I create the point, the Z value was still 0.00, then translate to/from using two points.. It seems like there should be a simpler way to add an elevation offset to the points.
Also, I'm not happy the BRG / DIST line labels. It seems to have one option, which is BRG over / DIST under the line, with no customization options. I like both over or both under, but there doesn't seem to be an option of customize bearing/dist labels. I found the bearing/dist DWG template and modified that so that both were above the line, but then for some reason, it sometimes puts the distance before the bearing, depending on the slope of the line. Also, there is no option to place a ' or m mark behind the distance. I might have look at a LISP to get the BRG/DIST label working the way I want.
Overall all, I thought Dot Soft was good, but I still have some things to figure out.
> What I'm having a problem with, and maybe I'm overlooking something, is that I can't seem to figure out how to import a PNEZD text file. It seems to support many different point file formats, like JOB and CR5, but not simple TXT, ASC, or CSV??
This tools was made by our request, you can try: http://www.bricsys.com/common/applications/application.jsp?app=384&apploc=589
I have BricsCad and did try DotSoft.
Not denying its value but for me I decided to stay with MicroSurvey.
I bought B'cad to do my plan work in.
There are heaps of developers offering all kinds of applications and an equally eager and willing to help bunch of Forum members.
They are so willing to come forward with LISP routines, which have helped me immensely.
If you have issues/ queries re DotSoft I'd suggest contacting him.
He seems a willing developer and keen to make things work for we users.
BricsCad - thoroughly recommended. Stable and easy to use IMO.
The email in my profile is good. Email me and I'll send you a bearing/distance lisp.
I can't seem to figure out how to import a PNEZD text file. It seems to support many different point file formats, like JOB and CR5, but not simple TXT, ASC, or CSV??
The problem with TXT, ASC, and CSV is that they can contain anything, including a get well note. If you have an ascii file that is truly P,N,E,Z,D then simply change it's extension to .AUF and MapWorks will work directly with it. Otherwise we've still got you covered. The Points > File > Convert Text tool shows you the ascii file and let you specify the delimiter, field order, etx. Using it you can easily parse even a space delimited file.
... translate command ... you can't just specify the elevation offset.
Don't forget you can simply use the CAD move command, select points, base point pick anywhere, second point is @0,0,-10.0 or whatever. Then a REGEN and all the elevation labels will change !!! We can add a change point elevation tool today or improve the translate.
It seems to have one option, which is BRG over / DIST under the line, with no customization options.
In the System Settings under Linear Top line you should be able to put [BR,0] [HD,2]' to put bearing and distance on the same line. Note that it stores the template on a per INSUNITS basis, so if you switch to a metric drawing you would need to append mm, etc.
The main thing is feel free to email with your wishes and you will see them come together in a short time, even on weekends.
> I can't seem to figure out how to import a PNEZD text file. It seems to support many different point file formats, like JOB and CR5, but not simple TXT, ASC, or CSV??
>
> The problem with TXT, ASC, and CSV is that they can contain anything, including a get well note. If you have an ascii file that is truly P,N,E,Z,D then simply change it's extension to .AUF and MapWorks will work directly with it. Otherwise we've still got you covered. The Points > File > Convert Text tool shows you the ascii file and let you specify the delimiter, field order, etx. Using it you can easily parse even a space delimited file.
>
> ... translate command ... you can't just specify the elevation offset.
>
> Don't forget you can simply use the CAD move command, select points, base point pick anywhere, second point is @0,0,-10.0 or whatever. Then a REGEN and all the elevation labels will change !!! We can add a change point elevation tool today or improve the translate.
>
> It seems to have one option, which is BRG over / DIST under the line, with no customization options.
>
> In the System Settings under Linear Top line you should be able to put [BR,0] [HD,2]' to put bearing and distance on the same line. Note that it stores the template on a per INSUNITS basis, so if you switch to a metric drawing you would need to append mm, etc.
>
> The main thing is feel free to email with your wishes and you will see them come together in a short time, even on weekends.
:good: :good: :good:
Good to hear! it Looks almost affordable for my retirement budget!
BricsCAD - Full Version Platinum 985.00 USD
https://www.bricsys.com
DotSoft MapWorks Suite $495
http://www.dotsoft.com
BrisCAD works on Linux, but I have not tried it out for a while so I don't know how well.
Does DotSoft also run on Linux?
I do have Windows 7 installed on both of my multi-boot machines but I prefer to stay on Linux, so much faster and less bugs to fight.
MapWorks runs on the BricsCAD Pro version, which weighs in at $650 US and has nearly the same features, minus some mechanical functionality.
MapWorks currently only runs on Windows. However if Bricsys and the Mono Project came together it might be possible in the future.
... a simpler way to add an elevation offset to the points.
We added Points > Edit > Elevation Offset, run Check for Updates.
Awesome info, thanks. It's not so much a matter of needing new features, it's a matter of me learning how to do things a little different than I'm used to. I'm going to keep tinkering with it, but so far it looks great.
Wow, you guys are good. Many thanks!
:good: :good: :good:
thanks, I will look deeper
Question for Bricscad Users
After reading the favorable comments about Bricscad, I'm seriously thinking about upgrading to it from my presently creaky old drafting software. Signing up for AutoCad's user extortion schemes was amazingly unappealing to me and Bricscad appears to be a viable alternative for a very reasonable price.
Here's the question, what sort of add-on surveying software are you using? In particular, I'm looking for surveying software with the usual functionality, but with the ability to draw and annotate at different scale factors without needing to generate some bastardized coordinate system for the drawing itself.
That is, in the old drafting software I've used for too long, it's a simple matter to specify a scale factor to be applied to the dimensions entered when drawing entities are created, and when inverses are taken and dimension annotations added.
What this enables is generating plans in State Plane coordinates and designing and annotating in surface distances in whatever unit is desired.
Suppose, for example, that the average Combined Scale Factor of a project is 0.9999903 (Grid Distance / 0.999903 = Surface Distance to a more than acceptable approximation). Setting the scale factor for a layer to be 0.999903 means that a length of 1000.00 ft. entered for an entity dimension, creates an entity with a dimension of 999.903 ft. in the drawing. In the case of a line, inversing between the endpoints of the line 999.903 ft. long in the drawing coordinates sytem returns a length of 1000.00 ft. while the coordinates of the endpoints are the actual SPCS values.
If you want to annotate the drawing in Texas Varas at surface scale, then the scale factor of 2.7777778 x 0.9999903 does the trick. You can also enter dimensions in varas that are then drawn in grid feet, giving endpoints with coordinates in the SPCS.
How do other folks do this without having to abandon the SPCS in favor of some jury-rigged coordinate system?
Question for Bricscad Users
Kent I wouldn't hesitate if your current program is a 'bit creaky'.
Here's a link to some applications but probably not survey oriented. http://www.bricsys.com/common/applications /">Bricscad Applications
DOTSOFT maybe an option, and I'm sure he would be more than willing to build something for your personal needs. May already have something.
I wouldn't go for the Platinum version for what you sound like you want. Keep the dough for other things.
AS said, I find it rock solid, fast, handles geotiffs with ease (important for my work) and has oodles of friendly users that are more than willing to add their input to any questions asked on the forum.
If you know AutoCad you are > than 1/2 way there.
It has oodles of customisation.
You can trial a download.
Just be aware if you are a 64 bit system there is a 32 and a 64 bit program but some routines/ applications don't work on the 64 bit program. Way over my head.
I run 32 bit Bricscad on my 64 bit laptop and don't have any issues.
regards
Richard
I have Briscad and Dotsoft. Works great for me.
Here is how I work with both. First, I have Carlson 2014 with Intellicad that I use for most of my calculations. But Intellicad has some limitations due to being 32 bit.
Briscad is 64 bit and basically does everything I need, that Intellicad doesn't do very well. Then Dotson works pretty seamlessly with Carlson's points. Dotsoft's ToolPak and Mapworks has routines. that maybe aren't used everyday, but are real time savers when you do use them. Many times I will use Carlson and Briscad-Dotsoft on the same project, letting each software do what it does best. Sure I have to save then load, back and forth, but it works for me.
Question for Bricscad Users
Can't remove that silly thingo at the end of my name.
I typed and took off, so obviously didn't check.
Sorry about that. Looks a bit cheeky, rude. Too late to edit!
Richard
Question for Bricscad Users
> Can't remove that silly thingo at the end of my name.
> I typed and took off, so obviously didn't check.
> Sorry about that. Looks a bit cheeky, rude. Too late to edit!
> Richard
Got it taken care of. No worries!! It was because there was a "B" right next to your "Richard" name and then another happy face logo. :-$