Is anybody running MicroSurvey field software? What are your opinions?
We are debating getting a new robotic unit that comes with microsurvey on an allegro.
Presently we run smartworx (old version not viva). I am not in love with smartworx having used TDS SurveyPro, Survey Controller, and a little bit of Carlson. I find those other 3 to be a little easier to navigate through and more intuitive. How would MicroSurvey compare?
From what I could see on the demos online MicroSurvey seems promising. The linework functions seemed really easy to use (while the linework is similar to Smartworx it just seemed a bit easier.)
I'd suggest you trial that and Carson.
I run Field Genius and Microsurvey (MsCad 2013). I'd also suggest the combination of field collection and office software has benefits where both talk seamlessly to each other.
My combo has a few areas where they don't.
Microsurvey is owned by Leica now so expect some instruments to drop off their support.
Don't be blown away by the graphics. Fancy icons and high res graphics don't always make fast collection. Or easy reading in bright sunlight.
I like the way FG has its line work setup and it is very easy to use. I'd suggest that is there strongest feature.
But Carlson is far more powerful in my opinion. I use latter for my GPS and have limited use in Total Station mode, but having read the manual and browsed my data recorder Carson offers a lot more.
If you just wanted to throw a crew together and send them out probably FG would be preferable, but if you are the one in control and are wanting more at the expense of devoting time, then I'd be seriously looking at Carlson.
Then there's the support. MsCad offers good support if you keep up with maintenance. Have no idea about Carlson.
Only question I sent in never got answered, but someone here helped me out.
Regads
Richard
I use Microsurvey for COGO but I agree, Carlson has a much more powerful F2F capability.
Dan,
From what you described I suspect you are buying a GeoMax Robot.
I purchased one in August with the Allegro and the Carlson SW.
This was my first exposure to Carlson and have found that the
learning curve is not too terribly steep. I have not yet used the
F2F and/or linework routines, but it does indeed look very powerful.
Feel free to email me if you have any questions.
Scott
Dan,
Ive been using MicroSurvey Field Genius for about 3 years now. At my County job, I use it with a Sokkia SRX robot and Sokkia ISX2700 base-rover RTK. I never used to do much topo (and still don't) but once I learned FG (and the learning curve is not bad) I don't know how topo work could be easier. If you want to start a line, hit the LINE button before you take the first shot. If you need to get a shot that is not 'that line', just stop the line, take the shot, and then pick the line again to continue it. If you have to change a prism height for one shot, change it, hit the 'this shot only button' take the shot and then resume shooting as you were. If you were used to the speed and simplicity of field computing using SMI, you will be frustrated doing field computing with FG. Everything takes so much longer because of the GUI that is supposed to be real nice for us. Ha. But for topo work, its pretty damned slick. To see contours develop as you're shooting the area is a tremendous time saver - you don't have to go back to get a few shots where things don't look right after a dump to the office software.
Its a program that is continuing to evolve. It is MUCH better now than it was only two years ago. If you have questions, feel free to email me.
