I've been experimenting with moving files back and forth between the desktop and DC/total station, trying to determine which of the plethora of types is best for my purposes, and I came across a "point" file.
I understand that for stake out you'd probably move a point file from desktop to DC, and, going the other way, if you were interested in doing LSA you'd bring all the individual measurements back; but under what circumstances would one want to have the DC "do the COGO", and then just bring a point file back to the desktop?
If there is a reason to do so, would there be any loss of precision by letting the DC do the math, so long as one set the resolution fine enough (xxxx.xxxx for example)?
What if you take record shots on your stakes?
What if you had to offset one and calc a new point on the spot?
You would want that kind of record back on your desktop I would think.
In SurvCE I believe you can set the number decimals place it keeps.
I would be surprised if others don't allow for that as well.
I can't think of any reason why not to trust the DC to do the math.
E.
If the control you are using is not going to be further adjusted then then the coordinates the dc calcs will be no different from what an LS package would. Such would be the case on a larger project where the control was run, adjusted, and published before topo and/or boundary data collection began. I dare say that in a vast majority of cases the dc coordinate file is what is used.
The coordinates will be the same, but nevertheless running the raw data through LS will yield error estimates for each point.
It depends on the job. If it's a small lot job, then I simply export final coordinates from the DC (robot or GPS). If it's any size, then I want to be able to look at GPS vectors or if there is any adjustment necessary, then I d/l raw data and reduce/adjust in the office.
As with everything, it depends. 99% of the time, I am using and working with raw data/measurements/vectors to achieve the final positions.
Short answer, we don't download coordinates.
There is no single correct way to solve most survey problems. On the flip side there is only one most efficient way in a given set of circumstances. The trick is to get as close as possible to the efficient end without introducing errors too large for the task.
When it comes to data I err on the cautious side. Our previous field software (magnet) produced grotesquely incorrect results on many tasks. Even the best package and crew will make mistakes. Processing our data is the last line of defense against that. It's simply to easy and cheap not to. On the rare occasion that notes are booked we still put a second one pair of eyes on them.
Which is the best format to standardize on?
> The trick is to get as close as possible to the efficient end without introducing errors too large for the task.
Thank you.:-)
1. Assuming the Topcon platform (i.e. Magnet, Topsurv), which of the file formats would in most cases meet this goal, and capture ALL of the information measured? RAW? GTS-7? SDR-33? I don't have the DC in front of me and can't remember the rest of the choices.
2. Same question as above, but using the SurvCE platform?
Which is the best format to standardize on?
In Magnet we used the MJF. In Carlson we import the total station data and GPS vectors from the RW5.
Which is the best format to standardize on?
> In Magnet we used the MJF. In Carlson we import the total station data and GPS vectors from the RW5.
I should have been more specific: Topsurv only; not Magnet. I don't think Topsurv does MJF.
Is the "TDS Raw data" the file type you're referring to ("total station data")?
Which is the best format to standardize on?
> Is the "TDS Raw data" the file type you're referring to ("total station data")?
I'm not familiar with Topsurv or Magnet (except by reputation) but if TDS Raw data format is an option that is likely a good choice. It has been around for quite awhile and is common. Microsurvey Field Genius format is a near clone, as is Carlson's RW5. Many 3rd party software packages will read it directly or you will be able to find a converter.
Which is the best format to standardize on?
TDS = Tripod Data System.
