I have been looking at Trimble Sketchup and associated blogs; apparently not just for drawing nifty houses! It seems possible to import and use XYZ coords, and there are user group provided plug-ins; really interesting is a "terrain re-shaper" which will more evenly distribute points for a TIN file, and create a "better (denser?)" surface. An as-built for a storm water pond comes to mind; sometimes I don't shoot enough points for a smooth surface or transition. Has anyone played with Sketchup in a survey related context?
I've been using Google Sketchup for a while now.
I've been playing with Ruby scripts for "automated" drawing
Have yet to see what Trimble have done to it. It would be neat to give it the functionality of TerraModel.
The DTM tools you describe sound interesting...
I'm sure you can manipulate the data in many ways with this package, but first I would make REAL sure my Errors and Omissions Insurance Premiums are paid up and that, should you end up in court, you can clearly explain how these manipulations are per the state minimum technical standards and don't hurt a thing.
Surveying is all about accuracy,attention to detail and gathering pertinent data in the field, not creating the world in the office.
I agree that:
At this stage Sketchup lives up to its name - sketch, not cad
But:
The 3D modelling and visualisation in Sketchup are second to none (LisCAD comes close)
Its a great tool for checking 3D design work from engineers before sending to machine control
Delivering site surveys in .skp form gives architects and clients great start for designing buildings
Just my $0.02