Do you use AutoCAD Civil 3D and contemplate whether to invest in another software for your field-to-finish needs? When changing software, no one wants a lapse in functionality or productivity. So, what would it look like to switch from AutoCAD Civil 3D as a field-to-finish solution to Stringer Topo?
Let’s establish some of the basics first. Linework from the field is generated in CAD by importing points from a file and triggered based on whether the raw code exists on a linework list in the software. The raw code is the abbreviated field description used to define the point being observed. Linework parameters are coupled with the raw code in the data collector. When considering changing one application for another, the question may arise: Will the field crew need to change their linework parameters?
In both applications, linework parameters are customizable. Not only are the parameters that trigger different types of linework customizable, but the delineator that separates the raw code from the linework parameter can be customized as well. While in AutoCAD Civil 3D, you can use a space as well as other forms of punctuation, in Stringer Topo using a space is not an option.
In AutoCAD Civil 3D, you may customize multiple “Linework Code Sets” on the Survey tab of the AutoCAD Civil 3D Toolspace.
In Stringer Topo , you may create Point (Linework) Parameters and customize them per drawing if necessary.
How to Begin Linework
In various field-to-finish applications, beginning linework is accomplished by entering a begin code after the raw code, e.g. EP B or EP.S. In both cases, EP is followed by a delimiter, a space in the former and a period in the later. The delimiters separate the raw code from the linework parameter, B in the former and S in the latter.
In AutoCAD Civil 3D, a begin parameter may be used to begin linework, but it isn’t necessary. If “Automatic begin on figure prefix match” is checked in the Linework Code Set, then when the code is issued for the first time, linework for that code begins. If the code prefix matches the code on the linework list (the Figure Prefix Library), then linework begins. Separate linework of the same raw code must be differentiated by adding a numeric character at the end of the raw code e.g., EP1 or EP2.
In Stringer Topo, a begin parameter is not necessary. If the code prefix matches the code on the linework list (the Line Set Table), then linework begins. Like with AutoCAD Civil 3D, separate linework of the same raw code must be differentiated by adding a numeric character at the end of the raw code.
How Curves are Defined
A curve is usually initiated at its beginning with a linework parameter. The curve functionality in AutoCAD Civil 3D and Stringer Topo differ.
In AutoCAD Civil 3D, small curves can be created around parking lot islands with two points while larger curves can be created with three points. Long curves along roadways can be collected with many points, but all three situations are handled differently.
For example:
- A two-point curve for raw code TC could be collected by issuing the following:
- EP4 BC
- EP4 EC (EC forces the curve to end)
This would create a two-point curve tangent to the line at its beginning and at its end.
- A three-point curve for raw code EP could be collected using the following:
- EP4 BC
- EP4
- EP4
No “end curve” parameter is needed. When used this way, Civil 3D assumes the next two EP points are forming a 3-point curve. The EP points collected thereafter will be straight segments.
- A long curve can be collected like so:
- EP4 OC
- EP4 OC
- EP4 OC
- EP4 OC
- (repeat until curve has ended)
Civil 3D will fit a curve to each subsequent raw code of the same name with a curve until the OC entries end.
The linework generated will result in a curved Civil 3D survey figure.
In Stringer Topo, 2-point curves and 3-point curves each have a designated linework parameter and 3-pt curves can be collected in series.
- A two-point curve for raw code EP is collected this way:
- A
- EP4
- There is no need to force the curve to end and a line will start automatically from that point. This parameter is only for 2-point curves and creates the curve tangent to the line at its beginning and at its end.
- A three-point curve is collected like so:
- F
- EP4
- L (.L forces the curve to end and a line to start)
- A long curve can be collected using the .F parameter to begin and .L to end. Stringer creates three point curves continuously using each point until .L is reached.
- F
- EP4
- EP4
- EP4
- L
The result will be a segmented polyline.
Closing Shapes Objects
Sometimes it’s necessary to create closed linework such as parking islands, slabs, or buildings. It’s better to do this not by collecting another point on top of a previously collected point but by simply using a linework parameter on the final corner.
In AutoCAD Civil 3D, to close an object, enter BLD4 CLS.
In Stringer Topo, enter BLD4.C.
Creating Rectangles
Both applications have rectangle parameters, but the parameters do not execute the same way.
The rectangle parameter in AutoCAD Civil 3D works with 2 points and an offset value. When executed, it will make a parallel copy of the current segment using the offset value as the displacement distance. A negative offset value will create the rectangle to the left.
The rectangle parameter in Stringer Topo works with 3 points and no offset thereby creating a parallelogram.
The parallelogram does not have to have right angles.
Collecting Typically Sectioned Objects
This is an area where both applications have a solution but both solutions are quite different. When collecting a typical section such as a curb and gutter, the surveyor could stand in one place and collect the following points:
- EP1
- FL1
- TC1
The surveyor would continue down the road collecting three points at each place he stopped along the curb and gutter.
Instead of collecting 3 times the points for a section that doesn’t change, AutoCAD Civil 3D offers parameters for horizontal and vertical offsets. The raw code for the current point would be entered with horizontal and vertical parameters following. These parameters describe each offset location relative to the current point. Then for each point collected thereafter, offset linework would continue until a stop offset parameter is entered. Horizontal offsets to the left must be entered as a negative value and vertical offset in the downward direction must also be entered as a negative value.
For example:
- EP2 H-2 V-.167 H-2.5 V.33
- EP2
- EP2 BC
- EP2 SO EC
Will draw this:
Stringer Topo uses templates, i.e., predefined horizontal and vertical offsets in the software. These are named configurations and associated to a parameter in the Template Assignment section of the Linework Parameters:
Entry into the data collector would look something like this for a template associated with the parameter CG6:
- EP2.CG6
- EP2
- EP2.A
- EP2
Which will draw this:
Anything Else?
There are some additional linework parameters in both products.
AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Recall Point – Connects current figure to a previously collected point.
- Connect Point – Creates a new figure from the current point to a previously collected point.
- Right Turn – Extends a figure to the left or right to specified distance at a right angle.
- Extend – Extends a figure to a specified distance.
- Circle – Creates a circle based on three methods:
- Radius about current point
- Two consecutive points – First defines center location, second the radius location.
- Three consecutive points – Connects three points with a circle.
Stringer Topo
- Surface Exclude – Will connect the linework but exclude the point elevation from the surface.
- Box (not yet enabled) – Creates a box with two points similar to the Civil 3D rectangle parameter.
- Don’t String (not yet enabled) – Forces the string to stop and not connect to subsequent points.
This has been a rundown of the linework parameters available in both AutoCAD Civil 3D and Stringer Topo. The linework parameters in both applications are customizable so that they can be made to fit existing workflows. There are some similarities and some differences. A lot of the time, surveyors are just defining lines and curves in the field so many of the extensive features reviewed here may not be important. One of the biggest advantages Stringer Topo offers over AutoCAD Civil 3D is the configuration of predefined sections as linework parameters which gives more flexibility in the field and saves time, boosting overall productivity. Stringer Topo is also a less costly investment since it primarily focusses on field-to-finish and doesn’t include tools for site design.
– Cyndy Davenport
