survery 1

Rev. March 2006

Partner Technical Training

Autodesk

Civil 3D 2007

Update

Student Guide Session 6: Survey I

Name: __________________________________________________

Title: ___________________________________________________

Phone number: __________________________________________

Email: [email protected]

The contents of this student guide were created for Autodesk Civil 3D 2007 beta version 304. The contents of this guide are not intended for other versions of Autodesk Civil 3D 2007.

Session 6: Survey I

© Copyright 2006 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

SESSION 6: SURVEY I

Session Overview Session 6 introduces the survey functionality that has been added to Autodesk Civil 3D 2007. This functionality, which is crucial to overall project workflow, makes use of the Survey Database and Civil Survey objects to incorporate survey data and field observations into the Autodesk Civil 3D environment. This session not only introduces these concepts, but also gives the Autodesk Civil Engineering AE an overview of current land surveying technology and methods that will provide a better understanding of how survey data is used in the Autodesk Civil 3D 2007 environment.

Session Objectives By the end of this session, you will be able to:

Articulate the differences between conventional and satellite-based survey methods and list some pros and cons of each

Discuss the importance of coordinate zones. Describe survey control networks. List the information typically included on a project basemap. Discuss the importance of GIS. Describe the purpose of the Survey Database. List the ancillary databases in the Survey Collection. List the items in the Survey Database collection. Articulate the difference between Survey Points and Civil Points. List the file types that are used to import survey data into a network. Describe the ways survey networks may be analyzed and edited.

Session 6: Survey I


Session Contents Session 6: Survey I ............................................................................................................................................... 3

Session Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................3 Session Objectives................................................................................................................................................................3 Session Contents...................................................................................................................................................................4 6.1 Overview of Land Surveying......................................................................................................................................5

6.1.1 Importance of Survey Data to the Overall Project Workflow ................................................................5 6.1.2 Historical Background, Cadastre, and the Importance of Monuments .............................................5 6.1.3 Overview of Current Survey Practices............................................................................................................6 6.1.4 Importing Survey Data into Civil 3D 2007 ....................................................................................................9 6.1.5 Survey Process before Import into Civil 3D............................................................................................... 11 6.1.6 Survey Process after Design in Civil 3D ...................................................................................................... 12

Exercise: Importing a Survey Control Network to a Basemap ........................................................................... 13 6.2 Overview of Survey Functionality in Autodesk Civil 3D 2007..................................................................... 18

6.2.1 The Need for Survey Functionality............................................................................................................... 18 6.2.2 The Survey Collection ....................................................................................................................................... 18 6.2.3 Survey Database Concepts ............................................................................................................................. 19 6.2.4 Management of the Survey Database ........................................................................................................ 20

Exercise: Using the Survey Database with Multiple Drawings of Different Units and Coordinate Zones...................................................................................................................................................................................... 21

6.2.5 Survey Objects – Networks, Figures, and Survey Points ...................................................................... 25 6.2.6 Survey Settings Overview – User Settings and Database Settings................................................... 28

Exercise: Working with Survey Networks .................................................................................................................. 29 Exercise: Adding GPS Survey Data and ASCII Point Data..................................................................................... 36

Session 6: Survey I


6.1 Overview of Land Surveying Land surveys are used to accurately locate and describe natural and manmade features on the Earth. Survey data provides the basis for mapping, civil engineering, and infrastructure projects. It is crucial for many things including land ownership, infrastructure, utilities, construction, and flood control just to name a few. Land survey methods are changing radically with new technologies. However the fundamental principals of land measurement, dating back to the beginnings of recorded history, remain unchanged.

6.1.1 Importance of Survey Data to the Overall Project Workflow

Survey information is the essential starting point for any land development project. Before planning, feasibility, permitting, or the design process can begin, there must be a land survey of the project site showing its boundaries, topography, infrastructure, utilities and other critical features. These basemaps are the engineering groundwork on which the design for any land development project is built.

After project design work is completed, survey data that is extracted from the design features is used by the surveyor to set the design on the ground, adjust boundaries, add easements, and prepare a final as-built survey.

Survey functionality that enables “before” and “after” project design survey tasks to be performed in the Civil 3D environment has been added to the 2007 product, providing a single all-encompassing software solution for the civil engineering/land development industry.

6.1.2 Historical Background, Cadastre, and the Importance of Monuments

Since the beginning of recorded history, surveying has served the political, economic and social needs of society by defining and locating property boundaries, features and improvements.

In Ancient Egypt, when the Nile River overflowed its banks and washed out property boundaries, "rope stretchers" re-established them using lengths of ropes with mathematically spaced knots and simple geometry. The nearly perfect squareness and north-south orientation of the Great Pyramid of Giza, built around 2700 BC, further affirm the ancient Egyptians' command of surveying.

Figure 6.1 – Rope stretchers in old Egypt used 3-4-5 right triangles to help establish boundaries.

Session 6: Survey I


On the other side of the world, the Incas built and maintained over 14,000 miles of high-quality roads and built impressive suspension bridges to cross the steep ravines of the Andes. This entire ancient infrastructure required advanced surveying skills

The establishment of boundaries was important in the determination of land areas and taxation. One of the earliest recognized land survey systems with records of ownership and wealth for the purpose of collecting taxes was the Domesday Book authorized in 1085 by William I of England (William the Conqueror). It contained detailed land descriptions but did not include maps showing exact locations.

Continental Europe's Cadastre was created in 1808 by Napoleon I (Bonaparte). It contained land records for over 100 million parcels of land and included measurable surveys detailed on scaled maps.

Note: A cadastre is defined as a public record, survey, or map of the value, extent, and ownership of land.

Monuments that are re-traceable serve as the cornerstones of cadastral systems throughout the world. In ancient Egypt such stone monuments carried inscriptions warning of the curse that would befall anyone who disturbed them. Modern survey monuments carry similar warnings, enforceable by law, not to disturb them.

Today all countries have some form of cadastre that is reliant on survey information. Cadastral information systems form the basis for much of local and regional government's mapping needs. An accurate, up-to-date land base is critical for planning, infrastructure improvements, tax assessments, and public safety. The relatively new discipline of Geographic Information Systems is modernizing cadastral information at a rapid pace. Yet the very basis of the cadastre is dependent on data that has a rich, long history.

Figure 6.2 – Example of the Public Land Survey System, a cadastral system used in the USA

6.1.3 Overview of Current Survey Practices

It is important to understand the derivation and origins of survey measurement as performed by the modern surveyor, since it directly relates to how tasks are accomplished using the Civil 3D 2007 survey functionality.

Creation of survey data has always relied on basic geometry and the ability to create level lines to pull distance measurements, plumb lines to determine height, and compass needles to define direction.

Much like the ancient Egyptian rope stretchers, surveyors throughout history have used calibrated instruments to derive their measurements. Surveyors’ work was often difficult and dangerous as they were charged with locating and setting permanent monumentation for the development of precise survey networks, often called triangulations. It was not until the relatively recent advent of electronic distance

Session 6: Survey I


measurement devices (EDM’s) that long range distances did not have to be physically traversed to obtain accurate measurements.

Today, surveying technology is experiencing a major change as modern satellite-based survey methods are being made available to civilians. As this technology improves and precision increases, the modern survey crew is utilizing these satellite methods more and the traditional methods less.

Modern surveying methods can be divided into two distinct categories: conventional and satellite based. The surveying industry is rapidly adopting satellite technology and recent reports estimate that 80% of surveys done today are satellite based.

Conventional Methods

Conventional methods use total stations that focus on a prism to measure horizontal and vertical angles as well as slope distances between points. These observations require setting an instrument up on a point with known coordinate values and determining a back-sight angle from which to reference the future (foresight) point locations (shots).

A traverse is a series of shots where the instrument is continually set up (moved up) on the newly shot-in point and back-sighted on the previous point. Traverse loops can be either closed or open loop and are used to establish a control network for survey jobs. Errors in the traverses can be detected when the surveyor closes, or checks shots against known locations. These errors can be adjusted by using one of several methods, including Transit, Compass, Crandall and Least Squares.

Side shots are point locations that are made from a specific instrument setup (station). An entire survey job could be completed with side shots taken from just a single instrument setup or from shots taken from many setups.

Figure 6.3 – Coordinate computations used with conventional survey methods

Session 6: Survey I


Satellite-Based Methods

Satellite-based survey methods use measurements from navigational satellites in known orbits above the Earth and trilateration to determine point location. Currently there are two navigational satellite-based systems, or constellations, that are used for survey grade measurements. They are the Global Positioning System (GPS), which is controlled and maintained by the United States; and GLONASS, which is the Russian equivalent. A third constellation, Galileo, is being readied by the European Union and European Space Agency. Depending upon the equipment that the surveyor uses, the satellites in either one or both of these constellations can be used to determine exact longitude, latitude, and approximate elevation of a position above the Earth.

Note: The term GPS is not an accurate way to describe satellite-based survey methods. Many survey grade satellite receivers are capable of using signals from both current satellite constellations, and are not limited to just GPS signals!

Surveying done with satellite systems falls into two categories, RTK and Static.

RTK (real time kinetic) surveying involves the use of a base receiver and a rover receiver, both of which receive satellite signals. Further refinement of exact position is achieved by adding a communication link directly between the base and the rover and adding these differential computations into the final calculations.

Static satellite surveying involves the use of a base receiver that collects and records many epochs of data over a minimum two-hour time period. This data is then post-processed with sophisticated software that compares these recorded signals to those sent to known master control locations, and an extremely accurate location for the base receiver is derived. This method is often used to create control points for survey projects that are done using RTK and/or conventional survey methods.

Figure 6.4 – Coordinate computations used with satellite-based survey methods

Session 6: Survey I


6.1.4 Importing Survey Data into Civil 3D 2007

Survey data derived from both conventional and satellite-based methods is collected by the surveyor in a field controller. A field controller is a small portable computer that interfaces directly with the survey equipment and runs specific software applications to record observations and point locations. The collected survey data is exported out of the field controller and into the PC using another software application. These applications that run on the PC have the additional functions of translating the raw survey data that is extracted from the controller to a user friendly data file format and performing any error analysis and adjustment that may be needed on the data.

Survey data that is to be imported into the Survey Database in Civil 3D 2007 must be in one of two file types: fieldbook files or LandXML files. Every major survey equipment manufacturer has download and conversion utility software that can deliver a fieldbook or LandXML file that is compatible with Autodesk Civil 3D 2007. These applications are designed to work as plug-ins to Civil 3D 2007 and are accessible in the Toolbox tab of the Toolspace panel.

Fieldbook Files

Fieldbook (.FBK) files are electronic conversions of the raw survey data as recorded by the actions of the survey instrument. In raw fieldbook files created by conventional survey methods, the actual survey instructions are recorded and can be interpreted. This often assists the process of checking a job for sources of error.

When a fieldbook file is imported into Autodesk Civil 3D 2007 animated survey graphics replaying the survey instructions are displayed. These graphics and animations also serve as valuable aids if the fieldbook file needs to be manually edited in the Autodesk Civil 3D 2007 environment. Fieldbook files resulting from satellite-based survey methods are less descriptive because no instrument actions occur.

Note that static survey methods are typically not converted to fieldbook files, and the coordinate locations that result from these surveys are usually added to the Survey Database manually.

Figure 6.5 – Fieldbook files

Fieldbook files contain very different coding depending on which survey method was used in the creation of the survey job. The example fieldbook on the left was created from a conventional survey, the one on the right was created form a satellite-based survey.

Session 6: Survey I


When interpreting a fieldbook file it is important to understand the syntax and the code instructions used. References to the commands are given in the Civil 3D help file and also in the reference document Survey Command Language Reference.pdf included in the dataset folder for this session. The details of the code instructions and their interpretation will be covered in later topics.

LandXML Files

LandXML is a universally recognized file format for the archiving, display, transfer, and exchange of engineering project data. LandXML version 1.1 will support survey data imports to the Survey Database. The schema for the broad range of engineering information that can be included in a LandXML file is shown in the reference document LandXML-1_1_Schema.htm that is included in the dataset folder for this session.

The field controller download and transfer software, provided by major survey equipment manufacturers, can create LandXML files from raw survey data. Some manufacturers even use the LandXML format directly on their field controllers so a download into the Civil 3D Survey Database is possible without the need for any intermediate steps or software.

Figure 6.6 – Excerpt of a LandXML file created from a conventional survey job.

ASCII Files

ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is the simplest format used to archive and transfer survey data. The only survey data that is contained in these files is surveyed point number, location, and description. No survey method or instructions are included so it is impossible to know how the data was originated.

Since ASCII files do not contain survey instructions they can NOT be directly imported into a Survey Database. They may, however, be imported into a Civil 3D drawing project as Civil Point objects.

ASCII files remain one of the primary ways that survey point data are introduced into the Civil 3D environment.

Figure 6.7 – Excerpt of an ASCII point file. These files can not be used in the Survey Database.

Session 6: Survey I


6.1.5 Survey Process before Import into Civil 3D

In the workflow of any successful land development project the typical starting point is the basemap. Basemaps are used as the basis for topographic, boundary, and other feature information upon which engineers and designers will build their designs.

The surveyor is called on to provide key elements of any basemap. These key elements include the establishment of a survey control system, the location of existing conditions, and any needed boundary research. Additionally if GIS information, such as aerial photos or parcel data, is available it may also be included in the basemap.

A surveyor may use either conventional or satellite survey methods, or a combination of both, to collect survey data for the purpose of building a basemap.

As described previously, the surveyor downloads the raw survey information from the field controller and converts it to a file type that can be imported into the Civil 3D Survey Database. The surveyor may have one or many jobs that are downloaded and converted for use in a single project.

Importance of Survey Control and Permanent Monuments

Every country in the world has a recognized datum (a series of inter-related points of known location) that is used as the foundation for local control and coordinate systems. To assure accuracy and maximum lifecycle, surveyors reference their jobs to these established control networks and coordinate systems. Carefully planned survey jobs result in survey data and project basemaps that assure accuracy, repeatability, and interoperability with other survey and GIS data.

Datums and control networks use elaborate and hopefully permanent monuments (markers) that serve as retrievable location coordinate reference points on the Earth. These monuments usually have reference materials (data sheets) that describe the accuracy level, coordinate values, and geodetic information for their location.

Existing Conditions

Some of the typical features that the surveyor collects in the field to define existing conditions and boundaries include:

Found survey markers Physical evidence of property boundaries, such as fences Building, roadway, easement, and utility locations Topographic details, such as spot elevations, tops and bottoms of embankments, flow

lines, low and high points, and grade breaks Significant landscape features, such as large trees

The surveyor uses point descriptions to clarify the point location in the field. It is important that the surveyor use systematic and consistent point descriptions. Consistent point descriptions enable the use of Description Keys in the Civil 3D environment, resulting in greater ease of data reduction and display in the basemap drawing.

GIS Considerations

The abundance of GIS information such as aerial photos, road centerlines, utility locations, and parcel information can be quite helpful to the surveyor and a great addition to any basemap. Likewise the surveyor’s data can flow back to the GIS community and serve to add accuracy to the body of GIS data.

Session 6: Survey I


The two-way flow of survey and GIS data is successful only if customary datums and coordinate systems are referenced and used in the various projects.

Figure 6.8 – Examples of GIS data that can be used to enhance a basemap.

In the figure above (from left to right): DRG (Digital Raster Graphic), shape file set, DOQ (Digital Ortho Quad), and DEM (Digital Elevation Model).

6.1.6 Survey Process after Design in Civil 3D

After a project has been designed in Civil 3D 2007, it must be placed on the site. This is referred to as the stakeout, and is critical to the successful completion of project construction.

Stakeout data give point location and elevation information as well as the description of what feature is being staked. When the surveyor places the finished plan stakeout on the site, the staked point locations are often accompanied by grading information such as the cut or fill amounts and possible offset information. This information is typically written directly on the lath marking the staked point location.

Stakeout points are harvested from the project design in several ways:

Points generated, randomly or on grids, referencing the finished grade Points generated from corridor model point codes Points generated from feature lines Points generated along, and offset from, alignments

Documentation of the construction details is typically provided in graphical plan, profile, and section views, as well as in tabular report format to accompany point stakeout information.

Stakeout data is typically exported in ASCII or LandXML file format for use by the surveyor, and uploaded into the field controller.

Finished grading designs may also be placed on earth using machine control. This highly efficient technique loads the actual finished grade surface (TIN) into software that is on earth-moving equipment. The software then compares the existing and finished surfaces and automatically controls the motions of the earth-moving equipment and it’s blades to achieve the desired results.

Session 6: Survey I


Exercise: Importing a Survey Control Network to a Basemap In this exercise an existing project drawing that is empty, except for some basic GIS data, will be launched and a survey control network will be added from a fieldbook file of survey data.

The exercise covers these key tasks:

Review Drawing Settings. Create a new Survey Database. Set Survey Database settings. Create a new network. Import a fieldbook file. Use “Zoom to” functions. Analyze control points. Use an NGS data sheet as a reference. View GIS data in a basemap.

Step Action Result

1. Launch the file Alameda_Basemap.dwg. The Alameda_Basemap.dwg drawing is loaded. The display shows control points, parcels, and road centerlines.

2. Set the drawing coordinate zone: On the Settings Tab, in Active Drawing Settings View, right-click Alameda_Basemap and select Edit Drawing Settings…

The Drawing Settings dialog box opens.

3. Click the Units and Zone tab. The Units and Zone page launches.

4. Verify the following settings: Drawing units: Feet Angular units: Degrees Scale: 1”=100’ Zone Category: USA, New Mexico Available coordinate systems: NAD83 New Mexico State Planes, Central Zone, US Foot

Settings that were previously saved with the drawing are shown.

5. Open the Survey Toolspace: Enter OST at the command line or select Survey menu > Open Survey Toolspace.

The Survey tab is added to the Toolspace.

6. Right-click Survey Databases and select New local survey database…

The New Local Survey Database dialog box opens.

7. Enter the name for the new database: ABQ.

The new database is named.

Session 6: Survey I


Step Action Result

8. Click OK. The New Local Survey Database dialog box closes, a folder named ABQ is automatically created in the Civil 3D Projects directory, and the new database is open for use on the Survey tab.

9. Right-click ABQ and select Edit survey database settings…

The Edit Survey Database dialog box opens.

10. Set the Survey coordinate zone: Click the plus sign in front of the Units element:

The settings associated with the database units are shown.

11. In the Coordinate zone value cell, click the ellipsis icon:

The Select Coordinate Zone dialog box opens.

12. In the Zone categories drop-down list, scroll about 80% of the way down the list.

The list of worldwide coordinate zones is displayed.

13. Select USA, New Mexico. The established coordinate zones for this state are made available.

14. In the Available coordinate systems list select: NAD83 New Mexico State Planes, Central Zone, US Foot.

The selected coordinate system code: NM83-CF is displayed along with other details of the selected coordinate system. This is the same coordinate zone as set in the drawing.

15. Click OK. The Select Coordinate Zone dialog box closes, and the program focus returns to the Survey Database Settings dialog box.

16. Click the Collapse Tree icon: The settings associated with the database units are closed.

17. Click OK. The Survey Database Settings dialog box closes.

18. Set the survey user settings: Click the Edit Survey User Settings icon at the very top of the Survey Toolspace:

The Edit Survey User Settings Dialog box opens.

19. Click the plus sign in front of the Interactive Graphics element.

The settings associated with the display of interactive graphics are shown.

20. Turn off the Automatic pan and zoom: In the value cell next to Automatic pan and zoom, if Yes is checked, then click the check box to clear it and set to No.

The Automatic pan and zoom is toggled off.

21. Click the minus sign in front of the Interactive Graphic element to collapse it.

The settings associated with the display of the interactive graphics are closed.

22. Click OK. The User Settings dialog box closes.

23. A new network is created so survey data may be imported: Right-click Networks and select New…

The Network dialog box opens.

Session 6: Survey I


Step Action Result

24. Enter the name for the new Network: CONTROL-1.

A new Network is named CONTROL-1.

25. Expand the Network element. The Network collection is shown.

26. Right-click CONTROL-1 and select Import Fieldbook…

The Import Fieldbook browse window opens.

27. Browse to C:\Bootcamp_2006_Data\Session_06.

The fieldbook files in the C:\Bootcamp_2006_Data\Session_06 folder are listed.

28. Select and launch the file Alameda_Control-1.fbk.

The Import Fieldbook options dialog box opens.

29. Verify the default settings as shown: Default fieldbook file import options are listed, and may be changed as needed.

30. Click OK. One large and one small triangular control loops are imported.

The control triangles that are imported are the result of using figures in the survey fieldbook file. Figures will be covered in future topics.

31. Right-click the Network item CONTROL-1 and select Zoom to.

The view is automatically zoomed to show the extents of the CONTROL-1 Network.

Session 6: Survey I


Step Action Result

32. Expand the Figures item. The Figures collection is shown.

33. Right-click the Figure item CONT2 and select Zoom to.

The view is automatically zoomed to show the extents of the CONT2 Figure.

34. Right-click Survey Points and select Edit… The Panorama point editor is opened. Notice the multiple tabs for this Panorama. The Survey Points Editor should be the active tab.

35. Move the Panorama window to the upper left of the screen so the drawing is not obstructed. Click the title bar and drag, pressing the CTRL key so the window will not dock.

The panorama window is still visible but not obstructing the drawing.

36. Click in the first cell to select point number 1. The first row highlights. Notice the point information fields. Latitude and longitude are shown because a coordinate zone has been assigned to the Survey Database.

37. Right-click Zoom to. The view is automatically zoomed to show the area of point 1. The existing control point is shown as the large point, the survey point that was just imported is shown as a small magenta circle. This image identifies these points:

38. Review the object data associated to the control point. There are several ways to do this. Do one of the following: Select Map > Object Data > Edit Object

Data… At the command line enter: adeeditdata Examine the properties of the point. The

object data appears at the bottom of the list

The object data is displayed. The actual object data can be checked with the point location. The attributes to check are: X_COORD and Y_COORD This survey job used the GIS control for reference, so the project can be referred back to this known coordinate zone.

Session 6: Survey I


Step Action Result

39. Review the NGS Survey data associated with the control point: Use the hyperlink related to the control point by hovering over the point and CTRL+Click. What are the directions to find the point?

The NGS data sheet that lists survey and geodetic information details for that specific location on the Earth is displayed. Note: Data sheets are used for reference by the surveying, engineering, and GIS communities. The NGS data sheets are used in the U.S.; worldwide, every established coordinate zone has similar reference information available.

40. Return to the view of the entire CONTROL-1 network, using the Zoom to utility.

The entire network is displayed.

41. Insert the surveyed points into the drawing: Right-click CONTROL-1 and select Points > Insert into drawing.

The surveyed points are added as Civil Point Objects into the drawing, with the same point numbers and descriptions that came from the surveyor’s fieldbook file. Working with and understanding the differences between survey points and Civil Point Objects in the drawing will be covered in future topics.

42. Thaw and turn on the Images layer to show the aerial photo that is part of the basemap. Set the Display Order of the images to the back: Click the frame of the image to select it, right-click Display Order and select Send to Back. Pan and zoom around the small control triangle to see the areas where control points are located. What color is the surveyor’s truck? Hint: The surveyor parked near the base.

The ortho-rectified imagery is displayed. The GIS and survey data can be seen relative to the actual photo of the area. Adding imagery is a great addition to any basemap.

43. Save the drawing, and keep it open. The drawing with the CONTROL-1 network is saved. The coordinate zone settings are also saved with this drawing.

Session 6: Survey I


6.2 Overview of Survey Functionality in Autodesk Civil 3D 2007

6.2.1 The Need for Survey Functionality

The importance of surveying to the overall project workflow creates the need to incorporate a survey solution in Autodesk Civil 3D. By including this functionality, a single software solution can now be used to import, analyze, adjust, and display survey data; create basemaps on which designs may be created; and finally to generate finished design reports, construction documents and stakeouts.

Figure 6.9 – Survey functionality is needed at both the beginning and the end of a project.

6.2.2 The Survey Collection

The Survey tab of the Toolspace displays the survey collection that contains the Survey Database category and two supplementary database categories that work in conjunction with the Survey Database. They are:

Equipment Databases for managing and defining error models for specific survey instruments when analyzing survey data with the Least Squares method.

The Figure Prefix Database manages prefixes that affect the display and properties of survey figures that may be imported into a Civil 3D drawing.

Session 6: Survey I


Figure 6.10 – The survey collection displayed on the Survey tab of the Toolspace

6.2.3 Survey Database Concepts

The Survey Database stores and manages survey-specific information for use in the Autodesk Civil 3D environment. This database is intentionally kept separate and independent of the Autodesk Civil 3D drawing project for both practical and legal reasons:

Original work done by registered surveyors is information that could have legal implications, and should not be altered without knowing those consequences.

The Civil 3D survey data can be accessed via multiple drawings and can affect other Civil 3D objects, such as points and surfaces.

Survey data is transformed according to the Survey Database coordinate system and the individual drawing coordinates system. If the drawing units and coordinate zone differ the survey objects will be transformed.

Session 6: Survey I


Figure 6.11 – The flow of survey data in a project

6.2.4 Management of the Survey Database

The Survey Database is stored and managed in a file folder structure that contains a database file, survey.sdb, and the individual folders for each Network that is used in the survey project.

The following are key points about the Survey Database:

A folder for a new Survey Database is automatically created when the user initiates the New Local Survey Database command.

The default location for the Survey Database is in C:\Civil 3D Projects. The default location for the Survey Database can be changed. There may be many Survey Databases in the Survey Database collection, but only one

may be open at a time.

Session 6: Survey I


Exercise: Using the Survey Database with Multiple Drawings of Different Units and Coordinate Zones

In this exercise the Survey Database from our previous exercise will be used to add survey data to a drawing that has different coordinate zones and units than those of the original survey data.


Survey data will be transformed to separate and different drawing units and coordinate zones.

The custom feature label style will be edited and used to label line segments. The Inquiry tool will be used to retrieve point inverse information.

Step Action Result

1. The drawing Alameda_Basemap.dwg should be open and current.

The Alameda_Basemap.dwg drawing is displayed.

2. Isolate the Control layer: Use the command layiso Or open the Layers II toolbar to access the

command. Click either of the control triangles, and press Enter.

All layers are turned off, except the Control layer.

3. Turn on layer 0. Layer 0 is turned on, and no changes appear in the drawing.

4. Add bearing and distance labels to the large triangle line segments: Select General menu > Add Labels…

The Add Labels dialog box opens.

5. Select Line and Curve for the Feature. Select Single Segment for the Label type. Select Feet and Meter for the Line label

Style. The Curve label style remains Standard. Reference text object prompt method

remains Command line. Select Add, and click once, near the mid point, on each segment of the large triangle.

The segments of the large triangle are labeled with distance in feet, and directions in bearings and north azimuths.

Session 6: Survey I


Step Action Result

6. The label style will be modified to show distance in meters: Click the Toolspace Settings tab. Expand the Alameda_Basemap drawing collection > General element > Label Styles > Line.

The General styles element tree is expanded to the Line element.

7. Right-click Feet and Meters and select Edit…

The Label Style Composer dialog box opens.

8. Click the Layout tab. The Layout page launches.

9. Click Distance for Component. The Properties and Values associated with the distance part of the label are displayed.

10. Click the cell containing the value of the Contents under the Text category, then click the ellipsis icon:

The Text Editor dialog box opens.

11. Carefully place the text insertion point at the end of the existing label properties text, displayed in the text editor. Enter a space after the existing text.

This establishes the location for the new label text to be added to the existing label.

Session 6: Survey I


Step Action Result

12. In the Properties pane: Enter meter for Unit Enter 0.001 for Precision

Click the arrow icon.

This places a distance measurement in meters behind the original distance measurement in feet.

13. Enter m behind the text properties to show that this distance is in meter units.

The m will appear at the end of the meter distance label text.

14. Click OK. The Text Editor dialog box closes, and the Label Style Composer dialog box is active.

15. Click OK. The Style Composer dialog box closes, and the line segment labels are updated to show both feet and meter distances:

16. Save the drawing The drawing with the newly defined label

style is saved.

17. Launch Alameda_Basemap_UTM.dwg. Alameda_Basemap_UTM drawing is loaded, the display shows the same control points, parcels, and road centerlines as in the previous drawing. However the data has been transformed to the UTM Zone 13 North coordinate zone.

18. Set the drawing coordinate zone: On the Settings Tab, in Active Drawing Settings View; right-click Alameda_Basemap and select Edit Drawing Settings…

The Drawing Settings dialog box opens.

19. Click the Units and Zone tab. The Units and Zone page launches.

Session 6: Survey I


Step Action Result

20. Verify the following settings: Drawing units: Meters Angular units: Degrees Scale: 1:500 Zone Catergories: UTM, NAD27 Datum Available coordinate systems: UTM with NAD27 datum, Zone 13, Meter; Central Meridian 105d W

The settings that were previously saved with the Alameda_Basemap_UTM drawing are shown.

21. Click OK. The Drawing Settings dialog box closes.

22. Click the Survey tab on the Toolspace pane. The Survey Toolspace is activated.

23. The ABQ Survey Database should still be open. If it is not, right-click ABQ and select Open survey database.

The ABQ Survey Database is open and ready to use.

24. Right-click Figures and select Insert into drawing.

The two control triangles are inserted into the drawing.

25. Right-click the Figures item and select Zoom to.

The two control triangles appear and fill the extent of the display.

26. Right-click the Survey Points item and select Insert points into drawing.

The surveyed points are inserted into the drawing with the same numbers and descriptions as indicated in the original survey data.

27. Expand CONTROL-1 > Control Points in the item list.

The CONTROL-1 item and the Control Points item are expanded and the Control Points are displayed.

28. Right-click Control Point number 1 and select Zoom to.

The area around point number 1 is displayed.

29. Verify the coordinate transformation: Enter the id command to list the

coordinates at point number 1. Click the hyperlink associated with the

control point at point number 1 to open the NGS data sheet and compare the coordinate values.

On the NGS data sheet find the UTM 13 listings for northing and easting coordinate values. These values should agree with those listed in the id command.

Session 6: Survey I


Step Action Result

30. Zoom previous. Returns to a view of the entire network.

31. Isolate the Control layer and turn on layer 0. The control triangles are the only entities that are visible.

32. Add the custom Feet and Meter label to this drawing: Click the Toolspace Settings tab, then click Master View. In this view, expand the Alameda_Basemap drawing collection > General element > Label Styles > Line. Drag the Feet and Meters style into the current drawing.

The Feet and Meter general line label style is now available for use in the Alameda_Basemap_UTM drawing.

33. Label the line segments of the large control triangle: Click the Feet and Meters label that was just added to the drawing to select it, and select General menu > Add labels utility.

The line segments are labeled with the Feet and Meters label style.

34. Use the Inquiry Tool to inverse between control triangle points to check distances: Select General menu > Show Inquiry Tool…

The Inquiry Tool palette opens.

35. Click the Point Inverse inquiry type The Results area displays Properties and Values that are associated with point inverse information.

36. Enter 1 in the Point 1 Number value cell. Enter 2 in the Point 2 Number value cell.

The results of this point inverse are displayed in the Results area. The horizontal distance results should match the distance labels.

37. Repeat the process to check the inverse between points 2 and 3 and 3 and 1

Check the inverse results with the distance labels.

38. Switch to the Alameda_Basemap drawing and perform the same point inverse checks.

The results will be displayed in the units that were set in the drawing settings.

39. Save both drawings.For both drawings select File menu > Save.

The drawings are saved.

40. Close both drawings. The drawings are closed.

6.2.5 Survey Objects – Networks, Figures, and Survey Points

The Survey Database collection contains these three items to store, manage, and edit survey information:

Networks Figures Survey Points

Session 6: Survey I


Networks

Network collections are created to import survey information into the Survey Database. Each network appears in the Survey Database folder as a separate sub-folder, and a database may contain many networks. A separate network collection is made for each survey file import.

The network folder contains files of the original observations, any traverses that are defined, any adjustments that have been made, and batch and output files that may have been manually created.

Note that if survey information is re-imported into an existing network, the survey point information contained in that folder is overwritten, averaged, or renumbered if there are duplicate point numbers. This is managed by the Survey Database’s Point Protection settings.

Figure 6.12 – The graphical components of a Network object.

Figures

Figures are lines and arcs that are connected between related survey point locations and they are used to represent features in a survey such as topographic or physical features. Examples are road centerlines, edges of pavement, walls, buildings, property lines, streams, top of banks, and ditches. Figures are important because they can save time and confusion when drawing representative features from survey data. Figures can also be used as breaklines in surface definitions. Again they are extremely powerful tools that can assure accurate interpretation of survey data.

Session 6: Survey I


Conversely, figures may be created from drawing design features and incorporated back into the Survey Database. Once in the Survey Database they may be exported as fieldbook files.

Figure 6.13 – The graphical components of a Figure object.

Survey Points

Points that result from the import of survey data into the Survey Database’s networks are listed as Survey Points. They are not recognized or visible in a drawing unless they are inserted using one of the survey-specific “Insert To Drawing” commands. When inserted, the points become Civil Point objects. They may be removed from the drawing, and the drawing database, using the survey-specific “Remove From Drawing” commands.

Note that the Survey Database settings control the Point Protection methods determining how points with duplicate numbering are managed.

Session 6: Survey I


6.2.6 Survey Settings Overview – User Settings and Database Settings

The Survey User settings affect the survey utility features, not the project or drawing data.

Figure 6.14 – Survey User settings.

The Survey Database settings directly affect the survey objects in the Civil 3D environment. The settings are specific to each Survey Database and are stored with the database.

Figure 6.15 – Survey Database settings.

Note that the survey-specific settings are independent of the Autodesk Civil 3D drawing settings.

Session 6: Survey I


Exercise: Working with Survey Networks In this exercise a new Survey Database is created and two new networks are created to import a control loop and a side shot fieldbook. After import, the network will be visually analyzed and a side shot prism height mistake fixed.


New Survey Database creation New Network creation Fieldbook import Point insert to drawing 3D network visualization Side shot editing Interactive graphics

Step Action Result

1. Launch the file 9525_Survey.dwg. The 9525_Survey.dwg drawing is loaded, but the display shows no entities.

2. Open the Survey Toolspace if it is not already opened: Enter OST at the command line or select Survey menu > Open Survey Toolspace.

The Survey tab is added to the Toolspace.

3. Right-click Survey Databases and select New local survey database…

The New Local Survey Database dialog box opens.

4. Provide the name for the new database: Enter 9525.

The new database is named.

5. Click OK. The New Local Survey Database dialog box closes, a folder named 9525 is automatically created in the Civil 3D Projects directory, and the new database is open for use on the Survey tab.

6. Right-click 9525 and select Edit survey database settings…

The Edit Survey Database dialog box opens.

7. Set the Survey coordinate zone: Click the plus sign in front of the Units element:

The settings associated with the database units are shown.

8. In the Zone categories drop-down list, select USA, New Hampshire.

The established coordinate zones for New Hampshire are made available.

9. In the Available coordinate systems list select NAD83 New Hampshire State Planes, US Foot.

The selected coordinate system code: NH83-F is displayed along with other details of the selected coordinates system. This is the same coordinate zone as set in the drawing.

Session 6: Survey I


Step Action Result

10. Click OK. The Select Coordinate Zone dialog box closes, and the focus returns to the Survey Database Settings dialog box.

11. Click OK. The Survey Database Settings dialog box closes.

12. Create a new network: Right-click Networks and select New…

The Network dialog box opens.

13. Provide the name for the new Network: Enter LOOP-1.

A new Network is named LOOP-1.

14. Expand the Network element, then right-click LOOP-1 and select Import Fieldbook.

Import Fieldbook launches.



16. Select and launch the file 9525_01_Control.fbk.


17. Review the import options. Default fieldbook file import options are listed, and may be changed as needed.

18. Click OK. The command line echoes the fieldbook instructions, one traverse loop is imported:

19. Right-click the Network item LOOP-1 and select Zoom to.

The view is automatically zoomed to show the extents of the LOOP-1 Network.

20. Click the LOOP-1 network object in the drawing.

The LOOP-1 network object highlights.

21. Right-click the LOOP-1 network object and select Browse to survey data.

Orginal survey data is viewable.

22. Click the LOOP-1 network object again, right-click and select Edit network style…

The Network style dialog box opens.

23. Review the settings on each tab of the dialog box.

The componets and settings that make up the network object’s style are viewable.

Session 6: Survey I


Step Action Result

24. Click OK. The Network style dialog box closes, and no changes have been made.

25. Expand the LOOP-1 collection. The items in the LOOP-1 network tree are displayed.

26. The next several steps explore the properties

of the various network items that were imported from the fieldbook file: Expand Control Points, then right-click PT 1, and select Properties.

The properties for control point 1 are displayed. Any property values that are not inactive (grayed-out) can be edited.

27. Click OK. The Control Point Properties window is closed, and no changes have been made.

28. Expand Setups, then right-click any setup in the list and select Properties.

The properties for the selected instrument setup are displayed. Any property values that are not inactive can be edited.

29. Click OK. The Setup Properties window is closed, and no changes have been made.

30. Collapse the Control Points and Setups items in the LOOP-1 network tree by clicking the minus signs in front of the items

The items are collapsed and a plus sign appears in front of these items.

31. Add a new network: Right-click Network and select New…

The New dialog box opens.

32. Provide the name for the new Network: Enter SIDE_SHOTS-1.

A new Network is named SIDE_SHOTS-1.

33. Expand the Network element, right-click SIDE_SHOTS-1 and select Import Fieldbook.




35. Select and launch the file 9525_01_Side_Shots.fbk.


36. Review and accept the defaults. Default fieldbook file import options are listed, and may be changed as needed.

Session 6: Survey I


Step Action Result

37. Click OK. A graphical animation shows the steps of survey instructions in the fieldbook as it is imported. A new network object is added to the drawing.

38. Analyze the network objects in 3D to check for any obvious errors: Click both network objects in the drawing to select them, right-click and select Object Viewer.

The Object Viewer appears. Orbit the view and look for any obvious mistakes (“busts” or “blown shots”).

39. Orbit the view so it is nearly a front view, and an error will become apparent. Click the Set

View icon to keep this 3D view when returning to the drawing. Close the Object Viewer.

The drawing displays the same view that was set in the Object Viewer.

Session 6: Survey I


Step Action Result

40. To better determine where the mistake is in relation to the overall network, a colored circle can be useful: Use the circle command to draw a circle with a radius of 20 units, centered at the bottom endpoint of the bad side shot line. Change the color to red so it will stand out when placed in plan view.

A red circle with a radius is drawn at the endpoint of the side shot line.

41. Return to plan view: At the command line enter plan. To execute this command, press Enter twice.

The network objects are viewed in plan view, and the red circle should be easily seen.

42. The surveyed points are brought into the drawing: On the Survey toolspace, click the Networks item in the 9525 survey project and select Points > Insert into drawing.

The surveyed points are inserted into the drawing as Civil Point Objects, and added to the All Points group. The label style assigned to these points has only the point number visible. This will help to show where the problem side shot is located.

43. Zoom to the area around the red circle to find out the point number of the affected point. Note the tool tips will also display the point number as the cursor is held near the circle.

The affected point number is determined.

44. Follow the side shot line back to the instrument setup point.

The setup point number is determined.

Session 6: Survey I


Step Action Result

45. Expand the SIDE_SHOTS-1 network item. The network items in the SIDE_SHOTS-1 network tree are displayed.

46. Expand the Setups item. The Setups list is displayed.

47. Click the setup station at the instrument setup point that was just determined.

The setup station is selected.

48. Right-click the selected setup station and

select Edit Observations. The Observation Editor Panorama launches.

49. Scroll to the bottom of the list to find the bad point, 1593, and click this row to select it.

The observed values for all points shot from the point 1502 instrument setup are listed.

50. Find the value for the Target Height. Change it to 4.770.

A mistake by the field survey crew has been fixed.

51. Click the Apply Changes icon

The edit is applied to the network.

52. Click the Dismiss icon

The Observation Editor Panorama closes.

53. The SIDE_SHOT-1 network needs to be updated to reflect the edits that were made, as indicated by the icon:

Right-click SIDE_SHOTS-1 and select Update Network.

The SIDE_SHOT-1 network is updated as indicated by the Updating Survey Network progress bar at the bottom left of the application window.

54. Zoom to the networks. Display shows the extents of the networks.

Session 6: Survey I


Step Action Result

55. Check to see that the edit was applied: Repeat the steps to display the networks in the Object Viewer (see Step 38).

The 3D display shows that the bad side shot has been fixed.

56. Close the Object Viewer. The Object Viewer is retired.

57. Save and close this drawing The 9525_Survey drawing is saved and closed.

Session 6: Survey I


Exercise: Adding GPS Survey Data and ASCII Point Data In this exercise survey data from the 9525 Survey Database from the previous exercise will be inserted to a new drawing. A new network will be created so GPS survey data can be brought into the Survey Database. Additionally, an ASCII point file will be imported using familiar point import methods. The behavior of these various forms of survey data will then be explored as edits are applied. It is important to understand the ultimate effect of the origins of survey data on the entire survey project and the drawings that use them.


Survey data from satellite-based (GPS) methods behaves differently in the Survey Database.

ASCII point import remains a valid method to bring survey information into a drawing, but not into the Survey Database.

Network editing and updating Point protection Re-import of original fieldbook file

Step Action Result

1. Launch the file 9525_Points.dwg. The 9525_Points.dwg drawing is loaded. It is an empty drawing.

2. In the Survey Toolspace, open the Survey Database 9295 if it is not already opened: Right-click 9295 and select Open Survey Database.

Only one Survey Database can be opened at a time. When a database is open, its name is displayed in bold.

3. Insert the networks from the 9525 database into the drawing: Right-click LOOP-1 and select Insert into drawing. Repeat to insert the SIDE_SHOTS-1 network into the drawing.

The 9525 database already contains two networks. They are inserted into this drawing.

4. Right-click Network and select Zoom to. The display shows the two network objects.

5. Right-click Network and select Points > Insert into drawing.

The surveyed points are inserted into the drawing as Civil Point objects.

6. Click the Prospector tab of the Toolspace, in the Active Drawing View

The Prospector tab is active.

7. In the 9525_Points drawing collection, expand Points Groups, then right-click All Points and select Edit.

The Point Editor panorama is opened.

8. Scroll down the point list to review the point numbers and descriptions.

The point numbers that are in use are noted.

9. Close the Point Editor. The Point Editor panorama is closed.

Session 6: Survey I


Step Action Result

10. Add a new network to import satellite-based survey data: Right-click Network and select New…

The New dialog box opens.

11. Provide the name for the new Network: Enter GPS_SHOTS-1.

A new Network is named GPS_SHOTS-1.

12. Expand the Network element, then right-click GPS_SHOTS-1 and select Import Fieldbook.




14. Select and launch the file 9525_01_GPS_ Shots.fbk.



16. Click OK. There is no change in the graphic display. No network entity is created because no instrument observations are needed when satellite-based survey methods are used.

Session 6: Survey I


Step Action Result

17. Insert the GPS_SHOTS-1 database points into the drawing: Right-click GPS_SHOTS-1 and select Points > Insert into drawing.

The points are inserted to the drawing as Civil Point objects. There is no network object that connects these points, or this network to the other networks in this Survey Database.

18. Import ASCII points into the drawing: Browse to C:\Bootcamp_2006_Data\Session_06.

The files in the C:\Bootcamp_2006_Data\Session_06 folder are listed.

19. Select and launch the file 9525_ASCII_Points.txt.

The Import Points dialog box is displayed with C:\00_Survey\9525_ASCII_Points.txt as the Source File.

20. Uncheck any Advanced Options that may be selected.

The Advanced Options are cleared.

21. Click OK. The points are imported as Civil Point objects into the drawing. These points are not associated to any Survey Database or any network object.

22. A correction is applied to the CONTROL-1 network and both networks are updated to reflect the change. The survey points and the Civil Points in the drawing will also be update to show the change. The Civil Points that resulted from the ASCII file import will not be updated since they are not associated with the Survey Database. Expand the Setups collection, and select the first setup in the list: Right-click Station:1, Backsight: 2 and select Edit observations…

The Edit Observation panorama opens, displaying the instrument observation information used to locate point number 551.

23. Edit the observed angle: Click the Angle cell and replace the existing angle by entering the new angle, 12.344.

The new angle is entered, and the values in the point 551 row are displayed in bold.

Session 6: Survey I


Step Action Result

24. Click the Apply Changes icon on the panorama.

The point 551 values are applied and the values in the row are un-bolded.

25. Click the Dismiss icon on the panorama.

The Edit Observation panorama closes.

26. Update the LOOP-1 network: Right-click LOOP-1 and select Update network.

The LOOP-1 network is updated to reflect the change in the location of point 551. The SIDE_SHOTS-1 network remains unchanged.

27. Update the SIDE_SHOTS-1 network:

Right-click SIDE_SHOTS-1 and select Update network.

The SIDE_SHOTS-1 network updates to match the LOOP-1 control network. The Civil Point objects remain unchanged.

28. Update the GPS_SHOTS-1 network:

Right-click GPS_SHOTS-1 and select Update network.

There is no change in the graphic display. The GPS_SHOTS-1 network is unchanged, because it is not directly tied to the other networks. The Civil Point objects created from both the GPS_SHOTS-1 network and the ASCII file import remain unchanged.

Session 6: Survey I


Step Action Result

29. Update the points: Right-click Networks and select Points > Update.

The Civil Points that were created from surveyed points are updated. The Civil Points that were created from the ASCII file import are not changed.

30. Re-import the original control fieldbook to

the LOOP-1 network: Right-click 9525 and select Edit survey database settings…

The Point Protection settings are changed to Overwrite so the fieldbook import will not encounter point numbering conflicts. The Edit Survey Database Settings dialog box opens.

31. Expand the Point Protection item. Settings for point protection are displayed.

32. Click in the Value cell next to Overwrite method, and select Overwrite all from the drop-down list.

The Point Protection settings are changed to Overwrite so the fieldbook import will not encounter point numbering conflicts.

33. Click OK. The Edit Survey Database Settings dialog box closes.

34. Right-click LOOP-1 and select Import field book…




36. Select and launch the file 9525_01_Control.fbk.



Session 6: Survey I


Step Action Result

38. Click OK. The LOOP-1 traverse loop is imported to the original location.

39. Update the SIDE_SHOT-1 network and points. The drawing is returned to the conditions from the original survey data.

40. Close the Survey Database The current Survey Database is closed, as indicated by the un-bolding of the database name.

41. Save the drawing. The drawing is saved.

survery 1

Documents

survey points

survey collection

survey functionality

session overview session

session contents session

civil survey objects

importance of survey

survey database collection