Over the next many months I will be reviewing software related to take-offs and machine control data prep. Having worked with virtually all current, (and some former) software brands I have practical knowledge with their inner workings. At any one time I can be working with 3 different software brands open on my computer at one time. We get files from all over the world in different formats. Not only are they produced in different programs, but the CAD standards (or lack thereof) are all different. That requires us to not only know how to open and manipulate them, but flex them into a form that is familiar to our data engineers for the task at hand. Long story short, I know software and am qualified to save you some time and money in respect to your buying decision. Now on to the ground rules for the evaluations.

In our world, software comes in two basic flavors. Those that run in AutoCAD and those who do not. With some exceptions I will talk about soon, that is your first choice. IntelliCAD is an up and coming player, and as of this date can work reasonably well with AutoCAD files. The downside is there is more information and education available for AutoCAD than IntelliCAD currently available. IntelliCAD will look and feel different than AutoCAD so it will take some getting used to for current Autodesk Customers. IntelliCAD is cheaper, and may be a good fit for you. I will conduct my reviews of CAD add on programs in AutoCAD. At some point in the future, there will be IntelliCAD only articles. MicroStation and AutoCAD are in the process of sharing code and trying to flatten their platforms so they can talk to each other. I am not sure of the status of this, but it is getting better with every version release.

Testing will be done on the main features touted by the vendor. We will not spend time on the basics, they all do that. Some of the newer features that are of interest will be;

Import of pdf files so you can actually snap on lines and manipulate the information. This is a great solution for performing a takeoff where the engineer only releases CAD generated pdf files. Once the line work is on your screen, we will look at what it takes to get it into useable form.

Automation of point generation and manipulation routines available for fixing point import issues. I could write a book on points; actually I am. Points are powerful elements in a good surface. Automated routines can make quick work of that huge topo file, or put them in the wrong place at the wrong elevation.

“One Button” routines for everything from cleaning up file attributes to assigning elevations to lines, points and contours. Sometimes when you only have a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. A routine may have good intentions, but if it does not do everything it needs to, you may need to go step by step manually.

If the program will open other file formats, we will do so and compare with my opening of the same file in the native program and exporting to the required format. This helps expose poorly written file conversion algorithms that can cause you some problems with your work from the start.

Export routines for producing surface, line work, and point files for major brands of hardware. We will also look at the integrity of the export routines. Does the TIN look like you expect it to? Is the file size correct? Do line work files retain attributes from the native program?

Reporting capabilities for earthwork quantities, color maps for cut/fill areas, and cut sheets. Sometimes you need more than a number, how detailed will the software let you get.

A few more things. I do not have a dog in this fight. I know most of the software manufacturers and have helped some write commands to make your job easier. It will be easy for me to be objective; any overstatements will immediately be flamed in web site responses by current users. Software Vendors; I need the program to use for evaluation, not a canned presentation from a salesperson. Get ready for a comprehensive real world evaluation of software.

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