Topic: Calling All Surveyors - I have an inquiry

[sinc]

Also note that you can import Lat/Long straight into Civil-3D, and it will also automatically convert the Lat/Long to your grid system.  All you need to do is define a Point File Format that uses Lat/Long instead of PNEZD.  No need for other software.

[dfarris75]

Wow! I didn't realize C3D had that as a point file format. Very cool. The only thing is that I was planning on just getting regular AutoCAD for this operation (more than likely). I may just change my mind about that as I'd rather have C3D anyway and since I could set up a lat-long format that's just one more reason to get it instead.

Of course it is preferred that it is as accurate as possible, but is not necessary to be that close. It won't be used for true surveying, but for photographic purposes. The final product will be more for reference as opposed to measuring and design. If possible I'd want the most accurate unit I could get at a reasonable cost < $1,000. < $500 would be even better, but that $650 unit might be a good one if I can take the raw data straight from the unit into cad without having to spend hundreds (or thousands) on additional software. But if I could get something even less expensive such as a Garmin for $200-300 that would provide decent enough accuracy then that would be great.

[mjfarrell]

Rusty....C3D has any point file format one can create, in the point file format editor. 

We were involved in a road safety audit with a local county, they used a hand help PALM device with some kind of GPS application loaded.  I think the accuracy was under a meter, and sufficient for the task they were put to.

[dfarris75]

Any idea what the device was and the cost? Accuracy within a meter sounds pretty expensive.

[mjfarrell]

http://www.palm.com/us/support/accessories/gps_navigator.html


Not sure if this is the same set up....

There is some good information for you here: http://www.consumersearch.com/www/electronics/gps/

[Dent Cermak]

I guess it all depends on how accurate you need your data. All shots taken should all be "relative" to each other and possibly only the "real world" coordinates would be off. In theory anyway. The hand-helds I have compared to were used for cell tower locations where your X,Y positional tollerance is 50' +_ and Z tollerance is 20'+_. Garmin has a unit called the Colorado400T that uses the WAAS technology that gives results within 3 feet. This unit lists for $599.99.
The cost rises rather steeply when you get into the "survey accuracy" instruments that are supposed to yield subcentimeter accuracy. Then you are talking megabucks.
Thing to do is decide on your accuracy requirements and then surf the manufacturer's web sites, They all have a :cotact us" link, co bug the crap out of them until you find what you want. Then ask them for a discount. They like that. Sometimes they will even do it.

[dfarris75]

Within 3 feet would be perfectly fine.

[cgrob]

A good place to ask a Land Surveying question is this messageboard:

http://www.i-boards.com/bnp/pob

Refresh the page often after you ask - answers will usually show up quickly.

[sinc]

Yeah, it's rather refreshing when someone on that board actually asks a survey-related question...