Topic: I need help - Editing a Field Book

[MSTG007]

I forgot how to edit the fieldbook file... lol
How do I know when lines close, etc.

here is my example: TXT file

102,1701702.548,221627.808,809.400,nail
1001,1701053.029,221699.770,807.786,cbs
1002,1701004.656,221646.074,809.265,b ec ep
1003,1701047.859,221646.181,809.239,ec ep
1004,1701099.838,221646.492,809.121,e ec ep
1005,1701099.611,221646.849,809.175,b gut
1006,1701099.599,221647.981,809.557,b bc rolled 6in
1007,1701099.572,221647.873,809.451,c3 bc rolled 6in
1008,1701081.238,221656.867,809.369,bc rolled 6in
1009,1701076.202,221671.947,809.142,bc rolled 6in
1010,1701096.802,221647.093,809.088,c3 gut
1011,1701080.469,221655.489,808.868,gut
1012,1701074.821,221672.113,808.696,gut
1013,1701075.103,221672.271,808.764,c3 gut
1014,1701079.574,221683.203,808.696,gut
1015,1701085.746,221687.902,808.462,gut
1016,1701076.768,221675.505,809.270,c3 bc rolled 6in
1017,1701081.019,221683.052,809.082,bc rolled 6in
1018,1701086.060,221685.824,808.957,bc rolled 6in
1019,1701138.075,221686.978,809.458,bc rolled 6in
1020,1701138.183,221687.869,808.979,gut
1021,1701150.129,221687.968,809.052,gut
1022,1701150.089,221687.281,809.485,bc rolled 6in
1023,1701198.153,221687.365,809.264,bc rolled 6in
1024,1701198.109,221688.115,808.943,gut
1025,1701255.738,221688.898,808.531,gut
1026,1701255.775,221687.971,809.012,bc rolled 6in
1027,1701306.374,221688.161,808.503,bc rolled 6in
1028,1701306.453,221688.957,808.040,gut
1029,1701336.050,221689.273,807.822,e gut
1030,1701336.295,221688.288,808.316,e bc rolled 6in
1031,1701328.553,221701.962,807.483,bore
1032,1701344.877,221713.898,807.612,b gut
1033,1701343.783,221715.040,808.163,b bc rolled 6in
1034,1701343.897,221715.152,808.194,c3 bc rolled 6in
1035,1701340.256,221715.251,808.217,bc rolled 6in
1036,1701337.606,221719.080,808.311,bc rolled 6in
1037,1701343.823,221714.271,807.783,c3 gut
1038,1701339.164,221715.012,807.815,gut
1039,1701336.597,221719.729,807.940,gut
1040,1701336.640,221733.196,808.165,e gut
1041,1701337.754,221733.464,808.642,e bc rolled 6in
1042,1701336.999,221733.421,808.147,b gut
1043,1701337.802,221733.496,808.601,b fc
1044,1701337.793,221733.903,808.687,b bc
1045,1701337.491,221738.116,808.578,b bw
1046,1701301.909,221738.110,808.812,bw
1047,1701310.289,221758.860,808.763,bw
1048,1701308.553,221760.325,809.661,re tennis court
1049,1701306.359,221760.407,810.005,bw
1050,1701297.153,221738.008,808.785,bw
1051,1701295.415,221734.081,808.827,bc
1052,1701295.053,221733.796,808.890,fc
1053,1701294.912,221733.556,808.391,gut
1054,1701265.951,221733.365,808.672,gut
1055,1701266.051,221733.488,809.038,fc
1056,1701265.168,221734.046,809.085,bc
1057,1701261.067,221737.755,809.171,bw
1058,1701261.129,221718.135,809.403,bw
1059,1701265.172,221718.328,808.903,c3 bc
1060,1701264.158,221715.391,808.806,bc
1061,1701261.217,221713.986,809.083,bc
1062,1701265.588,221718.121,809.037,c3 fc

now my fbk file
NE SS 13 1700772.77100 222379.17800 812.27700 "cp nail"
NE SS 14 1700893.29200 222144.48800 811.35000 "cp nail"
NE SS 15 1700416.37500 222188.08900 810.34900 "cp nail"
NE SS 16 1700146.63900 222037.95300 811.24600 "cp nail"
NE SS 17 1699835.88100 221726.43400 811.83900 "cp nail"
NE SS 18 1700068.17600 221811.72300 811.25700 "cp x"
NE SS 19 1701006.41300 222042.90200 810.48700 "cp pk"
NE SS 102 1701702.54800 221627.80800 809.40000 "nail"
NE SS 1001 1701053.02900 221699.77000 807.78600 "cbs"
BEG ec
NE SS 1002 1701004.65600 221646.07400 809.26500 "ep"
CONT ec
NE SS 1003 1701047.85900 221646.18100 809.23900 "ec ep"
CONT ec
NE SS 1004 1701099.83800 221646.49200 809.12100 "ep"
END ec
BEG gut
NE SS 1005 1701099.61100 221646.84900 809.17500 "gut"
BEG bc
END
END
NE SS 1006 1701099.59900 221647.98100 809.55700 "6in"
CONT bc
C3
NE SS 1007 1701099.57200 221647.87300 809.45100 "6in"
CONT bc
NE SS 1008 1701081.23800 221656.86700 809.36900 "bc rolled 6in"
CONT bc
CONT bc
NE SS 1009 1701076.20200 221671.94700 809.14200 "bc rolled 6in"
CONT bc
CONT gut
C3
NE SS 1010 1701096.80200 221647.09300 809.08800 "gut"
NE SS 1011 1701080.46900 221655.48900 808.86800 "gut"
NE SS 1012 1701074.82100 221672.11300 808.69600 "gut"
CONT gut
C3
NE SS 1013 1701075.10300 221672.27100 808.76400 "gut"
NE SS 1014 1701079.57400 221683.20300 808.69600 "gut"
NE SS 1015 1701085.74600 221687.90200 808.46200 "gut"
CONT bc
C3
END
END
NE SS 1016 1701076.76800 221675.50500 809.27000 "6in"
CONT bc
NE SS 1017 1701081.01900 221683.05200 809.08200 "bc rolled 6in"
CONT bc
CONT bc
NE SS 1018 1701086.06000 221685.82400 808.95700 "bc rolled 6in"
CONT bc
CONT bc
NE SS 1019 1701138.07500 221686.97800 809.45800 "bc rolled 6in"
CONT bc
CONT gut
NE SS 1020 1701138.18300 221687.86900 808.97900 "gut"
NE SS 1021 1701150.12900 221687.96800 809.05200 "gut"
CONT bc
END
END
NE SS 1022 1701150.08900 221687.28100 809.48500 "bc rolled 6in"
CONT bc
CONT bc
NE SS 1023 1701198.15300 221687.36500 809.26400 "bc rolled 6in"
CONT bc
CONT gut
NE SS 1024 1701198.10900 221688.11500 808.94300 "gut"
NE SS 1025 1701255.73800 221688.89800 808.53100 "gut"
CONT bc
END
END
NE SS 1026 1701255.77500 221687.97100 809.01200 "bc rolled 6in"
CONT bc
CONT bc
NE SS 1027 1701306.37400 221688.16100 808.50300 "bc rolled 6in"
CONT bc
CONT gut
NE SS 1028 1701306.45300 221688.95700 808.04000 "gut"
NE SS 1029 1701336.05000 221689.27300 807.82200 "gut"
END gut
END
END
NE SS 1030 1701336.29500 221688.28800 808.31600 "6in"
END bc
NE SS 1031 1701328.55300 221701.96200 807.48300 "bore"
BEG gut
NE SS 1032 1701344.87700 221713.89800 807.61200 "gut"
BEG bc
END
END
NE SS 1033 1701343.78300 221715.04000 808.16300 "6in"
CONT bc
C3
NE SS 1034 1701343.89700 221715.15200 808.19400 "6in"
CONT bc
NE SS 1035 1701340.25600 221715.25100 808.21700 "bc rolled 6in"
CONT bc
CONT bc
NE SS 1036 1701337.60600 221719.08000 808.31100 "bc rolled 6in"
CONT bc
CONT gut
C3
NE SS 1037 1701343.82300 221714.27100 807.78300 "gut"
NE SS 1038 1701339.16400 221715.01200 807.81500 "gut"
NE SS 1039 1701336.59700 221719.72900 807.94000 "gut"
NE SS 1040 1701336.64000 221733.19600 808.16500 "gut"
END gut
END
END
NE SS 1041 1701337.75400 221733.46400 808.64200 "6in"
END bc
BEG gut
NE SS 1042 1701336.99900 221733.42100 808.14700 "gut"
BEG fc
NE SS 1043 1701337.80200 221733.49600 808.60100 "fc"

thanks for the help!

[Dent Cermak]

One thing to look at is that the software automatically adds a begin when you add a different descriptor code. In your first 3 shots you got messed up because you have "ep" and "ec ep". It's now created 2 entities. The first 3 entries all should have had descriptors as "ep" only. You can tie your concrete line to this point later using a RECALL. Another thing to look at is when you get 2 "END" entries. That's telling you that the computer is confused. Look at  the file as begin means "pencil down" and end means "pencil up". That may help you fix things.
This reflects some of the problems inherent in running your shots "cross section style". I've been running these files since 1988 and my company has learned that it is better to run the features as linear strings rather than cross section style. All of the time you save in the field can easily be lost in the office editing these file and then adjusting the drawing. We have a few crews that can track things cross section style, but the newer crews do much better running the lines linearly. Up one edge of the asp, back down the centerline, back up the other edge of asphalt, etc. No EA1 and EA2 to mess with. (This is often referred to as a form of the KISS System ("keep it simple stupid").) Any field system needs to be as simple and bullet proof as possible.

[mjfarrell]

you might want to bring it in as a 'batch' file, and then you can step through each entry mnaking note of where you need to end the figures, or one can make a best guess...

[MSTG007]

Ok... Then I guess I will forward this over to my field crew person. As for the above code. I will print it out and start writing it up! Lets see how I do

[mjfarrell]

Point of contention, one need NOT survey in a linear fashion, should one master the art of line coding.
It takes a little practice, and observation as to what you enter, and how, and the results one produces.
Then one need not walk up and down the road unless one wants all that extra exercise or time in the (sun, wind, cold, humidity).

If one spends the time to become proficient with line coding the time saved both in the office and the field yields huge returns.

I am always happy to spend the time with your crews to make sure they understand the process.

[MSTG007]

I know you are. And I appreciate that you are will too as well.

My field crew dude has a question for you guys.

What other commands can he use with Civil 3D 2009 besides the (B, C3, E)?

Also, like "RECALL". How do you put that in the topcon data collector?
You can see how they place the codes in the txt file above. Is it as simple as RECALL 100, then take a shot and you are done?

[MSTG007]

Oh by the way, my field guy is lazy too. He rides the Quad and has a bracket he puts the rod on.
Seems Smart to me!

[sinc]

There is a complete list in the help.  Sometimes it's easier to find if you search for something like BEG C3, which should turn up the "Figure Commands" page pretty fast.  It's usually pretty hard to find if you search for something like "Figure Commands".

Our field guys have pretty much completely stopped using the C3 command in favor of multicurves, now that they fixed the problems with them.  I don't think the multicurve commands work properly in C3D 2008 and earlier (they give bad vertical data) - at least, I believe they did not fix this issue until C3D 2009.  It gets hard to keep track of all the bugs.

[mjfarrell]

the multi curve command seemed to yield a very differrent curve than one shot with the C3 function, you might want to test them again.

the broad list is....here; however NOTE not all survey command window commands translate into useable line codes. (go figure)


The following table lists the figure-related AutoCAD Civil 3D survey commands and briefly describes their functionality.

NoteThese commands must be entered in the Survey Command Window. For more information, see Survey Command Window.
Command
 Description
 
AREA [figure] Lists the area and perimeter of a figure.
BEG [figure] Begins a new figure.
C3 Draws a 3-point curve.
CLOSE Closes a figure.
CLOSE BLD Closes a figure
CLOSE RECT [offset] Closes a figure
CONT [figure] Continues a figure to add additional vertices to it.
CRV [DELTA, LENGTH, DEFL, MID, TAN, CHORD] [radius] [value] Creates a curve in the current figure.
DEL FIG [figure] Deletes a figure from the drawing.
DISP FIGS Lists all the existing figure names in the current drawing.
END Indicates the end of a figure.
FIG AD [angle] [distance] Creates a figure vertex using an angle and distance.
FIG DD [deflection] [distance] Creates a figure vertex using a deflection angle and distance.
FIG ZD [azimuth] [distance] Creates a figure vertex using an azimuth and distance.
FIG BD [bearing] [quadrant] [distance] Creating a figure vertex using a bearing and distance.
FIG NE [northing] [easting] Creates a figure vertex using known coordinates.
ID FIG Identifies a figure.
INVERSE FIG [figure] Displays the exact closure (inverse) information for a figure.
MCS Starts a multi-point curve within an active figure.
MCE Ends a multi-point curve within an active figure.
MAPCHECK [figure] Displays mapcheck information for a figure.
OFFSET [figure] [distance] Offsets a figure.
PC Specifies that the next shot is a point of curvature.
POINT [point] Selects an existing point to be the next vertex in the figure.
RT [distance] Defines a right turn in a figure.
SET (point) Creates a point at the current location in a figure.
START [figure] Extends a figure from the start point.
XC ZD (BULB) [radius] [chord azimuth] [chord distance] Creates a curve using the chord azimuth.
XC BD (BULB) [radius] [chord bearing] [quadrant] [chord distance] Creates a curve using the chord bearing.
XC AD (BULB) [radius] [chord angle] [chord distance] Creates a non-tangential curve.
XC DD (BULB) [radius] [chord deflection] [chord distance] Creates a curve using the chord deflection.
XC C3 [point on curve] [end point] Creates a curve using a point on the curve.
XC PTS [radius] [radius point] [end point] Creates the curve radius.

[sinc]

We've been using multicurves a lot lately.  They work fine in C3D 2009, but they were out to lunch in earlier versions.

[therock003]

What's the use of fieldbooks anyway? Isnt one supposed to export cordinates or dxf files from the instrument? How do fieldbooks work?

[MSTG007]

we use a topcon fc-2000. We just do the normal stuff that you see above.
StartSurveyLink and convert from a TXT to a FBK. Then Import!

[mjfarrell]

What's the use of fieldbooks anyway? Isnt one supposed to export cordinates or dxf files from the instrument? How do fieldbooks work?

The beauty and power of the FBK is that when properly done, it adds productivity and accuracy to ones survey drawings.
The lines that represent physical features on the ground, are drawn automatically, and later added directly to the terrain model.

The lines are being described by the surveyor whom actually sees the site, not some technician attempting to play 'connect the dots' attempting to decipher point descriptions without aid of a field sketch.

When I taught this in the Spring session at Southeast Technical Institute the Survey instructor at the school, completely revised his curricula for all future classes to maximize the use and instruction in proper use of line coding in the field.  Let's just say it was a paradigm shifting experience for most that attended!

[sinc]

What's the use of fieldbooks anyway? Isnt one supposed to export cordinates or dxf files from the instrument? How do fieldbooks work?

The beauty and power of the FBK is that when properly done, it adds productivity and accuracy to ones survey drawings.
The lines that represent physical features on the ground, are drawn automatically, and later added directly to the terrain model.

Really, that's the beauty and power of a Field-to-Finish solution.  The FBK counts as an F2F solution, but in comparison with other such solutions, it's rather weak.  Things have gotten better in C3D 2010, where we no longer need to use the clunky FBK format for F2F.

[mjfarrell]

I was trying to stay positive....