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Student Guide
Session 6: Survey I
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
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.
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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
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Figure 6.1 Rope stretchers in old Egypt used 3-4-5 right triangles to help establish boundaries.
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On the other side of the world, the Incas built and maintained over 14,000 miles of highquality 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
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measurement devices (EDMs) 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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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 surveyors data can flow back to the GIS community and serve to add accuracy to the body of GIS data.
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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).
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 its blades to achieve the desired results.
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Step 1.
Result The Alameda_Basemap.dwg drawing is loaded. The display shows control points, parcels, and road centerlines. The Drawing Settings dialog box opens.
2.
3. 4.
Click the Units and Zone tab. 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
The Units and Zone page launches. Settings that were previously saved with the drawing are shown.
5.
6. 7.
Right-click Survey Databases and select New local survey database Enter the name for the new database: ABQ.
The New Local Survey Database dialog box opens. The new database is named.
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Step 8. Click OK. Action Result 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. The Edit Survey Database dialog box opens. The settings associated with the database units are shown. The Select Coordinate Zone dialog box opens. The list of worldwide coordinate zones is displayed. The established coordinate zones for this state are made available. The selected coordinate system code: NM83CF is displayed along with other details of the selected coordinate system. This is the same coordinate zone as set in the drawing. The Select Coordinate Zone dialog box closes, and the program focus returns to the Survey Database Settings dialog box. The settings associated with the database units are closed. The Survey Database Settings dialog box closes. The Edit Survey User Settings Dialog box opens.
9. 10.
In the Coordinate zone value cell, click the ellipsis icon: In the Zone categories drop-down list, scroll about 80% of the way down the list. Select USA, New Mexico. In the Available coordinate systems list select: NAD83 New Mexico State Planes, Central Zone, US Foot. Click OK.
15.
19. 20.
The settings associated with the display of interactive graphics are shown. The Automatic pan and zoom is toggled off.
Click the minus sign in front of the Interactive Graphic element to collapse it. Click OK.
The settings associated with the display of the interactive graphics are closed. The User Settings dialog box closes. The Network dialog box opens.
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Step 24. 25. Action Enter the name for the new Network: CONTROL-1. Expand the Network element. Result A new Network is named CONTROL-1. The Network collection is shown.
26. 27.
The Import Fieldbook browse window opens. The fieldbook files in the
C:\Bootcamp_2006_Data\Session_06 .
28. 29. Select and launch the file Alameda_Control1.fbk. Verify the default settings as shown:
C:\Bootcamp_2006_Data\Session_06 folder
are listed. The Import Fieldbook options dialog box opens. 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 The view is automatically zoomed to show select Zoom to. the extents of the CONTROL-1 Network.
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Step 32. Action Expand the Figures item. Result The Figures collection is shown.
33. 34.
Right-click the Figure item CONT2 and select Zoom to. Right-click Survey Points and select Edit
The view is automatically zoomed to show the extents of the CONT2 Figure. The Panorama point editor is opened. Notice the multiple tabs for this Panorama. The Survey Points Editor should be the active tab. The panorama window is still visible but not obstructing the drawing.
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. Click in the first cell to select point number 1.
36.
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. 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:
37.
38.
Review the object data associated to the control point. There are several ways to do this. Do one of the following: