Field Genius 7 English
Field Genius 7 English
Field Genius 7 English
0 (7/17/2014)
This MicroSurvey End-User License Agreement ("Agreement") is a legal and binding agreement
between you ("Licensee") and MicroSurvey Software Inc., a BC corporation ("MICROSURVEY") con-
cerning the use of the MicroSurvey products (the "Product"), the software provided in connection with
the use and operation of the Product, including firmware and stored measurement data (collectively
the "Software") and all related documentation provided in connection with the acquisition of the
Product ("Documentation"). The Software includes software owned by, and licensed from, third party
licensors.
By clicking the "I ACCEPT" check box and completing the process of installing the Software,
LICENSEE consents to and agrees to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
BY CLICKING THE "I REJECT" CHECK BOX or IF LICENSEE disagrees with any of the terms or
conditions of this Agreement, LICENSEE IS not permitted to install and/or use the Software,
PRODUCT AND DOCUMENTATION. IF LICENSEE HAS ANY questions OR COMMENTS
CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT LICENSEE MAY CONTACT MICROSURVEY AT Westbank,
BC Canada.
1. Title to Product and Rights to Use Software and Documentation. Title to the Product and
the rights to use the Software and Documentation are conditioned upon the payment of the
required purchase price and any applicable license and maintenance fees and Licensee's
acceptance of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
2. License.
1. License Grant. MICROSURVEY hereby grants Licensee a nonexclusive, non-trans-
ferable, non-sublicensable right to (i) install and use one copy of the Software and Docu-
mentation on the Product and one copy for use on no more than one personal computer
simultaneously, and , (ii) to access the stored measurement data generated by the Soft-
ware, for Licensee's own internal business purposes and in accordance with the terms
and conditions of this Agreement. MICROSURVEY also hereby grants Licensee a
nonexclusive, non-sublicensable right to reproduce the Documentation, solely as
necessary for Licensee's internal use of the Product and Software.
2. Conditions and Restrictions. The following conditions and restrictions apply to the
use of the Product, Software and Documentation:
-3-
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
i. Licensee shall not, and shall not attempt to, reverse engineer, decompile, dis-
assemble or otherwise attempt to identify the source code of any object code
portions of, distribute, modify, encrypt, or create derivative works of the Soft-
ware, Documentation, and/or any stored measurement data in whole or in part,
including, but not limited to, stored measurement data.
ii. Licensee shall not use the Software or Documentation for any purpose not
expressly permitted by this Agreement.
iii. Licensee shall not copy any part of the Software, except that Licensee may
make one copy of the Software for backup purposes only.
iv. Licensee agrees not to remove or destroy any copyright, logo, trademark, trade
name, proprietary markings, or confidentiality legends placed upon or contained
within the Software or Documentation. Licensee shall not, and agree not to
assist others to, circumvent or disable the license provisioning technology for
the Software.
v. Licensee's license to the Software under this Agreement continues until it is ter-
minated by Licensee or MICROSURVEY. Licensee may terminate the license
by discontinuing use of all or any of the Software and by destroying all Licensee
copies of the Software and Documentation.
vi. This Agreement will terminate automatically if (x) Licensee violate any of the
terms or conditions of this Agreement, (y) MICROSURVEY publicly posts a writ-
ten notice of termination on its website www.microsurvey.com (that, or any suc-
cessor site, the "Site"); or (z) MICROSURVEY revokes this Agreement or
issues a new agreement in writing or electronic form and conditions Licensee
continued use of the Software upon acceptance of the new agreement.
3. Ownership. All rights, title and interest in and to the Software and Documentation including,
without limitation, all copyright, patent, trade secret and other intellectual property rights shall
at all times remain the property of MICROSURVEY, it licensors, or its suppliers, as applic-
able. The Software and Documentation are licensed, not sold, and are protected by copyright
and other intellectual property laws and treaties. Licensee shall take appropriate steps reas-
onably calculated to notify others of MICROSURVEY and its licensor's/suppliers' ownership
of the Software and Documentation.
4. Warranty. MICROSURVEY warrants that the Product will, for 90 days after the Effective
Date (the "Warranty Period"), substantially conform to the Documentation; provided, that
Licensee must notify MICROSURVEY in writing of any breach of the foregoing warranty
-4-
within the Warranty Period. For any breach of the foregoing warranty reported during the War-
ranty Period, MICROSURVEY will use reasonable efforts to promptly correct such defect
without further charge. If MICROSURVEY is unable to correct such defect, then
MICROSURVEY will refund the license fees paid for the Product. This represents
MICROSURVEY'S exclusive liability and Licensee's sole and exclusive remedy in the event
of a breach of the foregoing warranty.
-5-
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
8. Indemnification. Licensee agrees to defend, indemnify and hold MICROSURVEY, its affil-
iates, distributors, licensors, and suppliers harmless from and against any and all losses, dam-
ages, costs or expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) (a) suffered by Licensee
related in any way to the Product, Software, or this Agreement and/or (b) related to any claim
or demand made by any third party in connection with or arising out of (i) any breach by
Licensee of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, (ii) Licensee use or misuse of
the Product or Software, (iii) Licensee violation of applicable laws, and/or (iv) Licensee viol-
ation of the rights of any other person or entity. MICROSURVEY reserves the right, at its own
expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of (but not liability for) any matter oth-
erwise subject to indemnification by Licensee. Licensee will be liable to MICROSURVEY for
reasonable attorney's fees in any such case.
9. Support.
a. General. Except as set forth in Section 9(b) (Website Support) and 9(c) (Contract Sup-
port), MICROSURVEY shall have no obligation under this Agreement to maintain or
-6-
support the Software. Licensee may contact MICROSURVEY to inquire about
MICROSURVEY'S commercially available support and maintenance services
provided pursuant to separate agreements. This Agreement shall not obligate either
party to enter into any such separate agreement. Any updates or error corrections to the
Software that may be provided to Licensee from time-to-time, if any, shall be deemed
Software hereunder and shall be licensed to Licensee under the terms and conditions of
this Agreement. If any such updates or error corrections are made available to
Licensee, then Licensee shall promptly (a) implement such updates or error cor-
rections, (b) cease using the earlier versions without such updates or error corrections,
and (c) make such updates or error corrections available to the users of the earlier ver-
sions. Licensee shall be solely responsible for procuring all hardware and third-party
software necessary to operate the Software.
b. Website Support. MICROSURVEY will use reasonable commercial efforts to host and
maintain a web site (the "Support Site") for the Software during its commercial life (as
reasonably determined by MICROSURVEY) that will include some or all of the fol-
lowing features:
-7-
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
11. General.
a. Assignment. MICROSURVEY may assign this Agreement without notice to
Licensee. Licensee shall not assign this Agreement or transfer any of the rights, duties,
or obligations arising under this Agreement without the prior written consent of
MICROSURVEY. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the
permitted successors and assigns of the parties thereto.
b. Amendments; Modifications. Notices of changes to this Agreement or other matters
may be made to Licensee by displaying notices or links to notices to Licensee generally
on the Site.
c. Governing Law; Forum; Attorney's Fees, Injunctive Relief. The terms of this Agree-
ment shall be construed and governed exclusively by the laws of the province of British
Columbia, excluding the application of its conflict of law provisions and rules. Any dis-
pute, controversy or claim between the parties arising out of or relating to this Agree-
ment or a breach of this Agreement shall be settled pursuant to the terms of this
Section 11(c) by arbitration before three neutral arbitrators (selected from a panel of per-
sons having experience with and knowledge of the computer business), provided at
least one of which arbitrators shall be an attorney, and administered by the Arbitrators
Association of British Columbia in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration Rules in
Kelowna, British Columbia. Any provisional or equitable remedy which would be avail-
able from a court of law shall be available from the arbitrators to the parties. Judgment
upon the award of the arbitrators may be enforced in any court having jurisdiction
thereof. The parties hereby consent to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the
Province of British Columbia for any action (i) to compel arbitration, (ii) to enforce the
-8-
award of the arbitrators or (iii) prior to the appointment and confirmation of the arbit-
rators, for temporary, interim or provisional equitable remedies, and to service of pro-
cess in any such action by registered mail, return receipt requested, or by any other
means provided by law. The application of the United Nations Convention of Contracts
for the International Sale of Goods is expressly excluded.
d. Severability. The illegality, invalidity or unenforceability of one or more provisions of
this Agreement shall not affect the legality, validity or enforceability of any other pro-
vision, and this Agreement shall be construed in all respects as if such illegal, invalid or
unenforceable provision were deemed amended to achieve as near as possible the
same economic effect as the original in a legal, valid and enforceable manner if pos-
sible.
e. Further Relationships. Neither party is obligated by this Agreement to enter into any
further business relationship after the termination or expiration of this Agreement.
f. Notices. All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing, and shall be deemed
given when personally delivered, when received if by nationally recognized courier, or
three days after being sent by postage prepaid, certified or registered Canadian Mail, as
applicable, to MICROSURVEY at MICROSURVEY's address as set forth herein or to
Licensee at the address that Licensee provided upon entering into this Agreement, or
such other address as a party last provided to the other by written notice.
g. Independent Contractor. MICROSURVEY and Licensee are independent con-
tractors. No partnership, joint venture, or other joint relationship is created by this Agree-
ment.
h. Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the
parties relating to its subject matter and supersedes all prior representations, dis-
cussions, negotiations and agreements. All changes, modifications, additions or dele-
tions shall be effective immediately upon notice thereof, which may be given by means
including, but not limited to, posting on the Site, or by electronic or conventional mail, or
by any other means by which Licensee may obtain notice thereof. Use of the Product
and/or Software after such notice constitutes acceptance of such changes, modi-
fications or additions. This Agreement may be amended at any time by mutual agree-
ment of the parties.
-9-
Technical Support
MicroSurvey Software Technical Support is available to help you get the most out of your MicroSur-
vey program. The following information explains how to prepare for your call so that your inquiry can
be answered promptly and accurately.
Please prepare yourself before you call for Technical Support
Take a few minutes before you place your call to check the printed documentation and the online help
files to see if the answer is already at your disposal. Our Web site on the Internet can also save time.
Please check it for assistance if you can. Please have the following information available if reques-
ted: Hardware model, version of the program, and your Technical Support Number.
Please make sure that you have all the steps you completed prior to your problem and can explain
them to the technical support representative. We may ask that you forward a copy of your data to us if
we cannot find the problem immediately.
MicroSurvey offers a 90-day complimentary support period to all of our registered users, starting the
date of purchase. Introductory support is available weekdays between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm (Pacific
Time) excluding holidays.
Yearly Support
For clients who have had their original 90-day complimentary support period expire and feel that they
will need on going support over the next year, we have a Yearly Support Contact option available.
This gives you the ability to contact us for technical support, as much as you require, and you pay a
flat fee once a year. This option is not to be used in place of training but is to assist you on the occa-
sions when you really need it. The charge for the Yearly Support Contract is to be billed and paid for
prior to the support commencing. This rate is subject to change, call for current rates.
Electronic Support
MicroSurvey maintains and provides at no charge, our Internet Web site at the following address:
www.microsurvey.com
This web site has sections on frequently asked questions, Technical Notes, Technical Spe-
cifications, and as required, free updates and program fixes, along with a lot of other helpful inform-
ation.
Training
MicroSurvey Software Inc. can provide training to you, in your office or in a classroom situation
(where facilities and numbers allow. MicroSurvey has training staff that will travel to almost anywhere
and provide you with the professional skills you require to operate your MicroSurvey program. Please
feel free to call and ask for a quotation or inquire about potential classroom situations. Your local
dealer may also be able to setup or arrange a training session for you. Contact our head office for
more information about training.
- 10 -
MicroSurvey Contact Information
Corporate Head Office
MicroSurvey Software Inc.
205 3500 Carrington Road
Westbank, BC V4T 3C1
Canada
Office Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Pacific Time)
(Monday to Friday, except holidays)
Sales & Technical Support 1-800-668-3312
International Voice: +1 250 707 0000
Fax: (250) 707-0150
Internet
Website: www.microsurvey.com
Support Helpdesk: www.microsurvey.com/helpdesk
General Information E-Mail: [email protected]
- 11 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 12 -
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MicroSurvey End-User License Agreement 3
Technical Support 10
MicroSurvey Contact Information 11
Table of Contents 13
Getting Started 25
Introduction 25
Hardware Requirements 25
Installing FieldGenius 27
Starting FieldGenius 27
Registration & Demo Mode 28
Activation 28
Available Modules 29
Run Demo Mode 29
Retrieve Lost Key Codes (passwords) 30
Technical Support 30
Project Manager 30
Project Review 31
Quick Start: Open Existing Project 32
Quick Start: New Project 35
Common FieldGenius Buttons 40
FieldGenius Project Files 41
Automatic Save 42
Data Entry (Extended Edit Fields) 42
Keypad 43
Distance Entry & Recall 44
Distance Entry 44
Distance Recall 44
Unit Modifiers 44
Distance Entry Examples 45
- 13 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 14 -
Table of Contents
Feature List 83
Raw File Comment 85
Active Linework 86
Figures 88
Line Toolbar 89
Select Line Toolbar 90
Figure List 92
Using Active Figures 93
Figure Direction Marker 96
New Figure 97
Switching Active Figures 98
3-Point Arcs 99
Splines (Curvy) Figures 101
Closing Figures 102
End (complete) a Figure 103
Re-Activating Figures 103
Deleting Figures 104
Draw Option Defaults 105
Drawing Tool 107
Smart Tags 112
Main Menu 113
Main Menu 113
Project Manager 114
Roads 116
Roads Manager 116
Settings Menu 119
Settings Menu 119
Options 120
Unit Settings 132
Instrument Selection 134
Coordinate System Settings 136
- 15 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 16 -
Table of Contents
- 17 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 18 -
Table of Contents
- 19 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 20 -
Table of Contents
Masks 406
Real Time Tolerances 406
Standard Deviation 407
Point Tolerance 408
Post Processing Tolerances 408
GPS Antenna Height 409
GPS Auto Recording 410
Overview - Reference Receiver 410
Select Reference Position Modes 411
GNSS Measurement Modes - Reference (Base) Receiver 411
Overview Reference Position Modes 413
Overview - Rover Receiver 415
Rover Measurement Modes 416
GNSS Measurement Modes - Rover Receiver 416
Rover Measurement 418
GNSS Measurement Mode Offset 419
Measurement Mode Local Transformation Point 420
Use For Local Transformation 420
Check Point 420
GPS Toolbar 422
Correction Link 423
Correction Information 424
GPS Satellite Plot 425
GPS Satellite List 426
GPS Settings 427
Sensor Information 432
Position Information 432
Raw Data Logging 433
Command Console 434
Coordinate System Settings 435
Select Horizontal Coordinate System 437
- 21 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 22 -
Table of Contents
- 23 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 24 -
Getting Started
GETTING STARTED
Introduction
MicroSurvey FieldGenius was designed for Land Surveying, Civil Engineering, Seismic Surveying,
and Construction Staking professionals to provide unequalled data collection simplicity and field cal-
culating performance.
The Graphic User interface allows you to build the drawing as you measure, providing you with
instant visual confirmation of accurate data collection and survey calculations. It includes the ability
to draw linework as you measure from point to point without the need for cumbersome line coding.
FieldGenius takes advantage of the Windows CE touch screen capability by allowing you to tap
points and lines in your drawing to open toolbars with all the function you need instantly. Functions
that are not available directly from FieldGenius graphics display are available from a simple main
menu which is organized by task. Please spend some time looking over this document or watch our
movies to become familiar with the functionality of FieldGenius.
Once you've collected your data in the field you can export it directly out of FieldGenius using many
different file types such as ASCII, DXF, XML, SDR, or ESRI Shapefiles. If you have MicroSurvey
CAD or inCAD desktop software, then you can read your FieldGenius projects into it directly.
FieldGenius raw file is based on the popular industry-standard TDS RW5 format which means you
probably already have software that can import this raw file type and process it. This means you don't
need to purchase expensive products to process your FieldGenius projects.
Importing data into FieldGenius is just as easy as exporting. You can import ASCII, XML and DXF
files directly into FieldGenius.
Our instrument control is easy to use and very powerful. Access to your instrument controls is avail-
able on the main interface at all times so there is no need to swap to other screens or menus.
As always, MicroSurvey welcomes your comments and suggestions for our products.
Hardware Requirements
FieldGenius 7 may be installed on the following Windows CE, PocketPC, and Windows Mobile
devices. We recommend that you purchase a compact flash sleeve for some of the devices and store
your program and data files on the compact flash card. Some devices will lose data if you forget to
charge the device for a few days. It is well worth the investment to have secure data!
FieldGenius 7 may also be installed on any Desktop, Laptop, or Tablet PC running Windows XP SP3,
Windows Vista SP2, or Windows 7.
- 25 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 26 -
Getting Started
l TDS Recon (Pocket PC) - FieldGenius installs to volatile RAM by default which is not
secure; you should install the program to Built-in Storage.
l TDS Recon (Windows Mobile 5 / 6) - FieldGenius installs to secure RAM by default.
l Thales Mobile Mapper CE / CX - FieldGenius installs to RAM by default which is not
secure; you should install the program to a storage card.
l Topcon FC-120, FC-200 - FieldGenius should be installed to Storage Card which is secure.
l Topcon FC-250 - FieldGenius installs to secure RAM by default.
l Topcon FC-2200, FC-2500 - FieldGenius installs to SystemCF by default which is secure.
l Topcon GPT-9000 (onboard) - FieldGenius installs to Internal Disk by default which is
secure.
l Trimble TSC2 - FieldGenius installs to secure RAM by default.
l Trimble GeoXT - FieldGenius should be installed to Disk which is secure.
Call MicroSurvey at 1-800-668-3312 or check our web site at www.microsurvey.com if your device is
not listed here.
Installing FieldGenius
If you purchased a new data collector with FieldGenius 7 from MicroSurvey then FieldGenius comes
pre-loaded on it.
If you are installing FieldGenius yourself onto an existing data collector, the first thing is to confirm
that your hardware is supported by FieldGenius 7. If you're reading this topic then you probably
already know if FieldGenius will run on your data collector. If you're not sure, you can refer to the hard-
ware requirements topic or call our technical support department.
To install onto your data collector you need to make sure you have a Microsoft ActiveSync or Win-
dows Mobile Device Center connection established between your computer and your data collector.
There are two ways that you can install FieldGenius onto your device: it can be installed from the CD
that came with your purchase, or it can be downloaded from our website at www.microsurvey.com.
Starting FieldGenius
During install, shortcuts are created and will be located in either your Start Menu, or Start Menu | Pro-
grams, or directly on your desktop. Simply press the shortcut to start the program.
- 27 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Auto Repair
Upon startup FieldGenius checks the registry for corruption, and also checks to make sure important
system files are where they need to be for FieldGenius to run properly. If it detects any problems, it
will automatically fix them for you.
Hard Reset or Battery Drain
In these scenarios with other software, you would usually have to re-install your software. However,
because FieldGenius can repair itself all you need to do is use the File Explorer or My Computer pro-
gram on your data collector to browse to where FieldGenius is installed and find the programs folder.
In there, if you run the "splash" program it will automatically fix all problems and re-install your short-
cuts for you.
The splash program will be an executable file and it will include the word "splash" in it. For example on
the Archer, the file is called SplashPPC.exe.
Activation
To activate FieldGenius you need access to the Internet. With your purchase you should have
received a GUID (Serial Number) that you will need along with the Device ID generated by
FieldGenius.
- 28 -
Getting Started
Available Modules
There are several modules available for use on a data collector and they're as follows:
l Standard - Real-time Automated Linework, COGO Calculations, Traverse Closure and Adjust-
ments, ASCII/DXF Import/Export, MicroSurvey Transfer, and more!
l Total Station - Adds non-robotic total station control.
l GNSS - adds RTK GNSS (GPS and Glonass) control, Coordinate Calculator, Helmerts' Trans-
formations.
l Advanced - adds Surface Modeling, Roading, LandXML, GISAttribute Collection, Pre-
determined Area Calculations
l Robotic - adds Robotic Total Station control.
- 29 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Technical Support
If you need help with FieldGenius please contact Technical Support.
Project Manager
Main Menu | Project Manager
The Project Manager is used to create, open, or delete projects currently residing in your data col-
lector. When you start FieldGenius this is always the first screen you will see.
By default the project manager will display the contents of the FG Projects directory, which is the
default location for all projects that you create. You can sort the list by project name or date by tapping
on the column's header.
FG Projects Folder
Press this button to specify a different project folder than the default. The default isFG Projects. Once
you set the directory it is written to the msurvey.ini file so it is used for all subsequent projects.
Open Project
To open an existing project, simply select it in the list and press the Open button.
- 30 -
Getting Started
New Project
To create a new project, simply press the New button. You will then see the new project screen which
will allow you to enter a name, choose your automap library and set the units for the project.
Delete Project
To delete a project you first need to select it in the list and then press the Delete button. You will be
asked to confirm that you really want to delete the project.
Notes:
You can not delete a project that is currently open.
Projects that have been deleted can not be restored.
Exit
To exit from the project manager press the Exit button.
Project Review
When you create a new or open an existing FieldGenius project you will always see the Project
Review screen.
For most projects all you need to select is the Automap Library Template File that you want to use.
- 31 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Automap files contain pre-defined descriptions that can be used in FieldGenius. The template library
that you select will be copied into the project's folder with a name of yourprojectname_automap.csv,
and any changes that you make to the Automap Library will affect only the project library, not the tem-
plate library.
Select Feature List File
Use this to select a feature list that you want to use with the project, for collecting GIS point attrib-
utes.
Select Raw Data File
This indicates the name of the raw file that is going to be used. You can select a different one by
pressing the button and either creating a new raw file or choosing the one to open.
The Encrypted option indicates whether or not this raw file is encrypted. You can only change this
option when creating a new project; once set, this option can not be undone. Encrypting the raw file
ensures that users can not accidentally or intentionally edit their raw files with a text editor or other
software.
Note:
At this time, no other applications besides FieldGenius 7 (or newer) and MicroSurvey
CAD 2014 (or newer) can read an encrypted raw file. Previous versions of MicroSurvey
CAD, inCAD, and FieldGenius will not be able to read FieldGenius encrypted raw files.
Modify Project Information
This option will take you directly to the Project Information screen, where you can enter notes about
the project. Please see the Project Information topic for further information.
If you start FieldGenius in demo mode, the first screen you will see is the About screen, where you
can enter a registration code to license your copy of FieldGenius. Press the Run Demo Mode button
if you see this screen.
- 32 -
Getting Started
By default a project named FG Sample is installed. For this example let's open it by highlighting it and
pressing the Open button. You can also double tap the file name which will also open it.
You will then have to review the project files and decide what you want to load. FieldGenius checks in
the project's msurvey.ini file to determine which files should be opened. Press Continue.
- 33 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
The main menu will then be displayed. Press the button to access the map screen, or use any of the
available menu commands.
You may an option to reconnect the instruments on the instrument toolbar. If you are using the same
equipment, press Reconnect.
The Map screen will then be displayed. You should now see your project, here is what the FG Sample
project should look like:
- 34 -
Getting Started
- 35 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
You will then have to enter a name for your new project. Review "Current ProjectSettings" displayed
below. You can press OK to accept the settings and continue. If you need to change any of the set-
tings, press Project Settings button,
Project Setting screen allows you to refine the various aspects of the project and save them as
default for future projects if desired.
In the Units and Scales screen, you can specify the units for your project. Set them as desired, then
press the Save As Default Settings button to remember these settings for all subsequent new
projects..
- 36 -
Getting Started
The Coordinate System screen allows you to select Horizontal andVertical coordinate systems.This
will be used for Transformations and GPS Localizations.
For the Project Review screen, this is where you can specify which Raw File, Automap Library Tem-
plate File, and Feature List File to use, whether you want your raw file to be encrypted and/or
appended.
- 37 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Press OK on the New Project screen. You will then see the Instrument Selection screen where you
are prompted to select the instrument that you want to connect to. Let's set it to Total Station Demo
and press Connect to continue. (Note, you will not see this screen if FieldGenius is running onboard
your instrument.)
If you selected Total Station or Total Station Demo, you will then see a message asking "Would you
like to create a new point now?" Press Yes if you would like to which will open the Store / Edit
Points screen. The default coordinates that are displayed are retrieved from the msurvey.ini file found
- 38 -
Getting Started
in the programs directory, and if you change these coordinates they will be remembered for next time.
Selecting No will take you to the main interface.
If you chose to create a reference point in the step above, you will be asked "Would you like to
setup the instrument at the new point?" Press Yes if you would like to do so which will open the
Setup Occupy Point screen for measuring your backsight. You will now have 3 Backsight options. In
most cases, select Backsight by 1 Point or Directionand press OK.
- 39 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Once you complete the setup routine and have measured your backsight,you will see your setup and
backsight positions in the map view.
Clicking on this button will open up the Windows Start Menu. Available on Pocket PC
and Windows Mobile devices only.
Clicking on this button will open up the RPN Calculator.
Clicking on this button will open up the help page for whatever topic you are currently
at. The help page will open up in an Internet Explorer window.
- 40 -
Getting Started
This button will accept the changes you've made and will return
you to the previous screen.
This button will close the current screen and return you to the pre-
vious screen without saving any changes.
Pressing this will close the currently open toolbar and return you
to the previous screen.
Pressing this will open the Point Chooser toolbar.
Note:
After creating a new project, do not later rename the folder containing your project's
files or the actual files, doing so will cause FieldGenius to not recognize the folder as a
valid project and you will not be able to open it.
- 41 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Automatic Save
There are a few things to keep in mind when manually entering data in FieldGenius:
All stored data is automatically saved. There is no need for a Save function. Always close the pro-
gram by going to the Main Menu and choose the Exit button to prevent loss of measurement data.
Input fields that are left blank are stored as undefined. For example, if you enter only a horizontal
coordinate for a point and leave the elevation field blank, we do not automatically set the elevation as
0.000. The elevation remains undefined.
- 42 -
Getting Started
Keypad
The keypad can be opened from any extended edit entry field. This provides a method of easy text
and numeric entry on devices that do not have a physical keypad but it can be used on any device.
Calculator
The RPN Scientific Calculator can be called up from the keypad by pressing the Calculator button. If
you press the Calculator button, the value entered in the keypad entry field will be copied to the cal-
culator's command line (Note, it must be a numeric value, alpha portions will be stripped off in the cal-
culator) where it can be used for any calculations. When you are done with the calculator, pressing its
OK button will return the result back into the keypad.
OK
Pressing the OK button will close the keypad, and set the entered value into the text field from which
the keypad was opened.
Cancel
Pressing the Cancel button will close the keypad without setting anything into the text field from
which the keypad was opened.
Keypad Settings
There are two important settings related to the keypad, which are both found in the Options screen.
SIP Type
Use this to specify which SIP keypad type you want to use, such as the full screen MicroSurvey
alphanumeric keypad, the small PocketPC qwerty keypad, or the small PocketPC MicroSurvey
- 43 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
numeric keypad. Not all SIP types are available on all data collectors.
Extended Edit Boxes
Use this to control how you want to bring up the selected keypad when tapping in an edit box: either
with a single tap, a double tap, or off. Users of devices with a keyboard should leave this set to Single
Click, and users of devices without a keyboard should set this to Double Click. Setting this to Off dis-
ables both the keypad and any other commands that may be started directly from the extended edit
field, such as the Point Chooser or Inverse Tool, so that edit fields can only be used for typing values
from your physical keypad.
Distance Recall
You can recall the distance between two points, by inputting in the form: <firstID>..<otherID>
Example: 26..84 will be recognized as the distance computed between points 26 and 84. The dis-
tance will be returned in whichever format your units settings is set to.
Unit Modifiers
Recognition of the unit symbols m, ', ft, usft, ftus are supported, and can be used to override the pro-
ject's unit settings.
Meters
You can specify that a distance is in meters by entering "m" after the value, for example 100m means
100 Meters, even if your project is in Feet. Therefore, if your project is in US Feet and you enter
100.00m in a distance field, you will see it automatically get converted to 328.08 feet.
Feet (International or US Survey)
The ' symbol will be interpreted as either International Feet or US Survey Feet, whichever units the
current project is in. For example, entering 1000' will match the feet units that your project is in, so it
can mean either 1000 International Feet or 1000 US Survey Feet. If your project is in meters, then the
' symbol is interpreted as International Feet.
- 44 -
Getting Started
Fractional Feet
When entering distances in a fractional format, use a ' symbol or a space between the feet and inches
values to separate them. An " symbol is not required. For example, you can enter 10'6 or 10 6 which
both mean 10'6". You can enter fractional inches by placing a space between the whole and fractional
inches, and using a / symbol in the fraction. For example, 10'6 1/2 or 10 6 1/2 both mean 10'6.5". You
can also enter decimal values, such as 10.5' to mean 10'6" or 10'6.5 (or just 10 6.5) to mean 10'6 ".
International Feet
You can specify that a distance is in International Feet by entering ft after the value, for example
1000ft means 1000 International Feet.
US Survey Feet
You can specify that a distance is in US Survey Feet by entering usft or ftus after the value, for
example 1000usft and 1000ftus both mean 1000 US Survey Feet.
- 45 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 46 -
Getting Started
10000.23 ft
20.117m 20.117 meters 20.117m
20.117 m
10'6 10 feet 6 inches 3.200m
10'6 1/2 10 feet 6 1/2 inches 3.213m
10 6 Not allowed, must enter units for
feet such as 10ft 6, or 10usft 6.
10 6 1/2 Not allowed, must enter units for
feet such as 10ft 6 , or 10usft 6
.
Math operators are now supported again. You are now permitted to use math operators in distance
fields.
**Note: If your project is set to feet and you enter 2 3 (2 space 3), this will be interpretted as 2 feet 3
inches. This occurs if your project is set to either decimal or fractional feet.
You can also use the RPN Calculator to further manipulate distance values. For example, if you want
to find the distance halfway between points 1 and 2, enter 1..2 into the distance field to recall that dis-
tance. Then double tap on that extended edit field to pull that recalled distance into the calculator,
where you can divide the distance by 2 (or perform any other calculations with it). Then press the
"OK" button in the calculator to copy the result back into the field you started from.
- 47 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Direction Recall
You can recall the direction between two points, by inputting in the form: <firstID>..<otherID>
Example: 26..84 will be recognized as the direction computed between points 26 and 84. The dir-
ection will be returned in whichever format your units settings is set to.
Unit Modifiers
You can always override your project's units setting by entering the bearing with the cardinal quadrant
indicated before or after the direction. If there is no quadrant specified, then the input direction will be
interpreted as an Azimuth.
Decimal Degrees
You can always specify that an angle is in decimal degrees by entering "d" after the value, for
example 45.5083d means 45.5083 or 4530'30".
Degrees, Decimal Minutes
You can always specify that an angle is in degrees and decimal minutes by entering "dm" after the
value, for example 45.305dm means 4530.5' or 4530'30".
Degrees, Minutes, Decimal Seconds
You can always specify that an angle is in degrees, minutes, and decimal seconds by entering "dms"
after the value, for example 45.3030dms means 4530'30".
Bearings
To enter a bearing, use the cardinal quadrant letters (N, E, S, and W) before or after the angle. For
example: NE60.4530, 60.4530NE, or N60.4530E means NE 6045'30 if your project is in DMS, NE
6045.3' if your project is in DM, or NE 60.453 if your project is in decimal degrees. It does not matter
if you have spaces between the quadrant designation and the angle. You can also separate the
degrees, minutes, and seconds values with a space. For example, N 60 45 30 E or N60.4530E both
mean NE 6045'30". You can of course also use any of the "d", "dm", or "dms" (or "g" or "r", see
below) designators with a bearing entry, such as NE45.305dm to mean N 4530'30" E.
- 48 -
Getting Started
Gons (Gradients)
You can specify that an angle is in Gons/Gradients by entering "g" after the value, for example 100g
means 100 Gradients (equals 90 degrees).
Radians
You can specify that an angle is in Radians by entering "r" after the value, for example 1.57r and
means 1.57 Radians (approximately 90 degrees).
- 49 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
45.3030SW
45.3030 SW
90.5016dm 90 degrees, 50.16 minutes 9050'10"
90.5016 dm
90.5016d 90.5016 degrees 9030'06"
90.5016 d
100g 100 gradians 9000'00"
100 g
100.2345g 100.2345 gradians 9012'40"
100.2345 g
3.141593r 3.141593 radians 18000'00"
3.141593 r
- 50 -
Getting Started
45.3030NE
45.3030 NE
SE45.3030 South East quadrant, 45 degrees, S4530'30"E
SE 45.3030 30 minutes, 30 seconds
S45.3030E
S 45.3030 E
45.3030SE
45.3030 SE
SW45.3030 South West quadrant, 45 degrees, S4530'30"W
SW 45.3030 30 minutes, 30 seconds
S45.3030W
S 45.303 W
45.3030SW
45.3030 SW
90.5016dm 90 degrees, 50.16 minutes azi- S8909'50"E
90.5016 dm muth
90.5016d 90.5016 degrees azimuth S8929'54"E
90.5016 d
100g 100 gradians S9000'00"E
100 g
100.2345g 100.2345 gradians S8947'20"E
100.2345 g
3.141593r 3.141593 radians S000'00"W
3.141593 r
- 51 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Math operations can also be done using the RPN calculator. Please refer to the Calculator section for
more information on performing specific math operations.
- 52 -
Main Interface
MAIN INTERFACE
Main Interface
The FieldGenius interface is separated into various toolbars which contain common functions or tools
that the user will use most often.
Display Toolbar
Instrument Toolbar
Topo Toolbar
Mini Toolbar button
Main Menu button
- 53 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
have a portrait screen orientation, and utilize a virtual on-screen keyboard. Note that the function of
both versions is essentially the same.
Portrait Display
Landscape Display
- 54 -
Main Interface
Display Toolbar
The display toolbar, located at the top of the map screen, is used to zoom, pan, change 3d per-
spectives, and for displaying information.
Next, Previous
These switch to the next or previous set of buttons.
Observation
This opens or closes the Observation Toolbar. Many different functions in FieldGenius
will display information in this toolbar, such as when you select a point on the screen,
the point's coordinates are displayed in this toolbar.
Zoom Extents
This is a zoom extents which will zoom to the extents of your project.
Dynamic Zoom
This is a dynamic zoom. When enabled, drag from top to bottom of the screen to zoom
out, or bottom to top of the screen to zoom in. Or, when enabled, you can also use the
arrow keys on your keypad to zoom in and out in the map.
Zoom Window
This is a zoom window. When enabled, drag on the map screen to define a zoom
window.
Dynamic Pan
This is a dynamic pan. When enabled, you can drag across your map screen to pan
around your project. Or, when enabled, you can use the toggle or arrow keys on your
keypad to pan around.
Zoom Previous
You can use this to zoom back up to 10 previous views. This includes zoom and pan
changes.
World Button
It is used by the staking commands to hide unrelated points and lines in your map dur-
- 55 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
ing stakeout.
3D View
This opens the 3D View Toolbar.
Layers Manager
This opens the Layers Manager for managing visibility of layers in your database, DXF
Layers, LandXML elements, and Raster Images.
Surface Manager
This opens the Surface Manager for importing and displaying DTM surface models
(TIN, TGRID, or Contours) and for computing Volume Calculations.
Options
This opens the Options screen, and will automatically expand the Point Labels section
for quickly turning on or off the ID, description, and elevation labels for your points.
Help
This opens the Help topic for the current toolbar(s) visible on your screen. If there are
multiple toolbars visible, you are prompted to select the help file based on the position
of the toolbar: Top, Side, or Bottom Toolbar. The help file will open up in your default
web browser such as Internet Explorer .
Observation Toolbar
Display Toolbar | Observation Results button
You can access the Observation Toolbar by tapping on this icon in the Display Toolbar.
l Horizontal Angle (HA), Vertical Angle (ZA), and Slope Distance (SD)
l Horizontal Angle (HA), Horizontal Distance (HD), and Vertical Distance (VD)
l Northing (N), Easting (E), and Elevation (H)
If using a conventional (non-robotic) total station, the observations displayed in the toolbar will be
from the last measurement taken with FieldGenius.
If using a robotic total station, the observations displayed in the toolbar will continually update in real
time.
- 56 -
Main Interface
GPSObservations
GPS users can toggle through the following information:
If using GPS, the observations displayed in the toolbar will continually update in real time.
Display Size +/-
By tapping on the + and - buttons on the screen you can increase or decrease the displayed font size/-
text for easier viewing.
Page Toggle
The Page button allows you to swap between pages changing the displayed observation information.
Topo Toolbar
The Topo Toolbar is used to help automate linework as well as show you the description and next
point number for your shot. Just like previous versions of FieldGenius you can control your linework
by tuning on and off the line, arc and curvy toggles. There is also a user-programmable button that can
be customized to start any command.
Main Menu Button
This button takes you into the Main Menu.
- 57 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 58 -
Main Interface
To change the current line, simply select the desired line from the Active
Lines list and continue taking shots to add to the selected line. All settings
are stored for each line so there is no need to re-select the Description or
draw option.
Description Selection Button
Use this button to set the current description that will be used when you
shoot your points. When you press the description button you will see a
screen listing all the descriptions read in from your AutoMap Library. Select
the description you want to use and press the OK button. You can type in
the letters of the description which will automatically scroll to the descrip-
tions matching your entry.
3D View Toolbar
The 3D View toolbar is used to help you view your project in a 3D perspective. You can also define a
virtual grid that will displayed in the drawing and can be turned on and off.
To turn this feature on select the 3D View button on the Display toolbar. When you do this the 3D
View Toolbar will appear at the bottom of your screen. The buttons on the toolbar are described
below.
3D View
When this is turned on you will be able to rotate your project in a 3D perspective. This
tool is handy when used in conjunction with surfaces, road alignments, or vertical pro-
jections. To return to plan view, close the 3D View toolbar and press the Zoom Extents button. It can
also help you find points that have incorrect elevations.
Center on Point
Use this to center the view on the selected point.This will not change your current view
rotation or zoom depth.
Hz Grid
Use this to turn on a horizontal grid that will be displayed in your drawing. You can set the grid spacing
in the settings.
- 59 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Vert Grid
Use this when using the Vertical Projection tool to turn on a vertical grid that will be displayed in your
drawing. You can set the grid spacing in the settings.
Planar View
Use this when using the Vertical Projection tool to set the view perpendicular to the vertical plane, so
that the wall or other projected plane is displayed face-on in the map view.
Grid Settings
Use this to set parameters that affect the grid spacing and origin. You can select the
grid origin using a point chooser and specify lengths for the sides. You can also specify
the interval for each axis.
Mini Toolbar
The mini toolbar control is found directly beneath the Main Menu button on the Topo Tool-
bar. It is used to help you maximize your screen space by allowing you to control which toolbars you
need to keep active in the main interface. When you press the mini toolbar control you will see the
mini toolbar appear toward the bottom of the main interface.
- 60 -
Main Interface
Instrument Toolbar
When you use FieldGenius in either manual or total station mode, you will see the
instrument toolbar beside the map area.
This toolbar allows you to control your instrument settings, EDM modes, meas-
urement modes and target heights.
Auto-Center
This toggles the auto-center feature on or off. If turned on, whenever you take a
measurement, the map screen will always re-center on the measured point.
Instrument Settings
This opens the instrument settings screen where you can control specific settings
for your total station such as EDM settings, Tolerance setting and Instrument
Connection/Disconnection.
Measurement Mode
This opens the Measurement Modes screen where you can select what type of
measurement you want to take. The current measurement mode is always dis-
played on this button - for example if you're using the distance offset mode it will dis-
play "Dist Off".
Target Height
This opens the Target Heights screen where you can change the current target
height. The current target height is always displayed on this button.
Measure Button
This triggers your total station to take a measurement.
If you are using a robotic total station, please see the Robotic Instrument Toolbar topic.
If you are using GPS, please see the GPSToolbar topic.
- 61 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Target Height
Instrument Toolbar | HT Button
You can access this function by pressing the HT button on the instrument toolbar.
Note:
When the user changes the current target height a LS record will be written to the raw
file.
- 62 -
Main Interface
Lock Button
FieldGenius uses a button to trigger the instrument to search for
the prism and lock onto it. You can also use this button to turn the
lock off.
The button when not locked on a prism will display a No Lock
status with a un locked icon. To search for the prism, simply
press the No Lock button.
After you have pressed the No Lock button you will see a Search
icon on the button while the instrument searches for your prism.
When FieldGenius finds a prism and locks onto it, the button will
display a Lock icon. To stop the instrument from tracking, you
can press the Lock button again to set it to a No Lock status.
If you're using multiple prisms and you want to force FieldGenius
to look for another one when you're locked onto a prism, double
tapping the Lock button will force it to search for the next avail-
able prism.
Also during a search you can cancel the current search by press-
ing the Stop Search button on the search progress toolbar.
Cursor Tracking
This turns the cursor tracking feature on or off. If turned on, the
current position of the target will be displayed on the screen in
- 63 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
real time. You can only use this feature once you have specified
an instrument setup using the Setup Occupy Point command.
Note: The cursor tracking position will use a coarse meas-
urement to plot your position. When you are stationary, the cursor
is a hollow triangle pointing towards the instrument. When you
are moving, the cursor is a solid triangle pointing in the direction
of travel.
Instrument Settings
This opens the Instrument Settings Toolbar. On this toolbar you
can control specific settings for your total station such as EDM
modes.
Target Manager
Press this button to access the Target Manager. Here you can
create, edit, copy, and delete targets.
Measurement Mode
This button will open the Select Measurement Mode screen,
From here you can select what type of measurement you will be
using. When you choose your mode, this button will display the
mode you're using. For example, if you're using the Distance Off-
set mode, the button will display "Dist Off".
Measure Button
Use this to trigger your total station to take a measurement.
If you are using a conventional non-robotic total station, please see the Instrument Toolbar topic.
If you are using GPS, please see the GPSToolbar topic.
- 64 -
Main Interface
GPS Toolbar
Once the user has selected a GPS receiver and communication has been estab-
lished, the GPS toolbar will appear on the main interface.
NOTE: You will only see the GPS toolbar if you selected GPSReference, GPS
Rover, or GPS Demo as your instrument type. If you have selected a GPS Profile
but are not yet connected to the receiver, most of these buttons will be disabled.
Auto-Center
Single-tapping this button will re-center the display on the current position of your
receiver.
Double-tapping this button will set the system into an auto-pan mode where the dis-
play will always be centered on the current position. When active, single-tapping
this button once more will disable the auto-pan mode.
GPS Settings
If you press this button while you are connected to a receiver, you will see the GPS
Settings screen. At any time this button can be used to adjust or stop your GPS sur-
vey.
If you press this button without being connected to a receiver, you will see the
Instrument Selection screen where you can edit your GPS profiles or connect to
your receiver.
DOP Values
This displays the current DOP (Dilution of Precision) values. Pressing this button
will cycle through the PDOP, HDOP and VDOP. The PDOP is the default setting
as this is most often used to ascertain the quality of the satellite geometry.
Satellite Plot/Satellite List
This shows the total number of satellites the receiver is currently using in its solu-
tion. Press this to view a sky plot of the current SVs visible to the rover, or to
access the Satellite List.
- 65 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Measure
This is the measure button.
This button also indicates the current solution type. This tells the user if the solution
is Fixed, Float, WAAS, DGPS or Autonomous. This button will also indicate to the
user if the corrections from the reference station have been discontinued by denot-
ing "No Link".
Please refer to the GPS Measurement topic for more information.
If you are using a conventional non-robotic total station, please see the Instrument Toolbar topic.
If you are using a robotic total station, please see the Robotic Instrument Toolbar topic.
Note, this toolbar functionality can be enabled or disabled via the Map Position Select check-box in
the Options screen.
- 66 -
Main Interface
Measure Distance
When this is toggled on, subsequent taps will cause the blue dot to move to the new location, a
second blue dot will appear at the previous location, and a dashed line will follow the entire path of the
selected points. The total distance and the direction of the last segment will be displayed. To reset
the measured distance, toggle this mode off then back on again.
Turn to Point
If you are using a motorized total station and have occupied a point in the project, this will cause your
instrument to turn to the selected point (as indicated by the blue dot in the map).
Store Point
This will open the Store Point dialogue with the coordinates entered for the selected point, so you can
store it into your project database.
- 67 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 68 -
Points / Lines / Descriptions
Point Labels
In the drawing area you will always see a node or dot that marks the coordinate location of the point.
For each point you can control what is displayed on the screen such as the points number, elevation,
description and note. To control the visibility of the labels, use the Options button on the Display Tool-
bar.
Point Toolbar
At any time you can tap on an existing point to open the Point Toolbar. This toolbar will contain com-
mon functions that are done with points. Please refer to the point toolbar topic for more information.
Point Toolbar
- 69 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
When you tap on an existing point in the drawing you will see the point toolbar appear near the bottom
of your screen. The point toolbar contains functions that are frequently used on points in your project.
Following is an explanation of what each button will do.
Points List
This will display the list of all points in your current project and
you can sort the list by tapping on any of the column headings.
When you find the point you want simply tap it and press the
ok button.
Draw Tool
Use this to draw lines, points, and connect line work between
existing points. This will open the Draw Tool.
New Point
This will open the store and edit dialog and allow you to enter
coordinates for a new point.
Edit Point
Use this to edit the coordinate value for the selected point.
Delete Point
This will delete the selected point from the drawing and data-
base. You will be asked to confirm that you want to delete the
point.
Offset
This will open the Offset Tool.
Inverse Tool
Use this to measure the inverse between points.
Zoom to Point
This button when pressed for the first time will force the point
to be centered on the screen. Subsequently, if you keep press-
ing it, it will continue to zoom in on the point.
Stake Point
Pressing this will help you stake the point that is currently
selected and take you to the Stake Points screen.
Select Point
Use these two buttons to scroll up and down numerically
through the points in your database.
- 70 -
Points / Lines / Descriptions
Point ID
This displays the point id of the point you've currently selected.
When select it you will see the point chooser toolbar open up towards the bottom of your screen.
Point ID
You can either type the Point ID into this field if you know what it is, or when you tap on a point in the
map screen its point ID will be displayed here.
Quick Select
If Quick Select is turned on, then as soon as you tap on a point in the map screen you will be auto-
matically returned to the routine you were selecting the point for. If Quick Select is turned off, then
after you tap on a point in the map screen, the coordinate data of that point will be displayed, and you
must press the Select button to get back to the previous routine.
Select
Pressing this will take you and your selected point back to the routine you were selecting the point for.
List
Use this to open a grid displaying all the points in your project database. From this list you can click
on a point and when you press the OK button it will be inserted into the Point ID field.
New
Use this to open the Store / Edit Points screen. This will enable you to create a new point.
- 71 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Cancel
Pressing this will take you back to the routine you were selecting the point for, without selecting the
selected Point.
Point Averaging
Main Menu | Data Manager | Point Database
This routine allows you to select a number of points from within the Point Database, and then cal-
culate the average of the coordinate values of the selected points. You can then create and store a
new point based on the averaged coordinates.
Point Database
When you enter the Point Database, tap on the green arrow button in the bottom toolbar until you see
the Average button displayed. Note: The items will loop back around to the first item if you keep
pressing the green arrow button.
Select multiple points by tapping on the screen and dragging a box around the items you wish to
include in the averaging calculation.
- 72 -
Points / Lines / Descriptions
Press the Average button when finished. This takes you to the Point Averaging dialog.
In the Point Averaging dialog, we see the results of the averaging computation. You can uncheck the
box in the Use column to disable/re-enable a selected point.
The Store Point button takes you to the Store Point dialog.
The Cancel button returns you to Point Database dialog.
AutoMap Library
The AutoMap Library editor allows the user complete control over the visibility of points and lines
based on the descriptions used to code the points. It also allows you to set attributes for the descrip-
tions such as point and line colour.
Enter Description
Use this field to auto scroll to description in your list. For example, typing the letters AS will scroll
down to the ASPHCURB description. If you type a unique description and press enter, you will be
prompted for whether you want to add it into the AutoMap Library or not.
Show descriptions in use only
Use this to display only the descriptions found in your AutoMap Library that are used in the current pro-
ject.
- 73 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Note: This prompt can be turned off so FieldGenius always uses the new descriptions without adding
them into the AutoMap Library file. To do this you need to make sure you have the "Prompt New
Descriptions" toggle turned off in the Options menu.
If you answer Yes, then the description will be added into the project's AutoMap Library file (not to the
AutoMap Template file).
If you answer No, then the description will be used without adding it into the AutoMap Library. If you
do not add it to the AutoMap Library, then you will not be able to set options such as defining the layer
and colour of points and lines with this description.
- 74 -
Points / Lines / Descriptions
These properties are stored in the library in specific columns. Please refer to the topic below about
editing the library for more information.
Summary
You can use this field to summarize your description. For example, a description IP may have a sum-
mary Iron Pin.
Point Symbol
You can define a marker for a point. These markers are not automatically transferred back to the
desktop and are not similar to CAD blocks or parts. They are simply point nodes that will be displayed
in the map view to help distinguish different points on the screen. There are 27 different marker types.
The symbol for each description is also shown on the AutoMap Library screen.
Point Size
This allows you to change the size of the marker. You will find that using a number of 1 is a good start-
ing point. Adjust from there as needed.
Point Colour
This allows you to set the colour of the markers. You can choose from a list of 255 colours.
Line Colour
This allows you to change the colour of lines in your drawing.
- 75 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Layer Name
This specifies the layer that will be used for lines and points with this description.
Connect Points With Line
If this is checked, when you select the description from the topo toolbar on the main display, the con-
nect lines toggle will be turned on automatically. Use this for descriptions that typically are connected
by lines such as an edge of road or ditch center line.
Do not assign to DTM
This is very useful for the creation of real-time surface models. If you toggle this ON, then these
points will not be included in any DTM created with FieldGenius. Use this for descriptions that are not
at ground level.
- 76 -
Points / Lines / Descriptions
Point Patterns
Main Menu | Survey Tools | Point Pattern
This routine allows you to create or edit point patterns, and apply them to existing points in your pro-
ject. This is useful for creating drill holes for bolt patterns, pillar columns, etc.
Note
The *.pattern data files are completely interchangeable between both FieldGenius 7
and MicroSurvey CAD or inCAD, so any patterns created in one program can be edited
or used in the other.
Pattern Toolbar
When you start the Point Pattern command, you will see the Pattern Toolbar along the bottom of your
map screen.
- 77 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Insert Pnt
Specify the point ID for an existing point in your project, either by typing in its point ID, or by tapping
on a point in the map screen to select it when this field has focus.
The selected point will be highlighted in the map view with a large red point, and the current pattern
will be previewed with smaller green points.
Direction
Use this to specify a direction value for your pattern. The default direction of N000'00"E will orient
the pattern exactly as it was defined.
To orient your pattern along any arbitrary line between two existing points, enter those two points
using the pt#..pt# format like 1..2 and the direction between those two points will be automatically cal-
culated for you. The pattern's X-axis will be applied along this direction.
Load Pattern
Press this button to load a previously saved *.pattern file.
Edit Pattern
Press this button to edit the currently loaded pattern, or to create a new pattern if you have not loaded
one. Please see below for more information on the Pattern Editor.
Insert Pattern
Press this button to apply the currently pattern to the selected insertion point. New points will be
stored in your project at the coordinates, as previewed by the green pattern points. All inserted points
will be created with the description "Pattern", and with the same elevation as the selected insertion
point.
- 78 -
Points / Lines / Descriptions
To insert a pattern onto multiple points, simply change the insertion point and insert the pattern onto
each point one-at-a-time as desired.
Pattern Editor
When you press Edit Pattern on the Pattern Toolbar, you will see the Pattern Editor screen.
Enter the X and Y offset values for your pattern as desired. As you enter the points, they will be pre-
viewed in the grid, which will automatically zoom to the extents of your pattern. Please see the
Distance Entry & Recall topic for options on entering the offset values in various units.
The 0,0 origin will always be located at the selected Insertion Point, so a point should not be included
in your pattern at 0,0. You can also rotate the pattern into any orientation on the Pattern Toolbar (see
- 79 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
above), so you do not need to create different variations of the same pattern to insert it in different ori-
entations.
Press the Delete Point button to remove the selected X,Y offset from the pattern.
Load Pattern
Press this button to load a previously saved *.pattern file.
Save Pattern
Press this button to save the current pattern to disk.
This will always do a "Save As" type save, so you can specify a new filename, or select any existing
pattern file to overwrite it with the changes. You will always be prompted for confirmation before over-
writing an existing pattern file.
New Pattern
To create a new pattern, simply delete all of the existing points from the current pattern. When you
press the Save Pattern button you will always be prompted for a new filename, so you will not lose
the previous pattern.
Close
Press this button to close the Pattern Editor and return to the Pattern Toolbar. If you have not saved
the current pattern, you will be prompted to confirm this before discarding your changes.
Partition Lines/Arcs
Line Toolbar | Partition button
The Partition command is started by selecting a valid line or arc in the map screen, which
will open the Line Toolbar where you can select the partition button. After you select the
partition button you will see the partition toolbar.
The partition line and arc command allows you to compute points along objects in your project. You
can partition figures that have line and arc segments that have a radius point defined. 3 point arcs can
not be partitioned. Straight lines in DXF files can be partitioned, all other DXF entities are not com-
patible with the partition command.
- 80 -
Points / Lines / Descriptions
Equal Partitions
You can partition the segment by equal divisions. Simply select the partition number and press the
Partition button. This will compute new points and split the object up into separate segments.
By Distance
You can partition the segment by specifying a distance between partitions. Simply define the partition
distance, then press the Partition button. This will compute new points and split the object up into sep-
arate segments.
Notes
Use this to enter or record audio notes for your points. You can access the notes screen by pressing
the Notes button on the Store / Edit Points screen.
- 81 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Text Notes
You can type a note up to 32 characters in length and it will be stored in the project's DBF file. You
can not enter more than this limit into the Note field.
When the file is imported into MicroSurvey CAD or inCAD, the note will appear in its own field, or can
be appended to the point's description field.
Continue using this note: Use this if you want to use the note you just entered automatically for
future points that are stored.
Audio Notes
Use this function to record and playback audio notes that are related to stored points. These notes
will be transferred to MicroSurvey CAD or inCAD desktop software for playback in the office.
The notes will be stored in your project directory and will be automatically named for you. Example, if
you recorded a note for point 2, a file would be created pnt2.wav. The file that is created is a standard
windows WAV file that can be played by most audio players.
MicroSurvey CAD or inCADdesktop software will automatically link to any audio note you recorded.
This allows you to easily see which points have audio notes.
Recording and Playback Controls
Circle = record
Square = stop
Triangle = playback
Trash = delete
- 82 -
Points / Lines / Descriptions
Note that not all handheld devices support audio notes. You must have a record and playback func-
tionality, which for some units requires optional accessories.
To Store an Audio Note:
1. Tap the red circle to activate recording. Speak into your microphone to record the desired
information. "This post is bent" etc.
2. Press the square button to stop the recording
3. To confirm your note, press the playback arrow, now green on color displays, and listen to your
note
1. Delete the existing audio note. You will be prompted to confirm the deletion.
2. Record a new audio note.
Feature List
A feature list is a tool built into FieldGenius so you can collect attribute data for your points. Feature
files allow you to define what data needs to be collected about a point's attributes. You can define
mandatory fields, default values, true/false items and select from list options. First you need to create
a feature list file using the Feature List Editor which can be installed from your FieldGenius CD.
- 83 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Please refer to the help menu in the editor for more information on how to create an effective feature
file.
Feature files have a FEA extension and they should be copied to your FG Projects directory. There is
no limitation to the number of feature files that can be stored on your data collector. Once you have
created your file and copied it to FG Projects you can open it when you get to the Review Files
Screen.
In this example we will open a Feature List File named Sample.FEA.
To collect attribute data for a point, you have to press the GIS Attributes button on the store and edit
dialog.
- 84 -
Points / Lines / Descriptions
When you store a point during a measurement or edit one afterwards, you will see that you can select
the GIS Attributes button. When you press this button, it will look at the point's description and
check to see if you have a feature defined that matches. If it does, it will open up that feature for you
automatically, in our example you will see that the Power Pole feature was opened.
As you can see, feature files help you collect consistent and accurate notes about a point you meas-
ured.
When you store the point, a file will be created in the project directory. The file will have the same
name as the feature and will have a DBF extension. In our example, the file would be named POWER
POLE.DBF. Each point will be appended to the same database file.
The DBF database file can be opened with Microsoft Excel.
- 85 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
If you view your raw file your comments will appear as shown in the following example.
--This is a comment
You can also enter comments into the raw file by using the Raw File Viewer.
Active Linework
FieldGenius has Code-Free linework control in the field to eliminate the need to remember line codes.
To activate linework on the fly while surveying, you simply choose the description you want and start
taking shots! For MicroSurvey CAD or inCAD desktop users, line connectivity codes setup in the
desktop Automap library will be used by FieldGenius . For more information see the Draw Option
Defaults section.
FieldGenius uses the concept of Figures for handling of linework. Some software packages refer to
these as "Chains".
At the bottom of the FieldGenius interface, you will see the Active Lines List button on the second
row. When a new project is started, it will display [<No Line> ] as the current, active line.
When a new line figure is about to be started, [<Start line> ] will by displayed on the button. After the
first point for a new line has been measured, the active line will be created, made current and
displayed.
- 86 -
Points / Lines / Descriptions
In the example shown, notice E/ASPH:1 on the button. This is the current Active Line. E/ASPH is the
point description and 1 is the group number (added automatically). Since this is the first figure in the
map, it is assigned group 1.
A Figure is a continuous series of Line, Curve and/or Arc segments. The Figure is identified by Point
Description and a group number. Whenever a new line is started, a new Figure is created and added
to the Active Lines list with an automatically assigned group number. The group number will incre-
ment by one when a previously used point description is used for a subsequent line. (Notice there are
two E/ASPH lines in the example)
Furthermore, all linework in FieldGenius is handled in 3D.
When you press the E/ASPH:2 Active Line button you will see a list of the figures in your project.
- 87 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
l Automap Library
Figures
Tangents, arcs and curvy lines in FieldGenius are also called figures. Figures are created auto-
matically for you as soon as you connect points in the drawing.
Figures can be created while you survey in realtime using our active linework or you can manually cre-
ate the figure using the pencil tool.
FieldGenius Figures
When you click on a figure the Line Toolbar will appear. You will also see bold text in the drawing area
indicating what you selected.
DXF Linework
When you import a DXF drawing you will see all the linework that exists in the drawing. When you
select a DXF line or arc you will see the Line Toolbar but everything will be greyed out except for the
stake and perpendicular distance buttons. If you press the stake button or perpendicular offset to
point button, they will open up their respective toolbars.
When you click on a DXF entity you will see bold text in the drawing area indicating that you picked a
DXF line or arc, and it will display which layer it is on.
You can control the visibility of DXF layers through the Layers Manager screen.
- 88 -
Points / Lines / Descriptions
Line Toolbar
When you tap on an existing line or arc you will see the line toolbar appear near the bottom of your
screen. The line toolbar contains functions that are frequently used on line or arcs in your project. Fol-
lowing is an explanation of what each button will do.
Set Figure Current
Use this to make the current line or arc current in the Active Line List.
End Figure
Use this to mark a line as complete or finished.
Reverse Figure Direction
Use this to switch the direction of a figure so you can append to the oppos-
- 89 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
ite end.
Partition Line / Arc
You can partition (split) a figure or DXF line into smaller segments using
this command.
Delete Figure Segment
Use this to delete a segment from a figure.
Delete Entire Figure
Use the delete an entire figure.
Close Figure
Use this to close a figure so it finishes at the same point it started at.
Open Figure List
Use this to display the Active Line List.
Draw Tool
Use this to draw lines, points, and connect line work between existing
points. This will open the Draw Tool.
Convert Line to Spline
This will turn an existing figure that is comprised of straight lines into a
curvy line, and vice-versa.
Offset Tool
Use this to open the offset tool.
Stake Figure
Use this to open the stake line command and stake the current line you
have selected.
Coordinate DXF Data
You can add coordinates to the DXF entity by pressing the Coordinate DXF
Data button.
Information
This will display the inverse information of the segment you have selected,
as well as the perimeter and area if it is part of a closed figure.
- 90 -
Points / Lines / Descriptions
Whichever Selection Mode you use, the selected line will be highlighted in red in the map screen
along with a direction indicator. If necessary, you can press the Switch Direction button to reverse
the start and end of the selected line. Press OK to accept the selected line and proceed to the next
step.
Selection Mode: Figure/DXF
Pick this mode to select an existing figure or DXF entity by selecting the desired figure from the map
screen. You can select any of the following:
- 91 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
l Arc (CCW): select a Start of Curve Point, Radial Point, and End of Curve Point
l Arc (3Pnt): select a Start of Curve Point, Point on Curve, and End of Curve Point.
Switch Direction
The line direction will reverse, and the arrowhead shown in the map screen will show the current "for-
ward" direction of the line.
OK
The highlighted line will be selected, and you will be returned to the appropriate command.
Cancel
You will return to the previous screen without selecting anything.
Figure List
The figure list contains a listing of all figures in your project.
Line Column
This is the group id assigned to the figure. Refer to the Active Linework topic for more information.
Active Column
If the figure is active, you will see the work YES. To make a figure not active, press the Switch Active
State button.
- 92 -
Points / Lines / Descriptions
Description Column
This is the name of your figure which will usually match the description of the first point that the figure
is connected to.
Points Column
This is the total number of points that the figure is connected to.
Closed Column
If you closed the figure you will see the word Yes.
Show Active Figures
When this is selected (default setting) all of your active figures will be listed. You can select a figure
that you would like to work on simply by selecting it in the list and pressing the OK button. If this is
turned off, then all the figures in the project will be displayed.
Switch Active State
Use this to change the status of a figure to "finished". When this is done, it will no longer be displayed
in the figure list of the Show Active Figures button is on. Once a figure is switched to a not active
state, nothing can be added to it.
Figures that are not active, can be made active again simply by selecting the figure you want to use
and pressing the Switch State button.
New Figure
Use this to create a new figure in the figure list.
Close Figure
Use this to close a figure so it will close back to the starting point.
Delete Figure
Use this to delete a figure that you have highlighted in the list. You can delete figures that are flagged
as active, or not active. Review the delete figures topic for more info on deleting.
- 93 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Draw Curvy Lines button = Connect Points with a best-fit curvy line.
Draw 3-Point Arc button = Fit an arc through three measured points
- 94 -
Points / Lines / Descriptions
After the shot to the first point for the new line is complete, the line will be added to the Active Lines
list, identified by the current point description and an automatically assigned group number:
E/ASPH:3. The group number is three, because this is the third figure using the description E/ASPH.
After the second point for this line has been recorded, the first segment will be created. From this
point forward, simply continue taking shots to add to the now current Active Line: E/ASPH:3
- 95 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Note the insertion of ":3", this is the group number. Re-use of the Description E/ASPH for a new line
series in the current project will automatically increment the group number by one. This allows you
track and store multiple active lines of the same description without the need for multiple entries in
your AutoMap Library. For example, E/ASPH2, E/ASPH3, E/ASPH49 can now be replaced with a
single E/ASPH entry.
- 96 -
Points / Lines / Descriptions
You can see that the blue X is on point 29. After you take your next shot, it will be automatically con-
nected to this point.
Once you select the figure, you will see the line toolbar. On this toolbar, select this but-
ton to reverse the direction. After you switch the direction, you will see the blue "X"
move to the opposite end of the figure.
New Figure
Pre-selection of Line Descriptions
A list of Active Lines (Figures) may be pre-specified to aid in planning for a complicated project. Use
the New Figure button on the Active Line List screen to specify a Line Description before taking any
shots.
- 97 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
You have the opportunity to use a manually entered comment with this method but the new line will be
linked to the selected Line Description. The comment will appear in the Active Lines list to aid correct
selection of the line.
- 98 -
Points / Lines / Descriptions
To change the current line, simply select the active line button which will open the Select Figure from
List screen. In this example it is the "E/ASPH:3" button.
Select the desired figure from the list and continue taking shots to add to the selected line. All settings
are stored for each line so there is no need to reselect the Description or draw option.
3-Point Arcs
To draw a three point arc on an ongoing Line, select the Draw 3-Point Arc button before shooting the
second of the three points that will define the arc (POC). (Note that this is not the radius point). After
measuring to the 2nd point, a dashed line will appear to illustrate that a 3-Point arc is in progress.
Shoot the 3rd point and the arc will appear. The current draw option will change from Draw 3-Pt Arc to
Draw Line after the third shot and the arc is complete.
We are going to connect a three point arc to the E/ASPH:3 figure. Since we are shooting
the mid point of the arc, you need to turn on the three point arc toggle.
- 99 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
After you take the measurement, you will see the mid point drawn on the screen.
Since compound curves are not allowed, you will see that the three point arc toggle is disabled. Once
you take a shot to define the end of the arc, it will become enabled again.
Once you finish measuring the third shot, you will see the arc drawn in the map.
- 100 -
Points / Lines / Descriptions
- 101 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Any Active Line series (figure) can be changed from a series of straight segments to a best-fit curvy
line. Select the figure in the drawing to open the line toolbar. On the toolbar press the Line-Spline but-
ton which will convert the line to a curvy line. If the line is already a curvy line, it will convert it to
straight tangents between the points.
Note that any 3 point arcs or straight line segments will be lost when you use this function.
Complex Figure
Figures that contain straight segments, arcs and spline segments are said to be a complex figure.
Closing Figures
To make a closed figure with an Active Line, select the Close Current Line button on
the line toolbar. This will draw a line from the last point to the first point shot in the fig-
ure. The Line will be removed from the Active Lines list as it is now considered com-
plete.
You will see that the figure now is closed back to the original start point.
- 102 -
Points / Lines / Descriptions
In the active lines list, if you turn off the Show Active Figures you will see that the 3DPLINE figure
is flagged as Active = NO and Closed = YES.
Alternatively, you can also close a figure in the Figure List screen by using the Close Figure button.
To mark a line as complete or finished, use the End Current Line button on the line toolbar. This will
remove the line from the Active Lines list so that no more segments or arcs can be added.
This works similar to closing a figure, but differs in that the figure will not be forced to close back on to
the original start point.
Re-Activating Figures
When a figure has been marked as complete, you can activate it again as follows:
- 103 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Deleting Figures
To delete linework in your project simply select the figure you want to delete. When you select the fig-
ure, the line toolbar will open.
- 104 -
Points / Lines / Descriptions
Use this button on the line toolbar to delete an individual segment between two
points or a three point arc.
Use this to delete the entire figure that you have selected.
Notes:
Splines: Spline sections are considered to be one entity so using the delete entire fig-
ure, or delete segment, each will do the same thing. The entire spline will be deleted.
If a segment or arc is deleted from the middle of a figure, the figure will be broken into
two pieces. Each new figure will be assigned a new group number. Closed or ended fig-
ures will be re-activated and added to the Active Lines list.
You can also delete a figure by selecting it in the active lines list, then pressing the Delete Figure but-
ton.
- 105 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Lines
Choose the following in your desktop Automap library editor to set the draw default for FieldGenius to
Lines.
In FieldGenius when the description is selected, the line toggle will be automatically turned on.
As shown below, the line toggle has been automatically turned on when the E/ASPH description was
selected from the list.
Curvy Lines
Choose the following to set the draw default for FieldGenius to Curvy Lines
In FieldGenius when the description is selected, the curvey toggle will be automatically turned on.
As shown below, the curvy toggle has been automatically turned on when the E/ASPH description
was selected from the list.
- 106 -
Points / Lines / Descriptions
None
Choose the following to set the draw default for FieldGenius to None
As shown below, when the HUB description was selected, all line connectivity toggles are turned off.
Notes:
The 2D Connection and 3D Connection settings do not affect FieldGenius, we only
make use of these settings as defaults in MicroSurvey CAD or inCAD. All FieldGenius
figures are 3D. With FieldGenius data imported to MicroSurvey CAD or inCAD, there is
no need to process Automap connections as FieldGenius figures are drawn auto-
matically. For more details on the AutoMap Library, see your MicroSurvey CAD or
inCAD Help System.
Drawing Tool
Main Menu | Survey Tools | Drawing Tool
Line Toolbar |Pencil button
Point Toolbar |Pencil button
This tool allows you to quickly draw a plan such as a pad or a building footprint into your project, and
is typically used to recreate plans from a paper hard-copy. You can use this to either calculate new
points, or to connect existing points that are already in your project.
You must have at least one point in your project before you can start, to define the starting position for
your plan. If a point does not yet exist (for example if this is the first command you run in a new pro-
ject), you will be prompted to store a new point before you can proceed.
- 107 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Line Mode
Use the Line draw mode to add straight line segments to your figure.
Start Point
Specify the start point for the new segment.
For starting a new plan, this should be set to an existing point in your project, typically a corner that
you will begin drawing the plan from.
As you continue adding subsequent points/segments to your plan, you will see the Start Point field
automatically advance for you.
Distance
Specify the length of the line segment you wish to draw.
Direction
Specify the direction (Azimuth or Bearing) of the line segment you wish to draw. The easiest way to
do this is to use the right/left arrow buttons, which will increment/decrement the direction value by the
amount shown in the pulldown list below the arrows. You can select a common angle from the
choices in the list (90, 45, or 30 degrees), or you can type any value if you need to increment it by
some other amount.
Store
After you have defined the segment to add, press this to store the new point and line segment into
your project.
- 108 -
Points / Lines / Descriptions
Store+
This does the same as the Store button, but you will see the Store/Edit Point screen. Use this to con-
firm or view the coordinates, or to specify a description.
Arc Mode
Use the Arc draw mode to add arc segments to your figure.
Start Point
Specify the start point for the new segment.
For starting a new plan, this should be set to an existing point in your project, typically a corner that
you will begin drawing the plan from.
As you continue adding subsequent points/segments to your plan, you will see the Start Point field
automatically advance for you.
Direction
Specify the direction (Azimuth or Bearing) of the tangent in to the arc segment you wish to draw.
This will default to either the direction of the previous line segment or the tangent out of the previous
arc segment, so as long as your arc is tangential to the previous segment you will not need to change
this value.
- 109 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Radius
Specify the radius to define your arc.
Clockwise / Counter-Clockwise Arrows
Use the Right/Left arrow buttons to define whether the arc rotates clockwise or counter-clockwise.
Store
After you have defined the segment to add, press this to store the new end and radial points, and draw
the arc segment into your project.
Store+
This does the same as the Store button, but you will see the Store/Edit Point screen. Use this to con-
firm or view the coordinates, or to specify a description.
- 110 -
Points / Lines / Descriptions
Start Point
Specify the start point for the new segment.
For starting a new plan, this should be set to an existing point in your project, typically a corner that
you will begin drawing the plan from.
As you continue connecting subsequent points to your plan, you will see the Start Point field auto-
matically advance for you.
Line Type
Specify one of the five available methods to define your next figure segment:
l Straight: this will draw a straight line between the specified Start Point and End Point.
l Arc (CW): this will draw a clockwise arc between the specified Start Point and End Point, with
the specified Radial Point.
l Arc (CCW): this will draw a counter-clockwise arc between the specified Start Point and End
Point, with the specified Radial Point.
l Arc (3Pnt): this will draw an arc (clockwise or counter-clockwise) between the specified Start
Point and End Point, going through the specified intermediate Arc Point (any point directly on
the arc, does not need to be the midpoint).
l Spline: this will draw a curvey line between the specified Start Point and End Point.
Store / Store+
The Store and Store+ buttons are disabled for this mode, because new points are not being calculated
for your project. The line or arc segment will be automatically drawn into your project after you specify
- 111 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
its parameters.
Undo
Press the Undo button to Undo the last segment you computed, removing both the point and/or the
line segment (as appropriate) from your project. You can undo multiple steps.
Note, there is no Redo function.
Close
Press the Close button to exit from the Draw Plan command, and you will be returned to the map
screen.
Smart Tags
When you select an existing or create a figure in your drawing you will see smart tags appear on the
points that make up the figure.
- 112 -
Main Menu
MAIN MENU
Main Menu
Main Menu
On the main interface of FieldGenius you will see the FieldGenius Start icon which will always activ-
ate the main menu or display the previously viewed sub-menu. When the button is pressed you will
see the main menu screen:
On the main menu, pressing any of the buttons will take you to its sub-menu.
From any sub-menu, pressing the Menu Home button will return you to this menu.
The Map View button will close the main menu and take you back to the map view.
The Exit button will close FieldGenius.
Project Manager
Selecting this will allow you to create, open or delete projects. Please see the Project Manager topic
for more information.
Settings
Select this to check or change settings for FieldGenius. Please see the Settings Menu topic for more
information.
- 113 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
SurveyMethods
Select this to select measurement modes such as occupying a point, checking a point, or measuring
an offset. Please see the SurveyMethods Menu topic for more information.
Survey Tools
Select this to execute tools such as manually storing new points, deleting/undoing the previously
measured point, or viewing the raw file. Please see the SurveyTools Menu topic for more information.
Calculations
Select this to use our calculating functions such as COGO and inversing. Please see the Cal-
culations Menu topic for more information.
Staking
Select this to access our staking functions. Please see the Staking Menu topic for more information.
Roads Manager
Use this to access tools that will help you create or edit alignments, templates, and profiles. Please
see the Roads Manager Menu topic for more information.
Data Manager
Use this to manage your points, DXF files, and surfaces. Please see the Data Manager Menu topic
for more information.
Import/Export
Select this to import or export ASCII files, and to export DXF, XML, and other files. Please see the
Import/Export Menu topic for more information.
Please note, additional file types can be imported from the Surfaces and the Map Data Layers com-
mands, both located in the Data Manager menu.
About
Select this to see what build and which modules you have registered for FieldGenius. Please see the
About Menu topic for more information.
Project Manager
Main Menu | Project Manager
The Project Manager is used to create, open, or delete projects currently residing in your data col-
lector. When you start FieldGenius this is always the first screen you will see.
- 114 -
Main Menu
By default the project manager will display the contents of the FG Projects directory, which is the
default location for all projects that you create. You can sort the list by project name or date by tapping
on the column's header.
FG Projects Folder
Press this button to specify a different project folder than the default. The default isFG Projects. Once
you set the directory it is written to the msurvey.ini file so it is used for all subsequent projects.
Open Project
To open an existing project, simply select it in the list and press the Open button.
New Project
To create a new project, simply press the New button. You will then see the new project screen which
will allow you to enter a name, choose your automap library and set the units for the project.
Delete Project
To delete a project you first need to select it in the list and then press the Delete button. You will be
asked to confirm that you really want to delete the project.
Notes:
You can not delete a project that is currently open.
Projects that have been deleted can not be restored.
Exit
To exit from the project manager press the Exit button.
- 115 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
ROADS
Roads Manager
Main Menu | Roads Manager
To stake an alignment you first need to define the geometry that defines the horizontal and vertical ele-
ment. You can also define a template that will be used to define cross sections at specific stations
along the alignment.
FieldGenius can use the following three methods to define an alignment.
1. Manual Entry You can manually enter the data to define the alignment.
2. Import XML You can import a LandXML file that contains your alignment data.
By default you will see an alignment in the list with the current project name. A project can contain
multiple roads, and each road can contain the following elements.
l Horizontal Element: This can contain straight tangents, curves and spirals.
l Vertical Element: This can contain grade breaks, parabolic curves and non-symmetrical
curves.
l Templates: Template can contain horizontal and vertical offsets, as well as widening and
super elevation data.
- 116 -
Roads
l XML Cross Sections: XML cross sections define specific stations along an alignment. These
sections contain horizontal, vertical and template data. XML cross sections are created using
desktop software which is then imported into FieldGenius.
Manage Road
This option is only available once you've created a road using the New Road button or imported an
XML file. To input or review alignment data, press the Manage Road button to access the Road Set-
tings screen.
If you imported a LandXML file, or manually inputted a road you can stake it by pressing this button.
As a minimum you need to have the following before the stake command will continue.
Add Road
Use this button to create a new road. You can create as many roads as needed and they will be
stored in an XML file that will reside is the project directory.
Delete Road
Use this to delete a road. You first need to highlight the road you want to delete, and then press the
button to remove the road from the alignment. This road will be permanently deleted and can not be
undone.
Map View
Use this button to display the map view. From this view you can use the zoom controls to zoom
around your drawing so you can find important or relevant data for your alignment such as a POB
point. Press the Close View button to return back to the Roads Manager.
- 117 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 118 -
Settings Menu
SETTINGS MENU
Settings Menu
Main Menu | Settings
The settings menu is used to setup and review settings that have been set for your current project.
You can also specify default settings for new projects that are created.
Most of these settings are stored in a file named msurvey.ini which can be found in the ...\Mi-
croSurvey FieldGenius\Programs\ directory. It is recommended that once you have defined your set-
tings, that you make a backup of this msurvey.ini file.
Options
Use this to set or change settings that affect FieldGenius's functionality. Please see the Options
topic for more information.
Units and Scale
Use this to set or change the units, bearings, distances and scale settings for your project. Please
see the Units and Scale Settings topic for more information.
Instrument Selection
Use this to set the type of equipment that will be used with FieldGenius. If you're not connecting to
anything, you can specify that you would like to enter your measurements manually. Please see the
Instrument Selection topic for more information. (Note, you will not see this option if FieldGenius is
running onboard your instrument.)
- 119 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Coordinate System
Use this to define the coordinate system for your project. Please see the Coordinate System Settings
topic for more information.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Use this to define shortcuts to FieldGenius commands and assign them to your keys. Please see the
Keyboard Shortcuts topic for more information.
Project Information
Use this to enter and save information about your project. Please see the Project Information topic for
more information.
Options
Main Menu | Settings | Options
The options screen helps you set settings that affect the look and feel of FieldGenius.
Press the [+] buttons along the left to expand (show) each section, and the [-] buttons to collapse
(hide) it.
l Interface Options
l User Input Options
l Point Attributes Options
- 120 -
Settings Menu
Interface Options
Monochrome Optimized
Use this to specify whether the main interface should display in full color, or in a way more suitable to
monochrome screens.
Enable Full Screen
Use this to run FieldGenius in a full-screen mode (PocketPC devices only). This is required for proper
operation on devices running the Windows Mobile operating system that have a landscape display.
Map Color
Use this to force the background color for the main drawing area to be white or black
Map Orientation
Using this will force the map screen to be oriented to the north or south. This is needed for coordinate
systems that are referenced south, such as in South Africa. This is different from South Azimuth dir-
ections, as used in Hawaii.
Map Resolution
This option determines the number of segments that will displayed in an arc on the screen. Reducing
this number increases program speed; increasing this number slows down graphics display, but
improves the quality of arcs and curvy lines displayed on the screen.
Text Size (Info/Grid)
Use this to force the text shown in the Information screens (such as the Observation toolbar and the
COGO History screen) and grid screens (such as the Project Manager and Angle Offset shots) to use
a small or large sized text.
Show Scale Bar
Use this to turn the scale bar shown on the main map screen on or off.
- 121 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 122 -
Settings Menu
**Important note:The imported format only affects display of the coordinates and the ASCIIfile itself.
The internally stored point database, or raw file stored will always be stored as N,E,Z.
Alpha-Numeric IDs
When this is enabled you will be allowed to enter alpha-numeric point IDs such as 21a, AB3, EV2. If
this isn't turned on, then FieldGenius will not accept anything but integer numbers. Alpha numeric
input of point IDs can contain up to 31 characters. Note: Alpha-Numeric ID's are only supported in the
MicroSurvey CAD or inCAD 2008 or newer desktop software. Previous versions of MicroSurvey
CAD or inCAD do not support it.
Point ID Range - Minimum
Use this to force FieldGenius to limit the point numbers that are used to a specific range; here you
would specify the minimum range value. If you try to use a point number that is less than this value,
you will see a message that will ask you to select a different point number. Note: If you have the
Alpha-Numeric IDs toggle turned on, then any values specified here are ignored.
Point ID Range - Maximum
Use this to force FieldGenius to limit the point numbers that are used to a specific range; here you
would specify the maximum range value. If you try to use a point number that is greater than this
value, you will see a message that will ask you to select a different point number. Note: If you have
the Alpha-Numeric IDs toggle turned on, then any values specified here are ignored.
Alphanumeric Point ID's can have a maximum length of 31 characters.
LandXML Export - Prefix IDs
When this is enabled, point numbers will be prefixed with the point's description upon creation of an
XML file. For example, if a point has a number of 100 and description of PIN, in the XML file its ID will
be PIN100.
New Description Prompt
This controls how FieldGenius deals with descriptions that don't match anything in your Automap lib-
rary. If this is on, when you enter a description that isn't in the Automap library you will see a warning
message asking you if you want to add it.
If it is off, any description that doesn't have a match in the Automap library will be automatically
added to your project's Automap library.
Time Stamp Saved Points
This tells FieldGenius to write a timestamp into the raw file whenever a point is stored.
- 123 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
With LOD on, as soon as you zoom in to a reasonable level, the labels will appear automatically.
Under normal circumstances you will keep the LOD feature active.
- 124 -
Settings Menu
GPS Options
EP+ Records
When this is used the standard EP record type specified by the RW5 format will be slightly different.
The main difference is that when turned on, the standard deviations for the X, Y, and Z components
will be stored. Setting this to on is only required if you want to use FieldGenius with the OmniStar
GPS service.
- 125 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
OnPOZTagging
Turn this on if you wish to use effigis' OnPOZ GNSSpost processing software. If this is enabled then
a measurement time start and end tag are written to the raw file. Note: An end tag is not written until
you press the Store Pnt button in the GNSSmeasurement dialog. Remember, you must be logging
GNSS data for this to work.
If this is turned on, during a measurement if the tolerances are met the store point screen will appear
automatically. If this is off, then the user is required to press continue to get to the store point screen.
Auto Start Store
If this is turned on, the user will not see the store point screen. It is a fast way to store your GPS
points and is useful when used in conjunction with the Auto Start Statistics option.
Correction Timeout
GPS data sent from a reference base had a time stamp of the start of the transmission associated
with the positions being broadcast. When the rover processes the data, the time stamp is compared
to the current time to ensure that there wasn't a big delay in receiving the position. Large time gaps
can deteriorate the position quality at the rover. You can adjust the "time check" comparison value by
adjusting the correction timeout value. Sometimes you have to increase this setting if you are far
from your reference receiver, or are experiencing transmission interference. You can use any value
between 0 and 20 seconds.
Staking Options
Note: You can also access these options directly from the staking toolbar.
Tolerance
This is the error tolerance that the staking command will use. When your staking "move by" distances
are equal to or less than this amount, your direction to a point will be indicated in green text in the
Observation Toolbar at the top left hand corner of the screen. Green text will be displayed to notify
you that you're meeting your tolerance; if you do not meet the tolerance, the text will switch to red.
Orientation Reference (Total Station & GNSS)
The user can set an orientation preference for either total station or GNSS layout. Depending on the
equipment currently in use, FieldGenius will automatically use the defined orientation.
Orientation Reference = North
With the North orientation, North is the reference direction. The "move by" distances are standard car-
dinal directions.
North: This is the distance you need to move North.
South: This is the distance you need to move South.
- 126 -
Settings Menu
- 127 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Out: This is the distance you need to move away from your user reference point.
Right: Facing your user reference point, move right by this amount.
Left: Facing your user reference point, move left by this amount.
Cut: This is the amount you have to go down from the current rod position to the stake point's
elevation.
Fill: This is the amount you have to go up from the current rod position to the stake point's elev-
ation.
Orientation Reference = Line
With the staking reference set to Line the map view will be twisted so the line is drawn vertically with
the start of the line at the bottom of the screen and the end of the line at the top of the screen. The
"move by" distances are with respect to the line.
In: You will not be given an In distance.
Out: You will not be given an Out distance.
Right: Looking down the line (or parallel to it), move right by this amount perpendicularly
towards the line.
Left: Looking down the line (or parallel to it), move left by this amount perpendicularly towards
the line.
Cut: This is the amount you have to go down from the current rod position to the stake line's
interpolated elevation.
Fill: This is the amount you have to go up from the current rod position to the stake line's inter-
polated elevation.
User Point
If you are using the "User Point" Orientation Reference (see above) then use this to specify which
point ID you want to use for the reference point. If you are not using the "User Point" orientation then
this does not have any effect.
Attached User ID
Use this to add a value to the point number youre currently staking. For example if the point your stak-
ing is point 8, and this field is set to 1000. In the raw file it will show that you staked point 1008 and
will also store the staked position as point 1008 in the project database.
Turn Instrument Mode
If you have a motorized instrument, including robotics, you can control how FieldGenius turns the
instrument during stakeouts. If you want FieldGenius to compute the horizontal and vertical angle
needed to stake your point, use the 3D (HA + VA) option. If all you want is the horizontal angle to be
turned, and the vertical left alone, select the 2D (HA) option.
- 128 -
Settings Menu
Line Mode
Use this to control how your navigation distances are computed and displayed when staking a Line.
In Auto mode, FieldGenius will automatically determine if it should display in/out or left/right offsets to
the line. Auto mode will display in/out distances if the line of sight intersects the line equal or greater
than 45 (In/Out); if it is less than 45 then FieldGenius will display (Left/Right) offsets to the line.
You can force FieldGenius to always display In/Out distances to the line by setting it to In/Out.
Use Left/Right to always see the Left/Right offset to the line.
If you're staking an arc, FieldGenius will always display in/out offsets no matter what line mode set-
ting FieldGenius is set to.
This option has no effect if you have selected the "Line" Orientation Reference option.
Robotic Staking
If youre using a robotic instrument and this is turned on, if you stake a point FieldGenius will go into a
dynamic staking mode. Using this mode will not force the instrument to turn to the stake point. It will
go into a tracking mode and will dynamically tell you how far youre away from the stake point.
Cut and Fill Slopes
Use this to specify your cut and fill slopes when youre slope staking. The fill slope value will be used
when the hinge point is higher than the calculated catch point and this will occur in areas that require a
fill. The cut slope will be used when the hinge point falls below the calculated catch point. This will
occur in areas that require a cut.
A Cut of 2:1 means you would have a cut of 1 unit for every 2 units traveled horizontally.
DTM Staking Name
Use this to select a surface that will be used to compute a new z value for the design point. When you
select a surface you need to have the Stake to DTM toggle checked. Once this is turned on, the
elevation for any point you stake will be computed using this surface. In other words, if
youre doing point staking and the point has a design elevation, it will be ignored. The stake
points N & E will be used to intersect a point on the surface and that elevation will be used
to stake the point.
Fade Staked-Out Points
Place a check mark in this box if you would like to see staked out points displayed differently to non-
staked out points. A staked out point will appear as a slightly greyed out inverted triangle. This is for
you to make quick assessments of what has been done and what remains to be finished.
- 129 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 130 -
Settings Menu
Roading Options
Stationing Format
You can specify the format for your stations.
Stationing Format
Value
0+000.000 0+00.00 0.000
10 0+010.000 0+10.00 10.000
100 0+100.000 1+00.00 100.000
1000 1+000.000 10+00.00 1000.000
10000 10+000.000 100+00.00 10000.000
Force Tangential
Place a check mark in this box if you would like to automatically enforce the direction of alignment
geometry elements so they remain tangental to previous geometry elements. This rule can be useful
to ensure the alignment geometry elements maintain a common tangent direction between adjacent
elements.
Dynamic Horizontal Alignment
Place a check mark in this box if you would like changes to the direction of aligment geometry ele-
ments to be applied to subsequent geometry elements. To illustrate: modify the direction of a line geo-
metry element by 10 clockwise. With this feature is enabled, all geometry elements following the
modified line will also be rotated by 10 clockwise. With this feature is disabled, only the single line
element will be rotated by 10.
System Options
Language Resource
This is used for multi-language support. If you have installed a non-English version of FieldGenius,
then set this option to your Language Resource file, for example "ResESM.dll" for Spanish (Mexico).
Tip of the Day & Application Tips
When turned on, a "Tip of the Day" will be displayed when FieldGenius is started, and tooltips will be
displayed when you hover over any button.
Turning this off will hide the "Tip of the Day" dialog and will disable tooltips on buttons.
Communication Trace File
When turned on it will create a test file displaying information about the shot data going back and forth
from FieldGenius and your instrument. It can be used to diagnose communication problems and
- 131 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
should only be used in this situation. The text file will be named tracets.txt or tracegps.txtand will be
located in your ...\MicroSurvey FieldGenius\Programs\ directory on your device.
Bluetooth Persist On
By default FieldGenius always disconnects existing Bluetooth connections and also turns the power
off for the Bluetooth radio in your data collector when you exit the program. The main reason we do
this is to conserve battery power.
Some users prefer that power to the Bluetooth radio remains on no matter what. In this case, disable
this feature. The default is OFF.
Unit Settings
Main Menu | Settings | Units and Scale
The units and scale menu allows you to specify settings for your project. Some of these settings are
recorded in the raw file and the project's ini file, as well as recorded in the msurvey.ini file.
Notes:
The Distance Unit (Meters or Feet) and Angle Unit (Degrees, Radians, or Gons) can
only be set when creating a new project. After a project has been created, these will
remain greyed-out and cannot be changed.
You can set these settings as defaults for new projects by pressing the Save as Default Settings
button. The default settings can also be set in the Options screen.
- 132 -
Settings Menu
Note: the actual precision on distances and angles returned from your instrument may be limited to
less than the precision you select here. Selecting a higher precision here will not increase the pre-
cision of values queried from your instrument.
Distance Unit
Choose the distance unit that you will be using: Meters, International Feet, or US Survey Feet. All dis-
tances will be displayed in the selected format. All distances will be recorded to the raw file in decimal
format. Database coordinates are always stored with 6 decimal places, and rounded to the desired
precision for display.
Meters
If you choose Meters as your distance unit, you can also specify the number of decimal places to dis-
play within FieldGenius, from 0 to 6.
International Feet / US Survey Feet
If you choose International Feet or US Survey Feet, then you can specify to use either a decimal
format with a precision from 0 to 6, or a Fractional format with feet and inches.
If you use the decimal format, distances will be displayed in decimal feet, such as 10.5' to indicate
10.5 feet or 10feet-6inches.
If you use the fractional format, distances will be displayed in feet and fractional inches, such as 10'6
1/2" to indicate 10feet-6.5inches or 10.54166667 feet.
Angle Unit
Choose the angular unit that you will be using: Degrees, Gons/Gradients, or Radians. All angular val-
ues written into the raw file will be recorded in the selected format.
Degrees
If you select Degrees, then you can also select which format to use, either DDDMM'SS.s" for
degrees-minutes-decimal seconds, DDDMM.m' for degrees-decimal minutes, or DDD.d for
decimal degrees. You can also specify the number of decimal places to use, from 0 to 8.
Gons (Gradients)
If you select Gons (Gradients) then you can also specify the number of decimal places to use, from 0
to 8.
Radians
If you select Radians then you can also specify the number of decimal places to use, from 0 to 8.
- 133 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Direction Format
Choose the direction format that you will be using: North Azimuth, South Azimuth, or Bearings. When
entering a direction, you can always override this setting by entering the angle with the cardinal quad-
rant indicated before or after the angle. If there is no quadrant specified, then the input angle will be
interpreted as an Azimuth.
Scale Factor
You can use a scale factor to adjust ground distances to grid distances.
Distances measured with a total station will be recorded in the raw file with the unscaled, true meas-
ured slope distance. This scale factor is applied to the computation of coordinates only.
Distances entered using the Traverse/Intersect tool (COGO) will be scaled by the scale factor.
Distances calculated using the Inverse tool, or recalled using the pt..pt format will be scaled by the
inverse of this scale factor. The result will be the inversed grid distance times the inverse of the scale
factor, so that the ground distance is returned.
This Scale Factor does not affect any GPS measurements. Please see the GPS Local Trans-
formation topic for information on using a GPS Scale Factor.
Save As Default
Use this to permanently write the current settings to the msurvey.ini file. When you create a new pro-
ject, it will use these settings.The default settings can also be set in the Options screen.
Instrument Selection
Main Menu | Settings | Instrument Selection
The Instrument Selection screen allows you to choose the type of equipment you will be connecting
to FieldGenius. An Instrument Profile can be created for each different instrument you will be working
with, to make changing between different hardware a breeze. Once you have setup a profile for each
different instrument you will be using, switching between them is a simple matter of selecting the
appropriate profile and pressing Connect.
Note, this screen is not available if FieldGenius is running onboard your instrument.
- 134 -
Settings Menu
For all future projects you create with FieldGenius, when you create a new or open an existing project
you will see the Instrument Selection screen with the profiles you have already created. It will default
to the last Profile you used, so if you are using the same instrument just press Connect. If you are
using different equipment, just select the appropriate Instrument Type and Profile (or add a new profile
if one does not yet exist for it), then press Connect.
Your profiles are stored in the file ...\MicroSurvey FieldGenius\Programs\MSURVEY.INI so once you
have configured one data collector, you can simply copy this file onto your other data collectors to
make the profiles available on them. This file should also be backed up for easy recovery.
Total Station
When you select Total Station mode, you will be able to Add, Delete, or Edit a profile to setup para-
meters for connecting to your conventional and robotic total stations, as well as laser devices. See
the Total Station Configuration topic for more details about configuration for your total station.
For more information on connecting to your instrument please refer to the Conventional Total Station
and Robotic Total Station topics.
- 135 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
the Configure Rover or Configure Reference screens. For more information about using FieldGenius
for GPS surveying, you should review the Starting GPS topic.
If you have not purchased the GPS module for FieldGenius, then you will not have access to the GPS
commands and you will see a "Requires GPS module license" message.
GPS Demo
When you set it to GPS Demo you will be able to Edit and Connect to a profile for a simulated rover
receiver. When you edit the RTK Demo profile, you will see the Configure Rover screen. Feel free to
play with the Tolerance Mode settings, but please do not change the Model and Communications set-
tings. For more information about using FieldGenius for GPS surveying, you should review the Start-
ing GPS topic.
The GPS Demo will simulate connecting FieldGenius to a GPS Rover receiver. The coordinates in
the GPS Demo are located outside our office in Westbank, British Columbia, Canada, so to use the
GPS Demo mode you need to set your Coordinate System Settings to UTM Zones, NAD83, UTM83-
11, Ellipsoidal.
None
Use this option if you're not connecting anything to FieldGenius and also don't need to manually enter
any shot information. With this mode, the instrument toolbar will not be displayed in the map screen.
- 136 -
Settings Menu
Horizontal Group
This is where you define the coordinate system for your project.
Edit List
The Edit List button is used to create predefined or user-defined coordinate systems, create new
coordinate systems, copy predefined systems, and edit or delete existing systems. When pressed,
the Coordinate System List dialog will appear.
A predefined coordinate system is one that already exists and comes installed in FieldGeniusby
default, auser-defined system is one that you have created.
Details
This accesses a summary of all the parameters being used by the selected coordinate system. The
following information is displayed:
Vertical Group
This is where you define the vertical system also known as a geoid model for your project.
The default is ellipsoidal. If needed you can copy geoid seperation files (a.k.a geoid model) into the
FieldGenius mapping directory. Any new files you copy to the mapping directory can be selected
here. Please review the Geoid Model topic for more details.
- 137 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Save As Defaults
Saves the Horizontal and Vertical systems to the msurvey.ini file as defaults to be used for all new
projects.
Add Predefined
Press this button to access a list of existing coordinate system. See the Add Predefined System sec-
tion below for more details.
New User-Defined
This allows you to add a user-defined coordinate system to the coordinate system list. See the Add
user-defined System section below for more details.
Edit User-Defined
This allows you to review and edit a user-defined coordinate system. Select a user-defined coordinate
system from the list, and press the Edit User-Defined button. Doing so will display the Edit User-
- 138 -
Settings Menu
- 139 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 140 -
Settings Menu
Datum Parameters
There are 7 datum types to select from:
o Three Parameter
o Four Parameter
o Six Parameter
o Seven Parameter
o Bursa / Wolf
- 141 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
o DMA Molodensky
o None
If none is selected then no transformation parameters will be applied to the coordinate system trans-
formation.
If a datum other than none is selected then the user will be able to enter the following parameters:
o Delta X (m)
o Delta Y (m)
o Delta Z (m)
o X Rotation ()
o Y Rotation ()
o Z Rotation ()
o Scale (PPM)
Projection Parameters
The user can select one of nineteen projections.
- 142 -
Settings Menu
o Cassini
o Robinson Cylindrical
o Bonne Pseidoconical
o Krovac Oblique Conformal Conic, Czechoslovokia
o Scale Factor
o Central Meridian
o Origin Latitude
o Origin Longitude
o False Northing
o False Easting
Ok Button
This will save the user-defined parameters to the CS-MAP coordinate system database files (coord-
sys, datum and ellipsoid)
Cancel Button
This will cancel the current operation and nothing will be saved.
Automatic Backup
Whenever you add or edit a user-defined coordinate system, FieldGenius will automatically create
and save your parameters to a file named user-coordsys-backup.csmap to the mapping directory.
This backup file stores your user-defined coordinate systems. If you accidentally remove or overwrite
your user-defined coordinate systems, you can re-import them from this backup file using the Import
user-defined Coordinate System command.
- 143 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Keyboard Shortcuts
Main Menu | Settings | Keyboard Shortcuts
You can now assign command shortcuts to keys on your data collector. This has been added to sup-
port our new keyboard layout on the newer Trackers but it also works with any device that has a
keyboard.
The defaults for the shortcut keys are based on the MicroSurvey Tracker custom keyboard layout, but
you can assign any key you want to the list of available commands. The shortcut definitions are
stored in the msurvey.ini file so they're portable to your other data collectors if you've defined a cus-
tom layout.
Another great feature is that the EDM mode for the current instrument you have selected can have
shortcut keys assigned to them. For example if you refer to the list above, you would press the 1 key
to set your EDM mode on the instrument to IR Standard.
- 144 -
Settings Menu
The shortcut keys will only function from the map screen.
Set Shortcut Key
Use this to assign a command to a key on your keyboard. Highlight the command you want to modify,
press the Set Shortcut Key button, then press the button on your keyboard to map the command to
it. You new key map will automatically be saved to the msurvey.ini file.
Disable Shortcut Key
Use this to disable individual shortcuts.
Set User Button
Use this to set the currently selected command to the User Button found on the main interface.
The command currently set with the user button is indicated in the Function list with the same
icon.
Reset All
This resets all the shortcuts to the factory defaults and all customized settings will be lost.
Disable All Shortcuts
This is a toggle that controls if the shortcut keys are disabled or enabled.
- 145 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Traverse / Intersect C
Station / Offset Y
Calculator F
Automap Library D
Figure List L
Toggle GPS Coordinates G
Store Points W
Delete Last Saved Point Disabled
Point Databse P
Add Comment X
Raw File Viewer U
COGO History V
Menu Home H
Map Data Layers Backspace
SIP Enable/Disable Disabled
EDM Mode 1 1
EDM Mode 2 2
EDM Mode 3 Disabled
EDM Mode 4 Disabled
EDM Mode 5 Disabled
EDM Mode 6 Disabled
EDM Mode 7 Disabled
EDM Mode 8 Disabled
Prism Search Disabled
Prism Track Disabled
Prism ATR Disabled
Laser Pointer Disabled
Guide Lights Disabled
Robot Joystick Disabled
Project Information
Main Menu | Settings | Project Information
- 146 -
Settings Menu
- 147 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Use the vertical scroll bar along the side to access additional measurement modes if they cannot all
fit on screen at the same time.
Note: Several of these modes will not be available until you have setup an occupy point and meas-
ured a backsight via the Occupy Point, Multi-Set, or Resection commands. Most of these modes will
also not be available if you are using GPS.
- 148 -
Survey Methods Menu
- 149 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Distance Offset
This will start the distance offset routine. Please see the Distance Offset topic for more information.
Manual Distance
This will record a HA and VA for a shot, but the user can manually enter the distance. Please see the
Manual Distance topic for more information.
Manual Entry
This will allow you to manually enter in a shot including HA, VA and SD. Please see the Manual Entry
topic for more information
Two Line Intersection
This allows you to measure two baselines and FieldGenius will compute the intersection point.
Please see the Two Line Intersection topic for more information.
Line - Angle Offset
This allows you to measure two points to define a baseline, measure an angle, and FieldGenius will
compute the intersection point. Please see the Line - Angle Offset topic for more information.
Line - Distance Offset
This allows you to measure two points to define a baseline, then manually enter measured distances.
These distances will be used to compute a new point based on the baseline. Please see the Line -
Distance Offset topic for more information.
Line - Perpendicular Point
This allows you to measure two points to define a baseline, then you can select an existing point
which will be used to compute a perpendicular intersection. Please see the Line - Perpendicular Point
topic for more information.
Trilateration
This will allow you to compute new points by observing their distances from two known existing
points. Please see the Trilateration topic for more information.
Observe Benchmark
Use this to check your current setup elevation, or compute a new one based on a known elevation.
Please see the Measure Benchmark topic for more information.
Add Invert
Use this to open the invert toolbar. You will then be able to record invert measurements. Please see
the Add Invert topic for more information.
- 150 -
Survey Methods Menu
Note:
When measuring in temp mode, nothing will be recorded in the RAW file.
Occupy Point
Main Menu | Survey Methods | Occupy Point
Use this command to specify the instrument location and orientation. You will be asked to specify the
point your instrument is occupying, an instrument height and if you will be assuming a backsight dir-
ection or sighting an exiting point. After you have established your setup and backsight, FieldGenius
will graphically show you your setup points.
Occupied Point Location
Backsight Point Location
- 151 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Occupy Point
Type in an existing point number, or double tap in this field to open the keypad or to select a point from
the map. You will be able to create a new point, pick one from a list, or pick one from your drawing.
Instrument Height
Use this to enter your current instrument height.
Backsight Direction
Use this to specify the direction that will be used by FieldGenius. You can enter an azimuth or a quad-
rant bearing.
Target Height
Use this to enter your current target height.
- 152 -
Survey Methods Menu
Occupy Point
Type in an existing point number, or double tap in this field to open the keypad or to select a point from
the map. You will be able to create a new point, pick one from a list, or pick one from your drawing.
Instrument Height
Use this to enter your current instrument height.
Backsight Point
Type in an existing point number, or double tap in this field to open the keypad or to select a point from
the map. You will be able to create a new point, pick one from a list, or pick one from your drawing.
Backsight Direction & Distance
When you enter in your points FieldGenius will display the inversed horizontal distance and direction
between the points you entered.
Target Height
Use this to enter your current target height.
- 153 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
1. You can always tell what mode you're in by the "mode" text that appears near the top of your
drawing. Since you're using the occupy point command you will see "Observe Backsight" near
the top of the map area.
2. You have two measure modes available to you on the instrument toolbar. You can measure an
angle and distance to the backsight, or measure only your current plate reading without meas-
uring a distance. The two options are described in more detail in the Backsight Measure Mode
topic.
3. You can cancel the setup by pressing the measure mode button and choosing "Cancel Back-
sight"
4. While in the backsight mode, you can use any of the controls from the information and display
toolbar.
5. You can set the height of target by using the HT button on the instrument toolbar.
6. When you're ready to measure to the backsight, press the Measure button on the instrument
toolbar.
Backsight Summary
After you have taken your measurement you will see a summary of your shot. From this screen you
can choose to accept the shot or re-shoot it. You can also specify if you want the plate reading set to
zero or a specific azimuth (if this is supported on your instrument). For more information see the Back-
sight Summary topic.
- 154 -
Survey Methods Menu
When shooting to your backsight you have two options available and they can be accessed from the
instrument toolbar using the measure mode button. The measure modes available are described as
follows:
Angle & Distance
Specifying this will require you to measure a distance to the backsight either to a prism or reflect-
orlessly. It will also record the current plate reading on the instrument. Both the measure distance and
plate reading will be used as the backsight reading in the raw file.
Angle Only
Specifying this will not require you to measure a distance to the backsight. All that will be recorded is
the current plate reading on the instrument and this reading will be used as the backsight reading in
the raw file.
Cancel Backsight
Use this to cancel your current backsight and occupy point command.
Backsight Summary
After you have taken your measurement you will see a summary of your shot. From this screen you
can choose to accept the shot or re-shoot it. You can also specify if you want the plate reading set to
zero or a specific azimuth.
- 155 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
1. The measured elevation of the occupy point, based on its previously recorded TR traverse
measurement.
2. The computed elevation of the occupy point, based on the backsight observation and the elev-
ation of the backsight point.
These two elevations for the occupy point are averaged together, and a new traverse observation is
computed for the occupy point, which will result in the occupy point having this new averaged elev-
ation. This computed observation is written to the raw file as a new TR record, overriding the previous
TR record to the occupy point.
- 156 -
Survey Methods Menu
Plate Setting
If your instrument supports uploading of angles, the Set To Direction and Set To Zero options will be
available to you. If it doesn't support this then these options will be grayed out. These functions can
be used to help you set your backsight plate angles on your instrument.
Do Not Modify
With this option selected, the plate reading on the instrument will not be modified by FieldGenius. You
will see the current plate reading displayed beside the pull-down list.
Set To Direction
If your instrument supports uploading of angles, the Set To Direction option will be available to you. If
it doesn't support this it will be grayed out. Beside the pull-down list you will see the direction field
which will contain a value based on two factors:
1. If you specified a points for the occupy and backsight points, you will see the computed
(inversed) direction.
2. If you specified a setup point and a direction to the backsight, you will see the direction
that you previously entered.
When you press the Accept button, FieldGenius will upload the angle to your instrument and set it
as the current plate reading. When you Accept the setup, this value will be used as the backsight
plate reading in the raw file.
Set To Zero
If your instrument supports uploading of angles, the Set To Zero option will be available to you. If it
doesn't support this it will be grayed out. You will see a direction value of zero displayed beside the
pull-down list.
When you press the Accept button, FieldGenius will upload and set your circle plate reading to zero.
When you Accept the setup, this value will be used as the backsight plate reading in the raw file.
- 157 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Observe Again
If you're not satisfied with the results or made a mistake you can re-shoot the backsight by using this
button. Doing so will take you back to the main display where you can take another shot on the back-
sight.
Multiple Backsight
Multiple Backsight routine allows you to use multiple known control points to calculate a more accur-
ate backsight orientation.
- 158 -
Survey Methods Menu
Multiple Backsight
Occupy Point
Your instrument location or Occupy Point can be entered here. Double click the empty will show a
drop-down list. You can then select the point from Map, List, or create a New point.
Instrument Height
Enter the height of your instrument set up, it will be used in the calculation.
Control Points Table
You can click "Add" button to select backsight points, A minimum of 2 points are required for cal-
culation.
You can use the second column to select a desired backsight point, unchecked backsight points will
be used to improve the accuracy of the selected one.
- 159 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
After taking measurements for each control points entered, Multiple Backsight results screen will
show up to display calculated results and allow you to refine Azimuth Offset base on Offset Residual
values.
Control Points Table
l "Point" column - shows the Point ID for each control points measured
l "Use" column - allows you to toggle if the selected control point will be used in the calculation
or not.
l "Azimuth Offset" column - shows individual azimuth offset value for each control point.
l "Offset Residual" column - shows individual offset residual value, this value can be used to
access the accuracy of each control point.
l "HAObserved" column - shows the measured horizontal angle.
l "HDObserved" column - shows the measured horizontal distance.
l "HDDifference" column - shows the difference in horizontal distance.
Observe Again
This button allows you to re-measure the selected control point if the residual offset value is greater
than expected.
- 160 -
Survey Methods Menu
Azimuth Offset
This is calculated Azimuth for your improved backsight direction. You can adjust this value by select-
ing desired control points from the above table. The Offset Residual column can be used to assess
the quality of each control point.
RMS
This is Root Mean Square (RMS) value for all selected Offset Residuals.
Once you are satisfied with the result, click 'OK' to See "Backsight Summary" on page 155
Backsight Method
After you choose "Occupy Point" routine, the first screen you will see is the Backsight Method
Screen
Backsight Method
You will have 2 options to set up your backsight
Backsight by 1 Point or Direction
The first option allows you to use 1 point or direction to set up your total station, See "Occupy Point"
on page 151for detailed information.
- 161 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Sideshot
Main Menu | Survey Methods | Sideshot
If you like reviewing your shots prior to being stored in the database and raw file, then this is the mode
you should use. When you press the measure button on the instrument toolbar, after the shot is meas-
ured you will see the store point screen prior to storing the point.
When you set this mode you will see the word Sideshot on the measurement mode button.
When you take a shot using the measure button you will see the Store/Edit Point screen.
You can also confirm or change the Target Height used for this shot.
Store TR
Press this to store the coordinate in the database and create a traverse record (TR) in the raw file.
TR,OP350,FP4,AR0.00000,ZE94.50080,SD13.2700,--<No Desc>
- 162 -
Survey Methods Menu
Traverse records are needed if you want to compute a traverse closure. If your last shot from a setup
is recorded as a traverse record, when you use the occupy point routine it will automatically advance
you. This is commonly referred to as "leap frogging" your traverse.
Cancel
Press this to cancel the shot and not store anything.
Note: For more information on the other buttons found on this screen please read the Store / Edit
Points topic.
Note:
When measuring in the Auto Store mode, a SS record will be recorded in the raw file.
MultiSet
Main Menu | Survey Methods | MultiSet
The Multiset routine in FieldGenius allows you to record angular sets in any order you want. You can
also review your measurement's computed average and standard deviation.
- 163 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
You will then see the Setup Occupy Point screen. If you've already established a setup, it will display
the same information that you previously entered.
Press the Continue Multi-Set button to proceed to the Multi-Set Point List screen
Note:
Unlike the regular setup routine, you will not be required to immediately shoot your
backsight.
- 164 -
Survey Methods Menu
This is the control center for recording your sets. It will begin with a record for your backsight and your
foresight measurements will be listed after it, in order that they are measured.
Pnt: This is the point number of the point you've measured for your backsight and foresight points. If
you see the word "Bearing" this indicates that you assumed a backsight direction.
Type: This is the type of measurement that was measured. It will be either a BS (backsight) or FS
(foresight) measurement.
Obs F1:This will list the total Face 1 (Direct) observations that were recorded for the point.
Obs F2: This will list the total Face 2 (Reverse) observations that were recorded for the point.
Saved: If the foresight measurement hasn't been saved you will see a red "X". measurements that
have been saved will have a green "checkmark". Since your backsight readings are always to a
known point or an assumed direction you will see N/A as there is nothing to save.
1. Select the first row which is the backsight record by tapping on it.
2. Press the Measure button to start the measurement process.
3. On the map screen confirm that you have selected the correct target height.
4. When you're ready to record the measurement press the Measure button on the instrument
toolbar.
- 165 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
5. You will automatically see the multiset point list where you will see your measurement
which will be indicated in the F1 or F2 field.
The summary will display the standard deviations for the averaged measurements as well as the com-
puted average measurement. In the list you will see the delta difference between the measured meas-
urement and the average. In our example the HA and VA on the face 1 measurement was larger than
the average direction by 11 seconds.
By default all measurements will be used to compute the averaged position. However, you can
decide what measurements you want to use to compute the averaged position by pressing the green
checkmark icon. Doing so will switch it to a red "X" which will remove it from the computation.
Notes about measuring the Backsight:
When you first begin the multi-set routine, you are not required to shoot the backsight prior to meas-
uring a foresight.
You are not required to have both a Face 1 and Face 2 reading recorded for the backsight. A meas-
urement on either face will work, but it is common practice to record both.
measuring a Foresight
To record a foresight measurement you first have to define a point number in the Point ID field
towards the top of the multi-set point list. Press the Next button to display the next available point ID,
or type in the Point ID you want to use. Then press the Add button to add the new Point ID into the
- 166 -
Survey Methods Menu
Multi-Set Point List. After you add the new point number follow these steps to record the
measurement.
Towards the top you will see the foresight point you measurement to and a summary of the total face
1 and face 2 measurements recorded.
Next you will see the standard deviation that is computed using all the directions that have a green
check mark.
Next is the averaged direction (plate reading) to the foresight point.
Finally, you will see the computed clockwise angle between the average backsight and foresight dir-
ection.
- 167 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
By default all measurements will be used to compute the averaged position. However, you can
decide what measurements you want to use to compute the averaged position by pressing the green
checkmark icon. Doing so will switch it to a red "X" which will remove it from the computation.
Once you're satisfied with your observations you can press the Store Pnt button which will take you
to the Store and Edit screen. From here you can review the description and store it as either a SS or
TR measurement.
Note: After you store your point, you will not be able to add anymore observations.
- 168 -
Survey Methods Menu
RB,OP1,BP5,AR179.59390,ZE266.17420,SD15.5512,HR5.000,--BS
RF,OP1,FP8,AR45.52150,ZE92.03370,SD22.3917,HR5.000,--FS
RF,OP1,FP8,AR225.52100,ZE267.56580,SD22.4311,HR5.000,--FS
RF,OP1,FP8,AR225.52100,ZE267.57000,SD22.4311,HR5.000,--FS
RF,OP1,FP8,AR45.52180,ZE92.03350,SD22.3917,HR5.000,--FS
SS,OP1,FP8,AR45.52132,ZE92.03185,SD22.4114,--FS
For each foresight point you store a OC record is created to indicate what point you setup on. Also a
BK record will be written to record which point you specified for the backsight. An important thing to
note here is that the BC value will be equal to the average backsight direction (plate reading) recorded
for the backsight.
The Standard Deviations are written into the first comment record, and it will also display "Tolerance
Exceeded" if applicable.
RB records are your accepted measurements to the backsight.
RF records are your accepted measurements to the foresight.
The last item will always be a SS or TR record. This is the averaged direction (plate reading) to the
foresight point.
Resection
Main Menu | Survey Methods | Resection
FieldGenius has a multi-point resection routine that can be used to compute a point for a setup. It will
use a least squares solution to determine the coordinates from the measurements you make to your
points. The goal at the end of a resection is to compute the unknown coordinates of the instrument's
current location based on measurements made to other known points in the project.
- 169 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Second Shot
To record the second shot, simply select it from the map screen, then press the Measure button. A
minimum of two points are needed to compute a position for the instrument, but you can shoot more
points if needed to increase the accuracy of the instrument position. The estimated accuracy of the
instrument location will be displayed for you on the toolbar. If the estimated error is within your own tol-
erances, then you can can go ahead and store the point by pressing the Store Point button. All suc-
cessful solutions will be displayed with green text starting with the characters StdDev:.
Press the Close button to cancel out of the routine. You may need to do this if the solution does not
converge, and you need to restart the routine.
- 170 -
Survey Methods Menu
Standard Deviation
This is the computed precision for the overall geometry of the resection. Small errors indicate that the
measured data "fits" very well with the geometry defined by the known points.
Large errors can indicate that bad measurements were recorded, either due to careless measurement
practices such as not holding the prism pole straight or not carefully sighting the prism. Large errors
can also happen if the geometry defined by the known points, is not "in the same place" as it was
when the points were previously measured.
Please note that while the Standard Deviation relates to the quality of your resection, it is possible to
have a low StdDev yet still have a high positional error. As such, it is important that you also look at
the angle and distance errors shown in the Information screen when considering the overall accuracy
of your resection.
You can enter this screen by pressing the Information button on the top right corner of the ref-
erence point toolbar. When you do, you will see a detailed summary of the measurements.
You can determine how each shot to the reference points should be used to compute the resection
point. By default each observation you make will be used to compute both the horizontal and vertical
- 171 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
position of the resection solution, but you can override this by setting the Use H and Use V options
for each measurement.
Use H Use V Result
a a This shot will be used to compute both the horizontal and vertical position.
a r This shot will be used to compute only the horizontal position.
r a This shot will be used to compute only the vertical position.
r r The shot will be ignored in the computation.
You can also select which observation is to be your backsight point.
HA Error
The horizontal angle error is computed as follows. Using the computed resection point and the meas-
ured horizontal angle, a theoretical direction is computed to the reference point. This direction is then
compared to the direction measured (plate reading) and the difference is noted in the HA Err column.
HD Error
The horizontal distance error is computed as follows. An inverse is made between the resection point
and the reference point. This inversed distance is then compared to the measured distance and the dif-
ference is noted in the HD Err column.
VD Error
The vertical distance error is computed as follows. Using the resection elevation, and the observation
to the reference point, a new elevation is computed for the reference point. This computed elevation is
then compared to the reference point's original elevation and the difference is noted in the VD column.
Resection Modes
At any time during the collection of your observations you can choose to shoot an Angle & Distance
or Angles Only measurement. You can control this by pressing the measurement mode button on
the instrument toolbar after you have started your resection.
- 172 -
Survey Methods Menu
The backsight point that will be stored will be based on which point you selected in the Information
screen shown above, which by default is the first reference point you observed. You do not need to
take another measurement to the backsight as it has the original measurement you made. At this
point you can do the following:
If you're satisfied with the backsight, you can store it by pressing the Accept button. If you're setting
a plate reading on the instrument, you need to make sure it is pointing at the backsight point prior to
pressing the Accept button. For example, if you want to set zero on the backsight point, you need to
make sure that the instrument is pointing at the backsight point.
- 173 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Check Point
Main Menu | Survey Methods | Check Point
Use this to measure a check shot to an existing point. When you start the command you will see the
point chooser appear where you can create a new point or pick an existing one from a list or from the
screen. After you choose your point you will be ready to measure. You will note the measure mode
will be set to Check Pnt and if you need to cancel the operation you can do it by pressing the meas-
ure mode button and choose to cancel it.
The deltas that are displayed are computed by subtracting the shot coordinates from the known
coordinates. In other works if you add the deltas to the shot point coordinates you will end up at the
known point.
Store Point
Pressing this will exit the function and write several notes to the raw file summarizing your check
shot, and allow you to store the shot using the Store/Edit Point screen.
- 174 -
Survey Methods Menu
--Check Point
-- Check Point ID: 110
-- Check Point dNorthing: -4.59'
-- Check Point dEasting: -1.82'
-- Check Point dElevation: -4.96'
-- Check Point dHorizontal: 4.94'
-- Observed Values: HA 4500'00.0" VA 9000'00.0" SD 23.00' HR 5.00'
-- Observed Point Northing: 5016.26'
-- Observed Point Easting: 5016.26'
-- Observed Point Elevation: 95.00'
Close
This will exit the check shot function and not write anything to the raw file or storing a new point.
Check Backsight
Main Menu | Survey Methods | Check Backsight
Use this to check your backsight. FieldGenius will compare your newly measured value to the one
that was stored for your current setup. You will be able to review difference and optionally update your
current setup with the new shot to the backsight.
When you start the command you will be taken back to the map screen and the measure mode will be
set to Check BS. You have two measure modes available when taking a check shot to your back-
sight. Please see the Backsight Measure Mode topic for more information.
- 175 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Update Backsight
Pressing this will create a record in the raw file updating your setup and backsight record with the shot
information from your check shot. Several notes will also be written to the raw file summarizing your
shot. When you choose to update the backsight, a new OC and BK record is saved as well as the
shot information. You will also see the word (Updated) which indicates that the user selected the
Update button.
OC,OP5,N 763.8748,E 1000.0000,EL0.0000,--
SP,PN1,N 1000.0000,E 1000.0000,EL100.0000,--start
BK,OP5,BP1,BS0.00000,BC0.00000
LS,HI0.000,HR5.000
--Backsight Check (Updated)
-- Observed Values: HA 000'00.0" VA 9000'00.0" SD 163.12'
-- Backsight Setup: 000'00"
-- Backsight Measured: 000'00"
-- Backsight Error: 000'00"
-- Distance Calculated: 236.13'
-- Distance Measured: 163.12'
-- Distance Error: 73.01'
Close
Pressing this will exit the function and write several notes to the raw file summarizing your check
shot.
--Backsight Check (Not Updated)
-- Observed Values: HA 000'00.0" VA 9000'00.0" SD 236.10'
-- Backsight Setup: 000'00"
-- Backsight Measured: 000'00"
-- Backsight Error: 000'00"
-- Distance Calculated: 236.13'
- 176 -
Survey Methods Menu
Two observations are required: one to record the angle to the center of the object, and a second to
measure a distance perpendicular to the object's center.
On this screen you determine what order you will make these two measurements. All you need to do
is press either the Observe Angle or Observe Distance button.
Note: You can increase the size of the text shown in the grid by setting the Text Size option in the
Options screen.
Note: The Quick Measure Modes option in the Options screen will affect what happens when you
press the Observe buttons when you are using the offset routines. If Quick Measure Modes is on, a
measurement will automatically be taken. If it is off, the Observe button doesn't actually trigger your
total station to take a measurement; it simply takes you to the map screen where you can press the
measure button once you are ready to take the measurement.
- 177 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Angle (Center)
This will record the total station's horizontal angle. When measuring the angle, you should point the
total station towards the center of the new point that will be created. This would be measurement "A"
in the diagram shown above.
Note: You do not need to sight a prism to record the angle, simply sight the new point and press the
Observe Angle button.
Distance
This will record a distance, measured to a prism which is located at the side of the object. You should
try to locate the prism so that it is perpendicular to the center of the object and the line-of-sight from
the total station. This is measurement "B" in the diagram shown above.
Note: The target height is important on this shot, because the new point will have the same elevation.
Storing the Shot
After you record your measurements you can store the new point by pressing the Store Point button.
- 178 -
Survey Methods Menu
After you store the point, you can continue using the offset command to record additional points, or
exit it by pressing the Cancel button.
Raw File Record
In the raw file the OF records represent the measurements that were made and the SS record is
derived using the two OF records
OF,AR94.49380,ZE88.41340,SD27.3163
OF,OL93.25450,--Right Angle Offset
SS,OP1,FP23,AR93.25450,ZE88.41340,SD27.3081,--ROAD
- 179 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
On this screen you determine what order you will make these two measurements. All you need to do
is press either the Observe Angle or Observe Distance button.
Note: You can increase the size of the text shown in the grid by setting the Text Size option in the
Options screen.
Note: The Quick Measure Modes option in the Options screen will affect what happens when you
press the Measure button when you are using the offset routines. If Quick Measure Modes is on, a
measurement will automatically be taken. If it is off, the measure button doesn't actually trigger your
total station to take a measurement; it simply takes you to the map screen where you can press the
measure button once you are ready to take the measurement.
- 180 -
Survey Methods Menu
For example if point "B" was the bottom of an underpass, you could measure it's height. Usually it is
easier if you position the prism so it is directly beneath the point you want to shoot. You would then
record a distance observation to this location which will also be the horizontal position for the new
point. Then without turning your instrument, you could rotate the scope vertically so it is sighted on
the bottom of the overpass. You could then record this observation which will be used to compute the
elevation for the new point.
Once you've recorded these two measurements, you will be able to store the new position.
Storing the Shot
After you make your measurements, you will be able to store the new point. Press the Store Point
button to store the point.
Raw File Record
In the raw file the OF records represent the measurements that were made. The SS record is the
record that was used to compute the coordinate point for the angle offset and will be a compilation of
your two shots.
OF,AR52.53170,ZE91.12240,SD9.5616
OF,ZE91.12240,--Vert Angle Offset
SS,OP1,FP2,AR52.53170,ZE91.12240,SD9.5616,--<No Desc>
Distance Offset
Main Menu | Survey Methods | Distance Offset
FieldGenius allows you to do a distance offset to specify an offset forward or backward along the line
of sight, left or right, and vertically up or down.
When you choose distance offset command and take a measurement, you will see the following
screen:
- 181 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
From this screen you can specify if the offsets are with respect to the instrument or prism.
l Offset buttons act as toggles, which allow you to easily define the direction the offset should
be applied.
l A negative offset will automatically be converted to a positive value.
l The elevation of the point will be computed from your shot. This elevation will remain
unchanged unless you specify a vertical offset.
l The distance is assumed to be horizontal.
- 182 -
Survey Methods Menu
Store Point
After you have entered your offsets you can press the Store Point button to save the point
Raw Record
A sideshot (SS) record will be computed to represent the shot. The new SS record will use the original
observation plus any offsets defined in the distance offset screen.
OF,AR55.00000,ZE90.00000,SD12.0000
OF,HD1.5000,--Horizontal Distance Offset
OF,LR1.0000,--Left / Right Offset
OF,VD0.0000,--Elevation Offset
SS,OP1,FP6028,AR59.14110,ZE90.00000,SD13.5370,--
Note: Offsets that are to the left, back or down will be stored in the raw file with a negative value.
Manual Distance
Main Menu | Survey Methods | Manual Distance
Use this mode to shoot an observation where only the horizontal and zenith angles will be measured
with the instrument. You will be then prompted to enter the distance.
When you set the measurement mode to manual distance and press the measure button the hori-
zontal and vertical angles will be read from your total station. Since this is only measuring angles, you
do not need to have a prism to shoot to.
Following this you will see a screen allowing you to enter a horizontal distance.
Press OK to save the point. You will now see the measurement info screen.
- 183 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Manual Entry
Main Menu | Survey Methods | Manual Entry
When you set the measurement mode to manual entry on the instrument toolbar you will be required
to manually input your measurements. When you press the measure button you will see the following
screen:
Tip:
You can also use the Manual Entry mode for repeating your last shot. If you have pre-
viously taken a measurement, then the angle and distance values on this screen will
default to those of your previous shot.
- 184 -
Survey Methods Menu
line. The intersection of these two lines will define the corner of the object. This routine is intended to
be used with a reflectorless total station.
Measure Points
When you start the two line intersection command, you will see an empty list. Each row represents a
measurement to a point on one of the two lines needed to compute the intersection.
Highlight the row that you would like to make a measurement for and simply press the Measure but-
ton to begin the measuring process.
If you need to redo a measurement, simply highlight it in the list and press the measure button.
Notes:
1. You can shoot the points in any order you like, FieldGenius will determine what direction to go in to
compute an intersection
2. The northing and easting values for the new point will be computed using the intersection of the two
lines.
3. The two lines you define will rarely intersect at exactly the same point. The elevation of where the
lines intersect will be averaged, and used as the z value for the new point.
- 185 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Note: You can increase the size of the text shown in the grid by setting the Text Size option in the
Options screen.
Raw File
Everything about the intersection is stored in the raw file.
--Two Line Intersection
--HI1.340,HR0.000,AR280.55220,ZE81.15170,SD6.8350,--Pnt 1 of Line 1
--HI1.340,HR0.000,AR276.59380,ZE81.05590,SD6.4400,--Pnt 2 of Line 1
--HI1.340,HR0.000,AR287.18580,ZE81.13350,SD6.7960,--Pnt 1 of Line 2
--HI1.340,HR0.000,AR296.06280,ZE80.14520,SD6.0940,--Pnt 2 of Line 2
SP,PN3,N -0.0039,E -0.0060,EL0.5325,--
- 186 -
Survey Methods Menu
An example of where you might use this is to locate the corner wall of a building. Simply shoot two
points on one of the walls, then turn the instrument so it is pointing anywhere along the corner of the
building. This command is intended to be used with reflectorless total stations.
Measure Points
When you start line angle offset command, you will see an empty list.
Highlight the row that you would like to make a measurement for and simply press the Measure but-
ton to begin the measuring process.
If you need to redo a measurement, simply highlight it in the list and press the measure button.
Notes:
1. You can shoot the points in any order you like, FieldGenius will determine what direction to go in to
compute an intersection
2. The northing and easting values for the new point will be computed using the intersection of the line
and the angle that was read.
3. The z value for the new point will be computed using the projected elevation along the reference
line to the point where an intersection is computed.
- 187 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Note: You can increase the size of the text shown in the grid by setting the Text Size option in the
Options screen.
Raw File
Everything about the intersection is stored in the raw file.
--Line - Angle Offset
--HI1.340,HR0.000,AR280.55530,ZE81.12550,SD6.8330,--Pnt 1 of Line
--HI1.340,HR0.000,AR277.37420,ZE80.47010,SD6.5020,--Pnt 2 of Line
--HI1.340,HR0.000,AR283.46460,ZE86.15500,--Angle Offset
SP,PN4,N -0.0050,E 0.0051,EL0.5761,--
- 188 -
Survey Methods Menu
When you define your reference line, there are three types of offset that can be applied.
You can define a horizontal offset, a perpendicular offset and a vertical (elevation) offset. Each offset
button is a toggle that allows you to toggle how the offset is to be applied in relation to the reference
line.
When you define the offset direction, you can then enter in the value that you want to offset by.
If the horizontal offset remains set to zero, perpendicular or elevation offset will be applied in relation
to point one on the reference line.
- 189 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Offsets
Horizontal Offset
The horizontal offset can either be left or right of the first point on the reference line. From the total sta-
tion's perspective, if the new point is to the right of point 1, then you would use the Horz Offset Right
of Pnt 1. If it is to the left, then logically, it would be a left offset so you would use the Horz Offset Left
of Pnt 1 setting.
Perpendicular Offset
The perpendicular offset is a horizontal distance applied perpendicular to the reference line. From the
total station's perspective, when moving perpendicular from the reference line, if the new point ends
up being closer to the total station, then you would set the perpendicular offset to Perp Offset
Towards Inst. Alternatively, if the new point ends up being farther from the total station, then you
would use the Perp Offset Away From Inst.
Elevation Offset
This is the vertical offset from the reference line to the new point. If the new point is above the ref-
erence line, then you would set this to Elev Offset Up. If the new point is below the reference line you
would set it to Elev Offset Down.
Measure Points
When you start line angle offset command, you will see an empty list.
Highlight the row that you would like to make a measurement for and simply press the Measure but-
ton to begin the measuring process.
If you need to redo a measurement, simply highlight it in the list and press the measure button.
Notes:
1. The northing and easting values for the new point will be computed using the horizontal and per-
pendicular offsets defined by the user. These horizontal offset is referenced to point 1 on the ref-
erence line. The perpendicular offset is a perpendicular offset from the reference line.
2. The z value for the new point will be computed using the projected elevation along the reference
line, plus or minus any elevation offsets defined by the user.
- 190 -
Survey Methods Menu
Note: You can increase the size of the text shown in the grid by setting the Text Size option in the
Options screen.
Raw File
Everything about the intersection is stored in the raw file.
--Line - Distance Offset
--HI0.000,HR0.000,AR357.09120,ZE81.12250,SD22.4114,--Pnt 1 of Line
--HI0.000,HR0.000,AR353.50430,ZE80.46590,SD21.3255,--Pnt 2 of Line
--Horizontal Offset: 2.000
--Perpendicular Offset: 0.000
--Elevation Offset: 0.000
SP,PN1018,N 123.5558,E 100.2931,EL103.4035,--EV2
Example
The top corner in a closet needs to be located, but it isn't visible from the total station.
So the user lays a hand tape on the floor, with the start of the tape located at the bottom corner of the
closet, directly below the point that needs to be recorded. The direction of the tape is then laid out
such that two measurements can be made on the tape.
Essentially, the tape now becomes the reference line. Two shots are taken, one at the 2 foot mark,
and the other at the 5 foot mark.
- 191 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
After you take your two measurements, all you need to define is the offset distances. In this example,
the corner is two feet to the right of the first measurement (point 1), and 8' up from the floor. After you
define the offset directions and offset amounts, you can press the Store Pnt button to store the new
point.
- 192 -
Survey Methods Menu
- 193 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
An example of where you could use this is to pick up the corner of a building, whose corner can not be
scene from the total station. You could take two shots on one wall to define the reference line, and
then take another shot on the intersecting wall. A perpendicular intersection will be computed, which
in this case would be the corner of the building.
Measure Points
When you start the command, you will see an empty list.
Highlight the row that you would like to make a measurement for and simply press the Measure but-
ton to begin the measuring process.
If you need to redo a measurement, simply highlight it in the list and press the measure button.
Notes:
1. The northing and easting values for the new point will be computed by computing a perpendicular
intersection between the reference line and a point defined by the user.
2. The z value for the new point will be computed using the projected elevation along the reference
line to the point where a perpendicular intersection occurs.
- 194 -
Survey Methods Menu
Note: You can increase the size of the text shown in the grid by setting the Text Size option in the
Options screen.
Raw File
Everything about the intersection is stored in the raw file. In the following example, if you shot the per-
pendicular point you will see a third shot that records the measurement.
--Line - Perpendicular Point
--HI1.340,HR0.000,AR353.49130,ZE80.47360,SD21.3386,--Pnt 1 of Line
--HI1.340,HR0.000,AR357.07260,ZE81.13020,SD22.4245,--Pnt 2 of Line
--HI1.340,HR0.000,AR12.10230,ZE83.00580,SD19.8819,--Perpendicular Pnt
SP,PN6,N 123.3028,E 100.0209,EL104.7737,--RM
- 195 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
If the perpendicular point exists in your scene and you selected it using the point chooser, then you
will see a store point recorded as a note. The last store point is the new point that was computed.
--Line - Perpendicular Point
--HI1.340,HR0.000,AR353.49520,ZE80.46560,SD21.3419,--Pnt 1 of Line
--HI1.340,HR0.000,AR357.07330,ZE81.12210,SD22.4147,--Pnt 2 of Line
--SP,PN7,N 119.2906,E 104.1611,EL103.7580,--Perpendicular Pnt
SP,PN8,N 123.3107,E 100.0504,EL104.7751,--SCR
Trilateration
Main Menu | Survey Methods | Trilateration
This routine allows you to trilaterate the position of new points by observing their distances from two
known positions. The two known points will make up a baseline, from which a distance-distance inter-
section will be calculated to determine the position of each new point.
The primary use of this routine is for GPS users so they can locate inaccessible points. They can loc-
ate two points with GPS, and then use the Trilateration routine to locate the inaccessible points.
This routine can accept distances measured with the Leica Disto.
- 196 -
Survey Methods Menu
Save Point
This saves the selected New Point into your project.
Switch Side
This toggles the selected New Point to the Left or Right side of the baseline.
Map View
This takes you to a map view showing your baseline, the distance measured from each point, and the
calculated position of the new point.
If desired, you can press the World View button on the Display toolbar to hide unnecessary data.
- 197 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Observe Benchmark
Main Menu | Survey Methods | Observe Benchmark
Use this to check your current setup elevation or use it to establish an elevation for your setup. When
you start the command you will be taken to the main interface and you will note that the measure
mode will be set to Benchmark. If you need to cancel the operation you can do it by pressing the
measure mode button and choose the Cancel Benchmark button.
When you're ready to record the shot press the Measure button on the instrument toolbar. You will
then see the benchmark shot screen.
Calculating an Elevation
Benchmark Method: Elevation
Use this option if you want to manually enter the know elevation for the point you're basing your shot
on. The elevation you enter will be used to calculate the elevation of the current setup. The difference
in the current and calculated elevations will be displayed towards the bottom of the screen. You can
enter in your know elevation in the BM Elevation field.
- 198 -
Survey Methods Menu
Cancel
This will exit the routine and not save any changes.
Add Invert
Main Menu | Survey Methods | Add Invert
If you've manually measured a distance to an invert, you can have FieldGenius compute a point with
a computed invert elevation.
When you start the command you will see the Invert Toolbar appear towards the bottom of your main
screen.
First you need to specify the point that will be referenced to compute the invert elevation. You can do
this by using the point chooser button.
Now enter the measured distance to the inverse. For example if your measurement was 5.5',
FieldGenius will subtract this from the reference point's elevation. Entering a negative value will
cause it to be added.
- 199 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Press Store Point to create and save a point with the calculated invert distance. This point will have
the same northing and easting value as the reference point.
Note:
While the invert toolbar is open, you can continue entering invert measurements or
choose different reference points.
Raw File
When you save the point, an offset and store point record will be created.
--OS,OP7,FP8,ND0.000,ED0.000,LD5.000
SP,PN8,N 935.976,E 1232.356,EL5.000,--<No Desc>
Function
When the command is started you will see a screen that will allow you to specify the points that will
form the baseline for the vertical plane.
- 200 -
Survey Methods Menu
Note: You need to measure and store the points that will be used to define the vertical mapping plane,
prior to starting the Vertical Projection command.
When ready to continue, press the OK button.
You will now be in the Vertical projection mode which will be indicated by the measurement mode but-
ton on the instrument toolbar. To begin calculating points on the vertical plane, you need to point the
total station at the new point you want to create. To complete the shot, press the measure button, and
then store the point.
Note: You do not need to use a prism when measuring points on the vertical plane. Simply point the
instrument at the point you want to create.
Since vertical planes represent 3D data, it is sometimes necessary to rotate your perspective of the
project to help you see the point you're computing on the vertical plane.
Press the 3D View button on the display toolbar which will open the 3D toolbar. If you press the
Planar View button, your scene will be rotated so it matches your perspective. For example, a vertical
plane was defined by points 27 and 28. When the planar view option is used, you can see your work in
a 3D perspective. You can now see the 4 measurements (points 500 503) that were made to record
the position of a window on the vertical plane.
- 201 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Raw File
Each point that is computed on the vertical plane will also have a computed sideshot stored in the raw
file.
--VS,PA27,PB28
SS,OP1,FP503,AR142.24510,ZE78.37170,SD17.8888,--VERTICAL
For each shot you record you will see a note before the shot in the raw file indicating which points
were used to define the vertical plane.
Special Notes
Vertical projection measurements will automatically be recognized by your MicroSurvey CAD or
inCAD desktop software. Please refer to theMicroSurvey CAD or inCAD help file for more inform-
ation regarding importing vertical projections.
- 202 -
Survey Methods Menu
Point Scanning
Main Menu | Survey Methods | Point Scanning
FieldGenius supports point scanning which allows you to create a point cloud of data. To use this
routine you need a reflectorless instrument that has servo motors.
To start, you will be asked to define a scan area by pressing the Measure Range button and pointing
the instrument at the Bottom-Left and Top-Right corners of the area you want to confine the scanning
to.
Once the scan area is defined, you can define the scan resolution by using an angular value. For
example if you set it to 030'00", FieldGenius will create a pattern confined to the limits you defined,
and scan at 30 minute intervals both horizontally and vertically. Once you've defined the scan area
and resolution, FieldGenius will display an estimate of how many points will be stored.
You also can control how FieldGenius deals with measurement errors while scanning. If you turn on
"Ignore all scanning errors", FieldGenius will ignore measurement errors and continue without inter-
ruption. If you don't turn this on, FieldGenius will stop and display a message allowing you to stop the
scanning process, or continue on with the next measurement.
Press the Start Scan button to select the desired reflectorless EDM Mode and initiate scanning.
FieldGenius will display an estimate of the time remaining for the scan to complete.
Points will be stored using the description defined in the map screen. The point number of the first
point will be set to the "next available" id and will increment sequentially. The shots are stored in the
raw file as sideshots so you have a record of the observations.
Upon completion, you will receive a summary showing the total number of successful measurements
and errors received.
- 203 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 204 -
Survey Tools Menu
Store Points
Use this to enter new coordinates into your scene's database. Please see the Store Points topic for
more information.
Drawing Tool
This starts up the draw plan tool.
Delete Last Saved Point
Use this to "delete" up to ten of the last points that were saved. Please see the DeleteLast Saved
Point topic for more information.
Raw File Viewer
Use this to open a viewer that will display your current raw file. Please see the Raw File Viewer topic
for more information.
COGO History Viewer
Use this to display the results that were computed using the COGO commands. Please see the
COGO History Viewer topic for more information.
- 205 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Traverse Report
Use this to generate a traverse closure report based on your traverse setups. Please see the Tra-
verse Report topic for more information.
GPS Local Transformation
Use this to specify transformation parameters that can be used to localize GPS data or to perform a
transformation on your points collected with conventional survey methods. Please see the Trans-
formation Setup topic for more information.
Point Pattern
Use this to create and apply point patterns for example for bolt plates or pillars.
- 206 -
Survey Tools Menu
Point ID
Enter in the point number you would like to assign to the point. Note that by default it will display the
next available point number. If you're editing an existing point, this field will not be editable.
Line/Spline/Arc Buttons
This is used to toggle on and off the draw lines function. When turned on as you shoot
your points in the drawing they will be connected with a line. This button can only be
used if you're storing a point after a measurement.
This is used to toggle on and off the draw curvy lines button. This function will draw a
best-fit curve through your points as you shoot them. This button can only be used if
you're storing a point after a measurement.
3-Point arcs can be started using the same method as for a Line or Curvy Line. This but-
ton can only be used if you're storing a point after a measurement.
Description
This is where you can enter a description for your point. This field is associated with your Automap lib-
rary so as soon as you start typing in descriptions, a list appears displaying descriptions that match
what you've entered. Simply press your Enter Key to accept your entry. You can also have
FieldGenius notify you when the description you've entered isn't in your Automap library. To do this
you need to make sure you have the "New Description Prompt " toggle turned on in the Options
menu.
- 207 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
List Button
Press this to open the AutoMap Library screen. You will be able to choose the description that will be
assigned to the point.
Northing, Easting, Elevation
Input your coordinate values in these fields when manually creating a new point using the add point
function. If measuring a point, you can not manually enter or edit coordinates.
Note Button
Press this to enter a note or record an audio note for the point. See the Notes topic for more inform-
ation.
Prism Hgt (Height) / GPS Hgt (Height)
When storing a point measured by a total station, you can set the Prism Height. When storing a point
measured by a GPS receiver, you can set the true or measured Antenna Height.
Review Measurement Button
This button is available when you have taken a measurement, and can be used to review the distance
and angles measured.
GIS Attributes Button
If you loaded a feature list, then this button will be enabled. It allows you to access the your feature
list so you can edit feature attributes.
Store Pnt (point) Button
Press this to store the measured point.
Store SS (side shot) Button
Press this to store the point as a side shot. You would typically use this when not measuring traverse
points. You will not see this button when measuring with GPS.
Store TR (traverse) Button
Press this to store the point as a traverse point. You would typically use this when the measured point
belongs to a traverse. You will not see this button when measuring with GPS.
Cancel Button
Press this to cancel the measurement.
Advanced Button
Use this button to add or edit advanced tags to your point. You will mainly use this to help you dis-
tinguish points that are exported when you use the XML export.
- 208 -
Survey Tools Menu
DTM Attribute: Use this to choose the DTM attribute that will be written to the database file. Ground
is the default value, if you don't want the point used in FieldGenius's modeling commands, you can
set the DTM value to Do not Include. If you export an XML file, this information will be exported.
Survey Role: Use this to edit the survey role for the point. By default points that are measured will
have a role of Measured. Points with a Measured role type are read only when they're viewed with the
store and edit screen. If you export an XML file, this information will be exported.
Point Type: Use this to enter a point type that will be written to the database file. If you export an
XML file, this information will be exported.
Geometry: Use this to enter a geometry type that will be written to the database file. If you export an
XML file, this information will be exported.
Zone: Use this to enter a zone number that will be written to the database file.If you export an XML
file, this information will be exported.
Drawing Tool
Main Menu | Survey Tools | Drawing Tool
Line Toolbar |Pencil button
Point Toolbar |Pencil button
This tool allows you to quickly draw a plan such as a pad or a building footprint into your project, and
is typically used to recreate plans from a paper hard-copy. You can use this to either calculate new
points, or to connect existing points that are already in your project.
- 209 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
You must have at least one point in your project before you can start, to define the starting position for
your plan. If a point does not yet exist (for example if this is the first command you run in a new pro-
ject), you will be prompted to store a new point before you can proceed.
Line Mode
Use the Line draw mode to add straight line segments to your figure.
Start Point
Specify the start point for the new segment.
For starting a new plan, this should be set to an existing point in your project, typically a corner that
you will begin drawing the plan from.
As you continue adding subsequent points/segments to your plan, you will see the Start Point field
automatically advance for you.
Distance
Specify the length of the line segment you wish to draw.
Direction
Specify the direction (Azimuth or Bearing) of the line segment you wish to draw. The easiest way to
do this is to use the right/left arrow buttons, which will increment/decrement the direction value by the
amount shown in the pulldown list below the arrows. You can select a common angle from the
choices in the list (90, 45, or 30 degrees), or you can type any value if you need to increment it by
some other amount.
- 210 -
Survey Tools Menu
Store
After you have defined the segment to add, press this to store the new point and line segment into
your project.
Store+
This does the same as the Store button, but you will see the Store/Edit Point screen. Use this to con-
firm or view the coordinates, or to specify a description.
Arc Mode
Use the Arc draw mode to add arc segments to your figure.
Start Point
Specify the start point for the new segment.
For starting a new plan, this should be set to an existing point in your project, typically a corner that
you will begin drawing the plan from.
As you continue adding subsequent points/segments to your plan, you will see the Start Point field
automatically advance for you.
- 211 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Direction
Specify the direction (Azimuth or Bearing) of the tangent in to the arc segment you wish to draw.
This will default to either the direction of the previous line segment or the tangent out of the previous
arc segment, so as long as your arc is tangential to the previous segment you will not need to change
this value.
Angle / Chord Length / Arc Length
Specify one of the three available methods to define your arc:
Radius
Specify the radius to define your arc.
Clockwise / Counter-Clockwise Arrows
Use the Right/Left arrow buttons to define whether the arc rotates clockwise or counter-clockwise.
Store
After you have defined the segment to add, press this to store the new end and radial points, and draw
the arc segment into your project.
Store+
This does the same as the Store button, but you will see the Store/Edit Point screen. Use this to con-
firm or view the coordinates, or to specify a description.
- 212 -
Survey Tools Menu
Start Point
Specify the start point for the new segment.
For starting a new plan, this should be set to an existing point in your project, typically a corner that
you will begin drawing the plan from.
As you continue connecting subsequent points to your plan, you will see the Start Point field auto-
matically advance for you.
Line Type
Specify one of the five available methods to define your next figure segment:
l Straight: this will draw a straight line between the specified Start Point and End Point.
l Arc (CW): this will draw a clockwise arc between the specified Start Point and End Point, with
the specified Radial Point.
l Arc (CCW): this will draw a counter-clockwise arc between the specified Start Point and End
Point, with the specified Radial Point.
l Arc (3Pnt): this will draw an arc (clockwise or counter-clockwise) between the specified Start
Point and End Point, going through the specified intermediate Arc Point (any point directly on
the arc, does not need to be the midpoint).
l Spline: this will draw a curvey line between the specified Start Point and End Point.
Store / Store+
The Store and Store+ buttons are disabled for this mode, because new points are not being calculated
for your project. The line or arc segment will be automatically drawn into your project after you specify
- 213 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
its parameters.
Undo
Press the Undo button to Undo the last segment you computed, removing both the point and/or the
line segment (as appropriate) from your project. You can undo multiple steps.
Note, there is no Redo function.
Close
Press the Close button to exit from the Draw Plan command, and you will be returned to the map
screen.
Raw File
Using the example from above, this is what you will see in the raw file.
SS,OP34,FP36,AR270.00000,ZE121.16010,SD2.5060,--TABLE
DP,PN36
The first line is the shot to point 36. The last line is a delete point record which is used to remove the
point from the database.
- 214 -
Survey Tools Menu
Use this button to open the raw file viewer. The raw file editor displays your scene's raw file and
allows you to review it in an easy to read grid. For reference on the different raw file record types that
FieldGenius uses you can refer to the Raw File Record Types topic for more information.
Edit Record
To edit a record simply tap the line in the raw file that has the record you want to edit. Then tap on the
edit button to start editing the record.
Save Changes: When you press the Save Changes button you will see the Raw File Edit screen
which shows you the changes that will be made when you press the Yes button. Press No to cancel.
- 215 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
After you press yes, the record will be changed and we will also write the original one to the raw file as
a comment and it will be prefixed with the word "Edited".
Undo Changes: Undo will ignore your changes and return them to the original values.
Insert LS Record
The most common modification to the raw file is to insert a LS record. The LS record will be inserted
above the highlighted row and a comment will be written as well to indicate that it was inserted.
Reprocess File
After you have made your changes you can re-coordinate the raw file so the changes are displayed on
the screen and saved in the project database.
Note:
When you re-coordinate the raw file it will process the whole file from beginning to end.
This means if you have changed the coordinate information for a point there is a chance
that it will be changed back to its original value if it was measured and recorded in the
raw file.
Show Map
This will change the raw file viewer to a split-screen display with a map view of your scene on half of
the screen. When certain raw file records are selected, you will be shown the reference and backsight
points, and the selected measurement record will be highlighted on the map.
- 216 -
Survey Tools Menu
- 217 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Both the Traverse / Intersect and Inverse commands will save information to this file, as well as
Areas, Volumes, and various other calculations.
The size of the text can be set to normal or large using the "Use large info text" option in the program
settings.
Traverse Report
Main Menu | Survey Tools | Traverse Report
Use this to compute a traverse closure based on traverse points you've measured and recorded. The
traverse report scans your raw file for traverse records, which appear with a TR record type. You can
save your shot as a TR record by choosing the TR button when the Measurement Info screen
appears. TR records are also useful when you use the Setup Occupy Point function because your
last TR shot will now become the current setup point and the BS point will be set to the last setup
point for you automatically.
You can also balance your traverse using an angle, compass and vertical balance routine. See the
Traverse Adjustment topic for more information.
The following examples will show you the traverse scenarios that FieldGenius supports. The open tri-
angles depict known or computed points. TR records indicate all the foresight shots that were meas-
ured and recorded, and the OC record indicate the points that were occupied. Finally, the BK record
indicates the point that was used for the initial backsight.
- 218 -
Survey Tools Menu
- 219 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 220 -
Survey Tools Menu
FieldGenius will automatically scan the raw file looking for the last TR foresight and the OC record
that was used to measure the last foresight. It will then search for any point within a 3 meter radius
and use it as the match or point that defines the original coordinates.
If more than one point is found in the 3 meter radius, it will use the one that is closest.
FieldGenius supports two closed traverse methods. Choose Foresight Point Closes Traverse if
you want to do a "Text Book" traverse closure. If you choose the Occupy Point Closes Traverse
method, FieldGenius will not use your last foresight observation and assumes that the original back-
sight and occupy points are fixed. Choosing this method will close the traverse on the original back-
sight point, not the original setup point.
When you press the View Report button you will see the traverse closure results.
- 221 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Total length
This is the total unknown legs that were measured in the field.
Segments
This is the total length traversed. Only unknown traverse legs will be added.
Horizontal Error
This is the horizontal closure and precision for your traverse. The closure direction is calculated from
the known point to your measured point. If there isn't enough data to compute the angular error you
will see the word "No Comparison" It also displays the delta northing and easting differences.
Vertical Error
This is the vertical error that is computed by comparing the elevations of the known point and meas-
ured closing point.
- 222 -
Survey Tools Menu
FieldGenius will automatically scan the raw file looking for the last TR foresight and the OC record
that was used to measure the last foresight. It will then search for any point within a 3 meter radius
and use it as the match or point that defines the original coordinates. If more than one point is found in
the 3 meter radius, it will use the one that is closest. In the Foresight Bearing field, enter in a known
Bearing. When you press the View Report button you will see the traverse closure results.
Raw File
Several comments will be written to the raw file with the traverse report results for both Traverse
Definition types.
--Traverse Report
-- Total Length: 600.10'
-- Segments: 3
-- Foresight control point: 1
-- Occupy control point: 2
-- Horizontal Distance Error: 0.10' 28613'38"
-- Horizontal Angular Error: 000'30"
-- Horizontal Precision: 1:5762
-- Vertical Distance Error: 0.00'
-- Vertical Precision: No Error
- 223 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
from your instrument and prompt you to manually enter in a distance. Type in an arbitrary distance
and a closing TR record will be computed.
Traverse Rules
l All measurement modes on the instrument toolbar,except for Sideshot (Auto Store), can be
used to create TR records.
l The occupy point routine will be updated so the current setup is equal to your last TR shot, and
backsight is equal to your last setup. You also need to do a setup directly after you shoot your
TR record if you want to do "leap frog" traversing.
l You can have multiple traverses in the same raw file. To start a new traverse, you need to
make sure the first setup point for the traverse isn't referenced in the raw file with a TR record.
The most current traverse that you're working on will be used in the traverse computations.
l Only one TR record is allowed per setup.
l If you're importing your project into MicroSurvey CAD or inCAD we will automatically recog-
nize your traverse points and create Station "traverse" setup for you in the MicroSurvey CAD
or inCAD traverse file.
Traverse Adjustment
Main Menu | Survey Tools | Traverse Report
FieldGenius is capable of performing a traverse balance. You can adjust the traverse using a vertical,
angle or compass balance. You can select any one of the three adjustment types or apply all three of
them to the traverse.
The traverse routine uses traverse TR records in the raw file to define the traverse points that will be
used for the adjustment. Please refer to the Traverse Report topic for more information on creating a
traverse loop with FieldGenius.
When FieldGenius computes an adjustment it will write to the RAW file AP records with the new cal-
culated coordinates for the traverse points.
FieldGenius will adjust the sideshots after you perform an adjustment. FieldGenius will scan the raw
file from the beginning and re-process all setups (OC records) and sideshots (SS records).
Once you have completed your traverse and you would like to adjust it you need to do the following.
- 224 -
Survey Tools Menu
Point Patterns
Main Menu | Survey Tools | Point Pattern
This routine allows you to create or edit point patterns, and apply them to existing points in your pro-
ject. This is useful for creating drill holes for bolt patterns, pillar columns, etc.
Note
The *.pattern data files are completely interchangeable between both FieldGenius 7
and MicroSurvey CAD or inCAD, so any patterns created in one program can be edited
or used in the other.
Pattern Toolbar
When you start the Point Pattern command, you will see the Pattern Toolbar along the bottom of your
map screen.
- 225 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Insert Pnt
Specify the point ID for an existing point in your project, either by typing in its point ID, or by tapping
on a point in the map screen to select it when this field has focus.
The selected point will be highlighted in the map view with a large red point, and the current pattern
will be previewed with smaller green points.
Direction
Use this to specify a direction value for your pattern. The default direction of N000'00"E will orient
the pattern exactly as it was defined.
To orient your pattern along any arbitrary line between two existing points, enter those two points
using the pt#..pt# format like 1..2 and the direction between those two points will be automatically cal-
culated for you. The pattern's X-axis will be applied along this direction.
Load Pattern
Press this button to load a previously saved *.pattern file.
Edit Pattern
Press this button to edit the currently loaded pattern, or to create a new pattern if you have not loaded
one. Please see below for more information on the Pattern Editor.
Insert Pattern
Press this button to apply the currently pattern to the selected insertion point. New points will be
stored in your project at the coordinates, as previewed by the green pattern points. All inserted points
will be created with the description "Pattern", and with the same elevation as the selected insertion
point.
To insert a pattern onto multiple points, simply change the insertion point and insert the pattern onto
each point one-at-a-time as desired.
Pattern Editor
When you press Edit Pattern on the Pattern Toolbar, you will see the Pattern Editor screen.
- 226 -
Survey Tools Menu
Enter the X and Y offset values for your pattern as desired. As you enter the points, they will be pre-
viewed in the grid, which will automatically zoom to the extents of your pattern. Please see the
Distance Entry & Recall topic for options on entering the offset values in various units.
The 0,0 origin will always be located at the selected Insertion Point, so a point should not be included
in your pattern at 0,0. You can also rotate the pattern into any orientation on the Pattern Toolbar (see
above), so you do not need to create different variations of the same pattern to insert it in different ori-
entations.
Press the Delete Point button to remove the selected X,Y offset from the pattern.
Load Pattern
Press this button to load a previously saved *.pattern file.
- 227 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Save Pattern
Press this button to save the current pattern to disk.
This will always do a "Save As" type save, so you can specify a new filename, or select any existing
pattern file to overwrite it with the changes. You will always be prompted for confirmation before over-
writing an existing pattern file.
New Pattern
To create a new pattern, simply delete all of the existing points from the current pattern. When you
press the Save Pattern button you will always be prompted for a new filename, so you will not lose
the previous pattern.
Close
Press this button to close the Pattern Editor and return to the Pattern Toolbar. If you have not saved
the current pattern, you will be prompted to confirm this before discarding your changes.
- 228 -
Survey Tools Menu
Control Points
You can think of the control points as a "fixed" coordinate system that you are wanting to transform
your measurement to. For example if you are using a GPS receiver and you want to localize to a local
system, your local points would be considered control points for the constraining. The points you
derive with GPS need to be transformed, so these are the measured points.
All you need to do is press the Edit Control button to display the constrain point screen. Using the
Add and Edit Control buttons you can define what points you want to use for control. You can then
specify what point you want to constrain the control to, and you can also select what component of
the measured point to use, either it's horizontal position, vertical position or both. An "X" indicates
that the particular component should not be used in the transformation calculation.
Delta values are shown to help you determine how well your points match up with one another. Once
you specify your constrain points, you can press the Calculate Parameters button which will compute
the transformation parameters. The deltas shown are the differences between the control points and
the measured points if the transformation parameters were applied.
When you're satisfied with the transformation parameters, the control point pairs and transformation
parameters will be saved to the raw file upon exit.
Transformation Settings
Calculate Parameters
Use this to compute the transformation parameters. You have to have constrain point pairs defined
before you will see anything calculated.
Calculate Scale (GPS)
When this is used it will compute the combined scale factor at your current position. This can be used
while you're connected to either a base or rover receiver. The combined scale factor is computed by
multiplying the map scale by the ellipsoid scale factor. The combined factor can then be applied to
grid distances to get ground distances.
While programming the base, if you use the one point localization option to help you localize into a
user defined local system, FieldGenius will automatically compute a combined scale factor and a
translation. For the most part, the scale factor will not change very much over the workable range of
your RTK system. But if you want to update the combined scale factor you can.
Adjust Points
Use this to compute new coordinates for your GPS derived points. Each GPS observation you store
is saved in the raw file as an EP record, which is essentially a WGS84 position. If you want
FieldGenius to compute new Cartesian or local coordinates for the GPS observations, you can. Sim-
- 229 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
ply press the Calculate Params button and FieldGenius will scan your raw file and will recompute new
coordinates using the EP records, and will apply your transformation parameters to the coordinates.
An example where this could be used is after you've measured some constrain points to help you loc-
alize to a user (local) coordinate system. After you compute your transformation parameters you will
still have two coordinate systems, one with the local coordinates and one with the GPS (UTM or
SPCS) coordinates. It is usually beneficial to transform the GPS derived constrain points so they are
now in the local system.
Do Not Calculate Scale (Checkbox)
If this is checked, FieldGenius will not compute a scale factor and will force it to a value of 1.0.
Do Not Calculate Vertical Slopes (Checkbox)
If this is checked then FieldGenius will not compute any slope values.
Parameters
Origin North and East
This is the centroid of the measured coordinates, or simply the average northing and easting of your
measured constrain points.
Trans North and East
If you move the measured points, so that the centroid of your measured points is equal with the origin
of the local system. The translation north and east is the shift amount that needs to be applied to your
measured points to move them into the local system.
Rotation
This is the rotation amount between your measured and local systems.
Scale
This is the scale difference between your measured and local systems.
If you turn on "Do not calculate scale" these values will be equal to 1.0.
Trans Height
This is the vertical shift that will be applied to the transformation. It is computed by averaging the elev-
ation differences between your point pairs. Positive translation heights will be added while negative
heights will be subtracted.
Slope North & Slope East
This is an indication of or much your measured system is inclined in the north and east directions. The
value that is displayed is the slope of each direction. For example if the difference in elevation along
the north axis of your measured system is 3 meters, and the length of it is 19 meters, the slope of the
- 230 -
Survey Tools Menu
axis will be (rise over run) or 0.15789. Negative slopes indicate that it is inclined downward from the
origin, and positive slopes are inclined upwards.
You should only use vertical slopes if you do not have a geoid model to use for your point's elev-
ations. Use this feature with care as it can cause distortions in your elevations if it is used
incorrectly.
You can force FieldGenius to not compute these values by turning on the "Do no calculate vertical
slopes" toggle.
- 231 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
An important thing to remember is that if any of the original measured points you used in the cal-
ibration change, you need to go back into the transformation command and edit the corresponding con-
trol point. You need to re-define the measured coordinates for the control point, then press the Calc
Parameters button to update the transformation parameters.
Procedure
The program assumes the following:
1. The coordinates of the "control" system are considered fixed and error free.
2. Equal weighting is applied to all "measured" coordinates used to calculate the solution
A minimum of two points common in both the Plan and Local systems are needed to be able to solve
the four unknown transformation parameters. This gives what is known as a unique solution (only one
possible set of transformation parameters can be solved for). When more than two points are com-
mon in each system, redundancy exists and a Least Squares method is used to determine the
optimum (best-fit) transformation parameters.
We'll work through an example as we explain the function of the Helmerts Transformation routine.
In the example below, you'll see a plan of 2 simple lots with lot corner point numbers 1 through 6.
These will be our Control (fixed) points. You will also see our Measured ties (Local points) for all six
corners and 4 points on a simple building. Points 101 and 105 are traverse points, points 102-104 and
106-108 are corner ties and 109-112 represent ties to the building.
- 232 -
Survey Tools Menu
The objective here is to transform our local field survey into the plan system and, at the same time,
check to see if the corner posts tied are located where the previous surveyors plan says they are!
Program Function
The first dialog box you will see when you run the program is the input listing dialog. When you first
run the program in a specific job, it will display showing no entries.
- 233 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
You now have to define the coordinate pairs to use in the solution. Press the Edit Control button to
enter all of the common point sets that you have in your data but be careful to not confuse control
points with measured points. Remember that the control points are considered fixed and the meas-
ured points are going to be rotated, shifted and possibly scaled.
When you finish entering all of your point pairs, it will display the delta differences between the
coordinate pairs you defined. We're not concerned about the 3D position of the points, so we will turn
these off. You now have to go and calculate the solutionso press OK so you're taken back to the
Local Transformation page.
- 234 -
Survey Tools Menu
Press the Calculate Parameters button to compute the transformation solution. For our example we
want the measured point to retain their geometry so we will turn on the "do not calculate scale" option.
This will set the scale value = 1.0. Furthermore, since we're not doing a localization for GPS derived
coordinates, turn on "Do not calculate vertical slopes."
Residuals
If you edit the control again you can take a look at the pair residuals to make sure they meet your tol-
erances.
In our example you will see a large delta in the northing at point pair 3:107. Let's remove this point by
pressing the green checkmark. You have to go back and compute the solution again and then you will
see the residuals are now more acceptable.
The summary of residuals illustrates the displacement between the plan coordinates and the pro-
posed, transformed coordinates of the corresponding local point. This is presented as northing dis-
placement, easting displacement and total distance displacement and direction. The units listed
represent actual drawing units used in the drawing. The example shown is in meters.
Review the residuals carefully. Be sure that all of the pairs used in calculating the solution have resid-
uals within your expected limits. If any one pair has residual values significantly larger than the rest,
click on Cancel. This will return you to the Input dialog where you will be able to delete the erroneous
pair and re-compute the solution.
You can now close the transformation setup screen and move on to the next step.
- 235 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Transform Points
Once you are happy with the results of the computation, you can consider transformation of the Local
points into the Plan system.
To apply the transformation parameters that you calculated to points in your project you need to press
the Main Menu button, then Data Manager and finally press Point Database button. This will open the
Coordinate Database screen where you can select the points that you want the transformation
applied to. In the example we will use the Find command to select a range of 101-115. Now if you
scroll through the list you should see that these points are highlighted in blue.
- 236 -
Survey Tools Menu
To complete the transformation, press the Local Transformation button and then you will see a
screen asking you to confirm that you want to apply the transformation, press Yes to apply. You will
then see the local transformation screen just so you can confirm that the correct values were used.
When you return to the map screen, you will see that the points were transformed successfully.
- 237 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
CALCULATIONS MENU
Calculations Menu
Main Menu | Calculations
The calculation menu contains calculation based functions that can be used to compute points, lines
and other data.
Inverse
Use this to inverse between points. Please see the Inverse topic for more information.
Traverse / Intersection
This will open the Traverse / Intersect toolbar. You can enter in directions and distances and perform
common intersections such as bearing / bearing, distance/distance and many more. Please see the
Traverse / Intersection topic for more information.
Offset Intersection
Use this to compute points that are located at computed intersections and offsets. This is essentially
a bearing-bearing intersection, but you can specify offsets. Please see the Offset Intersection topic
for more information.
Station / Offset
Use this to compute points at pre-defined stations and offsets. You can also use this to display the
station and offset of existing points. Please see the Station / Offset topic for more information.
- 238 -
Calculations Menu
Traverse / Intersection
Main Menu | Calculations | Traverse / Intersection
FieldGenius includes a powerful COGO function that allows you to compute new points. The toolbar
allows you to specify the solution type, point numbers, directions and distances. When you enter
enough information to compute a solution it will be draw visually on the screen. Pressing the Store
Pnt button will store the point that you just solved.
Input
You can type in the point ID, or select a point by tapping on the map screen.
The direction and distance fields support the direction and distance recall feature. To learn more about
this, refer to these topics in the Calculating With FieldGenius section.
If you are measuring distances with a Leica Disto, just double tap in the distance field and choose the
"Disto Observation" option.
Disto Distances
If you have a Leica Disto, you can send distances back to the distance edit fields. Simply double tap
the distance field and select "Disto Observation" which will then set FieldGenius in a "waiting" mode.
- 239 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Take the measurement with the Disto, press the Bluetooth icon on the Disto, and the measured dis-
tance will be accepted by FieldGenius.
Calculator
You can open our calculator by double-tapping the Direction or Distance fields then pressing Cal-
culator on the Keypad screen.
Information
You can review the results of your calculation by pressing the "i" information button. For intersections
with multiple solutions, the results of both solutions will be displayed.
Solution Methods
Method: Traverse
The traverse method allows you to define a direction and distance that you want to traverse. After you
solve your point and store it, it will become the new start point.
- 240 -
Calculations Menu
- 241 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
COGO Results
Every calculation you make is written to the file called CogoCalcs.txt located in your project folder.
- 242 -
Calculations Menu
Please see the COGO History Viewer topic for more information.
Inverse
Main Menu | Calculations | Inverse
This command will calculate for you the inverse between two points. It will display the horizontal /
slope distance, direction, vertical distance and slope between the two points. You do not need to
have a line drawn between the points to use the inverse command.
A large font can be set for the results toolbar and COGO results. Please refer to the Options topic for
more information.
All inverse information is saved in the COGO History file called CogoCalcs.txt located in your project
folder. Please refer to the COGO History Viewer topic for more information.
Traverse Inverse
Function
1. Start the inverse command and make sure the Traverse Inverse and Line options are selec-
ted.
2. Enter or choose the first point to calculate from, and press your enter key to continue on to the
next point.
3. Now you can choose or enter the second point and press your Enter button to compute an
answer.
4. The inverse information will be displayed in the results toolbar.
5. In the COGO history you will see the following information for the two points:
-------------------------------
INVERSE
-------------------------------
PNT 44 to 8 (HD 1352.84' @ NA 32348'03.1")SD 1353.39' GR -2.85' VD -
38.51'AR 32348'03.1"
Your first inverse will calculate a right angle from north to the direction you inversed.
- 243 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Multiple Lines
After you have specified two points, you can continue inversing from point to point. You should notice
that the point id previously in the 2nd point field will move to the 1st point field, and the cursor will
remain in the 2nd point field allowing you to quickly enter in your next point.
If you continue inversing from point to point, the angle right will not be referenced to north, but the last
leg you inversed. Essentially this is computing a clockwise angle between the current and last legs
you inverse.
Perimeter Distance and Area
If you close back to the first point, a perimeter distance and enclosed area will also be computed.
Radial Inverse
You can compute radial inverses from a point.
Function
1. Start the inverse command and make sure the Radial Inverse and Line options are selected.
2. Enter or choose the 1st point to calculate from, and press your enter key to continue on to the
next point.
3. Now you can choose or enter the 2nd point and press your Enter button to compute an answer.
4. The inverse information will be displayed in the results toolbar.
5. You can now continue computing radial inverses. The 2nd point field will remain activated
allowing you to continue entering point numbers.
Radial Arc
You can compute the curve information for an arc defined by three points, PC (start), Radius Point,
and PT (End)
Function
1. Start the inverse command and make sure the Rad Arc button is turned on.
2. Enter or choose the starting point for the arc in the Start field, and press your enter key to con-
tinue on to the next point.
3. Enter or choose the radius point in the Arc field, and press your enter key to continue on to the
next point.
4. Enter or choose the end point for the arc in the End field, and press your enter key to compute
an answer.
5. The inverse information will be displayed in the results toolbar.
- 244 -
Calculations Menu
1. Start the inverse command and make sure the 3 Pt Arc button is turned on.
2. Enter or choose the starting point for the arc in the Start field, and press your enter key to con-
tinue on to the next point.
3. Enter or choose the point that falls on the arc in the Arc field, and press your enter key to con-
tinue on to the next point.
4. Enter or choose the end point for the arc in the End field, and press your enter key to compute
an answer.
5. The inverse information will be displayed in the results toolbar.
Offset Intersection
Main Menu | Calculations | Offset Intersection
Use this function to compute a point at specified offsets from an implied bearing-bearing intersection
calculated from two existing points as shown.
When you start the command you will see the offset intersection toolbar appear towards the bottom of
the main interface. Use the point chooser to select the points that you want to use to define your dir-
ections. Offsets are computed positive to the right and negative to the left looking in the direction of
- 245 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
the bearing you entered. You can use angle and distance recall features to help you compute your
answer.
Function
1. Use the point chooser to select a point or manually type one in that defines the beginning of the
bearing.
2. Enter a direction in the Angle/Dir field.
3. Enter an offset if needed. You are not required to enter an offset so the field can be left blank.
4. Repeat for the second point the first three steps.
5. Press the green checkmark to save your point. It will save the point using the Store / Edit
Points function.
Offset Tool
Main Menu |Calculations |Station/Offset
This routine allows you to calculate and draw points and/or figures, offset from other existing points,
figures, or DXF entities in your project. You can calculate points on a line or down and out from a line,
or offset complete figures.
Selection Mode
Press the "Select Line" button to go into Selection Mode. You will also automatically go into Selection
Mode if a line is not yet selected when you start this command.
Whichever Selection Mode you use, the selected line will be highlighted in red in the map screen
along with a direction indicator. If necessary, you can press the Switch Direction button to reverse
- 246 -
Calculations Menu
the start and end of the selected line. Press OK to accept the selected line and proceed to the next
step.
Selection Mode: Figure/DXF
Pick this mode to select an existing figure or DXF entity by selecting the desired figure from the map
screen. You can select any of the following:
- 247 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
After selecting a line using any of the above Selection Modes, pick this mode and enter the Sta-
tion/Offset distances and the offset direction (left or right, looking down the line).
The calculated point will be previewed in green in the map screen. Press the Save button to store this
point.
After selecting a line using any of the above Selection Modes, pick this mode and select the Offset
Point by either typing in its Point ID or by selecting it from the map screen when the Offset Pnt field
has focus.
- 248 -
Calculations Menu
The selected point will be highlighted in red in the map screen, and its Station/Offset distances from
the selected line will be displayed.
A perpendicular intersection point On the line will be calculated and previewed in green in the map
screen. Press the Save button to store this point.
Line Mode
Use this mode to draw a new line or figure, offset from the selected line.
After selecting a line using any of the above Selection Modes, pick this mode and enter the distance
and direction (left or right looking down the line, or both sides).
The offset line will be calculated and previewed in green in the map screen. Press the Save button to
store this line. When a line is saved, points will be automatically stored at the start and end points, arc
radial points if applicable, and polyline vertex points if applicable.
Rotate/Translate/Scale Points
Main Menu | Calculations | Rotate/Translate/Scale
Use this to rotate, translate and scale a point or group of points. When this command is used notes
will automatically be written to the raw file indicating what parameters were entered by the user.
Coordinates that are updated with the RTS command will be recorded in the raw file with AP (Adjus-
ted Points) records.
The RTS command has the three options located on separate screens. The user can specify more
than one option at the same time, for example you could rotate a group of points by 45 CW, then
translate them 25' east. This can be done in one operation, instead of two separate ones.
- 249 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
All of the fields have extended edit functionality. On the direction or distance fields, if you double tap
them you will see a popup menu. From there you can start the calculator or use the inverse
command.
When using the inverse option, simply type the two numbers for the inverse, then press the ESC key
to automatically copy the value that was computed during the inverse.
The RTS function can also be accessed from the coordinate database. Accessing it from there allows
you to select your points form the list which in some cases might be easier than entering a point
range.
- 250 -
Calculations Menu
Translate
Use this option to specify a shift to a point or group of points. The translation is separated into three
groups, shift from point to point, shift by coordinate change and shift by direction and distance. In
most circumstances you will only need to use one of the three types, but you can use them in con-
junction with on another if you need to.
For example, you could specify that the points are to be shifted by coordinate difference between
points 10 and 20, then shifted again to the east by 50 feet.
- 251 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Scale
You can scale a group of points using the scale option.
- 252 -
Calculations Menu
Adjust Points
Once you've specified your options and parameters, press the Adjust Points button to apply to your
coordinates. Once you press it, you will see a screen that will allow you to specify which points you
want to apply the calculation to.
Restore Points
After you adjust a group of points with the RTS command, you have the option of undoing your
changes and restore the points back to their previous coordinate values. You can only undo the last
operation that was done. Also if you close FieldGenius, the restore coordinate values are not saved.
- 253 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Curve Calculator
Main Menu | Calculations | Curve Calculator
FieldGenius includes a curve calculator that can be used to check curve data and also compute and
curve points.
1. You always have to define the direction for the curve, either right or left.
2. Enter your know values.
3. If you want to store points, you need to define the PC point. You can enter the point id or use
the point chooser.
4. You also need to define the PC Tangent direction, so FieldGenius knows the orientation of the
curve.
- 254 -
Calculations Menu
Store Points
Once you have computed your curve data, you have the option of storing the PT and Center points.
When you press either button you will see the store and edit screen.
Area Calculator
Main Menu | Calculations | Area Calculator
The area calculator is used to compute areas as well as predetermined areas.
When defining the boundary area, you can select points, lines and arcs from the map, or type the
point numbers in manually. Lines and points from DXF files are also valid and can be selected using
the Define Area toolbar.
Defining an Area
Define Area Toolbar (Points)
Select Point
The define area toolbar is used to help you define an area. If the first button is set to Select Point, the
toolbar is in "point selection" mode and will only accept points picked from the map or point numbers
that are typed in. This button acts as a toggle and will toggle between Select Point and Select Line.
Line
If you are defining a straight segment, then you should leave the Line button turned on. Simply select
two points from the map, or enter the point numbers manually.
Rad Arc
Use this to define a curved segment where you know the start, radius, and end points. You need to
first pick the start of the arc, then press the Rad Arc button to define the radius point. After doing so,
the program will automatically switch back to the Line segment type which at that time you should
select the end of the arc.
3 Pnt Arc
Use this to define a curved segment where you know three points on the arc. You need to first pick
the start of the arc, then press the 3 Pnt Arc button which will allow you to define two more points on
the arc for a total of three points. The program will automatically switch back to the Line segment type
after the third point is selected.
- 255 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Remove Previous
Use this to remove segments that were defined for the area boundary. This will remove the segments
one at a time starting with the last segment that was defined.
Select Line
The define area toolbar is used to help you define an area. If the first button is set to Select Line, the
toolbar is in "line selection" mode and will only accept lines picked from the map. This button acts as
a toggle and will toggle between Select Point and Select Line.
Switch Direction
Since this routine accepts FieldGenius figures as well as DXF entities, at times you need to switch
the direction of a DXF line so that it matches the direction that you are traversing around to define the
area boundary. As you select lines from the map you will see a red marker appear at the end of the
line.
Remove Previous
Use this to remove segments that were defined for the area boundary. This will remove the segments
one at a time starting with the last segment that was defined.
- 256 -
Calculations Menu
The green marker indicates the start of the area perimeter, where as the red marker indicates the last
point on the perimeter. When ready to compute the area, simple press the exit button (red X) on the
Define Area toolbar.
- 257 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Hinge Method
The first thing you need to do when using the hinge method is define the fixed sides of your boundary.
Once you do this, on the determine area screen you can enter the predetermined area amount you
want to compute a solution for, plus define what point is fixed and is to be used as the hinge point.
The start and finish points (markers) are represented using a green and red circle marker. You can
always press world button on the Display toolbar which will place text labels next to the start and fin-
ish points.
- 258 -
Calculations Menu
FieldGenius will compute the new boundary so that it intersects the boundary segments con-
nected to the start and finish points that were defined.
In the example below, the original left side of the lot now has two segments that define it. In this
example, the solution would have to intersect the boundary segments from (108 - 9001). If we use the
same predetermined area parameters as above, FieldGenius will not be able to compute a solution
because the solution does not intersect the segment between (108 - 9001). It actually would intersect
the line from (9001 109).
- 259 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
However if we increase the predetermined area amount from 10000 to 12000, a solution can be com-
puted because the solution can now intersect the segment between point 108 and 9001. If you did
want to use an amount of 10000, all you would need to do is change the start point from 108 to 9001.
Parallel Method
The first thing you need to do is define the fixed sides for your area. It is important to note that
FieldGenius will try to compute the new boundary so that it intersects the segments connected to the
start and finish points that you define.
The start and finish points (markers) are represented using a green and red circle marker. You can
always press world button on the Display toolbar which will place text labels next to the start and fin-
ish points.
- 260 -
Calculations Menu
Once a solution has been found you can always preview it by pressing the Map View button.
- 261 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
As mentioned above, FieldGenius will compute the new boundary so that it intersects the
boundary lines connected to the start and finish points that were defined.
In the example below, the original left side of the lot now has two segments that define it. In this
example, the solution would have to intersect the boundary segments from (108 - 9001) and from (46 -
62). If we use the same predetermine area parameters as above, FieldGenius will not be able to com-
pute a solution because the solution does not intersect the two segments.
However if the direction for the boundary is changed to 130, and the area amount changed to 7000, a
solution can be computed because the solution intersects the two segments connected to the start
and finish points.
- 262 -
Calculations Menu
If you did want to keep the same area amount and direction, all you would need to do is change the
starting point.
Storing a Solution
When you have a solution that you want to store simply press the Save Point button or buttons
depending on the solution method you used. If you used the parallel method you will have two solu-
tions to choose from. You can switch to the Map view and turn the World button off if you want to see
some temporary text labels next to the computed solution points.
- 263 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Triangle Calculator
Main Menu | Calculations | Triangle Calculator
The triangle calculator can be used to solve unknown sides or angle of a triangle given three know
components.
You first need to select a Method for the triangle calculation. There are 5 methods available to choose
from and you can decide what method to use based on your known triangle components.
- 264 -
Calculations Menu
l Side-Side-Side: Use this when you know the length of the three sides of a triangle.
l Angle-Side-Angle: Use this when you know two angles and the distance between them.
l Side-Angle-Angle: Use this when you know two angles and one side. The know side must
not lie in between the two known angles.
l Side-Angle-Side: Use this when two sides and the angle between them are known.
l Side-Side-Angle: Use this when two sides and one angle that is not between the known
sides are known. This method will produce two solutions.
After you choose the solution method and enter the known components of the triangle, press the
View Results button to complete the calculation.
- 265 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
In the following example the user chose to convert between UTM Nad 83 Zone 11 to Lat and Long
WGS 84. Also as the same time the elevation is being converted from an ellipsoid height to a ortho-
metric height using the Canadian HT2.0 geoid.
Convert Coordinate
Once you've defined the coordinate systems you want to convert between you can then enter some
numbers.
Press the Convert button to make the computation.
- 266 -
Calculations Menu
Information
Press the information button to see details about the coordinate system such as grid scale, and con-
vergence angle.
Calculator
Main Menu | Calculations | Scientific Calculator
FieldGenius includes an RPN (Reverse Polish Notation) Calculator. RPN Calculators (such as the
HP48) are stack based, where values are popped from a stack, and the results of the calculation are
pushed back onto the stack. This type of calculator may seem foreign at first, so several examples of
its use are included below.
The calculator can be launched several ways:
1. By tapping inside certain numeric entry fields to directly open the Calculator. This will copy
whatever value is currently in that entry field into the calculator's command line, and the cal-
culated value can then be automatically copied back into the field which the calculator was
launched from.
2. By tapping inside most text and numeric entry fields to open the keypad, and then tapping the
"Calculator" button on the keypad. This will copy whatever value was currently in that entry
field first into the keypad and then into the calculator's command line. The calculated value
can then be automatically copied back into the keypad and then to the field which the cal-
culator was launched from.
3. It can be launched from the map screen using its Keyboard Shortcut (default is the F key).
4. Or it can be launched through the menu system.
- 267 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
The Stack
The stack is a series of memory storage locations for numeric data. Each location in the stack is
called a Level. There are a maximum of 20 Levels available in the Stack.
As you push new values on the stack, the stack grows to accommodate them: the new data moves
into level 1, and older data is pushed to a higher level. Data in level 1 will move to level 2, data in level
2 to level 3, and so on. Any data in level 20 will be bumped off the stack if new data is added, and is
unrecoverable. As you pop data off of the stack, the number of levels decrease as data is auto-
matically bumped down to lower levels.
The stack display always shows levels 1 to 5, and you can use the scroll bar to view the other levels
up to level 20.
Function
Numeric Entry
You can enter values using the keys provided on the calculator or use the numeric keys on your key-
board.
- 268 -
Calculations Menu
Stack Operations
Functions are available to help you manipulate data that is currently stored in the stack.
[EDIT ] - Pops data from level 1 of the stack into the command line, bumping all other data down one
level.
[SWAP ] - Switches positions of the data in levels 1 and 2 of the stack. Or you can highlight a level
on the stack and pressing the Swap button will move the value to level 1.
[CLEAR ] - Deletes all data from the stack.
[DROP ] - Deletes the data in level 1 of the stack, bumping all other data down one level.
[ENTER ] - Pushes data from the command line into level 1 of the stack, bumping all other data up
one level. You can also use your keyboard's Enter key.
When the shift key highlighted in yellow, it Indicates that the shift key is currently depressed, press it
again to un-shift
- 269 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Note:
All data will remain on the Stack, and will be available the next time the calculator is re-
started. On Exiting from FieldGenius, all data on the stack is written out to a file called
CalcStack.bin and will be automatically re-loaded when FieldGenius is re-started.
Converting Units
[METER ] , [FEET ] , [FTUS ]
Assigns a linear unit to the data in the Command Line, and places it on the Stack. If the Command
Line is empty, then the unit is applied to the data currently in Level 1 of the Stack.
[DEG ] , [RAD ] , [GRAD ]
Assigns an angular unit to the data in the Command Line, and places it on the Stack. If the Command
Line is empty, then the unit is applied to the data currently in Level 1 of the Stack.
Note:
You do not need to press enter before pressing a unit button, it will automatically move
whatever data is in the Command Line into Level 1 of the Stack.
Example: determine the metric equivalent of 15 feet:
[1][5] [FEET] [METER]
1: 4.572_m
- 270 -
Calculations Menu
Note:
You do not need to press [ENTER]before pressing a math button, it will automatically
move whatever data is in the Command Line into Level 1 of the Stack.
Example: determine the sum of 2 + 3
[2] [ENTER] [3] [+]
1: 5
[P>R ] , [R>P ]
Convert data between Polar and Rectangular notation
- 271 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
2: 199.8809196
1: 49.83591049
Example: Convert x=200, y=50 to Polar components.
[2][0][0] [ENTER] [5][0] [SHIFT] [R->P]
2: 206.1552813
1: 14.03624347_
[DMS> ] , [>DMS ]
Converts data between Degrees/Minutes/Seconds and Decimal Degrees
Example: Convert from 12 34' 56" to decimal degrees
[1][2][.][3][4][5][6] [DMS->]
1: 12.58222222_
Example: Convert from 12.3456 to degrees, minutes, seconds
[1][2][.][3][4][5][6] [SHIFT] [->DMS]
1: 12.204416
[DMS+ ] , [DMS- ]
Add or subtract DMS angles
Example: 12 34' 56" + 1 2' 3"
[1][2][.][3][4][5][6] [ENTER] [1][.][0][2][0][3] [DMS+]
1: 13.3659
- 272 -
Calculations Menu
- 273 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
STAKING MENU
Staking Menu
Main Menu | Staking Menu
This menu contains staking related functions.
On the staking menu, pressing any of the buttons will take you to its sub-menu.
Stake Points
Use this to stake points from a list or from a screen selection. Please see the Stake Points topic for
more information.
Stake Line
Use this to stake lines and arcs. Please see the Stake Line topic for more information.
Stake Surface
Use this to stake to a DTM (Digital Terrain Model)surface. Please see the Stake Surface topic for
more information.
Staking List
Use this to define a staking list that can be used for staking. Please see the Staking List topic for
more information.
- 274 -
Staking Menu
Stake Alignment
Use this to open the alignment tools screen. Please see the Stake Alignment topic for more inform-
ation.
Cut Sheet Reports
Use this to open the Cut Sheet Reports screen. Please see the Cut Sheet Reports topic for more
information.
Stake Points
Main Menu | Staking | Stake Point
Point Toolbar | Stake
Point ID
This allows you to manually enter in the point you would like to stake.
Point Desc
This shows the description of the current design point.
- 275 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 276 -
Staking Menu
- 277 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
You can continue using this for any other points you want to stake. Since the plate reading is chan-
ging a lot, you will want to check the backsight frequently to make certain any error meets your tol-
erances.
Continue
Press this button to continue. You will now see the map screen and the point staking toolbar.
Staking Toolbar
The staking toolbar is used in conjunction with the Observation Toolbar to help you navigate to your
stake point. If you're using a robotic or conventional instrument the staking process will be similar.
- 278 -
Staking Menu
The staking toolbar can be accessed by pressing the Stake Point button on the screen. It will also be
accessed from many other commands that require a point to be staked.
When you first see the staking screen you maybe asked to take a measurement first so it can cal-
culate the current position of the rod. Press the measure button if you're using a conventional instru-
ment, or turn on the cursor tracking button if you're using a robot or GNSS.
You should define a map orientation in the staking settings. Setting this will twist your map view to
help you with your stakeout and change the way the "move by" distance are reported. Press the top
button "Viewing North/Instrument/Prism" to adjust your Orientation Reference setting. For best res-
ults, set the Orientation Reference to Prism for a conventional total station, Instrument for a robotic
total station, North for GPNS staking.
Grid Staking Mode is selected by default, select the Grid button on the bottom-left corner will allows
you to chose Map staking mode that relays on Observation Toobar, or Compass staking method if
you are using a GNSS receiver or robotic total station.
Note that Compass staking mode for GNSS will require movements to determine the orientation to
the point you are trying to stake. Once you are close to the point, the screen will automatically switch
to Grid mode for precise staking. The threshold of this switch can be found inside Staking Settings
menu.
Buttons
Store Point
When this is pressed the Store / Edit Points screen will appear so you
can store the position of the rod. The default is to store a point in the
project database as well as write raw records to the raw file. You might
not want to store a point for the staked position but want to have a
record of it in the raw file. This can be done by turning off "Store
Staked Point" in Stake Settings. (This button not available for
GPSstaking, use the Measure button to record the point.)
Select Viewing Direction
This opens up Viewing Direction dialogue where you can select
options depending on the current instrument
Current options include: Viewing North/Instrument/Prism/User Point.
Select Staking Method
Depending on the instrument selected, this button allows you to
choose from Map, Grid, Compass staking modes.
Staking Information
- 279 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
This displays information about the point you are staking. It will list the
coordinates of the point plus other information that will help you during
your stakeout.
Toggle Observation View
This button allows you too see or hide the Observation Toolbar.
Select Next Point
This button opens up options to select next point to Stake
Zoom
Map View only - This will automatically zoom to the extents of your cur-
rent target position and the point you're staking.
Settings
This will open the Staking Settings screen which allows you to setup
parameters that will be used during the stakeout such as your Tol-
erance, Orientation Reference, and more.
Close
This will close the Staking Toolbar, and return you to the previous
screen.
- 280 -
Staking Menu
Radial
This method will display the Direction (Bearing or Azimuth) and Distance from the current rod position
to the design point in the Observation Toolbar near the top of the screen. This method is useful while
staking with a robotic total station or GPS.
- 281 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
locate the stake point. By doing this it will use the EDM mode set in the instrument tool-
bar (make certain it is set to a fine mode) instead of using the coarse (tracking) mode.
Once the point is located, make sure to press the Lock button to stop the instrument
from tracking the prism. It is useful to do this as the instrument will still be pointed at the
stake location and prevents the instrument from following the prism if you have to lay it
down.
3. Mark your point or pound in your stake.
4. Set the prism on the point you just marked and press the No Lock button which will initiate a
search. Since you stopped the instrument from tracking in the previous step the instrument
should lock onto the prism very quickly.
5. Press the Measure button to record one final position for the stake point.
6. Press the Store Point button on the staking toolbar to store the final location of the point you
just staked.
GPSTips
To help with navigating, set your map orientation to North in the settings screen. This will force the
map to orient itself so that North remains up on the screen.
Use cursor tracking to navigate to your point (this provides real-time positions to the Observation Tool-
bar) then when you attain the final position to be staked press the Measure button. The usual
GPSMeasurement procedure will apply, and your current tolerance mode and masks will be in effect
for the measurement.
Raw File
When you store your point several records are written to the raw file. Following is an example of a
point that was staked out:
SP,PN1400,N 715346.319,E 2381454.812,EL1.009,--
CF,EL1.0087,GD1.0000
DE,PN342,N 715346.319,E 2381454.770,EL1.000,--
SD,ND-0.000,ED-0.042,LD-0.009
SK,OP251,FP1400,AR180.00000,ZE89.05000,SD63.0500,--Design Point: 342
The SP record is the point that was recorded when you pressed the Store Point button.
The CF record displays the measured elevation versus design.
The DE record displays the design coordinates for the point to be staked.
The SD record displays the delta values of the staked point. This is the DE record - SP record.
- 282 -
Staking Menu
The SK record is the recorded raw observation used to compute the store point (SP) record.
Note: If you turned off "Store Staked Point" in the staking settings, then no SP or CF record will be
stored in the raw file.
Stake Line/Arc
Main Menu | Staking | Stake Line
Line Toolbar | Stake
Stake Line
You can stake a line by selecting points in the drawing, or by selecting an existing figure or a DXF
line.
When you start the command from the Staking Menu you will see the Select Line Toolbar that will
allow you to select the object you want to stake.
- 283 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
If you want to stake the line, just press the Stake Line button which will display the stake line toolbar.
If you want to stake a specific point along the line, specify the station/offset distances then press the
Stake Pointbutton which will display the stake point toolbar for the specified design point.
When the stake line toolbar opens you have to take a shot before any information will appear on the
toolbar.
StakingMethods
For each of the following methods, if you are within the Tolerance setting defined in the Staking Set-
tings, then the direction/distance text will be green; if you are outside the tolerance then the text will
be red. You can also switch pages within the Observation Toolbar at any time to see other meas-
urement information, for example if you want to see the rod elevation instead of a Cut/Fill.
Directional
This method will display the current Station (perpendicular from the rod, as marked by a blue circle on
the line), the In/Out, Left/Right, or N/S/E/W distance to the line (from the rod to the red x on the line,
- 284 -
Staking Menu
keeping the same horizontal angle), and the Cut/Fill distance (from the rod to the interpolated elev-
ation of the station point marked by the blue circle, where a cut represents that the rod is higher than
the interpolated station elevation, and a fill represent that the rod is lower than the interpolated station
elevation) in the Observation Toolbar near the top of the screen.
When using this method, be sure to set the "Orientation Reference" option to Prism for a conventional
total station, Instrument for a robotic total station, North for GPS staking, or use one of the other ref-
erence options if preferred.
You can force FieldGenius to display either In/Out or Left/Right distances by changing the Line Mode
option in the Staking Settings.
Stationing - Absolute
This method will display the current Station, Offset, and Cut/Fill distances relative to the line in the
Observation Toolbar near the top of the screen. The station point is marked by a blue circle on the
line, the Offset is the Left/Right distance from the blue station point to the current rod position, and the
Cut/Fill is the elevation difference from the current rod position to the interpolated elevation of the sta-
tion point where a cut represents that the rod is higher than the interpolated station elevation, and a fill
represent that the rod is lower than the interpolated station elevation.
Stationing - Relative
This method will display the current Station, Offset, and Cut/Fill distances relative to the line in the
Observation Toolbar near the top of the screen. The station point is marked by a blue circle on the
line, the Offset is the Left/Right distance from the blue station point to the current rod position, and the
Cut/Fill is the elevation difference from the current rod position to the interpolated elevation of the sta-
tion point where a cut represents that the rod is higher than the interpolated station elevation, and a fill
represent that the rod is lower than the interpolated station elevation.
Note:
Please refer to the Point Staking Toolbar topic for additional information and tips.
Stake Arc
The process is identical whether staking a line or an arc - the only difference is you begin by selecting
or defining an arc instead of a line
- 285 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Stake Surface
Main Menu | Staking | Stake Surface
The Stake Surface command allows you to take a shot anywhere on a surface and a cut or fill value
will be computed. The current northing and easting position of the rod is based on the measurement,
but the Z value is computed by intersecting the surface at the rod location.
You will first be prompted to select a surface to stake. If you have already imported and turned on the
TIN or Contours for any surfaces, they will be displayed in the list for you to choose from. If the list is
empty, you need to use the Surface Manager to import or enable one. Please refer to the Surface Man-
ager topic for more information on how to load a surface.
When you first see the staking toolbar you may see the words "Waiting for data" in the Observation
Toolbar which means you need to take a measurement first so it can calculate the current position of
- 286 -
Staking Menu
the rod. Press the measure button if you're using a conventional instrument, or turn on the cursor
tracking button if you're using a robot or GPS.
Once you take a shot you will see the following information in the Observation Toolbar near the top of
the screen: the Design elevation based on the surface model's elevation at your rod's horizontal pos-
ition, the actual Height or elevation of the rod, and the Cut or Fill between the two. To help you visu-
alize where your shot is in relation to the surface you can always use our 3D view capabilities.
Staking Method
Unlike Point or Line/Arc staking, there is only one available staking method: Height.
Store Point
When this is pressed the Store / Edit Points screen will appear so you can store the position that was
staked. Also a raw record will be written to the raw file.
Information
This isn't applicable when staking to a surface and will be grayed out.
Zoom
This isn't applicable when staking to a surface and will be grayed out.
Settings
This will open the Staking Settings screen which allows you to setup parameters that will be used dur-
ing the staking process.
Note:
Please refer to the Point Staking Toolbar topic for additional information and tips.
- 287 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Staking List
Main Menu | Staking | Staking List
Use a staking list to stake points from a predetermined list of points.
Sort By Point ID
Use this to sort the staking list by Point ID.
Sort By Shortest Path
Select the first point you want to stake, then use this to sort the staking list by shortest path distance
from the selected point.
- 288 -
Staking Menu
Find Points
Use this to find points that will be added to the list. You can find points based on the Point ID, Coordin-
ate, or Description.The system will look in the Points database for points to add to the staking list.
Select Point
Use this to pick a point from the map. Points will be added to the list in the order they're selected.
Remove Points
Use this to delete a single row or multiple rows. This will only remove the points from the list and will
not delete any points from the Points database.
Remove All Points
Use this to clear the current list. This will only remove the points from the list and will not delete any
points from the Points database.
Move Up
This will move the currently highlighted point up one row.
Move Down button:
This will move the currently highlighted point down one row.
Stake Pnt
This will take you to the staking toolbar to stake out the point that is currently highlighted in the list.
Staking Status
If a point in your staking list has not been staked yet, it will have a stake icon displayed in the Staked
Status column. You will see a green checkmark icon if the point has already been staked.
As you can see in the image above, point 1 has been staked, and point 2 has not.
- 289 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
the ASCII Coordinate File Import button and are assigned the survey role of To Stake Out, these
points will automatically be added to the staking list.
Stake Alignment
Main Menu | Staking | Stake Alignment
When this is selected, the Alignment Staking screen will be displayed. Note you first need to define
an alignment in the Road Manager screen. Use this to quickly continue staking your alignment.
Please see the Road Reference section for more detailed information about creating and defining
alignments.
- 290 -
Staking Menu
The different cut sheet formats will be described below. To create a cut sheet, select the desired cut
sheet format, then press the Create Report button, then choose the folder and filename for it. You
can give it any extension (one will not be automatically added) but we recommend using either .CSV
or .TXT. The extension you provide will not affect the contents of the file in any way.
If you've already created a cut sheet and want to open it to review it, press the Open Report button.
FieldGenius automatically creates a (.CSV) comma separated value file for each cut sheet format
you create. This file can be read into Excel, which will allow you to format it and print it. The records
stored during staking follow the RW5 format so cut sheet records can be created using software pack-
ages that support this format.
- 291 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
LM80 Format: This option will format the cut sheet in the LM 80 format.
- 292 -
Staking Menu
Stake Elevation
Main Menu | Staking |Stake Elevation
This routine allows you to stake to a specific elevation (called the Design elevation). The routine will
report the cut and fill values from the selected (Design) elevation to your current rod elevation. The
horizontal position is not the focus of this routine.
Why would Iwant to use this? Maybe you may want to use this function if you have to stake a build-
ing pad before concrete is poured and you know what the height of the pad should be. You enter this
value in the Elevation field and walk around your pad. This routine will inform you of how far your rod
is above or below the design elevation.
The first step is to define your constant elevation. You can either type in a design elevation manually
into the Elevation field, or you can use the Get elevation from point... button to select a point from
your points database, and use its elevation.
- 293 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Continue
Press this button to continue to the Map view. You will now see the map screen displaying the Stak-
ing toolbar. The Display toolbar displays the design elevation (the intended or desired elevation), the
actual measured elevation (displayed in the Elev field), and the cut/fill amount required to get to the
design elevation from the measured elevation.
Design = Elev+ Fill amount or
Design = Elev - Cut amount
Get elevation from point...
Press this button to acquire an elevation from a selected point's elevation. The point database dialog
will open and you can select a point to use its elevation.
The Elev and Cut/Fill text fields will display values that are within your staking tolerance in the colour
green. Measurements made outside of your staking tolerance are displayed in the colour red.
Please refer to the Options Staking topic for more information on staking tolerances,
Please refer to the point staking toolbar topic for more information on how to use the staking toolbar.
- 294 -
Data Manager Menu
Coordinate Database
Use this to open the points database. From here you will find numerous tools that can be used to edit
your points. Please see the Coordinate Database topic for more information.
Map Data Layers
Use this to import DXF, LandXML, and georeferenced raster image files into your project, and to con-
trol the visibility of database layers and any files that you may have associated with your project.
Please see the Map Data Layers topic for more information.
Surfaces
Use this to import DTM surface files into your project, view and edit your DTM surfaces, and perform
volume calculations. Please see the Surfaces topic for more information.
Parcels (XML)
Use this to edit and view your XML parcels that are associated with your project. Please see the Par-
cels (XML) topic for more information.
- 295 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Point Database
Main Menu | Data Manager | Point Database
The point database dialog is used to review, edit, and manipulate your point data in your project data-
base. The list will display all points currently stored in the database, and the data can be sorted by
pressing the column headers.
The checked stake icon indicates points that have been staked out.
The hub icon indicates control points, they can not be edited under any
circumstances.
The user icon indicates user entered points, the coordinate can be
edited.
The ruler icon indicates measured points, the coordinate can not be
edited.
The 123 icon indicates calculated points, the coordinate can not be
edited.
- 296 -
Data Manager Menu
The stake and square icon indicates a Staked and Stored point. The
Staked and Stored survey role is unique and not associated with
LandXMLschema.
Note:
To edit the coordinate of a measured or calculated point, you must first change its sur-
vey role to user entered.
Next/Previous
Use the green arrow button to display the next button sets for more options.
Edit
Use this to edit the coordinates of a point that is highlighted in the list using the Store/Edit Points tool.
Remember you must change the Survey Role to User Entered.
Delete
Use this to delete the current point or selection in the list. Note: There is no undelete point option in
FieldGenius. If you delete points from the coordinate database they can not be restored without edit-
ing and reprocessing your raw file.
Add
Use this to open the Store Point screen to manually enter a new point.
Find
Use this to select multiple points, based on a single point ID, a point ID range, a point coordinate
range, or point descriptions.
RTS (Rotate/Translate/Scale)
Use this to rotate or translate your points that are currently selected in the coordinate list. When you
press the button you will see the Rotate / Translate / Scale Points screen. Please refer to the Rotate /
Translate / Scale topic for more information.
Local Transform
Use this to apply a coordinate transformation to a point or selection in the coordinate list. You need to
have calculated the transformation parameters prior to pressing this button. See the
Statistics
Use this to display statistics of the coordinate database, including the total number of points, bound-
ing minimum and maximum coordinate values, and point ID's in use, and point ID's not in use.
- 297 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Map View
Use this to display the currently highlighted points on the screen.
Average
Press this button to enter the Point Averaging routine.
- 298 -
Data Manager Menu
User Data
FieldGenius uses the layer names specified in the Automap library to control the visibility of points
and figures by their description.
You can control the visibility of the entire database (both points and figures) by checking or uncheck-
ing the Database option under the User Data section of the tree. If the box is checked, then the data-
base is turned on and all of its layers will be visible; if unchecked, then the file and all of its layers is
turned off and it will not be visible. If the box has another smaller square inside it, this means that
some of its layers are turned on and other layers are turned off.
- 299 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
You can control the visibility of individual layers by expanding Database option under the User Data
section of the tree, and checking or unchecking the box beside the name of the layer. If the box is
checked, then the layer is turned on and entities on that layer will be visible; if unchecked, then the
layer is turned off and entities on it will not be visible.
When you close the project, the layer status will be saved so that the next time the project is opened,
the layer visibility will automatically be set the same as you had left it, so layers that were turned off
will remain turned off the next time the project is opened up.
DXF Files
You can load multiple DXF files into your FieldGenius project, and control the visibility of each of their
layers independently from the others.
You can control the visibility of the entire DXF file by checking or unchecking the box beside the
name of the DXF file, under the DXF Files section of the tree. If the box is checked, then the file is
turned on and all of its layers will be visible; if unchecked, then the file and all of its layers is turned off
and it will not be visible. If the box has another smaller square inside it, this means that some of its lay-
ers are turned on and other layers are turned off.
You can control the visibility of individual layers by expanding the name of the DXF file under the DXF
Files section of the tree, and checking or unchecking the box beside the name of the layer. If the box
is checked, then the layer is turned on and entities on that layer will be visible; if unchecked, then the
layer is turned off and entities on it will not be visible.
When you close the project, the layer status will be saved so that the next time the project is opened,
the layer visibility will automatically be set the same as you had left it, so files that were turned off will
remain turned off the next time the project is opened up.
- 300 -
Data Manager Menu
Add File
Press the Add File button to select a DXF file that you want to load into your project. You will be able
to browse to and select any DXF file. Please see the Import DXF File topic for more information.
Remove File
Highlight the DXF file that you want to remove from your project, then press the Remove File button.
If a file is not highlighted, you will be reminded that a file must first be selected from the tree. This will
turn off all layers from the selected file in your FieldGenius project and disassociate the DXF file. It
does not delete the DXF file.
File Settings
Highlight the DXF file that you wish to change the settings for, then press the File Settings button.
You can enable or disable the display of text in the selected file. If your DXF file contains text, turning
this off will improve performance of FieldGenius. Pressing the OK or Cancel buttons will return you to
the Layer Manager screen.
- 301 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
LandXML Files
You can load one LandXML file into your FieldGenius project at a time, and control the visibility of its
layers (points, chains, alignments, and parcels).
You can control the visibility of the entire XML file by checking or unchecking the name of the XML
file, under the LXML Files section of the tree. If the box is checked, then the file is turned on and all of
its contents will be visible; if unchecked, then the file and all of its layers is turned off and it will not be
visible. If the box has another smaller square inside it, this means that some of its layers are turned
on and other layers are turned off.
You can control the visibility of individual layers by expanding the name of the XML file under the
LXML Files section of the tree, and checking or unchecking the box beside the name of the layer. If
the box is checked, then the layer is turned on and entities on that layer will be visible; if unchecked,
then the layer is turned off and entities on it will not be visible.
When you close the project, the layer status will be saved so that the next time the project is opened,
the layer visibility will automatically be set the same as you had left it, so layers that were turned off
will remain turned off the next time the project is opened up.
Add File
Press the Add File button to select a LandXML file that you want to load into your project. You will be
able to browse to and select any XML file. Please see the Import LandXML File topic for more inform-
ation. Note, you must first unload the currently loaded XML file before loading a different one.
- 302 -
Data Manager Menu
Remove File
Highlight the XML file that you want to remove from your project, then press the Remove File button.
If a file is not highlighted, you will be reminded that a file must first be selected from the tree. This will
turn off all components of the selected file in your FieldGenius project and disassociate the XML file.
It does not delete the XML file.
File Settings
The File Settings button does not apply to LandXML files.
Image Files
You can load multiple georeferenced JPG or TIFF images into your FieldGenius project, and control
the visibility of each of them independently from the others.
You can control the visibility of your images by checking or unchecking the box beside the name of
the image file, under the Image Files section of the tree. If the box is checked, then the image is
turned on and it will be visible; if unchecked, then the image is turned off and it will not be visible.
When you close the project, the visibility and opacity status of each image file will be saved so that
the next time the project is opened, the image visibility will automatically be set the same as you had
left it.
Add File
Press the Add File button to select an image (or DXF) file to load into your project. You will be able to
browse to and select any JPG or TIF file. JPG files must have a corresponding JGW world file, and
TIF files must have a corresponding TFW world file; these world files contain the georeferenced pos-
- 303 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
itioning information. The world file must have the same file name as the image file (just with the appro-
priate extension), and it will be automatically used to position the image.
Remove File
Highlight the image (or DXF) file you want to remove from your project, then press the Remove File
button. If a file is not highlighted, you will be reminded that a file must first be selected from the tree.
This will turn off the selected image in your FieldGenius project and disassociate the image file.
File Settings
Highlight the image file you want to view or change the display settings for, then press the File Set-
tings button. You will see the file's name, size, and position information. You can also adjust the opa-
city of the image. The default value of 100 will cause the image to be displayed normally, and
reducing this value will make it appear fainter on the screen. This is useful if the image file being dis-
played makes your other FieldGenius data too hard to see over top of the image. Pressing the Close
button will return you to the Layer Manager screen.
Surfaces
Main Menu | Data Manager | Surfaces
FieldGenius allows you to display a 3D surface representation of the points and lines in your project.
This is done by turning on the Point Database surface.
- 304 -
Data Manager Menu
- 305 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
To use a surface you first need to load it into memory by checking inside the box before the name of
the surface in the list. A surface is loaded if there is a checkmark shown before it. If you expand the
surface you can control whether it is drawn as Contour Lines, a wireframe TIN, a solid TIN, or any
combination of these.
Settings
Surface settings allow you to specify settings that affect the surfaces or contours that are drawn.
Please see the Surface Settings topic for more information.
Volumes
Use this button to calculate a volume. Please see the Volume Calculation topic for more information.
Load
Use this button to load a .QSB surface file into your project. Please see the Import DTM Surface File
topic for more information.
Save
Use this button to save the selected surface as a .QSB file which can be imported into your MicroSur-
vey CAD or inCAD desktop software or into another FieldGenius project.
Close
If you close the surfaces screen and return back to the map screen you will see the loaded surface
drawn as a wireframe, solid, and/or with contours depending on what is set in the Settings screen.
- 306 -
Data Manager Menu
Surface Information
You can see additional statistics about the surface by double clicking on its name in the list. This will
show the minimum and maximum bounding coordinates, the number of points, breaklines, and tri-
angles in the surface, the minimum and maximum slopes in the surface, the plan and surface area,
the positive and negative volumes calculated from a datum elevation of 0, and the amount of memory
that the surface is using.
Surface Settings
Main Menu | Data Manager | Surfaces | Settings
Use the surface settings screen to define settings that affect TIN (Triangular Irregular Network),
TGRID and Contours.
- 307 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Contour Interval
This will force the contours to be drawn at an interval equal to the value set here. The interval is equal
to the drawing units.
Minimum Elevation
This controls the minimum elevation. This is useful if you have some data that is displayed at a zero
elevation (example: alignment point data that is horizontal) and you want to exclude these points from
the surface.
Gridded TIN
If this is on, when you draw the surface it will be represented using a TGRID model instead of a TIN
model. TGRID surfaces will apply smoothing in areas that have no breaklines. This may create bet-
ter quality contours. The Grid Size is a ground unit value that will determine the spacing of the grid
lines. If the Grid Size is 0 then a grid size will be automatically calculated.
- 308 -
Data Manager Menu
Color TIN
When this is turned on then the surface color will be determined by the triangles' elevation. When
turned off the surface will be displayed using a gray color. If the TIN's wireframe and solid faces are
both being displayed, then the faces will be colored but the wireframe will be gray for better visibility.
Volume Calculation
Main Menu | Data Manager | Surfaces | Volumes
FieldGenius allows you to calculate the volume between a surface and either another surface or a
datum elevation. The volume can be computed for the entire surface, or it can be bound by a closed
figure.
Calculated Surface
Choose the surface that you want to calculate the volumes for. If you have imported any surfaces
from a QSB or LandXML file they will be available to choose from, or you can choose the realtime
Point Database surface.
Reference Surface
You can choose have the volume calculated between your selected surface and either a datum elev-
ation (which defaults at 0 meters/feet), or if you have imported any surfaces from a QSB or LandXML
file they will be available to choose as a reference surface.
- 309 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Calculate
Pressing this will calculate and display the positive, negative and net volumes, the average thick-
ness, and the area of the surface from either the selected datum elevation or reference surface, all
constrained within the selected closed figure if selected.
- 310 -
Data Manager Menu
The results will also be written into the project's CogoCalcs.txt history file which can be viewed by
going to Main Menu | Survey Tools | COGO History Viewer.
- 311 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
From Main Menu | Data Manager | Surfaces you can turn on the Realtime DTM Surface by placing a
checkmark in the box before the "Point Database" surface. Expanding the tree will allow you to define
whether it is displayed as Contour Lines, Solid Faces, and/or Triangle Edges.
The surface can be viewed or used in volume computations immediately.
Before turning on the Point Database surface:
Each point in the database has an attribute called "DTM Attribute". This can be set to "donotinclude".
If you set a point to this value, you will see that the surface no longer includes this point. This only
applies to the current surface that is computed in FieldGenius. It does not apply to surfaces imported
from a QSB or LandXML file.
- 312 -
Data Manager Menu
TGRD honors breaklines and allows the contours to follow the natural flow of the terrain. Contours
around small hills will look better if the TGRD option is used.
Generally, the TGRDis for cases where you want curvature introduced between your data points and
you have break lines. This is most easily shown with an example:
- 313 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
This line represents a location an the site where the slope changes from a steep hill to a relatively flat
area.
Contours Generated without use of Top of Bank breakline:
- 314 -
Data Manager Menu
Without a breakline, the contours "flow" over the top of the bank and the contours do not look correct.
Contours generated with use of Top of Bank breakline:
With a breakline, the contours are forced to honor the line, as a change in slope that helps the con-
tours to look correct.
Breakline Control
The user would want to use a figure as a break line in the triangle formation process (TIN) for the edge
of pavement, but probably not for a line connecting points that are not related to the surface features.
An example of this might be a chain connecting legal boundaries as they might cross over roads or
creeks without consideration for the existing topography.
Breaklines are used in the creation of the DTM by forcing the triangulation to follow them. Triangles
created in the DTM cannot cross a breakline. The edges of the triangles will always follow the break-
line. When necessary, FieldGenius will automatically densify the DTM along the breakline to create
triangles that conform to the breaklines. This helps with the creation of accurate surface models and
contours. FieldGenius contains the exact same functions for surface modeling, contouring, and
volumes as MicroSurvey CAD or inCAD.
Contouring
Creating contours in FieldGenius is a simple as choosing the desired DTM surface from the dialog
and checking the contour option:
The procedures for contouring a DTM surface are outlined below:
- 315 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
3. You can control the Minimum Elevation. This is useful if you have some data that is dis-
played at a zero elevation (example: alignment point data that is horizontal) and you want to
exclude these points.
4. If you want to create a TGRID, then turn on the Gridded TIN option, or leave this off to create
a TIN. The Grid Size is a ground unit value that will determine the spacing of the grid lines.
5. Press OK to return to the Surface Manager screen.
6. Finally, turn on the contours by expanding the Point Database surface and selecting the Con-
tour Lines option to display them.
7. Close the Surface Manager and return to the map screen to see your contours.
Function
1. Open the Surface Manager, then press the Load button.
2. Browse to where your DTM surface file (.QSB) is located and press the Open button to con-
tinue.
3. You will now see the surface list screen. From here you can turn on your layer and configure
DTM settings. Please see the Surface Sets topic for more information.
- 316 -
Data Manager Menu
Store
If you highlight a parcel in the list, pressing the Store button will compute and store coordinates at the
corners of your parcel.
Stake
If you press this it will open the line staking toolbar. Note: you have to press close to exit the parcel
manager.
- 317 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
IMPORT/EXPORT MENU
Import/Export Menu
Main Menu | Import/Export
Use this menu to display different options for importing data into or exporting data out of your project.
- 318 -
Import/Export Menu
Notes:
- For importing DXF, LandXML, and raster image files, please see the Map Data Layers
topic in the Data Manager menu.
- For importing DTM surface files, please see the Surfaces topic in the Data Manager
menu.
- 319 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
IMPORT/EXPORT MENU
Import/Export Menu
Main Menu | Import/Export
Use this menu to display different options for importing data into or exporting data out of your project.
- 320 -
Import/Export Menu
Notes:
- For importing DXF, LandXML, and raster image files, please see the Map Data Layers
topic in the Data Manager menu.
- For importing DTM surface files, please see the Surfaces topic in the Data Manager
menu.
- 321 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
This may be required if a separate coordinate file is uploaded to the device by itself (not as part of a
project with linework). This is also useful for transfer of points from one file to another.
Function
1. Click on the "Browse for File..." button to navigate to and select your file.
2. Choose the field delimiter, either Comma or Space.
3. Choose the file format. See below for more information regarding file format. If you are uncer-
tain, use the Standard format.
4. Use the assigned role field to select the survey role of the points being imported. If these
points are to go into the staking list, then select To Stake Out as the survey role.
5. Write SP (Store Point)record to raw file will store the imported coordinates to the raw file.
This is very useful if you wish to reprocess coordinates later, so we recommend that you
select this when importing points.
6. Overwrite Existing Coordinates - allows you to control whether points will be overwritten dur-
ing the import.
7. Set as Control Points will set a flag in the database that will prevent these points from
being edited or changed in FieldGenius (under any circumstances!)
8. Choose OK to import the coordinates, Cancel to abort the import.
9. You will be shown a confirmation of how many points were imported to the current project.
File Formats
Both space and comma delimited files are supported.
- 322 -
Import/Export Menu
For all formats, the order of the Northing and Easting fields are determined by setting the Coordinate
Order in the Options screen.
Standard
ID, Northing/Y or Easting/X, Easting/X or Northing/Y, Elevation, Descrip-
tion:Note
This format expects the file to be in a standard ASCII format. If your descriptions have a colon in
them, then FieldGenius will store everything before the colon as a description, and everything after
the colon will be considered to be a note.
Standard with Header
Same as the Standard format, but the first row in the file is ignored.
Extended
ID, Northing/Y or Easting/X, Easting/X or Northing/Y, Elevation, Descrip-
tion, Note, Latitude, Longitude, Ellipsoidal Height, Latitude StdDev, Lon-
gitude StdDev, Height StdDev
This format is different than the standard such that notes are separate from descriptions. Also if you
collected GPS data, the WGS 84 information can also be included and imported along with other
information related to the GPS point.
Extended with Header
Same as the Extended format, but the first row in the file is ignored.
- 323 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
l Using the horizontal and Vertical datum settings you've defined in your coordinate system
settings, FieldGenius will compute a Cartesian coordinate for each point using the Geodetic
values imported from the ASCII file.
l A point is stored in the project database using the Cartesian Coordinates that was com-
puted. The point will be assigned the point number that was imported from the ASCII file.
- 324 -
Import/Export Menu
l A GS record is written in the raw file using the Cartesian Coordinates as a reference.
l An EP record is written to the raw file using the Geodetic Coordinates as a reference.
Function
1. Specify a range of point to export in the form #..#. Accept default of All if desired.
2. Specify number of decimal places to carry on the export. (maximum=6)
3. Specify if you want to export them with either a space or comma delimiter.
4. Choose the file format type that you want to use. See below for more details about the different
file formats. If you are uncertain, use the Standard format.
5. Choose Export to export the coordinates, or Cancel to abort the export.
6. Browse to the folder where you want to save the file, enter a filename including an extension,
then press Save File.FieldGenius will not add any extension to the filename you enter.
7. You will be shown a confirmation of how many points were exported.
- 325 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
File Formats
Both space and comma delimited files are supported.
For all formats, the order of the Northing and Easting fields are determined by setting the Coordinate
Order in the Options screen.
Standard
ID, Northing/Y or Easting/X, Easting/X or Northing/Y, Elevation, Descrip-
tion:Note
This format will append any notes you have to your description, separated by a colon.
Standard with Header
Same as the Standard format, but with Header data in the first row.
Extended
ID, Northing/Y or Easting/X, Easting/X or Northing/Y, Elevation, Descrip-
tion, Note, Latitude, Longitude, EllipsoidalHeight, LatitudeStdDev, Lon-
gitudeStdDev, HeightStdDev
This format is different than the Standard such that notes are separated from descriptions.
If you collected GPS data, the WGS 84 information will also be exported along with other information
related to the GPS point. The WGS 84 information will be extracted from your GS records in the raw
file.
Extended with Header
Same as the Extended format, but with Header data in the first row.
GD-1
This format allows you to export your GPS measured points in a slightly different format than the
Extended format. This option will scan your raw file and find all EP records and export the cor-
responding GS, or GK point that was stored in the database.
This option is only available for export.
ID, Northing/Y or Easting/X, Easting/X or Northing/Y, Elevation, Latitude
(in Degrees Minutes Seconds), Longitude (in Degrees Minutes Seconds),
description
- 326 -
Import/Export Menu
useful for seeding points when using the OmniStar GPS system.
There is more detailed information about the extended format in the ASCII Coordinate File Import
topic.
Importing Steps
1. From the main menu, press the Data Manager button then the Map Data Layers button.
2. Press the Add File button on the Layer Manager.
3. Using the browse window, find the DXF file you would like to import and press the Open File but-
ton.
4. Use the Layer Manager to turn on or off any layers you don't want to view.
5. Press Close and return to the map view.
6. Press the zoom extents button to see your entire DXF file.
For more information on the layer manager please visit the Layer Manager topic.
Important Notes:
- Your CAD desktop system likely has a super fast processor and 1GB or more of RAM
but most current Windows CE devices run at 206Mhz and have 32 or maybe 64MB of
RAM. For this reason, you will not be able to manipulate a 5MB DXF file with the same
speed as your desktop system so minimize the size of the DXF files for most efficient
operation.
- TEXT is the biggest performance reducer in your DXF files. For best performance,
minimize the amount of text in the DXF files or turn off layers containing text when not
needed.
- 327 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
.
Function
1. Select the options for your DXF file.
Export Points: If this is checked, your coordinate point nodes will be exported to the DXF file.
You can also specify what layer you want the labels to go on and a default text height.
Export Lines: If this is checked, all figures (lines, arcs, and splines) will be exported to the
DXF file.
Export Contours: If this is checked, all contour lines drawn using the Surface Manager will
be exported to the DXF file.
2. Click Export.
3. Browse to the folder where you want to save the file, enter a filename, then press Save File.
FieldGenius will add a .dxf extension to the filename if you did not include it.
4. The DXF file is created and you can copy it to your desktop computer.
- 328 -
Import/Export Menu
- 329 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
When a LandXML file is read, it is scanned to make a list of the objects that it contains. Loading the
entire file into the FieldGenius project could use many megabytes of valuable memory. Therefore,
when you wish to use data from a LandXML file, you need to load it as needed. Sample LandXML files
are available at the LandXML web site: www.landxml.org
One of the example files posted is subdivision-xsec.xml. We have downloaded and are now going to
show the results of reading it into FieldGenius:
- 330 -
Import/Export Menu
l Fast: We can use the points that define the surface and let FieldGenius re-calculate the TIN
model. This might be acceptable for an area where no attempt was made to edit the triangles
or add break lines. FieldGenius can compute a surface in seconds from large numbers of
points.
l Maintain Triangulation: we can force FieldGenius to read the TIN exactly as computed by the
desktop software. This requires much more computing by the import program, but it will
exactly maintain the triangulation in the original surface. For example, if the LandXML surface
was created by using breaklines and hand editing, you will want to maintain the exact triangles
for staking and viewing the surface.
You can set the import method by going to the Main Menu | Data Manager | Surfaces | Surface
Options.
From the Surfaces screen you can see a list of the surfaces in the XML file. Select the one you want
to load.
Alignments, Profiles, and Cross Sections
Alignments, cross sections, and staking of these items are some of the powerful features in
FieldGenius. Almost all modern road design software will export alignments in LandXML format. We
read the horizontal alignment (which is normally at elevation zero), the vertical profile, and the cross
sections from LandXML files. Individual components can be selected for staking or viewing inform-
ation. The Project Manager is used for visibility of these items, and you can drill down into the com-
ponents right to the coordinate level.
Reading the basic alignment information is done when you import the LandXML file. Alignments gen-
erally are not too large, so we read the alignment, profile and cross sections into memory for later use.
There may be several surfaces in an alignment, so you can view each cross section surface sep-
arately. Each may be staked. In this sample file, there are several alignments. Each alignment can be
turned on or off, or just the cross sections for an alignment can be turned off.
Following is a tiny excerpt from the first few lines of this LandXML file. Fortunately, it is rarely neces-
sary to open a file; however, if you open one in Internet Explorer, you will see the format. They are eas-
ily explored, because you can "collapse" sections of the file by picking on the negative signs at the
beginning of the lines in Internet Explorer. In this picture, all of the file has been collapsed except for
the header. It is easy to see that the file was created by Autodesk Land Desktop version 3 with Ser-
vice Pack 1 installed.
- 331 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Parcels/Lots
Parcels are displayed in the graphics when you import a LandXML file. You can select the lines to get
basic information, and you can drill down into the Project Manager to see more details. The points that
define a Parcel are stored in the CgPoints section of the LandXML file. If you want to see the point
numbers on the screen, then you need to load the CgPoints. If you want to stake the points, then you
need to load the CgPoints into the Points DB.
Chains/Figures
These LandXML items may or may not appear, because a chain can cross from one CgPoints set to
another. This means that if you do not have all the CgPoint sets loaded, then the chains cannot
appear.
Function
1. Select LandXML (COGO Points, Chains) Export from the Import/Export menu
2. Browse to the folder where you want to save the file, enter a filename, then press Save File.
- 332 -
Import/Export Menu
FieldGenius will add a .xml extension to the filename if you did not include it.
Template Import
Main Menu | Edit Menu | Template Import
If you have a template file saved you can import it back into your project. When you start the com-
mand you will see the file browse dialog that allows you to find and open the template file. After which
you will see the template import toolbar. If you need to create a template file, refer to the Template
Export topic.
- 333 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Insert Template
Once you are satisfied with the location and rotation of the template, you can save it into the current
project by pressing the Insert button. New points and line work will be added to the project for you
automatically.
Template Export
Main Menu | Edit Menu | Template Export
- 334 -
Import/Export Menu
You can export and save line work (figures) and points to a file that can then be inserted into different
projects. An example of how this feature can be used is when you have a building that is common to
several projects. Instead of computing a new building in each project, you can do it just once, save it
to a file, then insert it into your other projects.
When you start the command you will see the template export toolbar.
There are four options available for selecting the line work and points.
Window All
This option lets you window the objects. All points and line work contained within the selection win-
dow will be accepted.
Window Points
This option lets you window objects, but only coordinate points will be selected all line work is
ignored.
Single All
Use this option to manually select objects in the map view to export. You can select points or lines /
arcs. If you select a line, the points that define the line will be exported as well.
Single Points
Use this option to select point one by one in the map screen.
Save Template
When you're done selecting your objects, you can save them to a file by pressing the Save button.
Choose a location for your template, give the file a descriptive name and save it. Template files have
- 335 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
a ".tpl" extension.
Import Template
You can then import the template into any project by using the Template Import command.
Function
1. Complete your survey project with FieldGenius.
2. Select Fieldbook File Export from the Import/Export menu.
3. Browse to the folder where you want to save the file, enter a filename, then press Save File.
FieldGenius will add a .fbk extension to the filename if you did not include it.
- 336 -
Import/Export Menu
l Store Points
l Job Info
l Units
l Notes / Comments
l Occupy Setups
l Sideshots
l Stakeout shots
l Target Heights
l Resection measurements are not exported, but computed resection point exported as Store
Point.
l The resulting SS or TR shot for multisets will be exported as a sideshot.
l The resulting SS or TR shot for angle or distance offsets will be exported as a sideshot.
l Calculated points will be stored as a Store Point
l Adjusted Points are exported as Store Points
Function
1. Select SDR File Export from the Import/Export menu.
2. Browse to the folder where you want to save the file, enter a filename, then press Save File.
FieldGenius will add a .sdr extension to the filename if you did not include it.
Shapefile Export
Main Menu | Import/Export | Shapefile Export
Use this to export your points and linework in a shape file format. This can then be imported into
products that support shape files. This export will create a DBF, SHP and a SHX file for the linework
and points in your project.
For example, if your project name was FG Sample, the following files will be created for the linework.
- 337 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
FG Sample_POLYLINE.shx
FG Sample_POLYLINE.shp
FG Sample_POLYLINE.dbf
For the points in your project, FieldGenius already stores points in a DBF file (FG Sample.dbf) so only
two other files will be created.
FG Sample.shx
FG Sample.shp
Function
1. Select Shapefile Export from the Import/Export menu.
2. You will see a message indicating "Shapefile export complete."
Export
When you export the user defined coordinate systems you will be able to specify a directory to save
the file to and a name for the file.
Exported files will automatically be saved with a CSMAP extension such as myco-
ordinatesystem.csmap.
All user defined coordinate systems in FieldGenius will be exported to the file.
Import
You can import coordinate systems from a previously saved file.
- 338 -
Import/Export Menu
When you import a file you will be asked to browse to and select the file you want to import. Once
selected, FieldGenius will check to make sure a user defined system doesn't already exist and if one
does, you will be asked if you want to skip importing it, or overwrite the existing coordinate system.
Backups
FieldGenius automatically creates a backup when you add or edit user defined coordinate systems. If
you forgot to save your user defined coordinate systems, you may be able to restore them using a
backup. Please see the Coordinate System topic for more details.
- 339 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
ABOUT FIELDGENIUS
About FieldGenius
Main Menu | About
Use this to display information about the FieldGenius version you have installed or view what mod-
ules you have registered.
You will also see your Device ID and a series of fields where you can input the Key Code you
received from MicroSurvey.
You will see an area that will show you the status of your license, including any modules that you cur-
rently have licensed. If you want to use FieldGenius in demo mode, press the Run Demo Mode but-
ton.
Please refer to the Registration & Demo Mode topic for further information.
- 340 -
Target Manager
MapView | Target Manager |
The Target Manager is a place where you can manage your EDM(electronic distance measurement)
targets. You can create, edit, copy, and delete targets.
The Target Manager is divided into 2 sections: Backsight and Foresight.
Note: Leica users should refer to the Leica version of the Target Manager topic .
GeoMax users should refer to ths GeoMax version of the Target Manager topic.
Target
Use this field to select a backsight target from the Target List.
Target Height
Enter the height of your target here.
Press the Set Default Height button to assign the default height to this Target Height field.
The default height is defined in the Default Settings screen.
- 341 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
EDMMode
Use this field to select the EDMmode you would like to use. You will only be able to select an EDM
mode that corresponds to your target type.
Prism Constant
This field will display whatever prism constant that you entered for the selected target.
OK
This records the settings you have just made, closes the Target Manager, and returns you to the
MapView.
Target List
Press this button to access the Target List. The Target List consists of user-defined and default instru-
ment targets. Here you can create, copy, edit, and delete targets.
Default Settings
Press this button to access the Default Settings screen. This is where you define the default target
heights.
Cancel
Press this button to discard any changed made to the Backsight dialog and returns you to the
MapView.
- 342 -
Target
Use this field to select a foresight target.
Target Height
Enter the height of your foresight target here.
Press the Set Default Height button to assign the default target height to this Target Height
field. The default height is defined in the Default Settings screen.
EDMMode
Use this field to select the EDMmode you would like to use. Typically you will want to select an EDM
mode that corresponds to your target type.
Use Temp. Height
Press this button to activate the Temporary Height function (button is active in the above image). To
enable the temporary height be used, you must press the Use Temp. Height button. Once activated,
the following measurement will use this temporary height but it will be a one-time measurement, and
then the system will immediately revert back to the height defined in the Target Height field. This is
handy if you need to take a quick shot using a different height such as when meauring an invert.
Press the Set Default Height button to assign the default Temporary height to this Target
Height field. The default height is defined in the Default Settings screen.
Prism Constant
This field will display whatever prism offset that you entered for the selected target.
OK
This records the settings you have just made, closes the Target Manager, and returns you to the
MapView.
Target List
Press this button to access the Target List. Here you can create, copy, edit, and delete targets.
Default Settings
Press this button to access the Default Settings screen. This is where you define the default target
heights.
Cancel
Press this button to discard any changed made to the Backsight dialog and returns you to the
MapView.
- 343 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Target List
MapView | Target Manager |
The Target List is where you can create, edit, copy, and delete targets. The Target List comes with 2
default targets (Default Prism and Default Reflectorless) but you can create as many more as you
like. All targets are saved in the Settings.xml file and is located in the Programs folder.
You are not permitted to delete or edit a default target but you certainly can copy one and edit the
copy.
New
Tap on this button to access the New Target dialog. Here you can create a new target.
Edit
Tap on a target to select it. Then press the Edit button to access the Edit Target dialog. Default tar-
gets can not be edited.
- 344 -
Delete
Tap on a target to select it. Then press the Delete button to delete the selected target. You will
receive a warning message that you must acknowledge before deletion is complete. Default targets
can not be deleted.
Copy
Tap on a target to select it. Then press the Copy button. This will open the Edit Target dialog and you
can then edit the copied parameters.
Close
Pressing this button returns you to the Target Manager screen.
New Target
MapView | Target Manager | Target List | New
Use this option to create a new target. Provide the new target with a unique name, a prism constant,
and select an icon to reprsent your new target.
Target Name
Use this field to either edit or enter a new name for the target you are editing.
- 345 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Target Type
There are two target types available to select. Prism is to be used when you are selecting a target
that has a known offset. This can be a round prism, 360, mini, etc. RLstands for reflectorless and
you should select this target type if you are using an instrument that is reflectorless capable and you
do not wish to use a designated reflector.
Prism Icon
Use this field to select an icon for your new target.
Prism Constant
This defines the relation of the distance measurement to the mechanical reference point of the
reflector. Your prism will have a published prism constant (also called and offset).
Save
Press this button to store your new changes to the Settings.xml file, and return you to the Target List
screen.
Cancel
Press this buton to cancel creating a new target. You will be returned to the Target List screen.
Edit Target
MapView | Target Manager | Target List
Use this option to edit an existing target. You will also see this display after you copy an existing tar-
get.
Click here for help on editing a Leica Geosystems target.
- 346 -
Target Name
Use this field to either edit or enter a new name for the target you are editing.
Target Type
There are two target types available to select. Prism is to be used when you are selecting a target
that has a known offset. This can be a round prism, 360, mini, etc. RLstands for reflectorless and
you should select this target type if you are using an instrument that is reflectorless capable and you
do not wish to use a designated reflector.
Prism Icon
Use this field to select an icon for your new target.
Prism Constant (mm)
This defines the relation of the distance measurement to the mechanical reference point of the
reflector. Your prism will have a published offset.
Save
Press this button to store your new changes to the Settings.xml file, and return you to the Target List
screen.
Cancel
Press this buton to cancel creating a new target. You will be returned to the Target List screen.
- 347 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Default Settings
The Default Settings screen is where you can define the default target heights for prism targets, RL
(reflectorless) targets, and a temporary height. The temporary height value is used for taking a one-
time measurement using the height value entered in this field. After the measurement is completed,
the system will revert back to using the current target height.
Prism Height
Enter your most common prism height into this field. When you press the Use Default Height button
in the Target Manager screen, this value will populate the Target Height field. This is convenient
when you have a standard prism height and want to assign it quickly.
Important Note: You must be in a prism measure mode to be able to use the Default Height button
in the Target Manager screen and have it use a default prism height.
RLHeight
Enter your most common ReflectorLess (RL) height into this field. When you press the Use Default
Height button in the Target Manager screen, this value will populate the Target Height field with this
default height.
Important Note: You must be using a reflectorless measure mode to populate this field using the
Default Height button in the Target Manager screen, and have it use the default reflectorless height.
Temporary Height
The temporary height fucntion works as a one-time measurement using the height entered into this
field. After the measurement has completed, the target height will revert back to the height that had
- 348 -
been defined in the Target Height field. This is very handy when you want to take a quick one-time
measurement such as for when measuring an invert.
Set instrument prism constant to zero
If this has a check mark in the box, a prism constant of zero will be uploaded to your instrument. The
offsets specified in the foresight and backsight targets will be applied to the measurements when
received by FieldGenius. Remove the check mark if you don't want FieldGenius to modify your instru-
ment's prism offset. Not all instruments support this feature.
When you connect your instrument to FieldGenius, special notes are recorded in the raw file regarding
prism offsets.
If you have the Set Instrument toggle turned on and your instrument supports this feature,
FieldGenius will set your instrument's prism offset to zero so no correction will be applied to the meas-
urement. Then once FieldGenius receives this uncorrected measurement, it will use the values you
specified in the prism offset fields and adjust the distance accordingly. For example, if you specified
an offset of 30mm, FieldGenius will upload an offset of zero to your instrument and apply the 30 mm
offset to the measurement after it is received. In your raw file you will see the following note:
--FieldGenius Prism: 30mm Instrument Prism: 0mm
Most prism offset are specified in millimeters. FieldGenius will make the necessary conversions so
the proper adjustment is applied.
If FieldGenius can't set the prism offset on your instrument, it usually can't read it either. Since a
prism offset wasn't uploaded, we don't know what prism offset is set on the instrument. So we indic-
ate this by writing to the raw file that the instrument prism offset is "unknown".
--FieldGenius Prism: 30mm Instrument Prism: Unknown
When this happens you will usually want to confirm what offset are currently configured on your instru-
ment in regards to prism offsets.
Special Notes:
- When using instruments that don't support uploading of prism constants, be sure not
to double up your prism offsets by applying it in the instrument and FieldGenius at the
same time.
- Since prism offsets are so important, on the measurement progress meter you will
see what offset is being applied to your measurement.
OK
Pressing this button will save your changes in this dialog, and return you to the Target Manager.
Cancel
Pressing this button will ignore your changes in this dialog and return you to the Target Manager.
- 349 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
You are not permitted to delete or edit a default target but you certainly can copy one and edit the
copy.
New
Tap on this button to access the New Target dialog. Here you can create a new target.
Edit
Tap on a target to select it. Then press the Edit button to access the Edit Target dialog. Default tar-
gets can not be edited.
Delete
Tap on a target to select it. Then press the Delete button to delete the selected target. You will
receive a warning message that you must acknowledge before deletion is complete. Default targets
can not be deleted.
Copy
Tap on a target to select it. Then press the Copy button. This will open the Edit Target dialog and you
can then edit the copied parameters.
- 350 -
Close
Pressing this button returns you to the Target Manager screen.
Target Name
Use this field to either edit or enter a new name for the target you are creating.
Target Type
There are two target types available to select. Prism is to be used when you are selecting a target
that has a known offset. This can be a round prism, 360, mini, etc. RLstands for reflectorless and
you should select this target type if you are using an instrument that is reflectorless capable and you
do not wish to use a designated reflector.
Prism Icon
The manatory icon for any new Leica target must have the User Defined prism icon. This is a Leica
instrument requirement and therefore can not be changed.
- 351 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 352 -
Edit Leica Targets
MapView | Target Manager | Target List
Use this option to edit an existing user-defined target or edit a copy of a Leica instrument target. You
will also see this display after you copy an existing target. Leica uses a different prism offset method
than other manufacturers and you should familiarized yourself with how they are computed. See the
Leica Constant section below for more information.
Target Name
Use this field to either edit or enter a new and unique name for the target you are editing.
Target Type
There are two target types available. Prism is to be used when you are selecting a target that has a
known offset or prism constant. This can be a round prism, 360, mini, etc. RLstands for reflectorless
and you should select this target type if you are using an instrument that is reflectorless capable, and
you do not wish to or can not use a designated reflector.
Prism Icon
When creating Leica instrument targets, the prism icon must be User Entered, and that's why you
are not permitted to edit the target's icon. This is a Leica instrument requirement and therefore can not
be changed.
Leica Constant (mm)
Leica Geosystems uses a different way of calculating prism constants than other manufacturers.
- 353 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Leica defines their additive constant for their standard round reflector (GPR1) as 0.0mm. All entered
or selected additive constant values are differences to the 0.0mm based in the Leica Geosystems
TPS prism system. Prism constants are always defined in millimetres.
The additive constant for non-Leica prisms are often given in the true zero prism system. Use
the following formula to convert the published prism constant into a Leica constant to be entered in
the Leica Constant field.
True zero constant 34.4mm = Leica constant
Most prism manufacturers define their prism constantas in the true zero prism system.
So for a Leica round prism, the true zero constant is 34.4mm.
34.4 34.4 = 0.0
The Leica total station is expecting a Leica constant.
So for example: Say you are using a non-Leica prism with a published prism constant of -30mm that
has been defined in the true zero system, then you would enter that value into the Leica formula as
-30mm (true zero constant) -34.4mm = -64.4mm (Leica constant)
You would enter -64.4mm as the Leica constant.
You will see that the Absolute constant is automatically computed for you and should be -98.8mm.
It is strongly recommended that you test your use of prism constants on a known baseline to be sure
that your non-Leica prism is in the true zero prism system.
Absolute Constant (mm)
This defines the relation of the distance measurement to the mechanical reference point of the
reflector. Use the formula in the Leica Constant section above to calculate the Leica constant. Enter
that value in the Leica Constant field and see the Absolute constant be automatically computed for
you.
Save
Press this button to store your target edits. Targets are stored to the Settings.xml file, and you are
returned to the Target List screen.
Cancel
Press this buton to cancel creating a new target. You will be returned to the Target List screen.
Default Settings
The Default Settings screen is where you can define the default target heights for prism targets, RL
(reflectorless) targets, and a temporary height. The temporary height value is used for taking a one-
time measurement using the height value entered in this field. After the measurement is completed,
the system will revert back to using the current target height.
- 354 -
Prism Height
Enter your most common prism height into this field. When you press the Use Default Height button
in the Target Manager screen, this value will populate the Target Height field. This is convenient for
when you have a standard prism height and want to assign it quickly.
Important Note: You must be in a prism measure mode to be able to use the Default Height button
in the Target Manager screen and have it use a default prism height.
RLHeight
Enter your most common ReflectorLess (RL) height into this field. When you press the Use Default
Height button in the Target Manager screen, this value will populate the Target Height field with this
default height.
Important Note: You must be using a reflectorless measure mode to populate this field using the
Default Height button in the Target Manager screen, and have it use the default reflectorless height.
Temporary Height
The temporary height fucntion works as a one-time measurement using the height entered into this
field. After the measurement has completed, the target height will revert back to the height that had
been defined in the Target Height field. This is very handy when you want to take a quick one-time
measurement such as for when measuring an invert.
OK
Pressing this button will save your changes in this dialog, and return you to the Target Manager.
Cancel
Pressing this button will ignore your changes in this dialog and return you to the Target Manager.
- 355 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Note: If you are wondering where the Set Instrument Prism Constant to Zero check box is, this is
now done automatically when using Leica or GeoMax instruments.
Target Name
Use this field to enter a unique name for the target you are creating.
Target Type
There are two target types available to select. Prism is to be used when you are selecting a target
that has a known offset. This can be a round prism, 360, mini, etc. RLstands for reflectorless and
you should select this target type if you are using an instrument that is reflectorless capable and you
do not wish to use a designated reflector.
Prism Icon
When creating GeoMax instrument targets, the prism icon must be User Entered and that's why you
are not permitted to edit the target's icon. This is a GeoMax instrument requirement and therefore can
- 356 -
not be changed.
GeoMax Constant (mm)
GeoMax defines their additive constant for their standard round reflector (ZPR100) as 0.0mm. All
entered or selected additive constant values are differences to the 0.0mm based in the GeoMax TPS
prism system. Prism constants are always defined in millimetres.
The additive constant for non-GeoMax prisms are often given in the true zero prism system. Use
the following formula to convert the published prism constant into a GeoMax constant to be entered
into the GeoMax instrument.
True zero constant 34.4mm = GeoMax constant.
Most prism manufacturers define their prism constant in the true zero prism system.
So for a GeoMax round prism, the true zero constant is 34.4mm.
34.4 34.4 = 0.0
The GeoMax total station is expecting a GeoMax constant. (Please note: on the GeoMax Zoom80
total station, in the Manage /Reflectors dialog, the column says Add. constant but in this case they
are treating the additive constant as a GeoMax constant, and actually want the GeoMax constant.
So for example: Say you are using a non-GeoMax prism with a published prism constant of -30mm
that has been defined in the true zero system, then you would enter that value into the GeoMax for-
mula as
-30mm (true zero constant) -34.4mm = -64.4mm (GeoMax constant)
You would enter -64.4mm as the GeoMax constant.
It is strongly recommended that you test your use of prism constants on a known baseline to be sure
your non-GeoMax prism is in the true zero prism system.
Save
Press this button to store your target edits. Targets are stored to the Settings.xml file, and you are
returned to the Target List screen.
Cancel
Press this buton to cancel creating a new target. You will be returned to the Target List screen.
- 357 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
method than other manufacturers and you should familiarized yourself with how they are computed.
See the GeoMax Constant section below for more information.
Target Name
Use this field to either edit or enter a new and unique name for the target you are editing.
Target Type
There are two target types available to select. Prism is to be used when you are selecting a target
that has a known offset. This can be a round prism, 360, mini, etc. RLstands for reflectorless and
you should select this target type if you are using an instrument that is reflectorless capable and you
do not wish to use a designated reflector.
Prism Icon
When creating GeoMax instrument targets, the prism icon must be User Entered, and that's why you
are not permitted to edit the target's icon. This is a GeoMax instrument requirement and therefore can
not be changed.
GeoMax Constant (mm)
GeoMax defines their additive constant for their standard round reflector (ZPR100) as 0.0mm. All
entered or selected additive constant values are differences to the 0.0mm based in the GeoMax TPS
prism system. Prism constants are always defined in millimetres.
The additive constant for non-GeoMax prisms are often given in the true zero prism system. Use
the following formula to convert the published prism constant into a GeoMax constant to be entered
into GeoMax Constant field.
True zero constant 34.4mm = GeoMax constant.
- 358 -
Most prism manufacturers define their prism constant in the true zero prism system.
So for a GeoMax round prism, the true zero constant is 34.4mm.
34.4 34.4 = 0.0
The GeoMax total station is expecting a GeoMax constant. (Please note: on the GeoMax Zoom80
total station, in the Manage /Reflectors dialog, the column says Add. constant but in this case they
are treating the additive constant as a GeoMax constant, and actually want the GeoMax constant.
So for example: Say you are using a non-GeoMax prism with a published prism constant of -30mm
that has been defined in the true zero system, then you would enter that value into the GeoMax for-
mula as
-30mm (true zero constant) -34.4mm = -64.4mm (GeoMax constant)
You would enter -64.4mm as the GeoMax constant.
It is strongly recommended that you test your use of prism constants on a known baseline to be sure
your non-GeoMax prism is in the true zero prism system.
Save
Press this button to store your target edits. Targets are stored to the Settings.xml file, and you are
returned to the Target List screen.
Cancel
Press this buton to cancel creating a new target. You will be returned to the Target List screen.
- 359 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
You are not permitted to delete or edit a default target, but you certainly can copy a target and edit the
copy.
New
Tap on this button to access the New Target dialog. Here you can create a new target.
Edit
Tap on a target to select it. Then press the Edit button to access the Edit Target dialog. Default tar-
gets can not be edited.
Delete
Tap on a target to select it. Then press the Delete button to delete the selected target. You will
receive a warning message that you must acknowledge before deletion is complete. Default targets
can not be deleted.
Copy
Tap on a target to select it. Then press the Copy button. This will open the Edit Target dialog and you
can then edit the copied parameters.
Close
Pressing this button closes the dialog and returns you to the Target Manager screen.
- 360 -
determining prism offsets as they have a value called a GeoMax Constant. See the help on the New
or Edit Target screens for information on how to calculate a GeoMax Constant.
The Target Manager is divided into 2 sections: Backsight and Foresight.
Target
Use this field to select a backsight target from the Target List.
Target Height
Enter the height of your target here.
Press the Set Default Height button to assign the default height to this Target Height field.
The default height is defined in the Default Settings screen.
EDMMode
Use this field to select the EDMmode you would like to use. You will only be able to select an EDM
mode that corresponds to your target type.
GeoMax Constant
Each target type will have a GeoMax constant (also known as prism constant in the GeoMax prism
system). This field will display the GeoMax constant associated with your target. See the New Target
- 361 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Help for an explanation of how to compute a GeoMax prism constant. This will be especially import-
ant if you are using a non-GeoMax target.
OK
This records the settings you have just made, closes the Target Manager, and returns you to the
MapView.
Target List
Press this button to access the Target List. The Target List consists of user-defined and default
GeoMax instrument targets. Here you can create, copy, edit, and delete targets.
Default Settings
Press this button to access the Default Settings screen. This is where you define the default target
heights.
Cancel
Press this button to discard any changed made to the Backsight dialog and returns you to the
MapView.
- 362 -
Target
Use this field to select a foresight target from the Target List.
Target Height
Enter the height of your foresight target here.
Press the Set Default Height button to assign the default height to the Target Height field.
The default height is defined in the Default Settings screen. You can also define a default reflect-
orless height in the Default Settings screen.
Use Temp. Height
Press this button to activate the Temporary Height function (button is active in the above image). To
enable the temporary height be used, you must press the Use Temp. Height button. Once activated,
the following measurement will use this temporary height but it will be a one-time measurement, and
then the system will immediately revert back to the height defined in the Target Height field. This is
handy if you need to take a quick shot using a different height such as when meauring an invert.
Press the Set Default Height button to assign the default height to the Target Height field.
The default height is defined in the Default Settings screen.
EDMMode
Use this field to select the EDMmode you would like to use. You will only be able to select an EDM
mode that corresponds to your target type.
GeoMax Constant
Each target type will have a GeoMax constant (also known as prism constant in the GeoMax prism
system). This field will display the GeoMax constant associated with your target. See the New or
Edit Target Help for an explanation of how to compute a GeoMax prism constant. This will be espe-
cially important if you are using a non-GeoMax target.
OK
This records the settings you have just made, closes the Target Manager, and returns you to the
MapView.
Target List
Press this button to access the Target List. The Target List consists of default GeoMax instrument tar-
gets and User Defined targets. Here you can create, copy, edit, and delete targets.
- 363 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Cancel
Press this button to discard any changed made to the Backsight dialog and returns you to the
MapView.
Target
Use this field to select a backsight target from the Target List.
Target Height
Enter the height of your target here.
- 364 -
Press the Set Default Height button to assign the default Target height to this Target Height
field. The default height is defined in theDefault Settings screen.
EDMMode
Use this field to select the EDMmode you would like to use. Typically you will want to select an EDM
mode that corresponds to your target type.
Leica Constant
This field will display the Leica constant associated with your target. See the New or Edit Target Help
for an explanation of how to compute a Leica constant. This will be especially important if you are
using a non-Leica target.
OK
This records the settings you have just made, closes the Target Manager, and returns you to the
MapView.
Target List
Press this button to access the Target List. Here you can create, copy, edit, and delete targets.
Cancel
Press this button to discard any changed made to the Backsight dialog and returns you to the
MapView.
- 365 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Target
Use this field to select a foresight target.
Target Height
Enter the height of your foresight target here.
Press the Set Default Height button to assign the default height to this Target Height field.
The default height is defined in the Default Settings screen.
Use Temp. Height
Press this button to activate the Temporary Height function (button is active in the above image). To
enable the temporary height be used, you must press the Use Temp. Height button. Once activated,
the following measurement will use this temporary height but it will be a one-time measurement, and
then the system will immediately revert back to the height defined in the Target Height field. This is
handy if you need to take a quick shot using a different height such as when meauring an invert.
Press the Set Default Height button to assign the default height to the Target Height field.
The default height is defined in the Default Settings screen.
EDMMode
Use this field to select the EDMmode you would like to use. Typically you will want to select an EDM
mode that corresponds to your target type.
- 366 -
Leica Constant
This field will display the Leica constant associated with your target. See the New or Edit Target Help
for an explanation of how to compute a Leica constant. This will be especially important if you are
using a non-Leica target.
OK
This records the settings you have just made, closes the Target Manager, and returns you to the
MapView.
Target List
Press this button to access the Target List. Here you can create, copy, edit, and delete targets.
Cancel
Press this button to discard any changed made to the Backsight dialog and returns you to the
MapView.
- 367 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 368 -
Total Station Reference
Connect to Instrument
If you're not connected to the instrument you will see a status of "Not Connected" displayed above
the Connect to Instrument button. When you're ready to connect make sure you have done the fol-
lowing:
Once you have done all four steps, you can press the Connect to Instrument button. If you see a
status of "Connected" displayed above the Connect to Instrument button then you have successfully
connected.
Getting Started
To start taking measurement you need to exit out the Total Station Configuration screen by pressing
close button. Depending on the instrument you connected to you will have different options available.
Please review the Instrument Toolbar topic for more information.
Tip: You can use the enter key on your device to take a measurement. For example, if your meas-
urement mode is set to Sideshot and you press the enter key, your instrument will take a
measurement.
- 369 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
to create a new Instrument Profile. Name the profile for your instrument, and then press the Edit but-
ton to access the Total Station Configuration screen to configure your profile. From there choose the
Model and Communication button to configure FieldGenius.
You can also access this screen by going to the Main Menu | Settings | Instrument Selection and
choose total station.
Select Make and Model
FieldGenius uses a smart driver that will poll the instrument to see what commands it supports.
Because of this you will see that in the Model section we don't list every instrument built by the man-
ufacturer. If you're unsure of what model and make to choose visit our website and use the online help-
desk support center to do a search for your instrument.
Communication Settings
Confirm the settings so they match the settings from your instrument. If you don't know what the set-
tings on the instrument are, you can always try the Default Comm Settings button.
Other Settings
On the Total Station Configuration screen, you can review the other options to set some additional
parameters for your instrument.
Connect to Instrument
If you're not connected to the instrument you will see a status of "Not Connected" displayed above
the Connect to Instrument button. When you're ready to connect make sure you have done the fol-
lowing:
Once you have done all four steps, you can press the Connect to Instrument button. If you see a
status of "Connected" displayed above the Connect to Instrument button then you have successfully
connected.
Getting Started
To start taking measurement you need to exit out the Total Station Configuration screen by pressing
the Connect button. Depending on the instrument you connected to you will have different options
available. Please review the Robotic Instrument Toolbar topic for more information.
- 370 -
Total Station Reference
Instrument Selection
Main Menu | Settings | Instrument Selection
The Instrument Selection screen allows you to choose the type of equipment you will be connecting
to FieldGenius. An Instrument Profile can be created for each different instrument you will be working
with, to make changing between different hardware a breeze. Once you have setup a profile for each
different instrument you will be using, switching between them is a simple matter of selecting the
appropriate profile and pressing Connect.
Note, this screen is not available if FieldGenius is running onboard your instrument.
For all future projects you create with FieldGenius, when you create a new or open an existing project
you will see the Instrument Selection screen with the profiles you have already created. It will default
to the last Profile you used, so if you are using the same instrument just press Connect. If you are
using different equipment, just select the appropriate Instrument Type and Profile (or add a new profile
if one does not yet exist for it), then press Connect.
Your profiles are stored in the file ...\MicroSurvey FieldGenius\Programs\MSURVEY.INI so once you
have configured one data collector, you can simply copy this file onto your other data collectors to
make the profiles available on them. This file should also be backed up for easy recovery.
Total Station
When you select Total Station mode, you will be able to Add, Delete, or Edit a profile to setup para-
meters for connecting to your conventional and robotic total stations, as well as laser devices. See
the Total Station Configuration topic for more details about configuration for your total station.
- 371 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
For more information on connecting to your instrument please refer to the Conventional Total Station
and Robotic Total Station topics.
GPS Demo
When you set it to GPS Demo you will be able to Edit and Connect to a profile for a simulated rover
receiver. When you edit the RTK Demo profile, you will see the Configure Rover screen. Feel free to
play with the Tolerance Mode settings, but please do not change the Model and Communications set-
tings. For more information about using FieldGenius for GPS surveying, you should review the Start-
ing GPS topic.
The GPS Demo will simulate connecting FieldGenius to a GPS Rover receiver. The coordinates in
the GPS Demo are located outside our office in Westbank, British Columbia, Canada, so to use the
GPS Demo mode you need to set your Coordinate System Settings to UTM Zones, NAD83, UTM83-
11, Ellipsoidal.
None
Use this option if you're not connecting anything to FieldGenius and also don't need to manually enter
any shot information. With this mode, the instrument toolbar will not be displayed in the map screen.
- 372 -
Total Station Reference
- 373 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Tolerance Settings
This allows you to specify angular distance tolerances that will be used by the traverse routines. See
the Measurement Tolerance topic for more information.
Search Settings
When using a robotic instrument, you can specify search window parameters. See the Search Set-
tings topic for more information.
- 374 -
Total Station Reference
Please note that not all bluetooth-enabled devices will list Bluetooth as a Port option. In
some cases you must configure and use a virtual COM port through Windows CE's
internal Bluetooth Settings, for example COM6.
Bluetooth Search
If you set the port to Bluetooth, a Bluetooth Search button will appear. Press the search button to
find the device you want to communicate wirelessly with. All devices within range will be listed,
choose the one you want to use
- 375 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
The device you selected will be saved into your instrument profile for future use so you do not need to
Search every time.
Bluetooth PIN
After initiating a Bluetooth connection, you will be prompted to enter the PIN (passkey) for the instru-
ment you are connecting to. If your instrument does not need one just leave it blank and continue by
pressing OK.
The PIN you enter will be encrypted and stored in your instrument profile.
RC Port
If you are connecting with a Topcon Robot, you can specify which port on your data collector the RC
unit is connected to.
Radio Settings
Use this to set the communication parameters for your radios or other communication device, such
as the channel or frequency. You can also use it to specify a direct connection to FieldGenius instead
of using radios. Please see the Radio Settings topic for additional information.
Connect
Use this to connect to your instrument after you have specified your communication settings. After
pressing the Connect button FieldGenius will display a reminder screen listing some items you should
check before continuing.
When you press Continue on the screen and you see the following message, "No communication
with instrument. Check settings, cables and power." read the No Communication topic for possible
causes.
- 376 -
Total Station Reference
FieldGenius connects successfully, the Status will change to "Connected", and if your instrument
supports graphical representation of the level bubble, you will see the Check Level screen.
Radio Configuration
Main Menu | Settings | Instrument Selection | Edit Total Station Profile | Model and Com-
munication | Radio Settings
Use this to specify if you want to connect to your robotic instrument using a direct connection or
through the instrument's radios. If you're using a Topcon, you can specify your RC unit as the com-
munication device.
Connection
Direct
This will allow you to connect directly to your instrument through an instrument cable.
Radio
This will allow you to connect to your instrument using external radios. Select your radio channel, if
this option is available.
Note: If you are using radios with your instrument but this option is disabled or not available, then pick
the Direct option instead.
RC
This will allow FieldGenius and your instrument to communicate through the RC unit.
- 377 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Settings
If you're using a Trimble or Geodimeter total station you will be able to specify the radio settings
required to communicate with your instrument.
EDM Settings
Main Menu | Settings | Instrument Selection | Edit Total Station Profile | EDM Settings
From here you can specify EDM settings such as prism offsets and measurement modes.
EDM Settings
Mode
This list will display all the measurement modes supported by your instrument. These will be the
same as the ones you're used to using and you can refer to your owner manual for more information
on their specifications.
Time Out (s)
Use this to specify the length of time FieldGenius will try to receive a measurement from your instru-
ment. You may need to set this to a higher number if you're trying to receive measurement in wooded
areas or long sights.
Use Default Time Out
If this is checked on FieldGenius will use a default time out value. If you would like to change it you
need to uncheck it and update the Time Out field.
- 378 -
Total Station Reference
Prism Offsets
Foresight Prism Offset
Use this if you want FieldGenius to control your prism offsets for your foresight shots. The values
must be entered in millimeters. A positive value will be added to the distance that is measured,
whereas a negative value will be subtracted.
All measurements other than the measurements to your backsight (reference measurement) are con-
sidered to be a foresight shot.
Note: If you specify a prism offset here, you need to make sure the prism offsets are set to zero on
your instrument. Otherwise a double offset could be applied to your measurement which will produce
incorrect answers.
When you first configure FieldGenius with your instrument, you should take the time to confirm that
the distances being measured are correct. You can do this by first measuring a precise distance
between your current occupy point and a point that you can easily reference and take a measurement
to. When you compare the distance measured by FieldGenius to your manually measured distance,
they should agree very closely.
Backsight Prism Offset
Use this if you want FieldGenius to control your backsight prism offsets. The values must be entered
in millimeters. A positive value will be added to the distance that is measured, whereas a negative
value will be subtracted.
Under normal circumstances, you will set the backsight prism offset to be equal to what you defined
for the foresight prism offset. The only time these would be different is in situations where you're
using different prisms that have different prism offsets. This is very common with robotic total sta-
tions where a permanent prism might be setup on the backsight, and a 360 prism is used at the pole.
Typically these two configurations require different offsets be applied at the backsight and foresight
shots. If you're unsure about your prism offsets, refer to your instrument's owners manual, or the
dealer who sold you the instrument.
- 379 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Note: If you specify a prism offset here, you need to make sure the prism offsets are set to zero on
your instrument. Otherwise a double offset could be applied to your measurement which will produce
incorrect answers.
When you first configure FieldGenius with your instrument, you should take the time to confirm that
the distances being measured are correct. You can do this by first measuring a precise distance
between your current occupy point and a point that you can easily reference and take a measurement
to. When you compare the distance measured by FieldGenius to your manually measured distance,
they should agree very closely.
RL (Reflectorless) Prism Offset
Most instruments when shooting reflectorlessly apply a zero offset to the measurement. Depending
on the type of material you're measuring to, some materials require an offset be applied even though
you're using a reflectorless EDM mode. For example, some reflective tapes used for these types of
measurement require a small offset be applied. In this case you can specify this offset and
FieldGenius will automatically apply it during reflectorless measurements.
Note: If you specify a prism offset here, you need to make sure the prism offsets are set to zero on
your instrument. Otherwise a double offset could be applied to your measurement which will produce
incorrect answers.
Set Instrument to zero
If this is turned on, a prism constant of zero will be uploaded to your instrument. The offsets specified
in the foresight, backsight and RL fields will be applied to the measurements when received by
FieldGenius. Turn this off if you don't want FieldGenius to modify your instrument's prism offset. Not
all instruments support this feature.
When you connect your instrument to FieldGenius, special notes are recorded in the raw file regarding
prism offsets.
If you have the Set Instrument toggle turned on and your instrument supports this feature,
FieldGenius will set your instrument's prism offset to zero so no correction will be applied to the meas-
urement. Then once FieldGenius receives this uncorrected measurement, it will use the values you
specified in the prism offset fields and adjust the distance accordingly. For example, if you specified
an offset of 30mm, FieldGenius will upload an offset of zero to your instrument and apply the 30 mm
offset to the measurement after it is received. In your raw file you will see the following note:
--FieldGenius Prism: 30mm Instrument Prism: 0mm
Most prism offset are specified in millimeters. FieldGenius will make the necessary conversions so
the proper adjustment is applied.
If FieldGenius can't set the prism offset on your instrument, it usually can't read it either. Since a
prism offset wasn't uploaded, we don't know what prism offset is set on the instrument. So we indic-
ate this by writing to the raw file that the instrument prism offset is "unknown".
- 380 -
Total Station Reference
Special Notes:
- When using instruments that don't support uploading of prism constants, be sure not
to double up your prism offsets by applying it in the instrument and FieldGenius at the
same time.
- Since prism offsets are so important, on the measurement progress meter you will
see what offset is being applied to your measurement.
Reflectorless Settings
Std Dev:
This applies only to Trimble instruments. See your instrument guide for information on how the stand-
ard deviation affects your reflectorless measurements.
Measurement Tolerance
Main Menu | Settings | Instrument Selection | Edit Total Station Profile | Tolerance Set-
tings
Use this to set tolerances that are used when you're using the multi-set collection function in
FieldGenius.
- 381 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Search Settings
Main Menu | Settings | Instrument Selection | Edit Total Station Profile | Search Settings
When using a robotic or motorized instrument you can specify search settings for your instrument.
Search Modes
Some of FieldGenius's search modes are common to all robotic instruments, but there are a few
model specific ones. The modes available are:
- 382 -
Total Station Reference
Relative Window
This allows you to specify a "window" defined by measuring a point at the top right and bottom left
corners. If you press the search button, the search limits will be relative to the direction the instrument
is currently pointing. In other words if your search window ranges are 30 horizontal and 30 vertical,
it will apply this to your current direction. So the search will be limited to an area 15 left, right, up and
down from your current direction.
Absolute Window
This allows you to specify an absolute search "center" for your search window. This forces
FieldGenius to search in an absolute area defined by the angles set in the search window center
fields. Furthermore, the search window range parameters apply to the search window center. For
example, let's assume you defined 180 as the horizontal search window center, and the horizontal
search window range is 30. Your instrument will be forced to search in an area 15 left and right of the
180 plate reading. So if your prism is situated at a circle reading of 210, it would never find you as
the instrument would never go past a circle reading of 195 (180+15) when searching.
RC-2 Fast Track
If you're using a Topcon instrument, you can set the search mode to RC-2. This will force the instru-
ment to use the RC-2 system for the search.
PS Next (CW)
This setting will appear if your Leica instrument has the power search system. Settings it to this will
force the instrument to search in a clockwise direction.
PS Next (CCW)
This setting will appear if your Leica instrument has the power search system. Settings it to this will
force the instrument to search in a counter-clockwise direction.
PS Absolute Window
This setting will appear if your Leica instrument has the power search system. This will force the
power search system to do a relative search based on the search window range.
RC-PR
If you're using a Sokkia SRX, you can set the search mode to RC-PR. This will force the instrument
to use the RC system for the search.
- 383 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
search range. This range will be applied to the instrument's current direction when the user presses
the search button.
No Communication
When trying to communicate with your instrument you will see sometimes see a "No communication
with instrument. Check settings, cables and power." error message if FieldGenius can't make a con-
nection with your instrument.
Usually this happens when your communication parameters are not the same on the instrument and
in FieldGenius. You need to check these settings again to make sure they're correct.
This can also happen if you have a bad cable. If you're using a robotic instrument you might have
setup your radios incorrectly.
Instrument Toolbar
When you use FieldGenius in either manual or total station mode, you will see the
instrument toolbar beside the map area.
This toolbar allows you to control your instrument settings, EDM modes, meas-
urement modes and target heights.
Auto-Center
This toggles the auto-center feature on or off. If turned on, whenever you take a
- 384 -
Total Station Reference
measurement, the map screen will always re-center on the measured point.
Instrument Settings
This opens the instrument settings screen where you can control specific settings
for your total station such as EDM settings, Tolerance setting and Instrument
Connection/Disconnection.
Measurement Mode
This opens the Measurement Modes screen where you can select what type of
measurement you want to take. The current measurement mode is always dis-
played on this button - for example if you're using the distance offset mode it will dis-
play "Dist Off".
Target Height
This opens the Target Heights screen where you can change the current target
height. The current target height is always displayed on this button.
Measure Button
This triggers your total station to take a measurement.
If you are using a robotic total station, please see the Robotic Instrument Toolbar topic.
If you are using GPS, please see the GPSToolbar topic.
- 385 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Lock Button
FieldGenius uses a button to trigger the instrument to search for
the prism and lock onto it. You can also use this button to turn the
lock off.
The button when not locked on a prism will display a No Lock
status with a un locked icon. To search for the prism, simply
press the No Lock button.
After you have pressed the No Lock button you will see a Search
icon on the button while the instrument searches for your prism.
When FieldGenius finds a prism and locks onto it, the button will
display a Lock icon. To stop the instrument from tracking, you
can press the Lock button again to set it to a No Lock status.
If you're using multiple prisms and you want to force FieldGenius
to look for another one when you're locked onto a prism, double
tapping the Lock button will force it to search for the next avail-
able prism.
Also during a search you can cancel the current search by press-
ing the Stop Search button on the search progress toolbar.
Cursor Tracking
This turns the cursor tracking feature on or off. If turned on, the
current position of the target will be displayed on the screen in
real time. You can only use this feature once you have specified
an instrument setup using the Setup Occupy Point command.
Note: The cursor tracking position will use a coarse meas-
urement to plot your position. When you are stationary, the cursor
is a hollow triangle pointing towards the instrument. When you
are moving, the cursor is a solid triangle pointing in the direction
of travel.
Instrument Settings
This opens the Instrument Settings Toolbar. On this toolbar you
can control specific settings for your total station such as EDM
modes.
Target Manager
Press this button to access the Target Manager. Here you can
create, edit, copy, and delete targets.
- 386 -
Total Station Reference
Measurement Mode
This button will open the Select Measurement Mode screen,
From here you can select what type of measurement you will be
using. When you choose your mode, this button will display the
mode you're using. For example, if you're using the Distance Off-
set mode, the button will display "Dist Off".
Measure Button
Use this to trigger your total station to take a measurement.
If you are using a conventional non-robotic total station, please see the Instrument Toolbar topic.
If you are using GPS, please see the GPSToolbar topic.
Instrument Settings
Main Menu |Settings | Instrument Settings
Instrument Toolbar |Instrument Settings
Use the vertical scroll bar along the side to access additional instrument settings if they cannot all fit
on screen at the same time.
Please note that not every instrument supports each of the following functions, so you may not see all
of the following buttons when connected to your total station.
- 387 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Level Instrument
This will open the Check Level screen, where you can check how level your instrument is.
Instrument Information
When this is pressed, we will display the current battery status of your instrument. Note, not all instru-
ments support this.
EDM Settings
Use this to set the EDM mode for your instrument. Every manufacturer has different measurement
modes available but we will list only those that your instrument supports. Please refer to your instru-
ment manual for more information on the EDM modes your instrument supports. Any time you change
your EDM Mode, FieldGenius writes a comment into the raw file indicating which mode is being
used.
Tolerance settings
This will take you to you measurement tolerance settings.
Set Angle
Use this to open the Set Angle screen where you can view the current angles and turn or flop your
motorized instrument.
Auto-Center On / Off
Use this to automatically center the map when a point is shot. If turned on, whenever you take a
measurement, the current prism location will always appear in the center of your map display.
ATR On / Off
Use this to turn on and off your instruments Auto Target Recognition feature.
Laser Pointer On / Off
This turns on and off the instrument's red laser pointer.
Guide Lights On / Off
This will turn on and off your instrument's guide lights.
Instrument Joystick
This is the Total Station Joystick function. When activated you will be able to move your motorized
instrument to the left, right, up and down by using the joystick touch-screen. There are three speeds
that can be activated: slow, medium, and fast. The smaller inside blue buttons activate the slowest
turn mode, and the larger outside blue buttons activate the fastest turn mode. To stop the instrument
from turning, simply press the red Stop button at the center. The directions assume you are at the
- 388 -
Total Station Reference
pole looking at the instrument. Pressing the right buttons will turn the instrument to your right,
pressing the up buttons will turn the scope up, etc.
Instrument Connect / Disconnect
Use this to connect or disconnect FieldGenius from the instrument. When you are connected to the
instrument you will see the Disconnect Instrument button.
Target Manager
MapView | Target Manager |
The Target Manager is a place where you can manage your EDM(electronic distance measurement)
targets. You can create, edit, copy, and delete targets.
The Target Manager is divided into 2 sections: Backsight and Foresight.
Note: Leica users should refer to the Leica version of the Target Manager topic .
GeoMax users should refer to ths GeoMax version of the Target Manager topic.
Target
Use this field to select a backsight target from the Target List.
Target Height
Enter the height of your target here.
- 389 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Press the Set Default Height button to assign the default height to this Target Height field.
The default height is defined in the Default Settings screen.
EDMMode
Use this field to select the EDMmode you would like to use. You will only be able to select an EDM
mode that corresponds to your target type.
Prism Constant
This field will display whatever prism constant that you entered for the selected target.
OK
This records the settings you have just made, closes the Target Manager, and returns you to the
MapView.
Target List
Press this button to access the Target List. The Target List consists of user-defined and default instru-
ment targets. Here you can create, copy, edit, and delete targets.
Default Settings
Press this button to access the Default Settings screen. This is where you define the default target
heights.
Cancel
Press this button to discard any changed made to the Backsight dialog and returns you to the
MapView.
- 390 -
Total Station Reference
Target
Use this field to select a foresight target.
Target Height
Enter the height of your foresight target here.
Press the Set Default Height button to assign the default target height to this Target Height
field. The default height is defined in the Default Settings screen.
EDMMode
Use this field to select the EDMmode you would like to use. Typically you will want to select an EDM
mode that corresponds to your target type.
Use Temp. Height
Press this button to activate the Temporary Height function (button is active in the above image). To
enable the temporary height be used, you must press the Use Temp. Height button. Once activated,
the following measurement will use this temporary height but it will be a one-time measurement, and
then the system will immediately revert back to the height defined in the Target Height field. This is
handy if you need to take a quick shot using a different height such as when meauring an invert.
Press the Set Default Height button to assign the default Temporary height to this Target
Height field. The default height is defined in the Default Settings screen.
- 391 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Prism Constant
This field will display whatever prism offset that you entered for the selected target.
OK
This records the settings you have just made, closes the Target Manager, and returns you to the
MapView.
Target List
Press this button to access the Target List. Here you can create, copy, edit, and delete targets.
Default Settings
Press this button to access the Default Settings screen. This is where you define the default target
heights.
Cancel
Press this button to discard any changed made to the Backsight dialog and returns you to the
MapView.
- 392 -
Survey Methods Menu
Use the vertical scroll bar along the side to access additional measurement modes if they cannot all
fit on screen at the same time.
Note: Several of these modes will not be available until you have setup an occupy point and meas-
ured a backsight via the Occupy Point, Multi-Set, or Resection commands. Most of these modes will
also not be available if you are using GPS.
- 393 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 394 -
Survey Methods Menu
Distance Offset
This will start the distance offset routine. Please see the Distance Offset topic for more information.
Manual Distance
This will record a HA and VA for a shot, but the user can manually enter the distance. Please see the
Manual Distance topic for more information.
Manual Entry
This will allow you to manually enter in a shot including HA, VA and SD. Please see the Manual Entry
topic for more information
Two Line Intersection
This allows you to measure two baselines and FieldGenius will compute the intersection point.
Please see the Two Line Intersection topic for more information.
Line - Angle Offset
This allows you to measure two points to define a baseline, measure an angle, and FieldGenius will
compute the intersection point. Please see the Line - Angle Offset topic for more information.
Line - Distance Offset
This allows you to measure two points to define a baseline, then manually enter measured distances.
These distances will be used to compute a new point based on the baseline. Please see the Line -
Distance Offset topic for more information.
Line - Perpendicular Point
This allows you to measure two points to define a baseline, then you can select an existing point
which will be used to compute a perpendicular intersection. Please see the Line - Perpendicular Point
topic for more information.
Trilateration
This will allow you to compute new points by observing their distances from two known existing
points. Please see the Trilateration topic for more information.
Observe Benchmark
Use this to check your current setup elevation, or compute a new one based on a known elevation.
Please see the Measure Benchmark topic for more information.
Add Invert
Use this to open the invert toolbar. You will then be able to record invert measurements. Please see
the Add Invert topic for more information.
- 395 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Set Angle
Instrument Settings toolbar | Set Angle
You can access this screen by pressing the Set Angle button on the instrument settings toolbar.
- 396 -
Survey Methods Menu
and VA fields.
Turn +90
Pressing this will force your instrument to turn 90 degrees to the right.
Turn -90
Pressing this will force your instrument to turn 90 degrees to the left.
Flip Scope
This will plunge the scope and reverse the direction for you.
Read Angles
This will display the current horizontal and vertical angles as displayed on your instrument. This but-
ton acts as a toggle and if left on, will display the angle in real time.
Check Level
Instrument Settings | Level Instrument
If your instrument supports it, you can check to see how level your instrument is.
Plummet Intensity
If your instrument has a laser plummet or laser pointer, FieldGeniuscan toggle those functions on or
off. On some models of total station this feature is turned on automatically.
- 397 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Division
You can now adjust the sensitivity of your display to show 20, 30, and 60 second intervals.
Tolerance
You can now set a tolerance for the level bubble sensor. If you exceed that tolerance then you will
receive a warning message that indicates your instrument is out of level.
Check Level Every Shot
Use this option to force our software to check instrument level before every measurement. The
default is off.
If you're using a Trimble or Geodimeter instrument you can turn on the Calibrate Instrument option
and when you press Close it will force the instrument to do a calibration.
- 398 -
Select GPS Profile
This is where you can create a new profile for each rover/base receiver you will be using.
There are two ways to get to this screen.
1. You can open the profile screen for your rover or base by going to Main Menu | Settings | Instru-
ment Selection. This will display the Instrument Selection screen which contains the GPS
Rover and GPS Reference profiles.
2. If you already have your instrument type set to GPS and you're currently in the map view, you
can press the Settings button on the GPS toolbar. This will display the Instrument Selection
screen which contains the GPS Rover and GPS Reference profiles.
Editing Profiles
On the Add Profile screen you can enter any name you wish for the profile. Profiles can be copied
from one data collector to another, so you can have a "Master" profile file that is sent to all crews so
they can quickly set up systems.
When you're ready to edit the settings for the profile you have selected, press the Edit button. This
will display the GPS configuration screen for the selected rover or reference profile.
Refer to the GPS Configuration (Reference) or GPS Configuration (Rover) topics for more information
on the settings available for your profiles.
Your profiles are stored in the file ...\MicroSurvey FieldGenius\Programs\MSURVEY.INI so once you
have configured one data collector, you can simply copy this file onto your other data collectors to
make the profiles available on them. This file should also be backed up for easy recovery.
- 399 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
GPS Demo
The GPS Demo Mode contains a profile called "RTK Demo" which can be used to explore the GPS
Capabilities of FieldGenius without being connected to a receiver.
- 400 -
Model and Communication
This is used to select the Make and Model of receiver, the port that the data collector is connected to
and the mode that the current receiver will play in the RTK process. Please see the GPS Model and
Communication topic for more information.
Tolerance
This is used to enter information about the location of the reference (base) station. Please see the
GPS Tolerance (Reference) topic for more information.
Antenna Height
The antenna settings are used to calculate or enter the height of the antenna phase center above the
ground. Please see the GPS Antenna Configuration topic for more information.
- 401 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 402 -
Cable Connection
Model
Specify the make and model of receiver you are connecting to.
Sensor Port
If your receiver has more than one data port, specify the port on the receiver that the data collector will
be connected to.
Port
Specify the port on your data collector (usually COM1) that you will connect a cable between your
receiver and this port.
Baud Rate, Data Bits, Parity, Stop Bits
Specify the communication paramaters for the serial connection. If youre unsure of what baud rate
your receiver is set to you might want to set the baud rate to Auto Detect. This will force FieldGenius
to check for communication using all the baud rate settings and if successful, it will set this baud rate
in the profile.
Bluetooth Connection
Port
On many data collectors you can select Bluetooth as your communication port. If you select the
Bluetooth port, the traditional serial communication options (Baud Rate, Data Bits, Stop Bits, Parity)
will be replaced with a Bluetooth Search function.
- 403 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Please note that not all bluetooth-enabled devices will list Bluetooth as a Port option. In
some cases you must configure and use a virtual COM port through Windows CE's
internal Bluetooth Settings, for example COM6.
Bluetooth Search
If you set the port to Bluetooth, a Bluetooth Search button will appear. Press the search button to
find the device you want to communicate wirelessly with. All devices within range will be listed,
choose the one you want to use
The device you selected will be saved into your instrument profile for future use so you do not need to
Search every time.
Bluetooth PIN
After initiating a Bluetooth connection, you will be prompted to enter the PIN (passkey) for the instru-
ment you are connecting to. If your instrument does not need one just leave it blank and continue by
pressing OK.
The PIN you enter will be encrypted and stored in your instrument profile.
- 404 -
GPS Tolerance (Reference)
SVs Mask
The SVs Mask setting is used to establish the minimum number of satellites that are necessary to pro-
duce a solution with a valid position. The SVs must also pass the elevation mask test to be included
in this number for the calculation of the rover position.
PDOP Mask
The PDOP mask is used to control the acceptable geometry of the satellites used to compute the
RTK position. If the PDOP value exceeds this number, the user will not be eligible to collect an RTK
position.
Elevation Mask
The Elevation Mask is used to determine which satellites to use in computing the differential cor-
rections to broadcast to the rover(s). Satellites below this value will not be used in the solution. Elev-
ation mask angles are typically equal or less than the elevation mask set for the rover system.
Reference ID
The Reference ID will be used by the rover to determine which differential corrections it is receiving (if
you have more that one reference station in use). This is useful information to know if one of the base
stations goes down or experiences problems during an RTK session.
- 405 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
You can define three different tolerance modes that can be selected from the GPS Tasks menu while
surveying. Tolerance modes are used to ensure that certain criteria are being met every time you take
a measurement. The reason for three different settings is to allow you to specify different tolerances
for different types of measurements you might need to make. For example, control points would need
to be measured more precisely then those used for topographic measurements.
Description
This is where you can assign a "friendly" description to your three tolerance modes to make them
more easily identifiable to you - for example "Control Points" or "Topo Points".
Masks
Real Time Tolerances
Observations
This is the minimum number of observations that the receiver must collect and average in order to
compute a solution.
Solution
Each observation must be of the specified solution type (or better). You can select from several Solu-
tion modes depending on your receiver make and model, these can be:
- 406 -
l Autonomous
l WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System)
l DGPS (differential code solution)
l RTK Float (differential carrier solution)
l RTK Fixed (differential carrier solution)
Please refer to your GPS manufacturer's documentation for the solutions' respective positional accur-
acy.
Elevation Mask
The elevation mask is used to filter out satellites that are close to the horizon and are, thus, unre-
liable. Typical elevation mask angles can range between 10 and 20.
PDOP
The PDOP (Position Dilusion Of Precision) mask is used to control the acceptable geometry of the
satellites used to compute the solution. If the PDOP value exceeds this number, the user will not be
eligible to collect a position. Typical PDOP masks are 5 or 6.
Satellites (SVs)
The Satellites mask is used to establish the minimum number of satellites that are necessary to pro-
duce a solution with a valid position. Each satellite must also pass the elevation mask test to be
included in this number for the calculation of the rover position.
Reference ID
The Reference ID is used to tell the Rover which reference station (base) to use for the differential cor-
rections. If "Any" is selected, it will use the first correction set identified for all future position solu-
tions.
Standard Deviation
Standard Deviation - Horizontal
FieldGenius will use the instantaneous Standard Deviation values that your receiver is outputting to
determine if the measurement can proceed. If the instantaneous Standard Deviation values are equal
to or less than the values you've specified, then the measurement can proceed. Once this happens,
FieldGenius will start averaging the measurements and will compute and display averaged Standard
Deviation values.These averaged Standard Deviation values must then remain equal to or less than
the values you've specified for the entire duration of the measurement, for the measurement to be
accepted as being within the specified tolerances.
- 407 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
This is your maximum acceptable horizontal standard deviation to be maintained during the point
measurement.
Standard Deviation - Vertical
This is your maximum acceptable vertical standard deviation to be maintained during the point meas-
urement.
Point Tolerance
Point Tolerance - Observations
This is the minimum number of observations that the receiver must collect and average in order to
compute a solution.
Point Tolerance - Time
This is the minimum time duration that the receiver must collect and average observations in order to
compute a solution.
- 408 -
Time - Less than 6 SVs
This defines the duration of the static collection if the minimum number of satellites being tracked dur-
ing the static session is 5 satellites. Default = 25 minutes.
Time - Less than 7 SVs
This defines the duration of the static collection if the minimum number of satellites being tracked dur-
ing the static session is 6 satellites. Default = 20 minutes.
Time - Less than 8 SVs
This defines the duration of the static collection if the minimum number of satellites being tracked dur-
ing the static session is 7 satellites. Default = 15 minutes.
Time - 8 or more SVs
This defines the duration of the static collection if the minimum number of satellites being tracked dur-
ing the static session is 8 or more satellites. Default = 10 minutes.
Depending on the model you've selected, manufacturer specific antenna offsets will be listed. If your
specific antenna model is not listed, you can select "User Supplied" and specify appropriate offset
- 409 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
measurements. For more detailed information about these offsets, refer to your users guide for your
receiver.
The true height is simply computed by the use of Pythagoras' theorem:
TrueHeight = VerticalOffset + sqrt((MeasuredHeight)2 - (HorizontalOffset)2 )
You can change the true or measured antenna height at any time, on the Store Point screen when stor-
ing your GPS shots.
Once configured, Auto-Recording is activated on the RoverMeasurement Mode screen after pressing
the Measure button:
Once activated, Auto-Recording is deactivated by pressing the Measure button again.
- 410 -
Profile and Coordinate System Files
l You will need to determine and select the correct coordinate system and optional geoid model
to use for your GPS survey work.
l Create a profile for your reference (base) and rover receivers. Profiles contain receiver settings
such as baud rates and tolerance masks that are used by FieldGenius. Refer to the Reference
Configuration and Rover Configuration topics for more information.
- 411 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
You can access three different measurement modes to program your receiver with a position by
selecting the Measure Modes button in the main menu, or the measure modes button on the GNSS
instrument toolbar.
GNSS Toolbar - Reference Measure
Main Menu - Measure Modes
Modes
- 412 -
1. Known Geodetic Position
2. Averaged Geodetic Position
3. Local Transformation to Point
Please refer to the Reference Position Modes topic for more information about what the different
modes can do for you.
- 413 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Geodetic Coordinates
Enter the know Latitude, Longitude and Ellipsoidal Height for your base setup. The coordinates you
enter here will be programmed into the receiver.
Cartesian Coordinates
Cartesian coordinates can be SPCS, UTM coordinates or any other grid system as long as it
matches the horizontal and vertical system you've defined in your GPS profile. You can not enter
local coordinates as Cartesian coordinates! Doing so will cause a warning message to be displayed
indicating that the coordinates you entered do not fall inside the GPS grid files you have loaded on
your data collector.
Select Position from Database
This allows you to choose a point a number of different ways. The point you select must be a grid
coordinate such as a SPCS or UTM coordinate.
It is up to you to determine how many observations or the duration of time you want to wait before
accepting the averaged position. At any time you can restart the process by pressing the Reset Aver-
age button.
If you press Set Position, your receiver will be programmed with the new position and you will have
the option of storing a point's position in the database.
- 414 -
Local Transform to Point
Use this to compute a one point transformation so your GPS derived measurements can be ref-
erenced into a local system.
When this option is used, FieldGenius starts receiving data and computes an averaged Autonomous
position for the base receiver. The current position, how many epochs it has received and the total
elapsed time is displayed on the screen.
It is up to you to determine how many observations or the duration of time you want to wait before
accepting the averaged position. At any time you can restart the process by pressing the Reset Aver-
age button.
You then have to define a local coordinate that you want to localize to. It is assumed that the point
exists in your project. If it doesn't, simply double tap the Point ID field which will open the point tool-
bar. You can use the new option to create a point or if it exists select it from the map or from the list.
When you press Set Position, FieldGenius will save the averaged location into the point database. It
will then compute a one point transformation which is simply a horizontal and vertical shift from the
grid coordinate system into your local system, as well as a combined scale factor. All future GPS
measurements will have your new transformation parameters applied automatically.
- 415 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 416 -
Selecting the Measure Modes button will display seven options:
1. Standard Measurement
2. Offset Measurement
3. Auto Record Points
4. Local Transformation Point
5. Check Point
6. Trilateration
7. Add Invert
- 417 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Rover Measurement
When you have connected to your rover and you press the measure button on the GPS Toolbar you
will see the GPS Measurement Screen
- 418 -
Once the satellites have been filtered out based on your tolerance settings, FieldGenius will only
begin collecting measurement data if all your tolerances are met. During the measurement process
you might see that certain tolerances are not being satisfied, this is normal. FieldGenius will continue
monitoring the measurement data and will accept measurements that pass the mask criteria.
Once the tolerances have been met, the position status will change to an Accepted position. Prior to
accepting the position, the user can look at the RMS values for the computed position and determine
if they wish to accept or reject the measurement. Pressing Cancel will exit the measure function
without storing any data. Pressing Store Position will accept the position and store it in the database.
You can change your true or measured Antenna Height on the Store Point screen.
By default, if you have some transformation parameters defined, they will be applied to the meas-
urement prior to storing it.
If your current tolerance settings are not met, FieldGenius can switch from Real Time mode to Post
Process mode to collect static data for that point for later post processing back in the office. This
switch from Real Time mode to Post Process mode can occur automatically or manually, depending
on your Post Process tolerance settings. The duration of the Post Process measurement is specified
in your tolerance settings, and depends on the minimum number of satellites tracked during the entire
Post Process session.
- 419 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Example: You've localized to a local system using a one point transformation so you can visually see
in the map where your other points should be. You then decide to stake one of them so you can nav-
igate to it. When you find the second point, you want to measure it's location and use it as one of the
transformation points. Simply turn on the "Use for Local Transformation" parameter and FieldGenius
will automatically store the point's Cartesian position, and automatically add it to your transformation
points list.
When you use this option, FieldGenius will automatically ignore any transformation parameter you
have defined and will store the raw GPS derived measurement.
Please review the Local Transformation topic for more details.
Check Point
Main Menu | Survey Methods | Check Point
Use this to measure a check shot to an existing point. When you start the command you will see the
point chooser appear where you can create a new point or pick an existing one from a list or from the
screen. After you choose your point you will be ready to measure. You will note the measure mode
- 420 -
will be set to Check Pnt and if you need to cancel the operation you can do it by pressing the meas-
ure mode button and choose to cancel it.
The deltas that are displayed are computed by subtracting the shot coordinates from the known
coordinates. In other works if you add the deltas to the shot point coordinates you will end up at the
known point.
Store Point
Pressing this will exit the function and write several notes to the raw file summarizing your check
shot, and allow you to store the shot using the Store/Edit Point screen.
--Check Point
-- Check Point ID: 110
-- Check Point dNorthing: -4.59'
-- Check Point dEasting: -1.82'
-- Check Point dElevation: -4.96'
-- Check Point dHorizontal: 4.94'
-- Observed Values: HA 4500'00.0" VA 9000'00.0" SD 23.00' HR 5.00'
-- Observed Point Northing: 5016.26'
-- Observed Point Easting: 5016.26'
-- Observed Point Elevation: 95.00'
Close
This will exit the check shot function and not write anything to the raw file or storing a new point.
- 421 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
GPS Toolbar
Once the user has selected a GPS receiver and communication has been estab-
lished, the GPS toolbar will appear on the main interface.
NOTE: You will only see the GPS toolbar if you selected GPSReference, GPS
Rover, or GPS Demo as your instrument type. If you have selected a GPS Profile
but are not yet connected to the receiver, most of these buttons will be disabled.
Auto-Center
Single-tapping this button will re-center the display on the current position of your
receiver.
Double-tapping this button will set the system into an auto-pan mode where the dis-
play will always be centered on the current position. When active, single-tapping
this button once more will disable the auto-pan mode.
GPS Settings
If you press this button while you are connected to a receiver, you will see the GPS
Settings screen. At any time this button can be used to adjust or stop your GPS sur-
vey.
If you press this button without being connected to a receiver, you will see the
Instrument Selection screen where you can edit your GPS profiles or connect to
your receiver.
DOP Values
This displays the current DOP (Dilution of Precision) values. Pressing this button
will cycle through the PDOP, HDOP and VDOP. The PDOP is the default setting
as this is most often used to ascertain the quality of the satellite geometry.
Satellite Plot/Satellite List
This shows the total number of satellites the receiver is currently using in its solu-
tion. Press this to view a sky plot of the current SVs visible to the rover, or to
- 422 -
access the Satellite List.
GNSS Measurement Modes Menu
This menu contains all the available measurement modes that can be used with
your GNSS receiver. Please review the GNSS Measurement Modes topic for more
details.
Measure
This is the measure button.
This button also indicates the current solution type. This tells the user if the solution
is Fixed, Float, WAAS, DGPS or Autonomous. This button will also indicate to the
user if the corrections from the reference station have been discontinued by denot-
ing "No Link".
Please refer to the GPS Measurement topic for more information.
If you are using a conventional non-robotic total station, please see the Instrument Toolbar topic.
If you are using a robotic total station, please see the Robotic Instrument Toolbar topic.
Correction Link
The Link Configure screen is used to configure the radio or GSM link for transmitting or receiving RTK
corrections. The mode will vary depending on your receiver type. The Setup button allows the user to
go into further device details including channels and frequencies for radios and GSM modems.
If you need to connect to a NTRIP caster, you can also access that in the setup screen.
Accessing Link Configure
To access this screen you need to first connect to a reference or rover receiver. Once connected you
can access this dialog. Please review the Reference (Base) Receiver Overview or the Rover
Receiver Overview topics for more details about work flow.
- 423 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Mode
Select the appropriate Correction Link mode, such as Radio, Modem, or None.
Setup
When you press the Setup button on the dialog above, the Radio Setup or Modem Setup screen will
appear. Choose the radio make and model from the pulldown and set the channel or frequency, the
radio will be programmed by FieldGenius to the channel or frequency selected (on some models). If
you are using an NTRIP or GPRS server, enter your internet and server credentials here.
Enable WAAS Option
The option to enable WAAS solution is available depending on your receiver type. FieldGenius will
indicate if WAAS is available for the selected receiver type.
Message Type
The message type is used in determining what data streams are sent from the reference station to the
rover. They can be RTCM, CMR or a proprietary format.
Communication Parameters
The communication parameters are used for interaction between the receiver and the communication
device. Refer to the communication device's documentation for additional instructions and settings.
Correction Information
GPS Toolbar |Settings |Link Information
- 424 -
The Correction Information screen is accessed from the GPSSettings screen. It displays information
about the correction message being received by your receiver via a radio link from a base receiver, or
via a cellular modem link from an NTRIP or GPRS server.
For information on configuring your correction link please see the Correction Link topic.
The Satellite Plot screen is a graphical representation of the current GNSS satellite constellation. It
shows all visible satellites including both GPS and Glonass. Those satellites being used in the cur-
rent solution are indicated with a black dot, and those being ignored are indicated with a white dot.
Each satellite is displayed with its PRN(identification) number, and the Elevation Mask specified in
your current Tolerance Mode is indicated by a red dashed line.
- 425 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Press the View List button to open the Satellite List screen.
Press the Close button to return to the map screen.
- 426 -
Press the View Plot button to open the Satellite Plot screen.
Press the Close button to return to the map screen.
GPS Settings
The GPS Settings screen is accessed from the GPS Toolbar.
- 427 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Sensor Configure
This will allow you to make changes to most of the settings in your reference or rover profile, including
configuring the three tolerance modes, selecting the active tolerance mode, configuring the antenna
height, and configuring the auto-recording options. (The Model and Communication options cannot be
configured while you are connected to your GPS receiver.)
Sensor Information
The Sensor Information screen displays detailed information about the hardware you are connected
to.
- 428 -
Link Configure
This turns on your GPS Receiver's radio or modem to begin receiving RTK corrections, from either a
base receiver or an NTRIP or GPRS server.
Link Information
The Link Information screen displays detailed real-time information about the correction message
being received by your receiver via a radio link from a base receiver, or via a cellular modem link from
an NTRIP or GPRS server.
- 429 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Position Information
The Position Information screen displays detailed real-time information about your current position.
Antenna Height
The Antenna Height screen allows you to configure the antenna height of your GPS receiver.
- 430 -
see the "Sensor Configure" button described above.
- 431 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Instrument Disconnect
Use this to disconnect from your receiver. If you are connected to a reference receiver, corrections
will continue to be transmitted after you disconnect.
Sensor Information
GPS Toolbar |Settings |Sensor Information
The Sensor Information screen is accessed from the GPSSettings screen. It displays information
about the hardware you are connected to. The specific information available will vary by model, but
typically you will see the make and model of your receiver, its serial number, battery status, firmware
information, and more.
Position Information
GPS Toolbar |Settings |Position Information
The Position Information screen is accessed from the GPSSettings screen. It displays detailed
information about your current position.
- 432 -
The following information is displayed and updates in realtime:
- 433 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Note: FieldGenius can not control the data logging on all models of GPS receivers. Currently, we sup-
port data logging on the:
Altus APS-3
Magellan PM500 Sokkia GSR2600
Altus APS-3 Rev 2
NavCom SF-3040 Sokkia Radian IS
Ashtech ProMark 500/800
NavCom SF-3050 Topcon HiPer
GeoMax 10/20
NovAtel DL4 Topcon GR-3
Javad Triumph-1
Pentax G3100-R1 Topcon Legacy
Leica 1200
Pentax SMT888-3G Topcon Odyssey
Leica GS15
Pentax SMT888-3G Rev 2 Trimble 4700/4800
Leica GS10
Prexiso G4/G5 Trimble 5700/R7
Leica SmartRover
Sokkia GRX1 Trimble 5800/R8
Leica GPS900
Command Console
GPS Toolbar |Settings |Command Console
The Command Console screen is accessed from the GPSSettings screen. It allows you to send com-
mands to your receiver to configure settings, or other related tasks.
You must determine the exact syntax to enter in the console and you can usually gather this inform-
ation from your GPS manufacturer.
- 434 -
Send
This will send the parameters that you've entered to your receiver.
Run Script
This allows you to import and read a text file that has a sequence of commands that you would like to
upload to your receiver.
Clear Console
This will clear console of all parameters sent and received from your receiver.
- 435 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Horizontal Group
This is where you define the coordinate system for your project.
Edit List
The Edit List button is used to create predefined or user-defined coordinate systems, create new
coordinate systems, copy predefined systems, and edit or delete existing systems. When pressed,
the Coordinate System List dialog will appear.
A predefined coordinate system is one that already exists and comes installed in FieldGeniusby
default, auser-defined system is one that you have created.
Details
This accesses a summary of all the parameters being used by the selected coordinate system. The
following information is displayed:
Vertical Group
This is where you define the vertical system also known as a geoid model for your project.
The default is ellipsoidal. If needed you can copy geoid seperation files (a.k.a geoid model) into the
FieldGenius mapping directory. Any new files you copy to the mapping directory can be selected
here. Please review the Geoid Model topic for more details.
- 436 -
Save As Defaults
Saves the Horizontal and Vertical systems to the msurvey.ini file as defaults to be used for all new
projects.
Add Predefined
Press this button to access a list of existing coordinate system. See the Add Predefined System sec-
tion below for more details.
New User-Defined
This allows you to add a user-defined coordinate system to the coordinate system list. See the Add
user-defined System section below for more details.
Edit User-Defined
This allows you to review and edit a user-defined coordinate system. Select a user-defined coordinate
system from the list, and press the Edit User-Defined button. Doing so will display the Edit User-
- 437 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 438 -
Group and System Options
Coordinate systems are grouped into countries or mapping systems. Select the country or system
that you are surveying in and then choose the coordinate system in the System drop down list.
Information Section
This section (below the System field) displays the projection, datum, and ellipsoid information related
to this coordinate system.
Ok Button
This will add the selected coordinate system to the favourites list.
Cancel Button
This will cancel without saving. User returned back to the Select Coordinate System dialog.
- 439 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Datum Parameters
There are 7 datum types to select from:
o Three Parameter
o Four Parameter
o Six Parameter
o Seven Parameter
o Bursa / Wolf
- 440 -
o DMA Molodensky
o None
If none is selected then no transformation parameters will be applied to the coordinate system trans-
formation.
If a datum other than none is selected then the user will be able to enter the following parameters:
o Delta X (m)
o Delta Y (m)
o Delta Z (m)
o X Rotation ()
o Y Rotation ()
o Z Rotation ()
o Scale (PPM)
Projection Parameters
The user can select one of nineteen projections.
- 441 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
o Cassini
o Robinson Cylindrical
o Bonne Pseidoconical
o Krovac Oblique Conformal Conic, Czechoslovokia
o Scale Factor
o Central Meridian
o Origin Latitude
o Origin Longitude
o False Northing
o False Easting
Ok Button
This will save the user-defined parameters to the CS-MAP coordinate system database files (coord-
sys, datum and ellipsoid)
Cancel Button
This will cancel the current operation and nothing will be saved.
Automatic Backup
Whenever you add or edit a user-defined coordinate system, FieldGenius will automatically create
and save your parameters to a file named user-coordsys-backup.csmap to the mapping directory.
This backup file stores your user-defined coordinate systems. If you accidentally remove or overwrite
your user-defined coordinate systems, you can re-import them from this backup file using the Import
user-defined Coordinate System command.
- 442 -
World Geoid models we support can be found here.
World grid shift files we support can be found here.
l Grid Shift Files - In some countries, or areas, the use of grid shift files are required to accur-
ately compute a horizontal position. These additional grid shift files are not installed and need
to be downloaded from the MicroSurvey website. Please review the Grid Shift Files topic for
more information.
l Geoid Models - If you require orthometric heights you will need to download a geoid model for
your area. Please review the Geoid Models topic for more information.
- 443 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
companion utility for FieldGenius to build smaller sub grids from the original grids while preserving
integrity.
The process of building sub grids needs to be repeated only when performing GPS surveys in loc-
ations which exceed the area of the original sub grids. The Datum Grid Editor is installed on the
desktop machine and is available for download from our website www.microsurvey.com.
When it starts, you will see the following dialog:
Data Paths
Installation of the Datum Grid Editor utility will include recent grid data for both the United States and
Canada. The edit box for the source data path will contain the installed path for the datum con-
figuration files and the respective national grid data. Newly built grids will be written to the path
defined by the edit box for the export data path. The installation process will have created a specific
export path. Paths can be modified by changing the contents of the edit boxes or by pressing the
adjoining browse button and selecting the path from the presented directory tree.
Coordinate Type
Coordinates for defining the extents of the user sub grid can be either geodetic (latitude and longitude)
or Cartesian (northing and easting). The contents of the Map Projection section and Grid Extents
- 444 -
section will reflect the selected coordinate type. You can also specify a ZIP code that will define the
center of your sub grid.
Grid Area
The user sub grid extents can be entered as a rectangle where the diagonal corners of the northwest
boundary and southeast boundary are used. Alternatively a central coordinate can be used with a
bounding radius. Selection of either boundary method will be shown as parameters in the Grid Extents
section.
Map Projection
If using Cartesian coordinates (northing and easting) for defining the boundary of the sub grid, it will be
necessary to select the appropriate map projection for deriving geodetic coordinates used with
internal computations. The group field contains various national and regional coordinate systems com-
posed of map projection and related horizontal datum. Each group will be composed of zones or sub
coordinate systems and will be updated in the system field as the group field is changed. Finally the
linear unit can be selected for the coordinate entry.
Grid Extents
The data source from which the sub grid is to be built must be selected and is defined by national
organization. All necessary grids and supporting files will be built for FieldGenius including horizontal
datum transformations, vertical datum transformations and geoid models. Be aware of the fact that
the source data for both Canada and the United States extend beyond their political boundaries and
therefore the choice of the source data is critical to avoid coordinate deviations.
The remainder of this section contains the boundary information for the user grid and its format will
depend on the selected coordinate type and the selected grid area. Linear Cartesian coordinates do
not need to be appended with a unit designator. Geodetic coordinates must be delimited with spaces
to denote direction, degrees, minutes and seconds. Listed below are possible entries for geodetic
coordinates with all being equivalent in value:
N 49 12 9.0(direction, degrees, minutes, decimal seconds)
N 49 12.15(direction, degrees, decimal minutes)
N 49.2025(direction, decimal degrees)
Grid Creation
Once all parameters have been carefully selected, the sub grids can be produced by pressing the
Create button. The time period for building the grids will depend on the area of the chosen grids and
completion will be indicated by the following dialog which reiterates the grid extents and the total size
of the sub grids and supporting files.
If the source path or export path described above are invalid, the appropriate message box will be
presented to denote the error.
- 445 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Transferring Data
The final step in creating sub grids is transferring the entire contents of the defined export path to the
data collector. Microsoft ActiveSync provides easy access to Explore the contents of the data col-
lector.
After cutting or copying the contents of the export path, use the explorer to paste the files into the
...\MicroSurvey FieldGenius\Programs\Mapping\ path on the data collector. If prompted to overwrite
the existing files while pasting, respond with yes.
- 446 -
NOTE: the path shown may not exactly match your device. Make sure you know where FieldGenius
is installed in your data collector. It might be in SystemCF, C_Drive, Disk, Storage Card, SD Card,
Built-in Storage, Program Files, or some other memory location.
- 447 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Export
When you export the user defined coordinate systems you will be able to specify a directory to save
the file to and a name for the file.
Exported files will automatically be saved with a CSMAP extension such as myco-
ordinatesystem.csmap.
All user defined coordinate systems in FieldGenius will be exported to the file.
Import
You can import coordinate systems from a previously saved file.
When you import a file you will be asked to browse to and select the file you want to import. Once
selected, FieldGenius will check to make sure a user defined system doesn't already exist and if one
does, you will be asked if you want to skip importing it, or overwrite the existing coordinate system.
Backups
FieldGenius automatically creates a backup when you add or edit user defined coordinate systems. If
you forgot to save your user defined coordinate systems, you may be able to restore them using a
backup. Please see the Coordinate System topic for more details.
Geoid Models
Geoid models are used by FieldGenius to convert ellipsoid heights to orthometric heights.
FieldGenius will by default use ellipsoid heights but you can define a geoid model to be used instead if
orthometric heights are desired.
Geoid models are not installed by default and must be downloaded from the MicroSurvey website.
Geoid models are available for most regions around the world.
- 448 -
Copy Geoid Files to Data Collector
Once you download the required geoid file for your area you will need to copy it to the data collector(s)
that will be used . All geoid model files need to be copied to the installation directory in the mapping
folder. For example: \MicroSurvey FieldGenius\Mapping\.
- 449 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Control Points
You can think of the control points as a "fixed" coordinate system that you are wanting to transform
your measurement to. For example if you are using a GPS receiver and you want to localize to a local
system, your local points would be considered control points for the constraining. The points you
derive with GPS need to be transformed, so these are the measured points.
All you need to do is press the Edit Control button to display the constrain point screen. Using the
Add and Edit Control buttons you can define what points you want to use for control. You can then
specify what point you want to constrain the control to, and you can also select what component of
the measured point to use, either it's horizontal position, vertical position or both. An "X" indicates
that the particular component should not be used in the transformation calculation.
Delta values are shown to help you determine how well your points match up with one another. Once
you specify your constrain points, you can press the Calculate Parameters button which will compute
the transformation parameters. The deltas shown are the differences between the control points and
the measured points if the transformation parameters were applied.
When you're satisfied with the transformation parameters, the control point pairs and transformation
parameters will be saved to the raw file upon exit.
Transformation Settings
Calculate Parameters
Use this to compute the transformation parameters. You have to have constrain point pairs defined
before you will see anything calculated.
- 450 -
Calculate Scale (GPS)
When this is used it will compute the combined scale factor at your current position. This can be used
while you're connected to either a base or rover receiver. The combined scale factor is computed by
multiplying the map scale by the ellipsoid scale factor. The combined factor can then be applied to
grid distances to get ground distances.
While programming the base, if you use the one point localization option to help you localize into a
user defined local system, FieldGenius will automatically compute a combined scale factor and a
translation. For the most part, the scale factor will not change very much over the workable range of
your RTK system. But if you want to update the combined scale factor you can.
Adjust Points
Use this to compute new coordinates for your GPS derived points. Each GPS observation you store
is saved in the raw file as an EP record, which is essentially a WGS84 position. If you want
FieldGenius to compute new Cartesian or local coordinates for the GPS observations, you can. Sim-
ply press the Calculate Params button and FieldGenius will scan your raw file and will recompute new
coordinates using the EP records, and will apply your transformation parameters to the coordinates.
An example where this could be used is after you've measured some constrain points to help you loc-
alize to a user (local) coordinate system. After you compute your transformation parameters you will
still have two coordinate systems, one with the local coordinates and one with the GPS (UTM or
SPCS) coordinates. It is usually beneficial to transform the GPS derived constrain points so they are
now in the local system.
Do Not Calculate Scale (Checkbox)
If this is checked, FieldGenius will not compute a scale factor and will force it to a value of 1.0.
Do Not Calculate Vertical Slopes (Checkbox)
If this is checked then FieldGenius will not compute any slope values.
Parameters
Origin North and East
This is the centroid of the measured coordinates, or simply the average northing and easting of your
measured constrain points.
Trans North and East
If you move the measured points, so that the centroid of your measured points is equal with the origin
of the local system. The translation north and east is the shift amount that needs to be applied to your
measured points to move them into the local system.
- 451 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Rotation
This is the rotation amount between your measured and local systems.
Scale
This is the scale difference between your measured and local systems.
If you turn on "Do not calculate scale" these values will be equal to 1.0.
Trans Height
This is the vertical shift that will be applied to the transformation. It is computed by averaging the elev-
ation differences between your point pairs. Positive translation heights will be added while negative
heights will be subtracted.
Slope North & Slope East
This is an indication of or much your measured system is inclined in the north and east directions. The
value that is displayed is the slope of each direction. For example if the difference in elevation along
the north axis of your measured system is 3 meters, and the length of it is 19 meters, the slope of the
axis will be (rise over run) or 0.15789. Negative slopes indicate that it is inclined downward from the
origin, and positive slopes are inclined upwards.
You should only use vertical slopes if you do not have a geoid model to use for your point's elev-
ations. Use this feature with care as it can cause distortions in your elevations if it is used
incorrectly.
You can force FieldGenius to not compute these values by turning on the "Do no calculate vertical
slopes" toggle.
Notes:
- Only use a local transformation if necessary.
- GPS heights should be applied with a suitable geoid model. If possible only use ver-
tical bias (Trans Height) because solving for slope North and slope East with inad-
equate control can severely distort the parameters.
- Use redundancy for confirming parameters.
- 452 -
Raw File Information
Whenever you compute transformation parameters, they're automatically written to the raw file when
you exit the command.
Once the parameters are saved, they will automatically be read in again if you use the Transformation
Command. FieldGenius will always start at the top of your raw file and will process the calibration
records as they're found.
The control points you define are saved as a CT record and will always have an associated RP
record. RP records store the measured coordinate that you defined for the control point.
Following the calibration points are a HA and VA records which store the transformation parameters
that were computed. Following is an example of what you might see in your raw file.
--Calibration Points
CT,PN15,DM4,RH6.708,RV0.000
RP,PN15,N 11.0000,E 30.0000,EL0.0000,--
CT,PN16,DM4,RH5.243,RV0.000
RP,PN16,N 30.0000,E 30.0000,EL0.0000,--
CT,PN17,DM4,RH6.708,RV0.000
RP,PN17,N 30.0000,E 11.0000,EL0.0000,--
HA,N 23.6667,E 23.6667,TH6.6667,TE6.6667,RT0.000000000,SC1.0000000000
VA,PV3,N 23.6667,E 23.6667,LZ0.0000,SO0.00000,SA0.00000,GN
An important thing to remember is that if any of the original measured points you used in the cal-
ibration change, you need to go back into the transformation command and edit the corresponding con-
trol point. You need to re-define the measured coordinates for the control point, then press the Calc
Parameters button to update the transformation parameters.
Local Transformation
Due to a variety of reasons, it may be necessary to adjust position coordinates for distortions which
can include scale, rotation, translation in northing and translation in easting. The flexibility of
FieldGenius's local transformation utility allows it to be used for a variety of applications and applied
to positions derived from GPS or terrestrial observations. For GPS applications there are two possible
reasons for the need of a transformation:
GPS receivers by default generate geodetic coordinates (latitude, longitude and ellipsoidal
height) and the process of converting to Cartesian coordinates (northing, easting and ortho-
metric height) or local system is done with existing well defined map projection systems such
as Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) or the State Plane Coordinate System (SPCS).
- 453 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Selection of the map projection in FieldGenius is done within the Datum page of the GPS Con-
figuration and a local zone is selected to minimize scale and meridian convergence distortion.
Most land, boundary or property surveys are unique with regards to their generalized plane and
coordinate origin for each project. The coordinate system for these surveys is often referred to
as a plan system with coordinate magnitudes being kept small for ease of recording and cal-
culations. The majority of projects can suffice with a simple translation in northing and easting
to produce plan system coordinates from GPS determined local system coordinates. The trans-
lation is easily determined by comparing a plan system coordinate and a local system coordin-
ated for a single point.
Projects with larger extents need to take into consideration the curvature of the earth's surface
which can be handled by the application of scale and rotation transformations plus the pre-
viously mentioned translations. In the case of mixing GPS observations and terrestrial obser-
vations it does become important to apply a transformation, especially in scale, due to the fact
that there is a difference in distance between positions measured on the ellipsoid and the ter-
rain surface. As seen in Figure 1, coordinates derived from GPS are always referenced to the
surface of the ellipsoid as per the application of map projections. When the two points on the
ellipsoid are projected upwards along the ellipsoid normals onto the earth's surface, they
diverge, and a terrestrial distance observed between the points will be greater than the com-
puted distance of the same two points on the ellipsoid. The effects of this zenith divergence
becomes more evident as distance between the two points becomes greater and for larger ter-
rain heights above the ellipsoidal surface.
- 454 -
Figure 1. Divergence of Ellipsoid Normals.
Transformation Concepts
In order for the transformation parameters to be resolved, a sufficient number of control points are
required with coordinates in both the plan system and local system. The determination of a four para-
meter transformation (two translations, scale and rotation) on a horizontal plane requires at minimum
two physical points with each having two sets of corresponding coordinates as illustrated in Figure 2.
Points A1 and B1 exist in what is termed the local system and are transformed into the plan system
points of A2 and B2. The use of more coordinate observations will provide redundancy and the means
to identify outliers for elimination. Solving for over constrained parameters is done with the application
of least squares to provide the most rigorous minimization of residuals. Once transformation para-
meters have been resolved, newly observed or existing coordinates can easily be converted to the
plan coordinate system.
- 455 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 456 -
Vertical Transformation
The vertical transformation function of FieldGenius operates independently of the horizontal trans-
formation. A sloped plane is calculated from the residuals of the constrained point pairs to determine a
vertical bias, slope in X and slope in Y. To determine a vertical bias at least one point pair must be con-
strained and for all three parameters to be determined at least three point pairs must be constrained.
The use of the vertical transformation function should be restricted to cases where a geoid model is
not available or there is a know problem with an existing geoid model.
- 457 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
The GPS reference station will need to occupy a point within the project area which can be an existing
plan system point (101-104) or a new point set up randomly somewhere in the project area. For either
setup of the reference station, the GPS antenna should have an unobstructed view to the satellite con-
stellation to ensure that the rover station operates at its full potential. If the reference station is unable
to occupy a plan system point, the rover station can instead measure an existing plan system point
with local system coordinates and for this example that case will be assumed. Using FieldGenius to
configure the GPS reference station, a suitable map projection is selected and the reference station
position will be determined autonomously.
Once the reference station is operating and transmitting corrections, the rover station is used to meas-
ure plan system point 103 and the new local system point is assigned point number 203. Table 2 indic-
ates the measured coordinates of point 203 in the local system which corresponds to point number
103 in the plan system. Figure 6 illustrates that FieldGenius now has points in two different coordinate
systems as indicated by the large separation.
Figure 6. FieldGenius with Two Coordinate Systems.
- 458 -
Figure 7. FieldGenius Default Transformation Parameters.
From the Local Transformation Setup select the Edit Control button for the entry of control and meas-
ured point pairs to be used in the determination of the transformation parameters.
- 459 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Select the Calculate Parameters button to have FieldGenius calculate new transformation para-
meters based on the control pair that has been added. The following tabular columns denote residuals
in northing, easting and height and for this case are all zero due to the transformation being minimally
constrained.
- 460 -
Figure 11. FieldGenius Calculated Transformation Parameters.
The map view of FieldGenius will now show the effect of the transformation by showing the new pos-
ition of the GPS position cursor and denoting new coordinate values. Returning to point 103 with the
rover station will verify the transformation process. New points measured with GPS will reflect the
- 461 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 462 -
Table 3. Coordinate Listing.
Now that coordinates have been established in both the plan system and local system, the Trans-
formation Setup is started from the Point menu of FieldGenius. Transformation Settings can be
accessed from the Main Menu | Survey Tools | GPS Local Transformation. Figure 15 shows the
Constrain page after the point pairs have been entered and their corresponding computed residuals.
With four point pairs being used the horizontal transformation has a redundancy of two point pairs and
the vertical transformation has a redundancy of one point pair. The residuals are within acceptable lim-
its and do not necessitate the removal of point pairs.
- 463 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 464 -
After successfully transforming the points 101 through 108 from the local system to the plan system
which was constrained to the GPS point 202 through 208 the results can be seen in Figure 18. The dia-
gram illustrates the matching of points 102, 104, 106 and 108 with corresponding points 202, 204, 206
and 208 respectively.
Terrestrial Observations
The example project has a local user defined system that was uploaded to the data collector. Below
you will find the coordinate listing for this user coordinate system. For the rest of the example we will
refer to this as the Plan System.
We will make the assumption that the plan system is to be held fixed, that is we want to transform our
GPS derived UTM coordinates into the user (plan) system.
- 465 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
GPS Observations
This project is going to be surveyed using a RTK system so measurement were made to some of the
plan points and tagged with a new point number. The GPS derived coordinates are in the 1000 range.
Their coordinates are listed below and for the remainder of this topic we will refer to this coordinate
system as the local system.
If you do a zoom extents in the project, you will see the two coordinate systems.
- 466 -
Adjustment Analysis
The program assumes the following:
The coordinates of the plan system are considered fixed and error free.
Equal weighting is applied to all "measured" coordinates in the local system that are used to calculate
the solution
Completion of the gps observations to the control stations will produce a list of point pairs with the ter-
restrial determined points (100-205) being termed control points and the GPS determined points
(1000-1204) being termed local points. The computed transformation parameters will provide the trans-
formation to go from measured local points to resulting plan points. The transformation utility in
FieldGenius is started by going to the Main Menu | Survey Tools | GPS Local Transformation but-
ton.
- 467 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
To begin computing the transformation you need to define the point pairs. You can do this by pressing
the Edit Control button which will open the point pair's screen. Use the Add Control button to add
control points to the list and to define the measured coordinate the control point should be constrained
to. Note: Control points are points that reside in the plan system and are considered to be fixed.
In this example, control points 100, 101, 102, 103, 105, 106, 202, 203, and 204 were paired with the
measured local points 1000, 1001, 1102, 1103, 1105, 1106, 1202, 1203, and 1204 respectively.
After all of the control station pairs have been entered, you need to compute the transformation para-
meters. To update the grid of the constraint pairs so it displays the transformation parameters and
residuals, press the Calc Parameters button. You will see the transformation parameters update with
new values. Instantly we can tell that there is a mistake with one of the point pairs as the scale value
should be closer to a value of 1.
- 468 -
Upon returning to the control point list you will notice that the delta northing is large for the first point
pair, so let's exclude it from the solution by turning off the green checkmarks. Highlight row 100 then
press Edit Control and uncheck the Horizontal and Vertical options. Once you do this you will have
to use the Calc Params button again to compute a new solution. In our example that helped tighten
up the residuals.
- 469 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Enabling or disabling constraints in either the horizontal or vertical components for determining the
transformation parameters is done with the Edit Control button. The last three columns of dN, dE
and dH represents the residuals between the control coordinates and the transformed local (meas-
ured) coordinates in northing, easting and height.
Since this network is over constrained, it is possible to reserve a couple of point pairs as check val-
ues in testing the parameters of the horizontal transformation. Pairs 103/1103 and 105/1105 have
been randomly selected as test pairs and have been deselected as constraints in the horizontal and
vertical component.
- 470 -
These two test pairs will not be used in the computation of the horizontal transformation parameters
but the transformation parameters will be applied to the measured points (1103 and 1105) to produce
the residuals as shown. In this case we see that the residuals are acceptable and thus it can be
assumed that the determined transformation parameters are reliable.
Adjustment Results
Upon satisfaction of the applied constraints and relevant residuals, the transformation parameters
can be viewed or modified. As indicated in Figure 9, the four horizontal transformation parameters
(translation in northing, translation in easting, scale and rotation) and the three vertical transformation
parameters (bias, slope in X, and slope in Y) are shown in the grid list.
- 471 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
When you press the Calc Parameters button it uses the point pairs that you've defined to calculate
the transformation parameters. The values that are computed can be modified by the user. You can
do "what if" scenarios by changing any of the values and checking the residuals on the control
screen. You can always revert back to the default calculated values by pressing the Calc Para-
meters button again.
The number of horizontal transformation parameters can be decreased to three from four by fixing the
scale to unity using the Do not calculate scale check box.
For the vertical component the determination of the parameters can be reduced to solving only for a
vertical translation by toggling the parameter "Do not calculate vertical slopes". Upon enabling
this, the parameters North Slope and East Slope will be automatically set to zero.
- 472 -
Roads
ROADS
Roads Manager
Main Menu | Roads Manager
To stake an alignment you first need to define the geometry that defines the horizontal and vertical ele-
ment. You can also define a template that will be used to define cross sections at specific stations
along the alignment.
FieldGenius can use the following three methods to define an alignment.
1. Manual Entry You can manually enter the data to define the alignment.
2. Import XML You can import a LandXML file that contains your alignment data.
By default you will see an alignment in the list with the current project name. A project can contain
multiple roads, and each road can contain the following elements.
l Horizontal Element: This can contain straight tangents, curves and spirals.
l Vertical Element: This can contain grade breaks, parabolic curves and non-symmetrical
curves.
l Templates: Template can contain horizontal and vertical offsets, as well as widening and
super elevation data.
- 473 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
l XML Cross Sections: XML cross sections define specific stations along an alignment. These
sections contain horizontal, vertical and template data. XML cross sections are created using
desktop software which is then imported into FieldGenius.
Manage Road
This option is only available once you've created a road using the New Road button or imported an
XML file. To input or review alignment data, press the Manage Road button to access the Road Set-
tings screen.
If you imported a LandXML file, or manually inputted a road you can stake it by pressing this button.
As a minimum you need to have the following before the stake command will continue.
Add Road
Use this button to create a new road. You can create as many roads as needed and they will be
stored in an XML file that will reside is the project directory.
Delete Road
Use this to delete a road. You first need to highlight the road you want to delete, and then press the
button to remove the road from the alignment. This road will be permanently deleted and can not be
undone.
Map View
Use this button to display the map view. From this view you can use the zoom controls to zoom
around your drawing so you can find important or relevant data for your alignment such as a POB
point. Press the Close View button to return back to the Roads Manager.
- 474 -
Roads
Manage Road
The road settings screen is used to help you create, review or modify road elements.
- 475 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 476 -
Roads
The C/L Editor can display a view of the map along the bottom. This view can be toggled on and off by
pressing the Show Map/Hide Map button.
If you would like to zoom into or pan around the map, press the Map View button which will display
zoom and pan controls. Press the Close View button when you want to return the C/L Editor.
Adding an Element
To add an element to a road you need to use the Add Element button. Once you press this you will
see 5 options appear that will help you define the different elements supported by FieldGenius.
l Line (Tangent)
l Curve
l Spiral
l Spiral-Curve-Spiral
l Chain
Tip: When you're prompted for a distance or direction, you can always use the distance and direction
recall features just like you would for COGO calculations.
- 477 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
A tangent is defined by a direction and length. There are four ways you can define the tangent and
they are explained in further detail below.
Curve Element
When you select this option your will see the curve editor with most of the fields being empty.
- 478 -
Roads
1. You always have to define the direction for the curve, either right or left.
2. Enter your know values.
3. You don't have to specify the PC point, the function will assume that you're beginning at the
end of the last leg.
4. A PC Tangent direction will automatically be computed based on the previous tangent. You
can always over ride this value if you need to define a non-tangent curve.
5. Press OK to save your inputted values, Cancel to exit without saving.
Spiral Element
When you select this option your will see the spiral editor. This will help you define a spiral segment
for your alignment.
- 479 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
l Spiral Direction
l End Radius
l Spiral Length
In the editor, gray fields indicate fields that can not be edited. All other non gray fields can be edited by
the user.
Press OK to save your inputted values, Cancel to exit without saving.
- 480 -
Roads
l Spiral Direction
l Spiral In Length
l Spiral Out Length
l Curve Radius
l Curve Length
In the editor, gray fields indicate fields that can not be edited. All other non gray fields can be edited by
the user.
Press OK to save your inputted values, Cancel to exit without saving.
Chain
Use this option if you want to select points or figures in your drawing to define the centerline and the
profile (optional).
When you select the Add Figure option you will be taken to the map screen where you can select a
figure.
You can also add points individually by using the Add Points(s) button.
Press OK to save the chain, press Cancel to exit without saving.
Note:
- 481 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
You should only select Tangent sections for a Chain. If you Add a Figure which con-
tains arcs or splines, the chain will straight-line any curved segments, so the resulting
Chain length and stationing will not be the same as the original Figure.
Chain Element
When you return to the road editor you will see that a chain element has been created. Chain ele-
ments differ from regular elements in that even though a chain can be made up of line and curve ele-
ments, it will appear in the list as a chain.
Auto Profile
After you press OK, you will be asked if you would like to create a vertical profile based on the chain
point's elevation. If you select Yes, then you will be prompted for a Profile Name.
Vertical Profile
As mentioned above, a vertical profile can optionally be created automatically. If this option is chosen
by the user, PVI points will be created for the profile. Each PVI point represents the points that make
up the chain.
- 482 -
Roads
l PVI
l Parabolic Curve
l Unsymmetric Parabolic Curve
Once created, you can always edit and delete each element.
Station Check
Use this button to calculate an elevation along your vertical profile at the station you define. In the
example below you will see the station entered was 3+50, and the computed elevation is 137.50.
The station check button can be used with all vertical element types.
- 483 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
In the example above you can see that the high and low points are listed in the grid. This option can be
used to display the high / low information for all vertical profile elements.
PVI Element
PVI elements are essentially straight grade segments that change direction at grade breaks. Each
grade break (PVI) has to be defined by a station and elevation.
- 484 -
Roads
When you select to add a PVI element you will have two fields available where the station and the
elevation at that station can be entered. Once you have a minimum of two PVI points, the slope of the
line will be displayed.
- 485 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
In the example you will see that a PVI was established for the beginning of the vertical profile. Then
the PVI for the vertical curve was defined, as well as another parabolic curve. You will also notice that
if you click a Para element, its location will be displayed in the display area.
Station Check
You can also do a station check on a parabolic vertical curve. Simply press the Sta Check button and
enter the station you would like to compute an elevation for.
High / Low Calculation
With all vertical curves, the high or low point can be computed. For example, if we use the High/Low
button to compute this information you will see the high point is at station 4+82.143 at an elevation of
146.429'.
- 486 -
Roads
In the example you will see that a PVI was established for the beginning of the vertical profile. Then
the PVI for the unsymmetrical vertical curve was defined, as well as another PVI element. You will
also notice that if you click an Unsym element, its location will be displayed in the display area.
- 487 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Station Check
You can also do a station check on an unsymmetrical vertical curve. Simply press the Sta Check but-
ton and enter the station you would like to compute an elevation for.
High / Low Calculation
With all vertical curves, the high or low point can be computed. For example, if we use the High/Low
button to compute this information you will see the low point is at station 86+70.370 at an elevation of
747.536'.
- 488 -
Roads
Add Zones
Many software programs refer to templates as having segments, in FieldGenius they are referred to
as zones. Zones contain horizontal and vertical components, and these zones are located on the right
or left of the template centerline.
You first need to define what side of the centerline your zone belongs to: Left or Right.
Once you do that you can choose the Add Zone command from the Commands button.
When you select the add zone command you will see your first zone item appear in the grid area. You
need to enter a horizontal width distance and then specify how you will be defining the slope for the
zone. The slope for the zone can be defined by entering a slope value (%) or a vertical distance also
referred to as a delta Z. In the example shown below you will see that three zones have been defined
for the left side of the template.
By default all new zones are attached to the zone found furthest from the centerline.
- 489 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Delete Zones
Any zone that is highlighted in the zone list can be deleted by using the Delete Zone command.
There is no undo, so be careful when you use this command.
Clear All
At any time, you can clear the zone list so you can start over. To do this use the Clear Zone com-
mand. There is no undo, so be careful when you use this command.
Mirror Zones
There are two variations of this command. You can mirror your zones from left to right, or right to left.
In our example from above, when the Mirror Left to Right command is used, the zones are duplic-
ated on the right side of the template.
- 490 -
Roads
Note: Depending on what side you're displaying, you will only see the zones listed for that side of the
template. To see the zones for the other side you need to change to the opposite side using the Left
Zone and Right Zone buttons.
Move Zone
Zones can be shifted around by moving them in or out form the centerline. To do this, use the Move In
and Move Out commands.
- 491 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
By default when you create a zone, the width, delta elevation and slope are used from the beginning
of the zone to the end. The start and end stations are determined by start and end station defined in
the horizontal alignment.
Slopes Modifier
When you use this button you will see the slope modifier page. On this page you can define different
modifiers that change the slope or delta Z value for the zone.
Cut/Fill Modifier
When you use this button you will see the cut/fill modifier page. On this page you can define different
modifiers that change the cut / fill value for the zone.
Note: This function is currently not implemented fully and is reserved for a future version.
Cut/Fill Slope values from the hinge point can be set in the Options screen.
Widths Modifier
When you use this button you will see the widths modifier page. On this page you can define different
modifiers that change the width value for the zone.
- 492 -
Roads
The original zone 3 has a constant elevation and width from beginning to end, but we want to modify it
to include a section that has a slope and width difference.
The new zone 3 will look like the following example. From station 6+00 to 7+00 the width of the zone
transitions from a width of 5' to 10' and the elevation transitions from 0 down to -2'. Then from station
8+00 to 9+-00 it transitions back to the normal width and grade.
Slope Modifier
First you need to highlight the zone that you want to add modifiers to.
Then select the Advanced Zone Edit command from the commands button. This will open the zone
modifier screen for the zone. In our example, we'll be modifying zone 3 on the left side of the tem-
plate.
To add slope modifiers, press the Slopes (#) button. From here you can press the Add button to add
modifiers for the zone. The following table shows the information that would have been inputted.
You have to define if you are entering a relative vertical change, or want FieldGenius to compute it for
you using a slope percent and horizontal distance for the zone. You can do this by selecting the Vert
Type and set it to Vertical Distance or Slope.
- 493 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Widths Modifier
First you need to highlight the zone that you want to add modifiers to.
Then select the Advanced Zone Edit command from the commands button. This will open the zone
modifier screen for the zone. In our example, we'll be modifying zone 3 on the left side of the tem-
plate.
To add width modifiers, press the Widths (#) button. From here you can press the Add button to add
modifiers for the zone. The following table shows the information that would have been inputted.
- 494 -
Roads
If we check station 7+00 you will see that the zone now extends further and drops down.
- 495 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Labels A to F show the stations where we will be adding modifiers to modify the template so the road
transitions from normal crown to full superelevation and back. Note: In this example the super-
elevation is exaggerated for ease of viewing.
Slope Modifier
First you need to highlight the zone that you want to add modifiers to.
Then select the Advanced Zone Edit command from the commands button. This will open the zone
modifier screen for the zone. In our example, we'll be modifying zone 3 on the left side of the tem-
plate.
To add slope modifiers, press the Slopes (#) button. From here you can press the Add button to add
modifiers for the zone. The following table shows the information that would have been inputted.
- 496 -
Roads
If we check station 10+78.54 you will see that we are at the full superelevation section.
- 497 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 498 -
Roads
Please see the Stake Alignment section for more information about using this command.
- 499 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Use the Stake Road button to start the road staking which will display the Stake Alignment screen.
- 500 -
Roads
Stake Station
You can also manually enter the station you would like to stake by entering it in the Station field.
Design Offsets
Move Along Template
You can move along the template by using the Left and Right buttons. As you do this the offset from
the centerline will be displayed in the Offset field. Furthermore you will see what side of the template
you're on by looking at the direction field. You will also note in the template preview, the "x" visually
marks the design offset.
Define an Offset
You can define your own offset to stake by entering the value in the Offset field. To enter a Left offset,
use a negative value.
- 501 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 502 -
Roads
You will note that when a setback or stake offset is defined, you will see an orange circle in the pre-
view screen. This circle indicates the location of the setback.
Note: If you want to make sure that you're staking nothing but design points along the template, then
make sure the Setback field is equal to 0.0.
Elevation and Vertical Offset
Elevation
The field will show you the computed elevation on the template at the design offset specified. This
value can be changed to allow you stake a different elevation.
Vertical Offset
This field works in conjunction with the elevation field. If the user enters a different elevation than the
one that was computed on the template, the difference between the elevations is shown in the ver-
tical offset field.
If you know what the vertical offset is for the point you're staking on the template, you can enter it in
this field. You will see the elevation for the point update to reflect the offset you defined.
- 503 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
In the template preview screen you will see an orange circle. This circle indicates the location of the
vertical offset point that will be staked.
Note: If you want to make sure that you're staking nothing but design points along the template, then
make sure the Setback field is equal to 0.0.
Template Preview
You can zoom into your template using the zoom controls. You can also pan the template by tapping
on it and dragging it on the screen.
Use the Map button to display the location of the template along you alignment. This will be displayed
in the map view window.
Stake Offset
Once you've defined that point you want to stake, you can select the Stake Offset button to start the
staking process. When you press this button you will see the staking toolbar. For an explanation of
the staking toolbar and alignment staking, please refer to the next section, Alignment Staking - Part 2.
Stake Slope
This is the Stake Slope toggle. Normally you will slope stake from the hinge point on the template,
but it is totally up to you. The slope staking feature can be used from any point on the template.
Road Settings
Press this button to return to the road settings screen.
- 504 -
Roads
When you press the Stake Road button you will see the Stake Alignment screen which is described
in detail above.
- 505 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
From the stake alignment screen, when you press the Stake Offset button if you are staking with a
robotic instrument or GPS you will immediately see the staking toolbar. If you are staking with a con-
ventional instrument you will see the turn-to information first, directing you to the design point.
The alignment offset staking process is very similar to normal point staking. What is different is you
will see the station/offset information about where the prism is in relation to the alignment and more
importantly, to the point you're staking.
- 506 -
Roads
Staking Method
Turn an Angle: You will see the horizontal angles to the design point and to your actual meas-
urement. This is useful for getting online (left/right) with a conventional total station.
Directional: You will see the move distances (In/Out/Left/Right or N/S/E/W, as well as Cut/Fill) guid-
ing you from the actual measurement to the design point.
Radial: You will see a direction and distance guiding you from the actual measurement to the design
point.
Stationing - Absolute: You will see the offset of the actual measurement along the alignment.
Stationing - Relative: You will see the move distances guiding you along the alignment from the
actual measurement to the design point.
Staking Information
The station/offset of the design point is indicated directly on the staking toolbar, and also in the
Staking Information screen which you can access by pressing the Info button in the staking toolbar.
The station/offset of the actual measurement is available in the Staking Information screen.
The move or rotate information which will guide you from the actual measurement to the design
point is indicated in the observation toolbar. You can press the Page button to toggle between various
information if you do not see these values. If your measurement is within your defined tolerance of the
design point then the text will be green, if not then the text will be red. This information is also avail-
able in the Staking Information screen. The type of information shown will vary based on your current
Staking Method.
- 507 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Template Preview
At anytime during your staking you can press the Profile button to see the actual rod
position which will be shows as an orange circle, in relation to the template defined for
the alignment.
Zoom Stake
If you press the Zoom Stake button in the staking toolbar, you will be zoomed in to show you both the
design point and the actual measurement. The green circular area surrounding the design point
reflects the area where you are within the defined staking tolerances.
- 508 -
Roads
Store Point
When you are ready to store the stake point press the Store Point button. You will then see the res-
ults for your stakeout.
If you are using GPS to stake the alignment, then you will not see the Store Point button. Instead,
press the Measure button to trigger a measurement and then store the resulting shot.
Press Save Point and Raw Data to store a point for this shot and to write your stake and cut sheet
records to the raw file. By default the description for the stored stake point will equal the station and
offset that was being staked.
- 509 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Press Save Raw Data to write your stake and cut sheet records to the raw file, without storing a
point.
If you press Cancel, nothing is stored or written to the raw file.
Records written to raw file
Following are the records that are written to the raw file when you store a point.
If you do not store a point then the SP (Store Point) record is not recorded as no point was stored in
the database.
SP,PN4,N 20000.0068,E 5000.0099,EL100.1038,--0+00.00 C 0.000
CF,ST0.000,OD1,OL0.010,EL100.1038,GD100.0000
OE,ST0.000,OE0.010
DE,PN,N 20000.000,E 5000.000,EL100.000,--
SD,ND-0.007,ED-0.010,LD-0.104
SK,OP1,FP4,AR201.48000,ZE93.10000,SD269.6600,--0+00.00 C 0.000
When you start slope staking and you measure your first shot, the program computes an intersection
between a horizontal plane containing the measurement and the slope defined in the stake settings
from the hinge point. FieldGenius will then compute a best guess location for the catch point and will
tell you how much you need to move. After you measure a second shot, FieldGenius will create an
- 510 -
Roads
imaginary line between the two shots and intersects the slope from the hinge point. It then computes
a new solution for the catch point.
At anytime during your staking you can press the Profile button to see the actual rod
position which will be shows as an orange circle. You will also see the slope lines from
the hinge point.
When you get near the catch point if you press the Zoom Stake button you will see a green circle in
the map view representing the area within your specified staking tolerances.
- 511 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Cut or Fill Slope: The first line will always tell you if you staked a cut slope or fill slope. It will also
display the design slope that was specified and record the actual computed slope that was staked.
Station: This will display the station of the template or cross section, and will show the actual station
staked at the catch point.
- 512 -
Roads
Hinge Point: This is the distance from the rod position to the hinge point. It will also indicate the ver-
tical distance from rod position to the hinge point. A cut indicates that the hinge point is lower; fill indic-
ates that it is higher than the current rod position.
Center Line: This is the distance from the rod position to the centerline. It will also indicate the ver-
tical distance from rod position to the centerline. A cut indicates that the centerline is lower; fill indic-
ates that it is higher than the current rod position.
Save Shot
Press Save Point and Raw Data store a point for this shot and to write your stake and cut sheet
records to the raw file. By default the description for the stored stake point will equal the station and
offset that was being slope staked. An example of an auto generated description is CP 4+00.00 R
22.000. The CP stands for Catch Point.
Press Save Raw Data to write your stake and cut sheet records to the raw file, without storing a
point.
If you press Cancel, nothing is stored or written to the raw file.
Records written to raw file
Following are the records that are written to the raw file when you store a point.
If you do not store the staked point, the SP (Store Point) record will not be recorded as no point was
stored in the database.
SP,PN81,N 5002.9770,E 4997.8367,EL99.9829,--CP 0+12.00 L 1.000
SL,ST12.000,OD2,EL99.983,GD99.983,AS0.005,HH0.985,VH0.966,HC1.985,VC0.966,-
CF0,DS1.000000,OB1.019583
SK,OP100,FP81,AR282.28000,ZE90.16000,SD3.6800,--CP 0+12.00 L 1.000
- 513 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Now on the staking toolbar you will see the word Stk: Pnt CP Setback which indicates you're cur-
rently staking a slope stake setback point.
When you get to the offset position and store the point you will see the results screen once again.
This time, the offsets to the hinge point and centerline will include the offset distance.
- 514 -
Roads
The vertical distances that are reported on the results screen are not computed using the cur-
rent rod position. These values will be in relation to the actual catch point that was staked.
When you store the point you will see that the description that is auto generated for the point will be
similar to the following example. REF CP 4+00.00 R 24.00
Records written to raw file
Following are the records that are written to the raw file when you store a point.
If you have the Store Staked Point toggle turned off in the stake settings screen, you will see that no
SP record is recorded as no point was stored in the database.
SP,PN5004,N 5007.7522,E 5001.5139,EL100.1445,--CP 0+06.00 L 1.000
- 515 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
SL,ST6.000,OD2,EL100.144,GD100.144,AS-
0.002,HH0.498,VH0.501,HC1.498,VC0.501,CF0,DS1.000000,OB0.994169
SK,OP101,FP5004,AR353.45220,ZE90.23420,SD13.9200,--CP 0+06.00 L 1.000
SP,PN82,N 5007.2194,E 5002.2307,EL102.2842,--REF CP 0+06.00 L 2.000
SR,ST6.000,OD2,EL102.284,GD100.144,AS-
0.002,HH2.390,VH0.501,HC2.387,VC0.501,CF0,DS1.000000,OB0.994169,OL1.000
DE,PNCP Setback,N 5007.078,E 5002.253,EL100.144,--
SD,ND-0.141,ED0.022,LD-2.140
SK,OP101,FP82,AR351.10340,ZE82.00000,SD14.6850,--REF CP 0+06.00 L 2.000
- 516 -
Connecting to Computer
CONNECTING TO COMPUTER
Microsoft ActiveSync / Windows Mobile Device Center
Microsoft ActiveSync and Microsoft Windows Mobile Device Center facilitate communication
between your PC and your handheld device.
If you are using Windows XP or earlier, Microsoft ActiveSync has to be installed on your computer
so you can download data between your hand held and desktop computers. The current version (at
time of printing) is ActiveSync 4.5. You may have to use an earlier version if you are running Windows
95 or 98. Check the web page noted below for more information.
If you are using Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Mobile Device Center has to be installed on
your computer, rather than Microsoft ActiveSync. The current version (at time of printing) is Windows
Mobile Device Center 6.1.
Installing From CD
Microsoft ActiveSync or Microsoft Windows Mobile Device Center might be already be installed on
your computer, you can confirm this by looking for it in your Windows Start Menu.
If you do not have Microsoft ActiveSync or the Windows Mobile Device Center installed, and you
don't have access to the internet, it can be installed from your FieldGenius CD. You can browse into
the FieldGenius folder on your CD and run one of the following files:
MSASYNC.EXE (for Windows XP or earlier)
MSWMDC32.EXE (for Windows Vista 32-bit)
MSWMDC64.EXE(for Windows Vista 64-bit)
Note: You may be asked to reboot your system once the installation is complete.
- 517 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
Connect your handheld data collector to your desktop or laptop computer using the supplied cradle
and/or cables.
Power ON the data collector and click Next on the Get Connected Wizard. Some devices require you
to tap a PC Link icon on the device while the Get Connected function is in operation.
- 518 -
Connecting to Computer
When communication is established, you will be prompted to set up a partnership between your data
collector and the desktop computer.
Note: If your device does not connect as shown, turn the device off, and then back on again to retry
Or if you are using a handheld device running Windows Mobile 5.0 or newer, you may instead see the
Synchronization Setup Wizard, simply press Cancel to use a guest connection.
- 519 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 520 -
Connecting to Computer
You are now ready to move on to the next step - MicroSurvey Transfer Program
Note:
A small circular ActiveSync icon will appear in the lower right corner of your desktop
(like the one at right in the above image). This will display in gray when ActiveSync is
inactive but will change to green when your device is connected.
MicroSurvey Transfer
We provide a free transfer tool with FieldGenius to help you copy projects to and from your data col-
lector. The program is called MicroSurvey Transfer and it can be download from our website or
installed directly off of the CD provided with FieldGenius.
Once installed all you need is to connect your handheld computer to your desktop computer via an
ActiveSync or Windows Mobile Device Center connection. ActiveSync is a Microsoft Windows
product which establishes a serial or USB connection between your data collector and your com-
puter.
Once connected, you can start the MicroSurvey Transfer program.
- 521 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
The program has been designed to streamline the transfer of projects and files back and forth
between you data collector and computer.
For more details, please refer to the Help file included with the MicroSurvey Transfer program.
- 522 -
Connecting to Computer
FieldGenius 2004/2005 projects can only be imported directly into MicroSurvey CAD 2004 or later, or
inCAD 2004 or later.
FieldGenius 2006 (and newer) projects with an unencrypted raw file (*.raw) can only be imported into
MicroSurvey CAD 2005 SP1.2 or later, or inCAD 2006 or later.
FieldGenius 2007 (and newer) projects with an encrypted raw file (*.rae) can only be imported into
MicroSurvey CAD 2008 or newer.
- 523 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 524 -
RAWFile Reference
RAWFILE REFERENCE
Raw File Record Types
To increase our compatibility with other data collectors and desktop systems, FieldGenius uses the
TDS RW5 raw file format. The raw file contains virtually all the measurements made in the field and is
a complete history of what was recorded.
For more information on the raw data record format, or for additional record types, please review the
Raw Data Record Specification document from Tripod Data Systems, Inc. It is available for down-
load at www.tdsway.com
BK - Backsight Record
A backsight record is written to the raw file when you complete an occupy point command. Please
review the Setup Occupy Point topic for more information.
Field headers:
OP: Occupy point
BP: Back point
BS: Backsight
BC: Back circle
BK,OP101,BP100,BS0.00000,BC0.00000
CF - Cut Sheet
When you stake out a point, a CF record will be recorded in the raw file.
ST: Station
- 525 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
JB - Job Record
Every time a raw file is created or opened a JB record will be written to the file.
Field headers:
NM: Job name
DT: Date
TM: Time
JB,NMTraverse1,DT03-05-2004,TM14:07:52
- 526 -
RAWFile Reference
Field headers:
OP: Point number
N : Northing (the header is N space)
E : Easting (the header is E space)
EL: Elevation
--: Description
OC,OP101,N 1000.0000,E 1000.0000,EL10.0000,--
- 527 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
RB Repeat Backsight
When using the multiset function, a RB record will be recorded to the raw file for each backsight shot
you measure. Please refer to the Muti-Set topic for more information.
Field headers:
OP: Occupied point
BP: Backsight point
AR: Angle right
ZE: Zenith angle
SD: Slope distance
HR: Height of rod
RB,OP333,BP100,AR79.48560,ZE93.42500,SD1.9700,HR1.500,--
RF - Repeat Foresight
When you use the multiset function, a RF record will be recorded to the raw file for each foresight shot
you measure. Please refer to the Muti-Set topic for more information.
OP: Occupied point
FP: Foresight point
AR: Angle right
ZE: Zenith angle
SD: Slope distance
- 528 -
RAWFile Reference
RE - Remote Elevation
When you use the Benchmark Shot function a RE record will be recorded in the raw file. RE records
will be accompanied by a SP record.
The FE value will be defined by the Benchmark Method selected by the user as being either an exist-
ing point or a user entered value. Please refer to the Measure Benchmark topic for more information.
OP: Occupied point
FE: Foresight elevation
ZE: Zenith angle
SD: Slope distance
--: (always "Remote elev")
RE,OP1,FE10.000,ZE90.00000,SD50.0000,--Remote elev
RS - Resection
When you use the resection function a RS record will be recorded for each observation made to your
control points. Please refer to the Resection topic for more information.
PN: Point number
CR: Circular reading
ZE: Zenith (or VA, CE)
SD: Slope distance (or HD)
RS,PN103,CR2.42220,ZE90.00000,SD25.0980
When you complete a resection the control points you used will be written as SP records and after the
RS records you will see one final SP for the computed resection point. An example of a resection is
shown below:
--Resection
SP,PN103,N 3135.070,E 1511.185,EL399.795,--:
SP,PN100,N 3097.874,E 1564.984,EL399.387,--:
LS,HI1.300,HR0.000
RS,PN103,CR2.42220,ZE90.00000,SD25.0980
RS,PN100,CR102.26120,ZE90.00000,SD56.3050
SP,PN999,N 3110.000,E 1510.000,EL398.291,--
- 529 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
SD - Stakeout Deltas
When you complete a stakeout by pressing the store point command a SD record will be written to
the raw file. It is the difference between the design location (DE record) and the actual point staked
(SP record).
ND: Delta northing
ED: Delta easting
LD: Delta elevation
- 530 -
RAWFile Reference
SP - Store Point
Many routines in FieldGenius will write a SP record to the raw file. SP records contain coordinate
information that can be used for setups, resections, etc
PN: Point number
N: Northing
E: Easting
EL: Elevation
--: Description
SP,PN103,N 3135.070,E 1511.185,EL399.795,--:
SS - Sideshot
When you record a shot a SS record will be recorded in the raw file. Many other functions also create
a SS record such as when offset and multi set shots are reduced.
OP: Occupy point
FP: Foresight point
AR: Angle right
ZE: Zenith
SD: Slope distance
--: Description
SS,OP1,FP7,AR176.11093,ZE90.00000,SD60.1332,--<No Desc>
TR - Traverse Shot
When you record your shot as a Traverse shot, a TR record will be recorded to the raw file. Please
refer to the Measurement Info and Traverse Report topics for more information.
OP: Occupy point
FP: Foresight point
AR: Angle right
ZE: Zenith
- 531 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 532 -
RAWFile Reference
CT - Calibration Point
PN: Point Name
DM: Dimensions used (ENUM)
RH: Horizontal residual
RV: Vertical residual
EP - Geodetic Position
When you save the location of a point, its geodetic position is also recorded.
TM: Time
LA: Latitude
LN: Longitude
HT: Ellipsoid Height
RH: Horizontal RMS returned from receiver
- 533 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 534 -
RAWFile Reference
- 535 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 536 -
Index
- 537 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 538 -
Index
D Down/Out 246
Download 517, 521
Data Collector Models 25
DP Record 214
Data Entry 42
Draw Figures Manually 110, 212
Data Manager Menu 295
Draw Option Defaults 105
Datum 136, 435
DTM 304, 316, 499
Datum Grid Editor 443
DXF 88, 90, 298, 327-328
DBF File 83
DXF Files 88
DE - Design Point / Location 526
Default Keyboard Shortcuts 144 E
- 539 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 540 -
Index
H JPG/JPEG 298
- 541 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 542 -
Index
- 543 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 544 -
Index
- 545 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 546 -
Index
Trilateration 196
Trimble 368-369
Turn 396
Turn Instrument 387
Turn to Point 67
Two Line Intersection 184
- 547 -
MicroSurvey FieldGenius 7
- 548 -