Converting design drawings to setting out files

scultura · Dec 16, 2019

I have recently taken a position as a site engineer after being out of construction for the last 7 years and struggling to get back up to speed.

I currently receive dwg files from designers and to make these usable i need to locate them to correct grid coordinates in autocad before uploading to trimble tsc3 and finally setting on site.

Previously I would have had this carried out by the licensed surveyor or had a control file that I could use to move and overlay the design file.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

TerryScan · Dec 16, 2019

Having this done by a licensed surveyor still sounds like a good idea.

Ingenuity · Dec 17, 2019

I use dwg files (with AutoCAD 3D) and then sometimes use a 'point layout' software to grab the N,E and Elevations. AutoDESK have their own 'point layout' software linked to AutoCAD, called "Point Layout".

If I am only using 2D setout (Northings and Eastings) I typically just import my native dwg file/s directly into my total station controller (not a Trimble unit) and layout directly from there. When imported to my controller it asks what dwg data I wish to create 'points' with - circles, crosses, lines, layers etc. It auto-creates the points and numbers them.

I suspect that Trimble does something very similar with software, or uploads to their controller.

If boundary setout is involved then a licensed surveyor is best, as TerryScan suggested.

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Converting design drawings to setting out files

scultura

Civil/Environmental

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TerryScan

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