On 4/11/02 7 Tom Colbert <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Any architects/civil engineers out there? I am > starting a project that will entail drafting on a topo > map and ortho photo. The mapping will come on a CD as > either Arcview or Autocad or Microstation files > (Windows versions).
Tom, I assume you want to take/create/modify plotted coordinates. I am not current in my software upgrades (waiting on OS X maturity and a real all-on-one Powerbook) but have the following: ARCHICAD--(expensive) has an add-on ArchiTerra which permits the user to Import lists of points in DXF or TXT file format directly into the ArchiCAD plan window, or to create new land using ArchiTerra commands, which allow entering all the pertinent information that describes the 3D land model by means of points and contour curves. ArchiTerra allows ArchiCAD users to manage the model of a site or to create complex land features, with fully textured 3-dimensional land modeling possible. Start with <http://www.graphisoft.com/> VEXTORWORKS (formerly MINICAD)--already mentioned by others and getting better all the time has a landscape package, VectorWorks Landmark 9.5, which we will also experiment with (your best value). From a review: <http://www.ArchitectureWeek.com/2002/0306/tools_1-2.html> "VectorWorks Landmark 9.5 is a robust software system. It can import data (using DXF or DWG) from a geographical information system (GIS) and manipulate the data or export it (using DXF or DWG) into other 2D and 3D CAD, design, and visualization applications. Landmark's 64-bit floating point precision allows it to maintain the "geo-referencing" data in GIS files that locates the site relative to world coordinates. It can also export the data back to the GIS program to maintain a "live" map. See also: <http://www.nemetschek.net/landmark/index.html> AUTOCAD r.12--I actually have a Mac version but I don't do my own drafting much anymore. You might be able to find a used edition floating around somewhere. I don't think VPC5 running r.14 (or whatever Windoze version is current) is high powered enough--only useful to check drawings and make mods (which is why the Ti 1152 horizontal resolution pales to a PC laptop's 1600 pixel screen. The main problem can be getting EXACT DXF/DWG multi-layered file translations but most of the engineering world operates on this standard. If you need cut/fill ops, it's probable that VectorWorks Landmark will be your best best. You can send the vendors a test file to critically evaluate translation quality. (I'm about to do that in a few months of dawdling on OS X compatibility issues--I want it native). Illustrator is 2D only (good for conceptuals) and can export in a 2D DXF/DWG format but cannot handle 3D imports, or, AFAIK, import/translate 3D DXF/DWG. I expect you will be handling a lot of satellite data, possibly with massive amounts of laser/radar measured 3D coordinates, so that would necessitate a rather more high powered engineering program with strong file import capabilities, as per above choices. Even they might choke on sizeable inputs. I'm particularly interested because one of my upcoming projects will involve geological expertise in addition to standard A/E/C needs--so contact me offlist if you need further info. Sidney Ho ---------- Duo/2400 List, The friendliest place on the Net! A listserv for users and fans of Mac subportables. FAQ at <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/lists/DuoListFAQ.shtml> Be sure to visit Mac2400! <http://www.sineware.com/mac2400> To unsubscribe, E-mail to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Need help from a real person? Try. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ---------- Dr. Bott | 10/100 Ethernet for your 2400 is finally here! MPC-100 | <http://www.drbott.com/prod/mpc100.html> RoadTools $30 PodiumPad available at Apple retail stores, $20 Traveler CoolPad at Staples. Both in white for iBooks at <http://roadtools.com> Midwest Mac Parts ][ <http://www.midwestmac.com> After-market parts for Macs. ][ 888-356-1104 ][ MacResQ Specials: LaCie SCSI CDR From $99! PowerBook 3400/200 Only $879! Norton AntiVirus 6 Only $19! We Stock PARTS! <http://www.macresq.com>
