This command turns data collector field notes into a final drawing by matching the descriptions of the field points with user-defined codes. The points are brought into the drawing with attributes defined by the code, including the layer, symbol, size and linetype. Draw Field to Finish also uses an improved coding method.
Example drawing results using the example points and example code definitions
Two files are used in Draw Field to Finish - a coordinate file and a field code definition file. The coordinate file consists of point#, x,y,z points with text description fields. The description fields contain codes for the Draw Field to Finish processing. An ASCII data file can be converted into a coordinate file using the Import Text/ASCII File command. The field code definition file defines the layer, symbol, size and other actions to apply with each code. These file names are displayed at the top line of the Draw Field to Finish dialog box.
Draw Field to Finish can
translate the field points into Carlson points (also called
coordinate geometry points or cogo points) with a symbol,
layer, and size defined by the code. The point settings of
whether to label the description, point number, and elevation
and whether to locate the point at zero or at the real Z can
be found in the Additional Draw Options of the Draw Field to
Finish dialog box. The Draw-Locate Points command has
these point settings stored separately in the Point Defaults
menu. Draw-Locate Points provides a simpler method for
drawing points compared with Draw Field to Finish.
Field-to-Finish will
layerize the points and linework according to the code
definitions. If the layers to use are not already defined,
Field-to-Finish will create the necessary layers and assign
different colors. To have the same colors for these layers in
all your drawings, define the layers in the prototype drawing.
The prototype drawing is the default drawing that is loaded
whenever a new drawing is created. To define layers in the
prototype drawing, save your current drawing and then start a
new drawing with the New command. Don't give the new drawing a
name, just click OK. Then define the layers as desired with
the Layer command. When you are done creating layers,
use the Save As command and change to Drawing Template (.DWT)
under Save as Type. The default drawing template that is used
is named Carlson12.DWT. This template name will correspond to
the version of AutoCAD that is being used. You can overwrite
this default template or make a new drawing template. If you
make a new one, you may want to edit the Carlson icon to use
the new one. To edit the icon, highlight the icon with one
click and then click the right mouse button. Choose Properties
and then Shortcut and change the drawing template name.
There are two different methods for connecting linework. One method creates line work by connecting points with the same code. The linetype is defined by the code as either points only (no line work), lines, 2D polylines, both 2D and 3D polylines, or 3D polylines (breaklines). Distinct lines with the same code are defined by adding a group number to the end of the code name in the data file. With this method, all points with the description CODE1 will be one line while points with CODE2 will be another line. Both CODE1 and CODE2 use the definition for CODE. For example, the code EP could be a code for edge of pavement that is to be connected as 3D polylines. If there are two separate edge of pavement lines on the left and right sides of a road, all the points for the left side could have the description EP1 and the points on the right side could be EP2.
The second method is the PointCAD format. This method also connects points with the same code. The difference is that instead of using a number after the code for distinct lines, you use the same code with an additional code for starting and ending the line. For example, +0 is used to start a line and -0 to end. So the coding for a segment of edge of pavement could be EP+0, EP, EP, EP-0. Another special code that has been added to Field to Finish is +7, -7. This 7 code will use the linetype definition of line, 2D polyline or 3D polyline defined by the Draw Field to Finish code. For example, if EP is defined as a 3D polyline, then the coding EP+7, EP, EP, EP-7 will create a 3D polyline. Otherwise codes like +0, -0, which is defined as start and end line, will draw EP as a line. Other PointCAD special codes are: +4 starts a curved 2D polyline, *4 starts a closed curved 2D polyline, +1 begins a 3-point arc, +5 starts a 3D polyline, *5 starts a closed 3D polyline, +6 starts a 2D polyline, *6 starts a closed 2D polyline, +7 starts a line whose type is specified by the field code definition, -05 starts a curved 3D polyline section, -50 ends that section, +8 starts a 2D and 3D polyline combination, *8 starts a closed 2D and 3D polyline combination, -08 starts a 2D and 3D polyline combination curved section, -80 ends that section. //, followed by a field code, concatenates that field code's description on to the point's description. For example, OAK//04 might become LIVE OAK TREE 4" if the field code OAK translates to LIVE OAK TREE and the field code 04 translates to 4".
The
advantage
to the PointCAD method is that you don't have to keep track of
line numbers. For example, if you are surveying 50 curb lines,
the first method would require you to use 50 distinct curb
numbers. The advantage to the first method is that you don't
have to use the start and end codes. Also the Nearest Found
connection option applies to the first method.
Draw
Range of Points: Specify the range of points to draw.
Point Group: Specify the point group(s) to process.
Entities To Draw: The Points option draws only the points and point attributes. The Lines option draws only the linework and the Symbols draws only the symbols. Any combination of these options can be processed as well as individual processing of each entity.
Draw Within: These
options are methods to filter the points to draw. The Polyline
method prompts for a closed polyline and only draws points
inside this polyline. The Distance method uses a specified
center point and distance to only draw points within this
circle. The Window/Coordinate Range prompts for lower left and
upper right points to define the rectangular area to draw
points.
Point Label Settings: Specify whether you want Draw Field to Finish to label the Point Numbers, Descriptions, and/or Points Notes which are contained in the note (.NOT) file that is associated with the coordinate (.CRD) file.
Elevation Label Settings: Specify the elevation labeling options. The Label Zeros option will label the elevations of points with z=0. Use Parentheses will place parenthesis around the elevation text. Use '+' and Use '-' will place the appropriate symbol in front of the elevation.
Locate Points on Real Z Axis: Choose between locating all the points at real Z elevation, all at zero elevation or to use the real Z setting as defined in the individual codes.
PC-PT Curve Type:
Sets the method for drawing curves with more than 3 points.
The Bezier option draws a smooth polyline through all the
curve points. The Sequential Arcs method draws multiple arcs
with arc end points at each of the curve points. These arcs
are tangent to the preceding line segment. The Best Fit method
creates a single best-fit curve for all the curve points
between the PC and PT.
Adjust PC/PT for Arcs
to be Tangential: This option will adjust
the PC and PT polyline vertices to make the curve tangential.
The program will only adjust these points is the adjustment
distance is less than the specified tolerance. This option
applies to cases where the tangents are well defined and the
PC/PT are harder to survey exactly.
Layer Prefix: Optional layer prefix added to all entities drawn with Draw Field to Finish.
Erase Existing Draw Field to Finish Entities: When checked, this option will erase from the drawing any old entities created by previous Field-To-Finish runs before drawing the new entities.
In Range: This option only erases and redraws those Draw Field to Finish entities that are within the specified range of points to process.
Creating Point Groups:
Point Groups can be created in one or two different ways. Each
field code definition can specify Point Group(s) that all
point numbers that use that code will be added to. Multiple
field codes can use the same Point Group name. Check the By
Code Definition checkbox for that option. The second method is
to automatically create Point Groups for each code that is
processed. Check the Automatically By Code checkbox for that
option. Ignore Code Suffix, if checked, will cause the codes
to be considered after removing the numeric suffix. For
example, points with the EP10 and EP11 codes will both be
automatically added to the Point Group named EP. No matter how
the Point Group is created, the Group Name Prefix can be used
to add a prefix to the group name. Note: if the Point Group
already exists, it will be erased first before being created
again by either of these two methods.
Creating Point Notes: These options append point notes to the coordinate file data for some of the data fields processed by Field-to-Finish. These notes can then be used by other commands like List Points to report these fields. For example, this enables List Points to report both the point coordinate file description as well as the point drawing description as generated by Field-to-Finish.
Flip
Text for Twist Screen: This option will rotate the
point labels and symbol by 180 degrees when needed to make them
right-side up readable relative to the current twist screen
drawing view. This option applies to the Rotate To Line and
Rotate special code (ROT).
Pause on Undefined Codes: When checked, Draw Field to Finish will pause if it encounters a description that is not defined in the code table.
Abort without drawing anything: This stops the command. Run Draw Field to Finish again to correct the code table.
Use the default settings for this point: This option draws a point in the "MISC" layer with no linework. To set your own default, define a code called "SC_DFLT".
Use default settings for all undefined codes: This option will draw all undefined codes in the "MISC" layer by default or a user specified layer as defined in the "SC_DFLT" code. A good way to check the data file for unmatched descriptions is to use the Print Table command and choose the Data Points and Distinct Code options. This command will print the different codes in the data file and identify any undefined codes.
Preview Only: When checked, this option will temporarily draw the points and linework and allow you to review it with zoom and pan.
Auto Zoom Extents: When checked, this will force a zoom extents after Draw Field to Finish is done.
Report Codes/Points: This routine prints the code table or the data file to the screen, file, or printer. A useful option here is to print the data file (CRD Points) and choose Sort by Codes which will group the data points by distinct codes.
Edit Codes / Points: The
Field to Finish dialog box allows you to load the coordinate
and field code definition files, view and edit the code
definitions, view and edit the coordinate file, view reports,
and then return to the Draw Field to Finish dialog box to
process the files. The top section displays the code
definitions. The bottom section has three columns of functions
each pertaining to controls for different elements of the
command. The Code Table section provides controls for
settings, sorting and reporting of codes. The Code
Definitions section provides tools for the creation and
editing of codes. The Feature Settings section
provides controls for the special tree and pipe feature types.
Code Table
Code Table Settings: These options provide tools for defining the coding method to be used for processing of the point data. Various import tools allow for the importing of codes from different software packages. Controls for handling multiple codes are located on this dialog. All special codes can be replaced to other characters defined by the user. The special codes are listed and edited on this dialog.
Set: Choose this button to specify a new code table. The name of the current table is shown in the field to the right of this button.
Process Carlson Coding: When checked, this option interprets and processes coordinate files based upon the Carlson Coding method and data collection method.
Process Eagle Point Coding: When checked, coordinate files are processed based on the Eagle Point Data Collection method. When selected the Eagle Point Codes button becomes available for selection and displays the following dialog. This dialog allows for customization of the eagle point special designators.
Currently the supported designators include, "Field Code", "Point-On-Curve", "Close Line", "Line End", "Insert Description" and "Bearing Close". Also supported is the ability to recognize overwriting of descriptions just as Eagle Point does by using the space separator instead of the "Insert Description" designator. Examples of supported coding are as follows:
.TC
Places a node and or line per the field code library.
TC Places a node and or line per the field code
library.
-TC Specifies a point on a curve.
TC- Specifies a point on a curve.
..TC Stops the line.
TC! Stops the line.
.TC+ Closes the line back to the starting point.
TC+ Closes the line back to the starting point.
.TC# Typically coded on the third corner of a
rectangle to close the figure with having to locate the fourth
corner.
TC# Typically coded on the third corner of a
rectangle to close the figure with having to locate the fourth
corner.
WV.W1 Places a node as specified by the code
"WV" in the field code library and then begins a line as
specified by code "W" in the field code library.
.TC.EP.FL Results in three lines coming
together.
TC1.TC2.TC3 Results in three lines coming
together. All three lines are specified by the definition of
the single code "TC" in the field code library.
TC.TC1 When used in conjunction with the "Draw
Field Codes Without a Suffix as Points Only" toggle, "TC" will
be recognized as the node and "TC1" will be recognized as the
line so that if the code "TC" in the field code library is
defined as a polyline, line or 3D polyline, duplicate lines
will not be unintentionally placed when this shot only
pertains to a single element. Keep in mind that all line work
must have a numeric suffix when using this toggle.
TREE * OAK Result on screen would be: TREE OAK
TREE OAK * Result on screen would be: OAK TREE
TREE OAK Result on screen would be: OAK
TC1!.TC2-.VLT6# Stops "TC1", continues "TC2" as
a point on a curve and closes VLT6 as a rectangle using the
"Bearing Close" code.
Note: The use of the "Use Multiple Codes for Linework Only" toggle is recommended when using Eagle Point Coding.
Process CAiCE Coding: When
checked, coordinate files are processed based on the CAiCE
Data Collection method. Examples of supported coding are as
follows:
169 is just the code 169.
145C10 is the code 145 and line #10.
169C25C is the code 169, line #25, and
the point is on a curve.
172C12B is the code 172, line #12, and this
point closes the line.
Process SDMS Coding: This option processes coordinate files based upon SDMS coding method. When active, the program will prompt for an SDMS .PRJ file to process.
Split Multiple Codes:
Multiple codes are defined by including each code in the point description field separated by a space. A single data point can be used in different lines by assigning it multiple codes. For instance, a point might be part of both a curb line and a driveway line with a description of "CURB DRW". Field-to-Finish uses spaces as the delimiter for multiple codes. You should avoid spaces in the descriptions except for where multiple codes are intended or after the "/" character. For example, a code for light post should not be "LGT POST" but instead should be "LGTPOST".
There are three options for the handling of multiple codes when encountered. The All option will split all multiple codes and process each code based upon their code definition. When None is select both codes will be processed based upon their code definition. If the Prompt option is checked on, when Field-to-Finish detects multiple codes on a point the following dialog will be displayed with options for handling the codes.
Import Land Desktop Desc Key: This option imports and converts a Land Desktop Description Key into a Carlson Draw Field to Finish (fld) code definition file. The Land Desktop Description Key file is a mdb file and is found in the Land Desktop Project file path. It is located in the under the COGO/DescKey directory.
Import TDS Codes: This option imports TDS codes into the Carlson Field to Finish (fld) code definition file.
Import Trimble Codes: This option imports Trimble .FXL file codes into the Carlson Field to Finish (fld) code definition file.
Import Eagle Point Codes: This option imports Eagle Point codes into the Carlson Field to Finish (fld) code definition file.
Import C&G Description Table: This option imports C&G code tables (tbl) into the Carlson Field to Finish (fld) code definition file.
Import Text/ASCII Codes: This option imports code definitions from a user-defined format. Each row in the text file should represent one code. The program will prompt for the delimiter (ie. comma separated) that is used in the text file and then for the field type for each of the columns (ie. "Layer" or "Description").
Import GIS Feature Codes: This option imports features in a .GIS file from Define GIS Features into F2F codes.
Import SurvCE Codes: This option imports a SurvCE Feature Code List (fcl) into a Carlson Field to Finish (fld) code definition file.
Export SurvCE Codes: This option creates a SurvCE Feature Code List (fcl) from the current a Carlson Field to Finish (fld) code definition file.
Draw Field Codes Without a Suffix as Points Only: This option is useful for when wanting to use a field code sometimes for linework and sometimes for just points but it is preferred to number the lines rather than using start and stop codes. For example, if the field code EP is defined to use the Line Entity type, then EP25 will be drawn as a Line, however if just EP is used, no linework will connect to that COGO point.
Use Multiple Codes for Linework Only: When checked, and multiple codes are detected, only linework will be drawn for the secondary codes. Points are only created based on the primary code. If you want symbols for all multiple codes, then this setting should not be checked.
Max Delta-Height for Linework: Use this option to specify the maximum elevation difference that Draw Field to Finish should draw any section of linework. This option is for use with 3d polylines and lines.
Max Length for
Linework: Specify the maximum
length that Draw Field to Finish should draw any section of
linework.
Stop Linework At Gap
In Point Numbers: This option is a method for
controlling the start and stop of drawing linework. This
method will automatically stop linework where there is a gap
in the point numbers for the linework code. For example, if
there are points with code EP then points with code CL then
more points with code EP, the EP linework for the first set of
EP points will stop at the last EP before the CL points and
then new EP linework will start after the CL points.
GIS Special Codes: This
option allows you to use GIS attribute for Field-to-Finish
special coding. For a select group of special codes, a GIS
attribute can be assigned. When processing the points, if a
point has GIS data for the specified attribute, then that
attribute value is used for the special coding. For example,
you can have a GIS attribute of COMMENT set to the Append
Description special code. Then if a point has a GIS attribute
for COMMENT, the value of that COMMENT will be added to the
description label for that point.Substitution
Codes: This option defines a
lookup table for translations of the raw point descriptions.
This translation is done as a pre-processing step before the
regular Field-to-Finish processing. For example, if you had a
substitution setup for "25" = "EOP", then a point
description of "25" would get translated to "EOP" and then
this "EOP" would be processed with Field-to-Finish. Use the
Import and Export functions to load and save substition codes
to a comma separated text file.
Special Codes: This section allows you to substitute the existing predefined special codes and characters with your own. Draw Field to Finish recognizes several special codes. A special code is placed before or after the regular code with a space separating the code and special code. Here is a listing of the default special codes and characters.
Special CharactersThe characters (*, -, +, /, and _) can be used and substituted in Draw Field to Finish. The way these characters are used is that when the file is processed the description field is searched for these characters. If the "+" symbol was changed to "-" then the program would look for "-" and change it to "+". This is useful when a particular data collector may not have all the symbols available. With these substitutions you can make a character that is provided on the data collector generate the symbol needed. Multiple characters can also be used. For example "--" can be used to in order to produce a "/" character or any of the characters listed above.
Special Codes
"/"
Carlson points in the drawing have point attributes including a description. When Field-to-Finish draws the points, the point description from the coordinate file is processed to match a code. The code then defines the description that is drawn with the point. For example, consider a code of "UP" with a description of "POLE" and a data point with the description "UP". The data point description "UP" would be matched with the code "UP" and the point would end up being drawn with the description "POLE". A special character "/" (the forward slash or divide key) can be used for an unprocessed description to append. Everything after the "/" is added directly to the point description and is not considered a code and no further substitution is done on it. For example, a data point with the description "UP / 150" with the same code "UP" definition above would be drawn with the description "POLE 150"."\"
This special code takes
the part of the description after the "\" and puts it as the
prefix before the point description. For example, a data point
with the description "TR \ 24ft" and a "TR" code definition
with a description of "Tree" would be drawn with a description
of "24ft Tree".
"//"
This special code causes text after the "//" to be interpreted as a field code. That field code's description is then appended to the first field code's description. For example, if the field code 02 has the description 2" and the field code OAK has the description oak tree, then 02//OAK will result in the point having the description of 2" oak tree. If the "/" character has been replaced with a different character, for example with a & character, then the "//" code would become "&&"."\\"
This special code is the same as "//" except that field code's description is then prefixed instead of appended to the first field code's description.MULT
This code applies when the Split Multiple Codes under Code
Table Settings is set to None and you want to override this
setting and explicitly spilt selected codes. Multiple codes
apply to points with dual code definitions for drawing two
different style points or for connecting different linework to
the same point. For example, if a point is both a sidewalk and
driveway corner, then the point description could be "SW
MULTDR".
PC
This code begins a three point arc or a curved line when used with the "PT" code (see below). The point with this special code is the first point on the arc. The next point with the code is considered a point on the arc, and third point with the code is the arc endpoint. For example (in point number, X, Y, Z, description format),10, 500, 500, 0, EP PC -
start curve
11, 525, 527, 0, EP - second point on curve
12, 531, 533, 0, EP - end point of curve
PT
This is a special code that can be used with "PC" to define a curve with more than three points or a tangent two-point curve. Starting at the point with the "PC", the program will look for a "PT". If the "PT" is found, all the points between the "PC" and "PT" are used for the curve which is drawn as a smoothed polyline that passes through all points and only curves the polyline between points. If no "PT" is found, then the regular three point arc is applied as explained above. If no points are found between the "PC" and "PT", then the point prior to the "PC" and the point after the "PT" are used to create tangents for the resulting curve.CTOG
This special code toggles curve mode on and off. Instead of using PC to start a curve, you can use CTOG. Likewise, instead of using PT to end a curve, you can use CTOG.CLO
This code forces the lines drawn between a series of points with the same code to close back to the first point with the same code. For example, shots 1-4 all have the BLD description with the exception of point 4. Its description is BLD CLO. This will force the linework drawn for the BLD code to close back to point 1 which is the first point with the description of BLD.GAP
This special code makes a single segment break in the current linework. For example, if you have a curb polyline that you want to break to skip over a driveway, then you could add the GAP code at the start of the driveway and continue the curb as normal on the other side.NE
This code represents no elevation. A point with this special code is located at zero elevation.NOS
This code indicates that the point should be "non-surface"; that is, that it should be ignored when contouring or creating surfaces. This can also be controlled per-field code by turning on the Non-Surface toggle in the Edit Field Code Definition dialog box.ZO
PHOTO
Offsets: OH, OV, OFL, OFB
The codes "OH" and "OV" stand for offset horizontal and offset vertical. These offset codes apply to 2D and 3D polylines. A single set of offset codes can be used to offset the polyline a set amount. For example,10, 500, 500, 100, EP
OH2.5 OV-.5
11, 525, 527, 101, EP
12, 531, 533, 103, EP
This would create a polyline connecting points 10,11 and 12 and an offset polyline with a 2.5 horizontal and -0.5 vertical offset. The direction of the horizontal offset is determined by the direction of the polyline. A positive horizontal offset goes right from the polyline direction and a negative goes left. The horizontal and vertical offset amounts apply starting at the point with the offset codes until a new offset code or the end of the polyline. Only one horizontal and vertical offset can be applied to 2D polylines. For 3D polylines, multiple offset codes can be used to make a variable offset. For example,
10, 500, 500, 100, EP
OH2.5 OV-.5
11, 525, 527, 101, EP OH5.5 OV-.75
12, 531, 533, 103, EP OH7.5
This would offset the
first point horizontal 2.5 and vertical -0.5, the second point
horizontal 5.5 and vertical -0.75 and the third point
horizontal 7.5 and vertical -0.75.
When there are multiple
"OH" codes for the same point, the polyline is offset multiple
times.
The "OFL" code stands for
offset left horizontal. The only difference with the "OH" code
is that you don't have to enter the "-" to go left.
The "OFB" code stands for
offset both left and right horizontal. For example, if the
points follow the center of a ROW, the OFB code can be use to
create the left and right edges of the ROW.
SZ
This code is used to set a different symbol size. There are several ways to use this code. It can take multiple scale factors for different dimensions by putting an ID character after the factor.SZ: If nothing follows
the SZ code, then the next point with
the same field code as the current point will be used to
determine the size.
SZ#: The value of the new symbol size is specified
after the SZ. This value is the actual
size in drawing units. For example, SZ2.
SZ#X: The value after the SZ is used to scale the symbol in
the X dimension. For example, SZ2X.
SZ#Y: The value after the SZ is used to scale
the symbol in the Y dimension. For example, SZ2Y.
SZ#Z or SZ#V: The value after the SZ is used to
scale the symbol in the Z (Vertical) dimension. For example,
SZ2Z.
SZ#H: The value after the SZ is used to scale
the symbol in the X,Y (Horizontal) dimensions. For example,
SZ2H.
SZ#S: The value after the SZ is a symbol size
scaler that get multiplied by the drawing horizontal scale to
determine the actual drawing units. For example, SZ0.2S.
The X, Y, Z, V and H can
be combined. For example, to scale a symbol by 10 horizontally
and 25 vertically, use SZ10H25Z. Or to scale a symbol by 2 in
the X direction and 4 in the Y direction, use SZ2X4Y.
When multiple SZ codes
are used in the same point description, the symbol is drawn
multiple times at the different sizes. For example, a point
description of "TREE SZ5 SZ10" will draw the tree symbol
twice. One symbol will be size 5 and the other size 10.
ROT
This code is used to set the rotation of the point symbol. If a point number follows the ROT code, then angle from the current point to this point number is used for the rotation. For example, "ROT45" would rotate the symbol towards point number 45. If there is no point number after the ROT code, then the rotation point is the next point number with the same code as the current point or a companion code for the current code. ROT can also be used to rotate towards an angle clockwise from north by using `+' or `-' in front of the number. For example ROT+45 rotates the point symbol to the northeast and ROT-90 rotates the point symbol to the west.SMO
This code is used to smooth the polyline.AZI & DIST
The AZI and DIST codes are used together to locate an offset point. The AZI sets the offset azimuth and DIST sets the distance. The values should directly follow the code. For example, AZI25 DIST4.2 would draw the point offset 4.2 at an azimuth of 25 degrees.JOG
The "JOG" special code allows for additional points to be inserted into the line work at perpendicular or straight offsets. Only offsets should follow the JOG code. Positive numbers indicate a jog to the right and negative numbers indicate a jog to the left. Alternatively, "R#" and "L#" can be used where # is the distance to either the right or the left. Finally, "S#" can be used to make an offset straight ahead by using a positive # or behind by using a negative #. For example, "BLDG JOG S10.1 R5 L12.2 L5 L12.2" or equivalently "BLDG JOG S10.1 5 -12.2 -5 -12.2" advances 10.1 units and then draws a closed rectangle on the right hand side of an existing line. The offsets are always done in the X-Y plane. If the current line is vertical, an offset to the right is along the positive X-axis.JPN
The "JPN" (Join to Point Name) special code joins to the point named immediately after the code. For example, "JPN205" causes a line to be drawn from the current point to the point "205". JPN is designed to work for adding a segment at the start of linework. So the point with the JPN code should be at first segment of the linework.NEAR
This special code sets the current polyline to Nearest Found connection order. This applies to codes that have the Connection Order set to Sequential and you want to override this setting to Nearest Found for the current polyline.RECT
The "RECT" special code causes a rectangle to be formed on a 2D or 3D polyline using one of two different methods. If a number follows "RECT" (e.g., "RECT10"), a rectangle will be drawn 10 units to the right of the last two points ending on the point with the "RECT" code. Use a negative offset to place the rectangle on the left side (e.g., "RECT-2.5"). For example if locating the left side of a 10' rectangular concrete pad using the code conc for concrete, the description of the two left points would be (conc) for the first point and (conc rect10) for the second. If no number follows "RECT", then the polyline will be closed by shooting right angles from the first point of the polyline and the current point and creating a new point where those two lines cross. This method requires three points be established on the pad.LTF
The "LTF" (LineType Flip) special code switches the side for the linetype. This option applies to non-symmetrical linetypes like the treeline or guard rail for when you want the linetype to face the other way.CIR
The "CIR" special code causes the point to create a circle in one of three different ways. The first way uses just the current point as the center with the CIR special code followed immediately by the radius. For example "CIR7.5" will create a circle centered on this point with radius 7.5 and at the elevation of the current point. The second method uses two points, the first point specifying the center and the elevation, and the second point specifying the radius. Only the first point has the "CIR" special code and the second point is the next point with a matching field code. The third method uses 3 or more points that specify the perimeter of the circle in 2D with the first point specifying the elevation. For this method, the "CIR" special code is only on the first point and the rest of the points are the next points with matching field codes.The "CIR" code can be used with all of the linetypes including "points only". The circles are always parallel to the X-Y plane. Any active linework for the code is ended before processing the "CIR" special code.
PointNo.
Description
Method 1 (Single
point at center with radius value)
82
PP CIR7.5
Method 2 (Point at
center plus point at perimeter)
83
PP CIR
84 PP
Method 3 (Points on
perimeter)
85
PP CIR
86 PP
87 PP
88 PP
89 PP
For Multi-Point 2ND Code
When used on the first point of a multi-point symbol, the "2ND" code indicates that the second point of the sequence (i.e., the next point after the current one) should be used as the second symbol insertion point for a multi-point symbol. Please refer to Symbol Pts in the Edit Field Code Definition section below.For Multi-Point 3RD Code
When used on the first point of a multi-point symbol, the "3RD" code indicates that the third point of the sequence should be used as the third symbol insertion point. The "3RD" code should be used with the "2ND" code. Please refer to Symbol Pts in the Edit Field Code Definition section below.3D Special Codes
Below are the special codes that can be used for the easy creation of 3D surfaces. The resulting 3D face entities can be viewed in the Carlson 3D viewer by entering "cube" on the command line.
FACE3D
Makes a triangle mesh
of 3D face entities by triangulating points starting with the
current point and continuing until the line ends or another 3D
special code is found. The points must be ordered along the
perimeter. Although the mesh will be built if the points are
clockwise or counterclockwise along the perimeter, the visible
side in the Carlson 3D viewer, "cube", is the clockwise side
by default. On the Advanced tab, the shading mode may be set
to Shade both or Shade back if you would
prefer to see both sides or just the counter-clockwise side.
HOLE3D
Makes an exclusion area within the triangle mesh identified by the point number following this code (e.g., “HOLE3D101” will start a hole in point # 101). If no point number is given (“HOLE3D”), the exclusion area is applied to the last mesh or if there is a mesh in the process of being constructed by the current sequence of points, it is ended and the hole is applied to it. Note that a hole can only be applied to a mesh that was created by FACE3D (not BLOCK3D or WALL3D). Note also that it can be difficult to predict what the “last mesh” was if it used a different field code since the points of the coordinate file are processed by order of field code first and then point number. There is no limit to how many holes can be applied to a FACE3D mesh. The points of the hole itself are not added to the FACE3D mesh; they are projected on to the best plane that contains the FACE3D mesh and then the hole is cut-out.
Example 1:
2500 HOUSE1 FACE3D
/front of house
2501 HOUSE1
2502 HOUSE1
2503 HOUSE1
2504 HOUSE1
2505 VENT1 HOLE3D2500 /applies 2505-2508 as
a hole to last mesh that uses point #2500. So any point in
the range 2500-2504 would have the same effect.
2506 VENT1
2507 VENT1
2508 VENT1
Example 2:
2500 HOUSE1 FACE3D /front
of house
2501 HOUSE1
2502 HOUSE1
2503 HOUSE1
2504 HOUSE1
2505 HOUSE1 HOLE3D /stops the above mesh
and applies 2505-2508 as a hole
2506 HOUSE1
2507 HOUSE1
2508 HOUSE1
Example 3:
2500 HOUSE1 FACE3D /front
of house
2501 HOUSE1
2502 HOUSE1
2503 HOUSE1
2504 HOUSE1
2505 WINDOW1 FACE3D HOLE3D2503 /applies
2505-2508
as a hole to above mesh 2500-2504 and starts a new mesh
using the WINDOW field code.
2506 WINDOW1
2507 WINDOW1
2508 WINDOW1
Example 4 (same result as Example 3):
2500 HOUSE1 FACE3D
/front of house
2501 HOUSE1
2502 HOUSE1
2503 HOUSE1
2504 HOUSE1
2505 WINDOW1 FACE3D /starts a new mesh
using the WINDOW field code.
2506 WINDOW1
2507 WINDOW1
2508 WINDOW1 HOLE3D2504 /makes the mesh
2505-2508 also be a hole in the mesh 2500-2504.
BLOCK3D
WALL3D
Makes a set of 3D faces above the polyline using a height value entered after the code (e.g., “WALL3D2.3” with height 2.3). The height can be negative if the points on the top of the wall have been shot. If no parameter exists, then the height is determined by the distance from the current point to the next point. This is a signed distance so the surveyor can shoot either the top of the wall or the bottom of the wall. Both sides of the wall will have triangles and so both sides will always be visible in the Carlson 3D viewer “cube”.Example 5 -- 6' high wall shot along the bottom:
2000
1000.000 1060.000 100.000
WALL1 WALL3D6.0 /wall 6'
2001 1100.000
1060.000 100.000 WALL1
2002 1100.000
1160.000 100.000 WALL1
Example 6 -- 6' high wall, height specified by 1st to 2nd point, shot along the top:
2020 1100.000
1160.000 100.000 WALL2 WALL3D /height
by 2nd pt
2021 1100.000
1160.000 106.000 WALL2
2022 1000.000
1160.000 106.000 WALL2
Load
Default
This button sets the special codes to Carlson, Eagle Point,
Geopak, InRoads or TMOSS defaults.Code Table (continued)
Sort Table - This sorts the code table by either code name or layer.
Report Codes/Points - This routine prints the code table or the data file to the screen, file, or printer. A useful option here is to print the data file (CRD Points) and choose Sort by Codes which will group the data points by distinct codes.
Code Table by CRD - This command will create code table definitions based on the coordinate file field descriptions. This is useful when creating a code table from scratch.
Save: Saves the Draw Field to Finish field code definition (.FLD) file.
Save As: Reacts the same as Save but allows for specification of file name and location to save to.
Code Definitions
Edit:
If only one field code is selected, then this command opens
the Edit Field Code Definition dialog box. If multiple field
codes are selected (by holding down the control key or shift
key and clicking on the rows), then the Multiple Set dialog
box will open.
The code definition dialog has three tabs: General, Symbol and Linetype. Here are the settings under General:
Resulting points and linework showing Zorro style template
Define Code Sequence: This sets the code names that make up the sequence.The Values for the attributes can be fixed strings that you enter in the dialog shown here. Or they can be dynamic parameters including point#, northing, easting, elevation or description for the current point as well as a point note or GIS attribute. To setup a parameter value, pick the Set button and then select the attribute. The Decimals setting applies to fields that are real values.
Three Point Symbol Drawing
The coordinates for the insertion point definitions are for the symbol at unit size. To figure these coordinates, you will need to open the symbol drawing (.DWG) file. By default, the symbols are located in the Carlson SUP directory. For example to make an insertion point for the tree drip line, open the tree symbol drawing and find the coordinate at the edge of the tree symbol (in this case 0.5,0.0).
Two Point Symbol Drawing
Not all of the symbol
insertion points need to be used when drawing the points. If a
code definition has a three insertion points, it is possible
to use just the first two or first one. There are special
codes to associate multiple points to the same symbol. The
first code point is used as the first symbol insertion point.
The "2ND" code is used to specify the second symbol insertion
point. A point number can follow the "2ND" to identify a
specific point. Otherwise without the point number, the
program will use the next point with the current code. The
"3RD" code is used to specify the third symbol insertion point
and similar to the "2ND" code, a point number after the "3RD"
is optional. The "2ND" and "3RD" codes should be assigned to
the first point. For example, consider a code of "CAR" with a
three point symbol insertion definition. If point #1 has a
description of "CAR 2ND 3RD", then point #1 will be used as
the first symbol insertion point and the next two points with
the "CAR" description will be used as the second and third
symbol insertion points.
Multi Point Symbol Drawing
Draw 2nd Symbol: This option creates a second symbol on each point. This additional symbol can be used to add a 3D symbol to a 2D symbol used as the first symbol. Besides selecting the symbol name, there are settings for the symbol size and layer.Coordinate File
Set CRD File: This command allows you to specify a coordinate (.CRD,.CGC,.MDB,.ZAK) file to process.
Edit Points: This command opens the Edit Points spreadsheet editor. See Edit Points for more details.
Draw:
This command returns to the Draw Field to Finish dialog box.
Coding Examples
Under the Carlson Projects folder, there is an example that shows the different ways for linework coding along with examples for many of the special codes. The examples are in f2f_example.crd and f2f_example.fld. Here is a breakdown of the features that the points illustrate.
Point 1: Point Entity by itself
Points 2-3: Using Begin code to start a line; end line using
Begin code for next line
Points 4-5: Using Begin and End to start and stop linework
Point 6: Point Entity by itself after End code
Points 7-11: Linework by code defined as Polyline entity type;
using End as break between linework
Points 12-15: Linework by code defined as Polyline entity type;
using Begin as break between linework
Points 16-19: Linework by code defined as Polyline entity type;
using # after code instead of Begin/End to separate linework
Points 20-22: Linework by code defined as Polyline entity type
without using Begin/End to start/stop linework
Points 24-26: 3 point curve using on PC code
Points 27-30: 3+ point curve using PC/Point codes
Points 32-33: 2 point tangent curve using PC/Point codes
Points 35-39: reverse curve using PC/Point codes
Point 40: Regular point without extra descriPointion
Point 41: Using // to use a code descriPointion as a suffix
Point 42: Using \\ to use a code descriPointion as a prefix
Point 43: Using / to append a descriPointion
Point 44: Using \ to add a descriPointion as a prefix
Point 45: Using ROT and a Point# to rotate to that Point#
Point 46: Using ROT and a value to set the rotation
Point 47: Using ROT by itself to rotate to the next Point#
Point 48: Regular point without rotation
Point 49: Using AZI and DIST codes to offset the point
Point 50: Using SZ with value to set size of symbol
Points 51-52: Using SZ by itself to size symbol by the distance
to the next point
Point 53: Using SZ with 2 values to draw multiple symbols at
those sizes
Points 54-55: Using 2ND code to size the symbol
Points 56-58: Using 2ND and 3RD codes to size the symbol in 2
dimensions
Points 59-62: Using CLO to close the linework
Points 63-64: Using RECT with two points and a value to create a
rectangle
Points 65-67: Using RECT with three points to create a rectangle
Points 68-69: Using OH to offset right a fixed amount
Points 70-73: Using OH on multiple points to offset various
amounts
Points 74-75: Using multiple OH on the same point to offset
polyline multiple times
Points 76-77: Using OH with negative value for offset to left
Points 78-79: Using OFL with value for offset left a fixed
amount
Points 80-81: Using OFB with value to offset both left and right
a fixed amount
Point 82: Using CIR to draw circle at specified radius
Points 83-84: Using CIR to draw circle using two points for
center and perimeter
Points 85-89: Using CIR to draw best-fit circle through points
on perimeter
Points 90-91: Using JPN to join linework to another Point#
Points 92-95: Using SMO to create smoothed linework
Points 96-97: Using JOG to create additional linework segment
extensions
Points 98-102: Using GAP to create a break in the linework
Points 103-106: Using LFT to switch linetype to left side
Points 107-109: Using WALL3D with specified height value
Points 110-112: Using WALL3D with height from 2nd point
Points 113-115: Using BLOCK3D with height and three points to
define parallelogram
Points 116-123: Using BLOCK3D with height and multiple points to
define perimeter
Points 124-128: Using FACE3D with multiple points to make a
surface
Points 129-132: Using HOLE3D with multiple points to define the
perimeter of a hole in the FACE3D surface
Point 133: Using code definition with Attribute Format set to
Text and only Elevation turned on with Label Decimal On PointPointCAD Coding
Field-to-Finish supports an early Carlson style of linework
coding called PointCAD. The PointCAD codes use numbers with
+,-,* symbols as follows:
+0 Starts a regular 2D line (not a
polyline) that is open.
*0 Starts a regular 2D line that is closed.
+4 Starts a curved 2D polyline that is
open.
*4 Starts a curved 2D polyline that is
closed.
+1 Begins a 3-point arc.
-0 or -1 or -3 or -4 or -5 or -6 or
-7 Ends a line.
+5 Starts a 3D polyline that is open.
*5 Starts a 3D polyline that is closed.
+6 Starts a 2D polyline that is open.
*6 Starts a 2D polyline that is closed.
+7 starts line whose type (2D line, 2D
polyline, 3D polyline) is specified by the point's field code
definition. If the field code definition is to use
points, then a 2D line is started.
+2 Middle point of 3 point arc
-05 starts a curved 3D polyline section.
-50 ends a curved 3D polyline section.
+8 starts a 2D and 3D polyline combination
that is open.
*8 starts a 2D and 3D polyline combination
that is closed.
-8 ends a 2D and 3D polyline combination.
-08 starts a 2D and 3D polyline combination
curve that is open.
-80 reverts back to a straight 2D and 3D
polyline combination.
PointCAD linework coding examples
Pulldown
Menu Location: Survey
Keyboard Command: fld2fin
Prerequisite: A data file of points with descriptions