w800 Powertopo en

PowerTopoCE
for Pentax W-800 Series Total Station
PowerTopoCE
Users guide
Copyright 1992-2007 - SierraSoft

All rights reserved
January 2007
SierraSoft S.r.l.
Via Roveredo 1/a
33170 PORDENONE PN
ITALY
Tel.:
Fax.:
e-mail:
WEB:
+39 0434.25.49.06
+39 0434.25.49.07
info@sierrasoft.com
http://www.sierrasoft.com
WARNING
Using computer procedures involves knowing the operative system. PowerTopoCE products
were created for WindowsCE operative systems or later. The operative system is loaded on
turning on device and works as interface between the program and the computer. The
operative system is not provided together PowerTopoCE so it must be already present in the
device. Knowing the operative system base principles is necessary for a full comprehension of
this guide and for a correct use of the program.
This is not a guide to operative systems, for which you should refer to device guides or to the
numerous publications on the matter. This guide does not intend to give instructions concerning
the use of topographic instruments and of computer peripherals. This guide is by no means a
course of topography.
The documentation included in this guide has been collected and verified with maximum care.
Anyway, SierraSoft cannot be held responsible for its use. This is true also for any person or
society involved in the creation, production and distribution of this guide.
This guide is protected by copyright. Reproduction of this guide, or part of it, is possible only on
written authorization by SierraSoft. The use of SierraSoft programs is subjected to the limits set
by international legislation on intellectual property. Copy of the product original disks is
forbidden, except for backup copies made by the license subscriber and only for safety reasons.
Above mentioned warnings are considered accepted on purchasing PowerTopoCE program.
Windows is a registered trademark. AutoCAD is a registered trademark of AutoDesk. Inc. Other
brands and product names cited in this guide are considered trademarks by their respective
owners. The information here included is subject to change without any communication from
SierraSoft.
Index
Index
Introducing PowerTopoCE
System requirements
Assistance
7
7
7
Precautions regarding safety

Using the software with generic total stations
Laser beam emission by the distance measurement
Laser beam emission by the laser pointer
Laser beam emission by the laser plummet
Using the software with Pentax W-800 total station
9
9
9
9
9
10
10
10
10
Product Setup
How to install PowerTopoCE in a Pentax W-800 total station
Installing PowerTopoCE in a mobile device
11
11
11
Starting PowerTopoCE
Starting PowerTopoCE on Pentax W-800 total station
Starting PowerTopoCE on a mobile device
13
13
14
Standard components
Pentax W-800 total station keyboard
How to insert alphanumeric characters in input fields
How to insert numeric characters in input fields
How to delete characters in input fields
How to move among the windows input fields
How to close keyboard dialog boxes
How to use function keys in dialog boxes
How to activate bubble display
How to change EDM working mode
Battery level
How to move in PowerTopoCE menus
Dialog boxes
Input fields
Local menu
Selection from CAD
Options from button
Managing of targets
Pages
Rapid insertion
Virtual keyboard
Calculator
Help on line
17
17
17
18
18
18
19
19
20
20
21
21
23
23
24
24
24
24
26
26
27
28
28
Work management
Work file
How to create a work
How to open a work
29
29
29
31
How to save a work with a different name

How to create a model
32
33
Importation
Importing coordinates from ASCII files
Importation of DXF files
Exportation
Exporting coordinates or measures from ASCII files
Exporting a drawing into DXF file
Linking external works
How to link a work or a raster image
How to change the display order of the files selected
Remove link to a work or a raster image
Deleting a work
Work transfer
DL-02 setup
Prepare PowerTopoCE for data transfer
Prepare DL-02 for data transfer
How to transfer works from PowerTopoCE to DL-02
How to transfer works from DL-02 to PowerTopoCE
How to import PowerTopoCE format data into DL-02
How to export from DL-02 PowerTopoCE format data
How to transfer data from PowerTopoCE to Topko
How to transfer works from Topko to PowerTopoCE
How to import PowerTopoCE format data into Topko
How to export PowerTopoCE format data from Topko
Information about the work
Information about PowerTopoCE
33
33
35
35
36
37
38
38
39
39
39
39
40
40
41
42
42
44
45
46
47
48
50
51
52
Configure instruments
Configuration of instruments on Pentax W-800
Create a new configuration
How to make a configuration current
How to modify a configuration
How to delete a configuration
53
53
54
55
56
56
56
Settings and preferences

General
Units of measurement
Format
Coordinates
CAD
Survey
Staking
Repetitions
Coefficients
Use of coefficients in the calculation of coordinates
Files
57
57
58
59
60
60
61
63
64
65
65
66
Graphic CAD
Display
Snap to object
How to set and use snaps to object
How to insert data in the graphic window
Drawing commands
Inserting a topographic point
How to insert a cadastral parcel
How to draw orthogonal polylines
67
67
68
69
69
70
70
71
71
72
How to draw arcs and circles by 3 points

How to draw circles
How to insert texts
Layers
Create a new layer
How to modify a layer
How to make a layer current
How to change the layers visibility
CAD settings
Modify object properties
Delete objects
Information about the drawing
How to identify a point
How to measure distances
How to measure an angle
How to measure areas
How to link external works
How to make a work or a raster image visible or invisible
How to change the display order of linked files
How to remove the link to a work or a raster image
73
73
73
74
75
76
76
77
77
78
79
80
80
80
80
80
81
81
82
82
82
Data management: Measures and Points

Points Table
How to create a new point
How to modify a point
How to delete a point
How to find a point
Table of Measures
How to modify a measure
How to delete a measure
How to find a measure
83
83
83
84
85
85
86
86
87
87
Survey codes
Compound codes
Drawing from codes
Controls codes
An example of how to use survey codes
Table of survey codes
How to create a new code
How to modify a code
How to delete a code
How to save the library with a different name
How to load a library
Special codes
Quick codes (Pentax W-800)
89
89
89
90
90
91
92
94
94
94
94
94
95
Station setting and orientation

Calculate instrument height
Station with known coordinates and no orientation
Station with known coordinates and orientation point
Station with no known coordinates and different orientation points
How to add a measure
How to remove a measure
How to change the data to be used
Calculate coordinates and correction angle
Check backsight point
97
98
99
100
104
105
107
107
108
108
Survey
How to measure points
Quick codes for Pentax W-800 total station
Traverse stations Management
Measure on existing point
How to measure points in direct and reversed mode
Measurement by repetitions
How to measure points not reachable by prism
Measures with distance offset
Measures with offset of horizontal angle
Measures with offset of vertical angle
Set codes to the points surveyed and drawing from codes
How to perform free measures
111
111
115
115
116
117
119
121
121
122
123
124
126
Staking
Point staking
How to define a list of points to stake
Staking a single point or a list
Staking report
Line staking
How to define a line
Staking points on a line
127
128
129
130
134
135
135
136
COGO
Distance & offset
Intersection
Triangles
Area
Azimuth
139
139
141
144
145
146
Introducing PowerTopoCE
Welcome to PowerTopoCE Users guide. PowerTopoCE is a software for topographic survey
which can work on such Windows Mobile devices as Pocket PC (2003 and upper) and Windows
CE (4.0 and upper), as well as communicate directly with the topographic instruments.
PowerTopoCE can work directly on total station Pentax W-800 and it has been optimized to work
perfectly integrated with this total station so as to take advantage of its great potential.
PowerTopoCE includes all the functions necessary to perform survey on field and staking; the
constant presence of a graphic CAD allows to check directly the object of the survey, compared,
for example, with an existing cartography or to complete, directly on field, the survey drawing.
This guide describes in a complete way all the functions available in PowerTopoCE. The user is
supposed to be familiar with the Windows operating system working on the device and be able
to perform such basic operations as using a pen, selecting an item from menu, choosing options
in a dialog box, etc.
The frames displayed in this guide are referred to a Windows CE system with horizontal 320x240
display; if the tool works on a Pocket PC system, frames can be slightly different.
System requirements
PowerTopoCE can work on devices with a 240x320 or 320x240 pixels display, 64 MB RAM,
equipped with Windows CE operating system, version 4.0 or upper, systems with Pocket PC
2003 or upper.
Assistance
Assistance concerning the use of PowerTopoCE can be offered by local distributors of Pentax instruments.
Precautions regarding safety

Below are reported some important information for your safety.
Using the software with generic total stations

In case of using the software with generic total stations please read carefully the following information.

Activation
press button
Termination
press button
or
displayed on the devices screen

displayed on the devices screen

Activation
press button
on PocketPC systems or button
on Windows CE
systems. In the dialog box that appear select the option Laser pointer and
then press the button
or the button
Termination
Press button
on Windows CE
systems. In the dialog box that appear unselect the option Laser pointer
and then press the button
or the button
10
Activation
press button
on Windows CE
systems. In the dialog box that appear select the option Laser plummet and
then press the button
or the button
Termination
Press button
on Windows CE
systems. In the dialog box that appear unselect the option Laser plummet
and then press the button
or the button
Using the software with Pentax W-800 total station

In case of using the software with Pentax W-800 total station please read carefully the following
information.

Activation
press button
Termination
press button
or
displayed on the total station screen.

displayed on the total station screen.
Activation
button
from total station keyboard and by select the option
Laser pointer; finally press button
or button
to close the
dialog box
Termination
press button
from total station keyboard.
If laser pointer is not active the electronic-vial dialog box will appear
Activation
button
from total station keyboard and by select the option
Laser plummet; finally press button
or button
to close
the dialog box
Termination
press button
from total station keyboard and by unselect the option
Laser plummet; finally press button
or button
to close
the dialog box.
11
Product Setup
How to install PowerTopoCE in a Pentax W-800 total station
Normally, PowerTopoCE is supplied already installed in a SD or CF memory card; then, insert the
card containing the software in the corresponding total station slot.
The operation to be performed is merely the one allowing the registration of PowerTopoCE
among the device tools. To perform this operation, it is sufficient to execute
PowerTopoCE Setup.exe file, available in the PowerTopoCE Setup folder of the PowerTopoCE
memory card supplied with the tool.
The dialog box now appearing will ask to specify the language the tool will have to use.
Press Install button to start setup procedure. The tool PowerTopoCE Setup will then take care
of recording the tool in the device; at the end of the execution a dialog box will inform about the
result of the process.
At the end of the process the total station will be turned off and then turned on again
automatically. On restarting the device, on Windows desktop an icon will be displayed, which will
allow to activate directly PowerTopoCE; moreover, the software can be activated by selecting
Windows Start button, then Programs, and finally PowerTopoCE.
12
Installing PowerTopoCE in a mobile device

PowerTopoCE is normally supplied already installed on a SD or CF memory card the only
operation to be performed is the one allowing to register PowerTopoCE among the device
programs. To perform this operation it is sufficient to execute PowerTopoCE Setup.exe file
available in PowerTopoCE Setup folder of the memory card supplied with the tool.
On starting the tool verify whether the device contains all the libraries necessary for the proper
working of PowerTopoCE; if the libraries are not available, the tool cannot work. If the libraries are
available but not updated, then a message like the following will appear:
In both cases it is necessary to install the libraries in the device. The card supplied with the
software contains the folder NETCF; install the CAB file contained in the folder simply by clicking
on it.
PowerTopoCE Setup program will then register the tool in the device; once the execution has
been performed, a dialog box will inform about the result of the operation.
13
Starting PowerTopoCE
Starting PowerTopoCE on Pentax W-800 total station
To activate PowerTopoCE click twice on the tool icon, displayed on Windows desktop; otherwise,
activate the software by selecting Windows Start button, then Programs, and finally
PowerTopoCE.
On starting the device for the first time, if the program has not been activated yet, a window will
appear for the insertion of the setup code:
Insert on the correct fields Serial number, User data registration and Installation code as
reported in the paper enclosed to the memory card.
On starting PowerTopoCE a window will appear, allowing to carry out some free measurements,
without saving them in a specific work.
For further details concerning the window working see chapter How to perform free measures
on page 128. To close the window of free measurements press Close button or ESC key.
14
Once the window of free measurements has been closed, a window is displayed, allowing to
create a new work or to open an already existing work:
For information concerning work creation mode refer to chapter Work management on page 29.
PowerTopoCE can be used also without having to create a new work or open an existing work;
such mode can be activated also by selecting Close/Cancel from the previous window.
In this case only some of the commands of PowerTopoCE will be available; in fact, only those
commands will be made available, which do not require to interact with any data files.
Starting PowerTopoCE on a mobile device

In order to start PowerTopoCE select the item Programs and then the item PowerTopoCE.
In case the libraries needed for the proper working of the tool are not available, the tool cannot
work. If the libraries are available but not updated, then a message like the following will appear:
In both cases it is necessary to install the libraries in the device. The card supplied with the software
contains the folder NETCF; install the CAB file contained in the folder simply by clicking on it.
In this way the libraries needed for the proper working of the tool are updated and the tool
should work correctly.
15
On starting the program for the first time, a window will appear for the insertion of the setup code:
Insert on the correct fields Serial number, User data registration and Installation code as
reported in the paper enclosed to the memory card.
On starting PowerTopoCE a window is displayed, which allows to create a new work or to open
an already existing one.
For information concerning work creation mode refer to chapter Work management on page 29.
PowerTopoCE can be used also without having to create a new work or open an existing work;
such mode can be activated also by selecting Close/Cancel from the previous window. In this
case only some of the commands of PowerTopoCE will be available; in fact, only those
commands will be made available, which do not require to interact with any data files.
16
Standard components
This chapter illustrates the working of a set of controls and components available in the dialog
boxes that make up the application. Understanding the way they work is absolutely necessary
for the best use of the tool.
Pentax W-800 total station keyboard

Pentax W-800 total station is equipped with a keyboard, allowing to insert alphanumeric data as
well as to move among input fields by directional arrows, and possesses 10 function keys:
How to insert alphanumeric characters in input fields

In order to insert alphanumeric characters in input fields it is necessary to use the buttons from 0 to
9 available in the keyboard. Each button allows the insertion of different characters, so it is
necessary to press the same button more than once, as long as the desired character is displayed.
The lower right corner of PowerTopoCE window displays the preview of the character that will
be inserted in input field.
17
Each keyboard button corresponds to the following characters:

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
.
x/-
@
P
T
W
G
J
M
Space
A
D
,
-
.
Q
U
X
H
K
N
?
B
E
:
+
_
R
V
Y
I
L
O
!
C
F
;
*
S
t
Z
g
j
m
_
a
d
#
/
:
p
u
w
h
k
n
^
b
e
(
%
/
v
x
i
l
o
|
c
f
)
=
&
<
>
The tool provides for some optimizations as far as the keyboard working; for example, if a
lowercase character is selected, the next character displayed will be a lowercase character again.
If the last character selected is a number, the next character displayed will be a number again.
How to insert numeric characters in input fields

In numeric input fields it is possible to use directly keyboard buttons.
How to delete characters in input fields

In order to delete characters from input fields use the keyboard left directional button.
How to move among the windows input fields

To move among the input fields of a window, use the keyboard up and down directional buttons.
How to close keyboard dialog boxes

If atop the dialog box only
ESC button.
button is available, the window can be closed by keyboard
On the contrary, if atop the dialog box

can be closed in two ways:
and
buttons are available, the window
By pressing ESC button, corresponding to Cancel button; in this case, the changes
performed will not be saved.
By pressing Enter button, corresponding to OK button; in this case, the changes performed
will be saved.
18
How to use function keys in dialog boxes

Function keys can be used in different dialog boxes; very often, windows buttons are positioned
next to function keys. In this case it is possible to use function keys instead of window buttons.
An example of this situation is the graphic CAD:
In this case the first 5 function keys correspond to zoom commands, while F7, F8, F9 and F10
function keys open the corresponding CAD menus.
In the windows where it is not possible to position the buttons near the function keys, the
button reports the name of the corresponding function key. An example of this situation is the
window below:
19
How to activate bubble display

From the dialog boxes performing measures it is possible to retrieve the window showing the
position of the bubble. The electronic bubble window can be retrieved by using
keyboard
button. A dialog box similar to the following will appear:
The dialog box allow to change the compensator settings and to set laser pointer and laser
plummet.
How to change EDM working mode

To change EDM working mode and then pass from a prism measure to a reflectorless measure it
is possible to use
button again.
Pressing the button repeatedly allows to choose among three different options as shown in the
preview window:
activates electronic bubble window
setting the EDM on reflectorless measures
setting the EDM on measures with reflector (prism)
setting the EDM on reflectorless Long Range mode measures
setting the EDM on sheet measures
20
Battery level
In the title bar of PowerTopoCE windows an icon similar to the following informs about battery level.
Completely Charged battery
Completely Uncharged battery
How to move in PowerTopoCE menus

PowerTopoCE is equipped with a main menu which contains icons allowing to open in their turn
other icon submenus. The tool commands have then been grouped together in submenus
reachable from the main menu, according to the category they belong to.
Clicking on an icon in the main menu it is possible to have access to the icons of the
corresponding submenu.
Any submenu includes the item Back, which allows to go back to the main menu.
21
Every icon, both in the main menu and in the submenu, reports a number that can be digitized
on the keyboard to retrieve the corresponding item. Therefore, in order to open File menu, it is
possible to click on the corresponding icon and press button 1 on keyboard; the same rule can
be applied to submenus. In this way it is possible to move among the tool commands more
quickly than by using pens or arrows.
The upper side of PowerTopoCE main window reports the name of the current work and 3 icons:
indicates the level of the device battery charge. (available only if PowerTopoCE has
been installed in a mobile device and not in Pentax W-800 station).
opens the window for the management of instruments.
See chapter Configure instruments on page 53.
opens the graphic window. See chapter Graphic CAD on page 69.
To exit the program select the icon Exit from main menu.
Pentax W-800: From main menu the window for instruments setting can be
opened by using F9 function key.
Pentax W-800: From main menu the graphic window can be opened by using
F10 function key.
Dialog boxes
All the dialog boxes display common elements allowing to confirm the data inserted, annul
modifications or simply close the window. These buttons can have different shapes and position,
depending on the tool working either on a Pocket PC or on a Windows CE system.
In Pocket PC systems windows can display, on the lower left toolbar, the following buttons.
by pressing this button the data contained in the window are confirmed and the
window closes.
if this button comes with
its meaning is to annul modifications and close the
window; if not, it only closes the window.
opens virtual keyboard to simplify the insertion of data in the current input field. See
paragraph Virtual keyboard on page 27.
22
In Windows CE systems it is possible to find, on the upper right toolbar, the following buttons.
by pressing this button the current data are confirmed and the window is closed.
by pressing this button the modifications on current data are annulled and the window is closed.
by pressing this button the window is closed.
opens virtual keyboard to simplify the insertion of data in the current input field. See
paragraph Virtual keyboard on page 27.
Pentax W-800:
keyboard; while
button corresponds to Enter button of Pentax W-800

and
buttons correspond to ESC keyboard button.
Input fields
An input field is an area where the user can insert some values. An input field consists of a label
describing the value to be inserted in the field, followed by a rectangular area with a white
background where to insert the value.
Before inserting a value it is necessary to select the field by clicking on it or by pressing TAB
button until it is selected. A field is selected when the cursor is present in the input area.
In input fields it is possible to insert some values by using PowerTopoCE virtual keyboard.
After selecting the field it is sufficient to press
button or
button. A dialog box will
appear, which represents a virtual keyboard to use for the insertion of data. For more
information see paragraph Virtual keyboard on page 27.
Pentax W-800: To move among the input fields of a window, use the keyboard
up and down directional buttons.
Local menu
In using the program it is possible to find some input fields reporting on their right a button like
this:
By pressing this button a local menu appears, which allows to activate alternative functions to
insert the datum required; the kind of options now appearing depends on the input field and on
the context in which it is used.
Selection from CAD

In the input fields where it is necessary, indicate the name of an existing point. The following
button is always present:
By this button it is possible to select the point required directly from the graphic window; from
the graphic window click on the point desired.
Note. If the point selected is situated near other points the tool will open a new window
reporting all the points positioned inside the area selected. Select from the table the point
desired and close the window by confirmation button.
23
Pentax W-800: in the input fields providing for

retrieved by pressing directly F10 function key.
button, the CAD can be
Options from button

When the label of a button is preceded by the symbol , such as
it means that the button label changes if you click on it. Every time the button is pressed,
the label changes and so does the option associated to it. Going on pressing the button all the
options available will be displayed, from the first to the last and then the first again.
Managing of targets
By PowerTopoCE it is possible to manage different prism configurations or other kinds of targets.
This manager is particularly useful while working with different prisms at different heights or
constants; the software allows to pass quickly from a typology to another without having to reset
manually either the height or the constant.
By the same manager it is possible, if the instruments allow this, to change EDM measurement
mode from prism to without prism (reflectorless).
In all the dialog boxes allowing the execution of measures, prism height is requested by an input
field like the following:
An icon on the left of the input field indicates the current target:
prism
without-prism (reflectorless)
without-prism in Long Range mode (reflectorless long range)
sheet
By pressing
button the local menu is opened, reporting the list of all the targets currently set:
Select from the list the target desired; the tool will update the value of prism height with the
specific target value selected.
If prism height is modified in input field, the new value will be updated also in the current view.
From local menu it is possible to select the item Targets, which will open a dialog box similar
to the following:
24
In order to set a target as the current one, first select the target from the list, then press Current
button.
It is possible to modify the targets display order by using Move up and Move down buttons.
In order to create a new target, press New button; the following dialog box will appear:
Assign a name to the target and then set the kind of target (prism or reflectorless), its height and
the prism constant.
It is recommendable not to set the value of the prism constant if this has already been set also
in the total station, otherwise it will be applied twice to the distance measured.
In order to modify a target, select it from the list and press Modify button.
To delete a target, select it from the list and press Delete button.
Pages
In the windows containing a lot of information, this is subdivided into pages, as shown below:
In order to pass to the different pages it is sufficient to press

and
buttons; to have direct access to the page desired
it is possible to open a pull down menu.
Pentax W-800: to pass to the previous page it is possible to press F1 button;

to pass to the next page it is possible to press F5 button.
25
Rapid insertion
Distances, angles, height differences and azimuth can be normally inserted in the fields simply
by digitizing the value but some fast methods exist, that simplify the insertion of such values.
In order to insert the distance between two points it is sufficient to insert the name of the two
points separated by the character -; as soon as the cursor is out of the input field, the tool will
calculate the distance between the two points and will insert it in the field.
Another method is to use the local menu
associated to the input field and select the item
Select from CAD; from the graphic window select the two points to use to calculate the
distance. Then, using the local menu, it is also possible to specify a distance by indicating the
points to be measured from the table; select from local menu the item Select from table. Indicate on
the table the first point to measure and confirm, then select the second point and confirm.
What has just been illustrated for the distance is valid also for the insertion of azimuth and height
differences.
On the contrary, to insert the angle between three points, it is sufficient to insert the name of the
three points, separated by the character -; as soon as the cursor is out of the input field, the tool will
calculate the angle between the three points, taking the second point as the centre of the angle.
By using the input field local menu
or from the table.
the three points can be specified in the graphic window
If the values to be inserted are derived from a calculation, this can be performed by activating,
from
local menu, PowerTopoCE scientific calculator.
For further information see paragraph Calculator on page 28.
Virtual keyboard
A virtual keyboard is a dialog box displaying a set of buttons that stand for the traditional keys
of a common keyboard. The purpose of a virtual keyboard is to simplify the insertion of data into
devices that are not equipped with a normal keyboard.
A virtual keyboard can be retrieved from any window or input field by pressing
or
button.
26
button
The keyboard can be displayed in either alphabetical or numeric mode; the tool sets automatically
the correct mode, according to the kind of input field (numeric or not).
It is possible to pass from a mode to another by the following buttons:
displays alphabetical keyboard.
displays numeric keyboard.
displays symbols keyboard.
In order to confirm the value inserted press
button.
The value digitized will be inserted in the current input field.
Calculator
PowerTopoCE integrates a scientific calculator that can be retrieved directly from some input
fields by using a local menu
.
The value calculated is automatically displayed as the value inserted in the input field. The
calculator can also be retrieved from PowerTopoCE menu: select the item Job and then Calculator.
Digitize the formula to be calculated and press

button. The tool will calculate the
result and put the formula in the list situated on the upper side of the table. By selecting a
previous formula the tool recalculates the result.
Help on line
PowerTopoCE is equipped with an integrated help on line accessible from the main menu by
selecting the item Help.
27
Work management
This chapter analyses in detail different aspects concerning work creation and management,
such as data import and export, links with external files, data transfer between device and PC.
Moreover, it specifies the data created by the tool and the techniques adopted to prevent the
loss of data due to accidental factors.
Work file
Every work created by PowerTopoCE consists of at least two files: a work file containing the
whole information and the so called RAW file.
The work file is a binary file with work name and. TCE extension; it contains work data, settings,
drawings, references to external works.
On the contrary, the RAW file is an ASCII file with work name and .RAW extension; it is generated
automatically on creating the work and it is essentially a log file recording all the operations
which create or modify points. PowerTopoCE never reads data from the RAW file but uses it only
for writing.
The purpose of the raw file is double: it can be used to rebuild the work file if this has been lost
for some reason and it can be used by some other software to read the work data.
Other important files are those represented by the libraries of the survey codes, saved in the tool
main folder with COD extension.
How to create a work

In order to create a new work select the item File from the main menu and then the item
New/Open.
Press New button.
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Enter the name of the work to be created and the possible descriptions. Use
button to
select the folder where to save the work.
It is possible to create the new work by using a start model containing, for example, specific
settings and work parameters.
The models available are listed in Model list; to create a work according to a specific model,
select it from the list or select <None>. For information on how to create a model refer to the
paragraph How to open a work on page 31.
Press Next button to go on defining the information concerning the new work.
If the folder set is not situated in a permanent memory area the tool informs the user about it.
WARNING! Please select a folder situated in a permanent memory area of the device or of
a memory card. In case of a system reset the files that are not situated in a permanent
memory area could be lost.
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In this window it is possible to set the code library to use during the survey. Select from the list
the library to use or select <None>. Press End to stop the process that creates a new work.
The tool asks whether to pass automatically to the creation of the first station. Answer Yes if you
are positioned on the first station and the connection with the instruments has already been set
and checked.
WARNING! When using PowerTopoCE it is not necessary to save work data, since
PowerTopoCE saves automatically every change made on the data; in this way, at all events
(battery exhaustion, accidental turning off, etc.) no information will be lost and it will be
possible to resume the work exactly from the point where it had been interrupted.
The tool saves the survey data also in the RAW file and it is also equipped with an
automatic save system which intervenes at intervals definable by the user and performs a
backup of the files. For information concerning the automatic backup see the chapter
Settings and preferences on page 59.
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How to open a work

To open an existing work select the item File from the main menu and then the item New/Open.
This window lists the works available in the folder selected. To modify the current folder
press
button. Select the file to open and press Open button.
From this window it is possible to open other kinds of files as BAK file or RAW file. Select the kind
of file to load from the list File type:
PowerTopoCE:
work files.
PowerTopoCE BAK:
BAK files of a work, resulting from the automatic backup. By selecting

this option the BAK files contained in the current folder will be
displayed. By opening a BAK file the tool prompts for a confirmation
and for the name to set to the work the BAK file will restore. For the
settings concerning the backup see the chapter Settings and
preferences on page 59.
PowerTopoCE RAW:
RAW files of a work. By selecting this option the RAW files contained in
the current folder will be displayed. By opening RAW file the tool
informs that a conversion of the RAW file into a work file is going to be
performed and prompts for the name to set to the new work.
How to save a work with a different name

To create a copy of the current work with a new name select the item File from the main menu
and then the item Save as. A dialog box asks to indicate the new name to set to the work and
the folder where to save it. Press OK to perform a copy of the file.
Warning!
The tool goes on working not on the original file but on the file with the new name.
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How to create a model

The command Save as can be used also to create a work model to use on creating new works.
From the dialog box which prompts for the new name to set to the work, select the item
PowerTopoCE Model from Type list.
A model file will be created in the tool main folder.
Importation
In order to import data with other formats into PowerTopoCE work it is possible to use the
Import function available by selecting the item File from the main menu.
It is possible to import coordinates from ASCII files and drawings from DXF files.
Importing coordinates from ASCII files

Select the option Coordinates from ASCII file and press Next button.
Press Browse button to select the file to load. Specify the data included in the ASCII file and their
sequence: from the list on the left select the data contained in the ASCII file one by one and
press
button.
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The datum will be added to the list on the right. ** Ignore ** field can be used for those values
which, even if contained in the ASCII file, must not be imported. After defining the fields and
their order, press Next button.
Select the character delimiting the different fields inside the ASCII file. It is also possible to
exclude from importation the first lines. The table shows the preview of the final result of the
importation. Press End button to start the importation.
During the importation the tool verifies, for each point to import, whether the work already
contains a point with the same name; if a point with the same name already exists and has
exactly the same coordinates, the point will be ignored. Vice versa, if the point exists but has
different coordinates, a window will appear, by which to choose among different options before
going on.
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The window says that the point is already in the file and asks whether the existing point has to
be replaced by the new one. The possible options are the following:
Yes:
the existing point is deleted and the new point is imported.
Yes all:
the existing point is deleted and the new point is imported; this choice
will be applied also to the other points already existing in the work file.
No:
the point is not imported and the existing point is maintained.
No all:
the point is not imported and the existing point is maintained; this choice
will be applied also to the other points already existing in the work file.
Rename:
imports the point setting the name proposed in Start from input field.
All:
imports the point setting the name proposed in Start from input field;
this choice will be applied also to the other points already existing in
the work file.
Compare coordinates: opens a dialog box displaying the coordinates of the existing point and
of the point to import.
Stop importing:
interrupts the importation of points
Importation of DXF files

Select the option DXF file and press Next button. Press Browse button to select the file to load.
Wait until the importation of the DXF file has been carried out.
The tool imports the following DXF entities: layer, line types, lines, polylines, arcs, circles, texts.
The complete drawing is imported in the work, so it is not just a link to an external file.
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Exportation
In order to export data with other formats into PowerTopoCE work it is possible to use the
Export function available by selecting the item File from the main menu.
It is possible to export coordinates and measures into ASCII files, survey drawing into DXF files.
Exporting coordinates or measures from ASCII files

Select the option Coordinates to ASCII file to export the coordinates or the option Measures
to ASCII file to export the measures; press Next button.
Press Browse button to specify the name and the path of the file to create. Specify the data to
be exported into the ASCII file and their sequence: from the list on the left select one by one the
kind of data to export and press
button.
The datum will be added to the list on the right.
After defining the fields and their order, press Next button.
35
Select the character to use to delimit the different fields in the ASCII file. Press End button to start
exportation.
Exporting a drawing into DXF file

Select the option DXF File and press Next button.
In this window set the following parameters:

DXF by drawing:
by activating this option, the points available in the work are exported as
AutoCAD POINT entities; point data (name, code, elevation, description)
are exported as texts.
DXF by work:
by activating this option, the points available in the work are exported as
AutoCAD blocks with attributes; attributes are point data (name, code,
elevation, description).
Text height:
height of the labels (name, code, elevation, etc.) of topographic point texts.
Export DXF 3D:
activate this option to generate a 3D DXF; deactivate this option to

generate a 2D DXF.
Press Next button. Specify name of the DXF to create and storage path.
36
Linking external works

By this command it is possible to link, as external references, both works performed with
PowerTopoCE and raster images. When a PowerTopoCE work is linked as external reference, the
tool loads the points and the drawing of the linked work and makes it possible to manage these
data in the current drawing; the data of the linked work are loaded from the original file every
time the work is opened, but they are never saved in the current drawing. Only the path to the
file to be linked is saved in the work.
The points of the linked works are displayed in the table of coordinates with the points of the
current drawing and the drawing is displayed in the graphic window with the data of the current
drawing. It is not possible to modify the points or the drawing of a linked work; points and
drawing can be used as reference for survey, staking, etc. All the graphic data of the linked
PowerTopoCE work are assigned to the same layer: REF-EXT followed by the name of the work.
The points of a linked work can be used, for example, as reference points for the orientation of
the station in the current drawing; otherwise, the drawing of a work can be linked to different
works of geometry annotation.
At any moment it is possible to make the data of the linked works invisible or remove the
connection.
To link PowerTopoCE works or raster images to the current work, select the item Job from the
main menu and then the item Maps.

To link PowerTopoCE works or raster images to the current work, press Add button; a dialog box
will make it possible to indicate the file to link. From Type list select the kind of file to link:
PowerTopoCE:
BMP:
PNG:
TIF:
PowerTopoCE work
BMP format images
PNG format images
TIF format images
The file selected is added to the table.
37
How to make visible a job or a raster image

In order to change, inside the graphic window, the status of visibility of a linked work or of a
raster image it is sufficient to click on the corresponding table line; the file will be visible in case
the cell is selected , invisible in the opposite situation .
All on and All off buttons make it possible to make all the linked files either visible or invisible.
How to change the display order of the files selected

To change the order by which the linked files (PowerTopoCE works and images) are displayed in
the graphic window it is sufficient to select from the table the file to move and use Move up and
Move down buttons until the desired position is reached.
The files will be displayed according to the table order; the first table file will be displayed first,
the last in the list will be the last to be displayed.
Remove link to a work or a raster image

In order to remove the link to a PowerTopoCE work or to a raster image it is sufficient to select
the corresponding table line and press Delete button.
Deleting a work
In order to delete a PowerTopoCE work select the item Delete job from File menu. The tool asks
to indicate the name of the work to be deleted and the folder where it is positioned.
If the request to confirm the deletion of the file selected is answered affirmatively, the tool will
delete all the work files; work file, RAW file and BAK file will be deleted.
Work transfer
PowerTopoCE is equipped with an autonomous protocol for the transfer of files by PC through a
serial cable. In order to allow the transfer, it is necessary to have one of the softwares listed below
installed in the PC.
DL-02:
SierraSoft freeware software allowing the connection to field data recorders and
transfer of data from field data recorder to PC and vice versa. Moreover, DL-02 offers
a simple procedure of survey calculation as well as different procedures of data
import and export. DL-02 can also be used for the transfer of survey data from
PowerTopoCE to PC and vice versa.
Topko:
Topko is SierraSoft topography software for Microsoft Windows operating system

PCs. Topko is available in different configurations; to allow the connection with
PowerTopoCE it is necessary to possess Topko, T module, Numeric topography in
particular. For further information concerning Topko functions and features see
SierraSoft internet site: www.sierrasoft.com.
WARNING! To allow the transfer of data from DL-02 to PowerTopoCE it is necessary to

connect the two devices by a serial cable.
38
DL-02 setup
DL-02 can be installed by the CD supplied with the tool. Insert the CD in the drive so as to
activate a window allowing to have access to some supplementary resources, among which
DL-02 setup.
Prepare PowerTopoCE for data transfer

In order to perform the transfer of data from PowerTopoCE to PC and vice versa, select File menu
and then the item Transfer from PowerTopoCE menu.
Choose the COM port connecting the serial cable with the device and press Next.
Press
button to select the folder containing the works to transfer and to receive from
DL-02. Leave PowerTopoCE in this condition as long as the transfer of data has been completed.
39
Prepare DL-02 for data transfer

In order to perform the transfer of data with PowerTopoCE, select
data as follows:
button and set the
Choose the COM port connecting the serial cable to the display and press OK to confirm the settings.
40
How to transfer works from PowerTopoCE to DL-02

From DL-02 main window select
button:
Open work list from Work name check box. After some seconds the PowerTopoCE works
available in the folder selected will appear; select the work to be downloaded and press
Download button.
When the transfer has been performed, the table of measures and coordinates will display the
data of the work that has been transferred.
41
How to transfer works from DL-02 to PowerTopoCE

Coordinates can be transferred from DL-02 to PowerTopoCE only if they have already been
loaded manually or by importation procedures.
From the main window select
button:
Set the name of the work to create in PowerTopoCE folder and then press Load button.
At the end of the process a PowerTopoCE format file will be available in the folder selected in
PowerTopoCE, which can be opened and used.
42
How to import PowerTopoCE format data into DL-02

If a PC contains a PowerTopoCE format file this can easily be imported into DL-02 by selecting
button. From the window now appearing select the item Field data recorder file and
press Next.
Select the PowerTopoCE format file to import and press Import button.
At the end of the transfer the data of the work that has been imported will be available in the
table of measures and coordinates.
43
How to export from DL-02 PowerTopoCE format data

In order to generate a PowerTopoCE format file from DL-02 on your PC select
button.
From the window now appearing select the item Field data recorder files and press Next.
Indicate the path and the name to assign to the file to be exported and press Export button.
44
How to transfer data from PowerTopoCE to Topko

In order to transfer data from PowerTopoCE to Topko select File menu and then the Topko item
Field data recorder. From the window now appearing select the item Direct import from field
data recorder.
Set the window as follows:
Press Change button to set communication parameters:
45
Choose the COM port connecting the serial cable to the device and set the parameters as
indicated in the window. Press OK to confirm.
In the window above set the name of the PowerTopoCE format file to create on the PC and
choose, from the list Job name, the PowerTopoCE work to import.
Press Next. At the end of the process Topko will have imported all the data of PowerTopoCE
work: measures, coordinates, drawing.
46
How to transfer works from Topko to PowerTopoCE

In order to transfer data from Topko to PowerTopoCE select File menu and then the Topko item
Field data recorder. From the window now appearing select the item Direct export on field
data recorder.
Set the window as follows:
Set the name of the PowerTopoCE format file to be created in the PC and the name this work will
have in PowerTopoCE folder. Press Next to start the exportation of PowerTopoCE format data
and for their transfer on the device.
At the end of the process the folder selected in PowerTopoCE will contain the PowerTopoCE
format file that can be opened and used; the file will contain data referred to the current survey
subproject and to the current drawing subproject.
47
How to import PowerTopoCE format data into Topko

If a PC contains a PowerTopoCE format file, this can easily be imported into Topko by selecting
the item Field data recorder from File menu. From the window now appearing select the item
Import topographic instruments format file and press Next.
Press Browse button to select the PowerTopoCE format file to load; then press Load button.
At the end of the process Topko will have imported all the data of PowerTopoCE work: measures,
coordinates, drawing.
48
How to export PowerTopoCE format data from Topko

In order to generate on your PC a PowerTopoCE format file from Topko select the item Field data
recorder from File menu. From the window now appearing select the item Export topographic instruments format file.
Indicate the path and the name to assign to the file to export, then press Export button.
49
Information about the work

This command provides for some general information concerning the current work and allows
to display the content of the RAW file.
To open this window select the item Job from the main menu and then the item Info.
The first page, info, illustrates some data of the work, such as name, folder, code library used, file
size, date of creation and modification; it also provides for information concerning the number
of points and measures as well as the name of the first and last point measured. Finally, it reports
the total memory and the amount of the available one.
The second page, Raw file, shows the content of the RAW file.
50
Information about PowerTopoCE

This command provides for some information concerning the PowerTopoCE version being used.
The window reports the name of the user who registered the program and a table reporting
some information concerning tool version, database version and the versions of the main
libraries used.
51
Configuration of instruments on Pentax W-800
In case PowerTopoCE is used on Pentax W-800 total station it is not possible to create other instrument configurations.
By pressing the button marked by
icon, and situated atop PowerTopoCE main window,
it is possible to open Pentax W-800 configuration window.
From this window it is possible to change different working parameters of the total station;
configuration parameters are distributed in 3 pages. On the first page the following parameters
are available:
EDM mode: Electronic Distance Meter; it is possible to choose among the followingoptions:
Precise
High-speed
Standard
Tracking
Quick measure: allow to activate quick measure
Target type: the kind target used to carry out the measurement; it is possible to choose among
the following options:
Sheet
Prism
Reflectorless
Reflectorless (long range)
Long Range message: if active, a warning message appears before a measure
starts in Reflectorless Long Range mode.
Prism constant (mm): value of the constant of the prism used. Such field appears only if the
configuration window is activated from the window of free measurements.
See chapter How to perform free measures.
Remember that it is possible to change quickly EDM working mode by using
button or by using Manage targets.
52
keyboard
The second page contains the following parameters:
Compensator: configuration of total station compensator.

Shots count: number of reading to be performed at every measurement. An average
value will be used, that has been obtained from all the measures taken.
Laser pointer: this option activates the display of a laser pointer.
Plumb laser: this option activates the station plumb laser.
The third page contains the following parameters:
Refraction / Curvature correction: correction factor of refraction and terrestrial curvature; it is

possible to choose among the following options:
0.14
0.20
No correction
AUTOMATIC atmospheric correction: this option activates the automatic correction of
measures by the total station by using an atmospheric sensor.
Auto Power OFF: options of total station and EDM automatic power off.
Setup: this button appears only if configuration window is activated from free measurements
window and allows to change some of the window display parameters such as number of decimals and measure units to use.
53
This chapter shows how to configure PowerTopoCE so as to let it communicate with the
topographic instruments and then not only command the reading of angles and distances but
also set specific work modes of the instruments.
By PowerTopoCE it is possible to create different configurations of instruments, so the tool can
be used with the instruments available in the office, without having to reset communication and
work parameters every time the instruments change.
PowerTopoCE supports the most widespread topographic instrument brands and models. If
your set of instruments is not among these models, please contact your local distributor of
Pentax products or Pentax technical support.
The management of the instruments can be activated from
icon, displayed on the upper
side of PowerTopoCE main window. From the pull down menu select the item Instruments
setup.
The table reports the list of the configurations created by PowerTopoCE.
Create a new configuration

In order to create a new configuration press New button:
54
In this window it is possible to set the following data:

Name:
name that describes the configuration.
Brand:
instruments brand.
Model:
the models supported are listed according to the brand selected.
Freq. Upd.:
it is the frequency with which the tool queries the total station to obtain the
current angular values; such values are displayed numerically in the window
where survey measures are performed and under the form of a vector in the
graphic window; basically, the graphic window displays uninterruptedly the instrument current direction. To exclude this work mode select the item None.
Warning. Some instruments are not fast enough to supply the current angular values. In
this case, setting too low updating frequencies could cause the tool bad working both on
using the graphic window and on carrying out the survey.
Therefore, please set this value very carefully.
Port:
name of the device serial port to use to communicate with the total station.
Baud:
transmission speed.
Parity:
kind of parity to use in the transmission.
Data:
number of data bits.
Stop:
number of stop bits.
Warning.
Baud, Parity, Data and Stop parameters must be exactly those used by the instruments.
By Settings button it is possible to perform some specific settings referred to the instrument
selected. Some instruments do not provide for any kind of supplementary settings while others
allow to set, for example, EDM use mode or other work parameters.
How to make a configuration current

In order to make one of the table configurations current it is sufficient to select it from the list
and press Current button. Icon will shift to the configuration selected.
For some instruments the tool checks immediately whether the total station is connected and if
it answers to commands; for other instruments this is not possible, so it is necessary to test the
actual working by one of the survey commands, such as Free measures command (see chapter
Survey on page 113)
How to modify a configuration

To modify one of the configurations it is sufficient to select it from the table and press Modify
button or Enter button from the device keyboard (if available). The same window will appear,
with which the configuration has been created; modify data and press confirmation button.
How to delete a configuration

In order to delete a configuration it is sufficient to select it from the table and press Delete
button. The configuration selected must not be the current one.
55
Settings and preferences

This chapter illustrates the operations that can be set in order to check the tool working in every
phase. Settings refer to the current work and not to the tool in general.
In order to open settings dialog box select the item Job from the main menu and then the item Setup.
The dialog box is made up of different pages containing the different setting options.
Select the page desired using
and
buttons or the list in the middle.
Confirmation button saves the modifications in the current work and makes them immediately
effective; cancel button will save none of the changes made.
General
By this page it is possible to perform the following settings:
56
Numeric Codes: this option controls the kind of virtual keyboard appearing when a
survey code has to be typed in; if the option is active the numeric keyboard will
appear, if not the alphabetical keyboard will appear.
Beep on point saving: if it is selected, the tool will give out a beep every time a new
survey point is created.
Display keyboard: enables the use of the virtual keyboard.
Autosave every: enables the automatic saving. It is possible to set an interval of some
minutes between an automatic saving and the following one. The automatic saving
performs automatically a copy of the work file and of the RAW file. To open the file of
an automatic saving it is sufficient to use the standard command that opens a work,
specifying PowerTopoCE BAK in File type section list.
For further information on how to open a BAK file refer to paragraph How to open a work on page 31.
Units of measurement
This page makes it possible to set the units of measurement used by the tool.
Units for distances:
unit of measurement of distances expressed in metres or feet.
Units for angles:
unit of measurement of angles expressed in centesimal Degrees,

decimal Degrees and Degrees / Minutes / Seconds.
defines the position and the direction of azimuth directions.
Azimuth type:
Units for slope:
representation mode of slopes as ratio between height and base or as

percentage value.
57
Format
By this page it is possible to set the degree of precision according to which to display the
different values managed by the tool.
58
Coordinates:
number of decimals for coordinates.
Distances:
number of decimals for distances.
Angles:
number of decimals for angles.
Stations:
number of decimals for stations.
Elevations:
number of decimals for elevations.
Areas:
number of decimals for areas.
Slopes:
number of decimals for slopes.
Type Degrees/min/sec:
representation mode of angles if in Unit page Degrees/min/sec has

been chosen as angles unit of measure.
Type stations:
representation mode of stations; Standard mode, by which they are

represented as distances, or X+YYY.ZZZ mode.
Coordinates
By this page it is possible to set the coordinates display order and the symbol to use to represent them.
Coordinates order:
it is possible to display the coordinates according to East/North or

North/East mode.
Symbols:
it is possible to set the symbols to use for any of the coordinates.
CAD
By this page it is possible to set, most of all, the entities to display in the graphic window.
Survey points: displays survey points
Point name: displays point name next to the point itself.
Point code: displays point code next to the point itself.
Point elevation: displays point elevation next to the point itself.
Measures: displays measure lines from station to points.
Control points: displays control points.
Parcels: displays cadastral parcels.
59
Drawing: displays the work drawing elements.

Drawing mono: displays drawing elements with one colour.
The colour can be selected from the item Monochrome map colour.
External maps: displays the external files linked to the current work.
Points with symbol: displays the points with a symbol the survey code has set on them.
Linetypes: displays lines with their line type; otherwise, all the lines are displayed as
continuous lines.
Drawing from codes: displays the drawing resulting automatically from the survey by
using codes.
Line type scale: global scale factor to use to represent line types.
Colour monochrome map: colour to use to represent the drawing if Drawing mono option has
been selected. To change the colour, click on the coloured area and then select the colour from
the dialog box now appearing.
60
Survey
From this page it is possible to set some options regulating the mode by which point survey
operations are carried out.
Prompt for Codes/Desc.: by activating this option, before registering the measure,
the tool displays a window that asks to specify the code and the description to set to the
point. This window appears only if you press Measure button, while it does not appear if
you press Meas.&Reg. button.
Prompt for prism height: by activating this option, before registering the measure, the
tool displays a window that asks to specify the prism height. This window appears only if
you press Measure button, while it does not appear if you press Meas.&Reg. button.
Prompt for layer: by activating this option, before registering the measure, the tool displays
a window that asks to specify the layer where to save the point. This window appears only if
you press Measure button, while it does not appear if you press Meas.&Reg. button.
Create new codes: by activating this option the tool verifies whether the code typed in is
already included in the survey code table linked to the work. If the code is not present a
window will ask whether to insert the code in the current list of survey codes.
Tolerances: in this group it is possible to set the tolerances the tool must use during the survey.
For example, direct and reversed measures are used to make sure that between the direct
measure and the reversed measure there are no differences exceeding the tolerance set; in case
the tolerance is exceeded, the user will be informed by the tool.
Backsight Angle: by this option it is possible to decide what value to set to the total station
horizontal angle when a station is oriented towards a known point or a previous station. Possible
options are the following:
Not set: by this option the total station horizontal angle is not modified.
Set 0: by this option the tool sets on 0 the total station angle before performing prism
measure. The angles of the points surveyed later will then be referred to orientation point.
Set to azimuth: by this option the tool sets the total station angle to the azimuth value
calculated between station and point. In this way, the angles returned by the total station
are always azimuth.
However, such mode can be modified by the user also during the orientation.
61
Staking
From this page it is possible to set some options regulating the mode by which point staking
operations are performed.
Start with fast EDM: by activating this option the tool gets ready to start point stakeout by
fast procedure. The tool will set the station to perform faster measures, even if less precise.
Prompt for layer: by activating this option, before saving a staked point, the tool displays
a window that asks to specify the layer to set to the point.
Display Delta before saving: by activating this option, before saving a staking point, the
tool displays a window that sums up distance differences between the position of the
prism and the point.
Distance Tolerance: tolerance distance between the prism and the point to reach. When the
prism is within the maximum distance allowed, the tool informs that the position has been
reached.
Turn station: this option can be applied only to motorized stations; it is possible to choose
among the following possibilities:
No: station must be turned manually.
3D Auto (HA+VA): station will be automatically turned horizontally and vertically towards
the point.
2D Auto (HA): station will be automatically turned horizontally towards the point.
Display delta: this option controls the modality by which the tool provides graphic information
concerning the position of the prism as to the point to stakeout. Possible modalities are the
following:
Angle and distance: displays the angular value according to which to move the prism in
order to reach station-point direction; it displays also the distance from point.
Distances: displays the distance of the prism as to station-point line and then the
distance from point.
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Stakeout line: this option allows to change the display of the data calculated. Possible
modalities are the following:
Dir. St.>Prism. In this case the tool displays the distances to reach the line considering
station-prism direction.
Dir. Pnt.>Line. In this case the tool displays the shortest distance (perpendicular) to reach
the line considering the prism current position.
Repetitions
In this page it is possible to set the options regulating the mode by which repetitions
measurements are performed.
Tolerances: tolerances verified by the tool during survey by layer. If in a measure, the angles or
the distances exceed the tolerance set, the tool informs the user by a dialog box.
Measures sequence: specifies the order according to which measurements are performed.
At present, only the following option is available:
BS > FS ^ FS > BS: measure on backsight point, measure on foresight point, spyglass
reversing, foresight point reversed sight, backsight point reversed sight.
Number of sets: number of sets (repetitions) to perform.
Measure distance to backsight: if this option is active the tool measures the distance
also on backsight point.
Measure distance on reversed: if this option is active the tool measures the distance also
on reversed sights.
Automatic repetition: if this option is active, the tool, after the first orientation sight and
the first sight to point, performs automatically the positioning of the station on the points
to measure.
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Coefficients
In this page it is possible to set all the physical and environmental parameters that can
influence coordinate calculation.
Temperature: ambient temperature expressed in C.
Pressure: ambient pressure expressed in mmb.
Refraction Coefficient: if inserted, together with earth radius, it involves adjustment
calculation for atmospheric refraction. Standard value k= 0,13.
Average elevation: survey average elevation. Used with earth radius value for reduction
of distances to sea level.
Earth Radius: expressed in metres; if defined, it influences calculation of sphericity,
refraction, reduction to sea level. If not defined, it allows no calculation of any.
Scale factor: Value used to reduce on a cartographic plane sea level horizontal distance
(Gauss-Boaga, Cassini Soldner, Gauss-Kruger, etc.)
Use of coefficients in the calculation of coordinates

In calculating the coordinates from the measures taken by the instrument the tool can consider
the following factors:
Earth sphericity
Atmospheric refraction
Atmospheric pressure
temperature
reduction of distances to sea level
reduction of distances to projection plane
Warning. If some of these factors have already been applied by the instruments it is not
correct to apply a new correction by PowerTopoCE.
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The sequence of the corrections, provided the slope distance is known, is the following:
atmospheric correction, caused by pressure and temperature
Real slope distance = ( Incorrect measured distance ) * (1+ ppm*10-6)
Where ppm is the atmospheric correction in mm/km.
Atmospheric correction = 281.8 - (0.29065 * Pressure) / (1 + 0.00366 * Temperature) in ppm
reduction of real slope distance to horizontal distance
Horizontal distance in m = Y - A * X * Y
Height difference in m = X + B * Y 2
Where:
X = (Real slope distance) * Abs (Sin (Vertical angle measured) )
Y = (Real slope distance) * Cos (Vertical angle measured)
A = (1 - k / 2) / R = 1.47*10-6
B = (1 - k ) / (2 * R) = 6.83*10-8
K = Refraction coefficient (0.13)
R = Earth radius in m(6378000)
reduction to sea level
Sea level distance in m = Horizontal distance * (1 Elevation on sea level / Earth radius)
Reduction to cartographic plane
Distance reduced to cartographic plane = Distance reduced to sea level * Scale factor
Files
In this page it is possible to define the table of survey codes to be used during the survey and
stakeout operations. For further information concerning survey codes refer to Survey codes
paragraph on page 91.
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Graphic CAD
PowerTopoCE is equipped with a complete graphic CAD which can display survey data, linked
works and raster images. The CAD, moreover, makes it possible to add such drawing elements as
lines, arcs, circles, polylines, texts, using also snaps to object. Directly from the graphic window it
is also possible to insert new topographic points to use then for staking.
All the drawing data can be arranged in layers, with the managements of colours and line types.
The graphic window can also display the position of the current station, the position of the
prism, the direction used for the orientation and direction of the instruments.
The graphic CAD can be retrieved from PowerTopoCE main window by selecting
button.
Moreover, many dialog boxes are equipped with a button for the direct access to the graphic
window.
Display
The display of a drawing can be modified by the first four toolbar buttons:
Zoom all: makes the whole drawing visible.
Zoom window: performs a zoom on an area of the drawing. The tool asks to indicate
two vertexes of the area to be magnified.
Zoom more: magnifies drawing display.
Zoom less: reduces drawing display.
Zoom on point: allows to perform a direct zoom on the topographic point specified.
In order to move the current view it is sufficient to click on the display and, keeping the pen
pressed, drag the view towards a new position.
View shift can be obtained also by using device keyboard arrows (if available).
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Snap to object
Snaps to object reduce the specification of points to precise positions, such as medium point or
intersection, of existing objects. Snaps to object allow to find out quickly the exact position of an
object without knowing its coordinates or drawing building lines.
Osnap to object supported are the following:
Extreme: performs the snap to the nearest end point of such objects as lines or arcs.
Intersection: performs the snap to the intersection of such objects as lines or arcs.
Medium: performs the snap to the medium point of such objects as lines or arcs.
Perpendicular: performs the snap to point on an object that forms a normal, that is to say
a perpendicular alignment, with another object or with an imaginary extension of that
object. Perpendicular snap to object can be used with arcs, circles, lines, polylines.
Centre: performs the snap to the centre of an arc or a circle. When a snap to centre is
performed, select a visible part of the arc or the circle.
Tangent: performs a snap to a point on an arc or a circle that appears to be tangent to
another object.
Insertion: performs a snap to a text insertion point.
Node: performs a snap to a point object.
Near: performs a snap to the position that is the nearest to the point selected.
None: deactivates snap to object mode.
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How to set and use snaps to object

To activate or deactivate a snap to object press button and, from pull down menu, select the item
corresponding to the snap to activate/deactivate. Snaps to object can be controlled also by a
dialog box allowing to set specific working options.
To open the dialog box that controls the snaps to objects, press
down menu, select the item Osnap.
button and, from the pull
In this window it is possible to activate and deactivate different typologies of snap to object but,
mostly , it is possible to control two options:
Use only snap to object points: by activating this option it is not possible to indicate, on
screen, points that do not correspond to a snap to object. Basically, it is not possible to
draw, for example, a free line, but only a line that is linked to an already existing object.
Confirm snap to object point: when this option is active the tool checks whether a valid
snap to object exists for the point indicated. If it exists, the position of the point to be used
will appear on screen; if you click on the area indicated by the tool the snap calculated will
be used, otherwise it is necessary to start again by indicating the point to link again.
How to insert data in the graphic window

Different commands available in the graphic window require the insertion of such data as point
names, texts, sizes, etc.
In these cases, a toolbar appears in the graphic window, which allows to insert the values
required. The command line is similar to the following:
An input field allows to insert the value required while the two buttons
to confirm the value inserted and go on, or to stop the command.
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and
allow either
Moreover, different commands require to specify a topographic point; it is possible either to indicate this point on screen, by clicking on it, or to type in its name on command line. When a point
is required, if you click on it and other topographic points are situated nearby, the tool will list in
a table all the points available near the point indicated:
Select from the list the point desired and then press confirmation button.
Drawing commands
The graphic CAD is equipped with commands allowing to insert drawing points, parcels as well as
to draw lines, polylines, arcs, circles, texts. The objects drawn will be inserted in the current layer.
Inserting a topographic point

To insert a new topographic point press
Topographic point.
button and, from pull down menu, select the item
The tool asks to indicate the position of the point on the graphic window: click with the pen on
the position required.
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The window is composed of two pages: Point and Properties. In Point page it is possible to
define the name to set to the point and the coordinates obtained from the graphic window are
displayed. Moreover, it is possible to set a code and a description. Option Control point allows
to identify the new point as reference point.
From Properties page it is possible to choose the layer to set the new point to, as well as the
colour. The tool displays automatically the layer corresponding to the code set to the point;
however, the layer can be selected either by pull down menu or by Layer button, retrieving layer
management window.
Layer window makes it possible to create new layers or modify the properties (colour and line
type) of the existing ones.
After selecting the layer, the tool proposes a colour assigned to the layer; to assign the point a
colour that is different from layer by colour it is sufficient to click on the panel that reports the
colour.
From the dialog box now appearing it is possible to choose the colour desired by deactivating
the option Colour By Layer.
Press confirmation button to save the new point.
How to insert a cadastral parcel

To insert a cadastral parcel press
button and, from pull down menu, select the item Parcel.
On command line the tool asks to specify the name to set to the parcel. Later on, it will asks to
specify the topographic points delimiting it. When the parcel start vertex is indicated again the
command will interrupt automatically.

To insert a drawing line or polyline press
Line or Polyline.
button and, from pull down menu, select the item
The tool asks to indicate the points among which to build the line or polyline; it is possible either to indicate the point on screen or to retrieve a topographic point by entering in its name on
command line.
To stop the drawing press
button.
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The tool asks to indicate the points among which to build the line or polyline; it is possible either to indicate the point on screen or to retrieve a topographic point by entering in its name on
command line.
button.
To insert a polyline with segments that are orthogonal to each other as to a predefined
alignment press the item
and, from pull down menu, select the item Polyline Ortho.
The tool asks to indicate the two points that form the reference alignment; it is possible either to
indicate the points on screen or to retrieve the topographic points by entering in their name on
command line. Once the reference alignment has been indicated, the command line will change
as follows:
The tool asks to indicate the position of the next point as to the first reference point; the next
point can be indicated in two ways: Manual and from Graphic.
Manual
Specify, on command line, the segment length and direction. Direction can be controlled by
clicking on
button, which can change its status into
and
if you click on it.
the segment is inserted along the direction of the reference alignment.
the segment is inserted towards the left of the reference alignment.
the segment is inserted towards the right of the reference alignment.
Press
button to confirm the segment insertion; the tool goes on, allowing to specify the
following segments.
.
Graphic
The following point can be indicated directly in the graphic window. Since it is necessary to
create perpendicular segments, the tool creates two segments, perpendicular to each other from
the start point to the point indicated. Since the paths are two, the tool chooses the path
according to the status of
button:
the tool creates a line along the current alignment and then a perpendicular line to
reach the point indicated.
the tool creates a line that is perpendicular to the current alignment and then a second
line to reach the point indicated.
button.
How to draw arcs and circles by 3 points

To insert an arc or a circle by three points press
Arc 3P or Circle 3P.
and, from pull down menu, select the item
The tool asks to specify the 3 points by which the circumference to draw passes; it is possible either to indicate the point on screen or to retrieve the topographic point by entering in its name
on command line.
button.
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How to draw circles

In order to draw a circle with a defined radius, press
the item Circle.
button and, from pull down menu, select
The tool asks to indicate the circle centre; it is possible either to indicate the point on screen or
to retrieve a topographic point by entering in its name on command line.
Then, on command line, the tool asks to specify the radius to use to draw the circle.
How to insert texts

To insert a text press button
and, from pull down menu, select the item Text.
The tool asks to indicate the text insertion point; it is possible either to indicate the point on
screen or to retrieve a topographic point by entering in its name on command line.
Then, on command line, the tool asks to specify the text rotation angle; direction can be given
also by selecting a point on the graphic window: the tool will use as direction the angle between
the insertion point and the point indicated.
A window will then appear, allowing to insert the text and to set other properties.
The window is composed of two pages: Text and Properties. In Text page it is possible to
define text to insert, character height, width factor and direction angle.
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From Properties page it is possible to select the layer to assign text and colour to. The layer can
be selected from pull down menu but it is also possible to retrieve layer management window
by Layer button. By layer window it is possible to create new layers or modify the properties
(colour and line type) of already existing layers.
After selecting the layer, the tool proposes a colour associated to it; in order to set to the point
another colour, different from the colour by layer, it is sufficient to click on the panel reporting
the colour. From the dialog box now appearing it is possible to choose the colour desired by
deactivating the option Colour by layer.
Press confirmation button to save the text.
Layers
Layers are the CAD main organizational structure and allow to gather information according to
function as well as to define line type, colour and other standards.
It is possible to reduce the visual complexity of a drawing and improve display performances by
checking the number of displayed or hidden objects. For example, it is possible to use layers to
modify the visibility of similar objects.
Layer management can be activated by pressing
selecting Layers button.
button and, from pull down menu, by
The table lists all the layers available and, for each layer, it displays name, visibility, colour and line type.
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Create a new layer

In order to create a new layer press New button.
Name: name of the layer to be created.

Linetype: name of the linetype to associate to the layer. Select the kind of line from the list or
press Linetype button.
A window will appear, reporting the list of the different linetypes available. From File pull down
menu select the library of the different linetypes to display. Select from the list the linetype desired.
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Colour: colour associated to layers. To change the colour click on the coloured area and then
select the colour from the dialog box now appearing.
Layer Visible: specifies whether the entities associated to the layer will be displayed in the
graphic window or not.
How to modify a layer

In order to modify an existing layer select it from layer table and then press Modify button or
press Enter button on device keyboard (if available). The same window will appear, where the
layer was created; modify data and press confirmation button.
How to make a layer current

In order to make a layer the current one, select it from layer table and press Current button.
The icon will move to the layer selected.
How to change the layers visibility

In order to change a layer visibility status it is sufficient to select it from the table and then press
On/Off button. If the layer was off it will be turned on, if it was on it will be turned off.
All On and All Off buttons allow to turn on and turn off all the layers.
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CAD settings
Among the work general settings there are some concerning the graphic CAD and allowing to
make entities visible/invisible as well as to check different display parameters.
It is possible to have access to CAD settings directly from the graphic window, by pressing
button and from pull down menu, by selecting the item CAD Properties.
This page mainly allows to set the entities to be displayed in the graphic window.
Survey points: displays survey points.
Point name: displays the point name beside the point itself.
Point code: displays the point code beside the point itself.
Point elevation: displays the point elevation beside the point itself.
Measures: displays measure lines from station to points.
Control points: displays control points.
Parcels: displays cadastral parcels.
Drawing: displays the work drawing elements.
Drawing mono: displays the drawing elements by a single colour.
The colour can be selected from the item Colour Monochrome map.
External maps: displays the external files linked to the current work.
Points with symbol: displays the points with the symbol the survey code has assigned them.
Linetypes: displays the lines with their linetype; otherwise all the lines are displayed as
continuous lines.
Drawing codes: displays the drawing resulting automatically from the survey by the use of codes.
Linetype Scale: global scale factor to be used to represent linetypes.
Colour monochrome map: colour to be used to represent the drawing if the option Drawing
Mono has been selected. To change the colour click on the coloured area and then select the
colour from the dialog box.
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Modify object properties

The drawing objects can be modified in their main properties, such as layer, colour, linetype. As
far as some kinds of objects, like topographic points and texts it is possible to modify also their
specific properties.
To modify an object press
button and, from pull down menu, select the item Object
Properties.
Select the object from the graphic window; a window will appear, reporting the object properties.
From the window it is possible to choose the layer to associate object, linetype and colour to.
Layer: a layer can be selected from the pull down menu or it is possible to retrieve layer
manager window from Layer button. Layer window allows to create new layers or modify the
properties (colour and linetype) of already existing layers.
Linetype: linetype can be selected from pull down menu or it is possible to retrieve linetype
manager from Linetype button. Linetype window allows to select the linetype desired.
Linetype scale: scale factor of the selected object used to represent the linetype.
Colour: the colour of the object can either depend on the object layer or be independent. in
order to set to the object another colour, different from the colour by layer, it is sufficient to click
on the panel reporting the colour. From the dialog box now appearing it is possible to choose
the colour desired by deactivating the option Colour by layer.
Press confirmation button to save the changes made on the object.
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Delete objects
In order to delete drawing elements press
button and, from pull down menu, select the item Delete.
Select the objects to delete and press confirmation button
on command line.
Objects can be selected singularly, by clicking on each of them, or by specifying opposite angles,
so as to define a rectangular area. After specifying the first of the opposing angles it is possible to:
Indicate the second angle from left to right, creating a selection window.
Only the objects completely inside the rectangular window will be selected.
Indicate the second angle from right to left to create a selection by intersection.
Only the objects completely inside the window or intersecting it will be selected.
Warning.
Delete command allows the cancellation merely of drawing objects belonging to the current
work; it is not possible to delete points of the current work or objects of linked drawings.
Information about the drawing

The graphic CAD offers a set of commands to obtain information from the drawing; some
commands are available, which measure distances, areas, angles and return point coordinates.
How to identify a point

In order to know exactly the coordinates of a point, press button
and select the item
ID Point. Select a topographic point from the graphic window; a dialog box will appear,
reporting the information concerning the point indicated.
How to measure distances

In order to measure the distance between two points, press button
and select the item
Distance. Indicate the two points to measure; a dialog box will appear, reporting the
information concerning the coordinates of the two points, 2D and 3D distance, height
difference, zenith and slope.
To measure the distance between a topographic point and a drawing object, press
button
and select the item Dist. Point-Object.
The tool asks to indicate the topographic point from which to measure the distance and then the
drawing object; the distance between the point and the object will be displayed, then a dialog
box will appear, reporting the information concerning the coordinates of the two points, 2D and
3D distance, height difference, azimuth, zenith and slope.
How to measure an angle

In order to measure an angle between three points, press button
and select the item Angle.
The tool asks to specify first the centre of the angle and then the two points determining it; a dialog
box will appear, reporting the coordinates of the three points and the angle between them.
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How to measure areas

In order to measure an area surrounded by a set of points press button
and select the item
Area. The tool asks to indicate the points delimiting the area to calculate; to stop the selection of
points press command
from command line.
A window will appear, showing area, perimeter and barycentre of the surface indicated.
To measure the area of a circle or of a closed polyline press button
and select the item
Object area. The tool asks to indicate the object to measure; a window will appear, reporting the
area and the perimeter of the object selected.
How to link external works

PowerTopoCE allows to link, as external references, both works performed by PowerTopoCE and
raster images.
When another PowerTopoCE work is linked as external reference, the tool loads the points and
the drawing of the linked work and allows to manage such data inside the current work; each
time the work is opened, the linked work data are loaded by the original file but they are never
saved in the current work. Only the reference (path) to the file to link is saved in the work.
The points of the linked works are displayed in the table of coordinates together with the points of
the current work and the drawing is displayed in the graphic window together with the data of the
current work. It is not possible to modify the points or the drawing of a linked work; the points and
the drawing can be used as references for survey, staking, etc. All the graphic data of the linked
PowerTopoCE work are set to the same layer, REF-EXT- followed by the name of the work.
The points of an external work can be used, for example, as reference points to orient the
station in the current work; the drawing of a work can otherwise be linked to different staking
works.
In any moment it is possible either to make linked works data invisible or remove the link.
In order to link to the current work some PowerTopoCE works or raster images, press
button and, from pull down menu, select the item Maps.
79

To link the current work a PowerTopoCE work or a raster image, press Add button; a dialog box
will allow to indicate the file to link. Select from Type list the kind of file to link:
PowerTopoCE:
BMP:
PNG:
JPEG:
TIF:
PowerTopoCE work
BMP format images
PNG format images
JPG format images
TIF format images
The file selected will be added to the table.
How to make a work or a raster image visible or invisible

In order to change the display status of a linked work or a raster image inside the graphic
window it is sufficient to click on the corresponding table line; the file will be visible if the cell has
been selected , invisible in the opposite case .
Buttons All On and All Off allow to make visible and invisible all the linked files.
How to change the display order of linked files

In order to change the sequence according to which linked files (PowerTopoCE works and images) are displayed in the graphic window it is sufficient to select from the table the file to move
and use Move Up and Move down buttons until the desired position is reached.
Files will be displayed according to the table order; the first file in the table will be displayed first,
the last file in the list will be the last to be displayed.
How to remove the link to a work or a raster image

In order to remove the link to a PowerTopoCE work or a raster image it is sufficient to select the
corresponding table line and press Delete button.
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Data management: Measures and Points

This chapter shows how to manage data concerning the points measured and the measures
performed on field; such information is managed by using tables that list data and allow, if
necessary, their partial or full modification.
Points Table
In order to open the table of topographic points select the item Job from the main menu and
then the item Points.
The table reports a list of all the points available in the work.
By Display item it is possible to apply a filter to the points to be displayed in the table; besides
all the points, it is possible to see only the stations, only the control points or only the survey
points. By its side each point reports an icon specifying what it stands for or the way it has been
obtained; the following icons can be displayed:
indicates that the point was used as reference to orient the current station.
indicates that the point was created by PowerTopoCE COGO functions.
indicates that the point is a control point.
indicates that the point was inserted manually.
indicates a survey point measured by total station.
indicates that the point is the last point measured.
indicates a staking point.
indicates a station.
indicates the current station.
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How to create a new point

In order to create a new point press New button.
The window is composed of two pages: Point and Properties. In Point page it is possible to
define a name to set to the point, coordinates, code and description. Option Control point
allows to identify the new point as reference point.
From Properties page it is possible to choose the layer to assign the new point to, as well as the
colour. The tool displays automatically the layer corresponding to the code assigned to the point;
the layer can be selected from pull down menu; otherwise it is possible to retrieve layer management window from Layer button. Layer window allows to create new layers or modify the properties (colour and linetype) of already existing layers.
After selecting the layer, the tool proposes a colour associated to it; in order to set to the point
another colour, different from the colour by layer, it is sufficient to click on the panel reporting
the colour. From the dialog box now appearing it is possible to choose the colour desired by
deactivating the option Colour by layer.
Press confirmation button to save the point.
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How to modify a point

In order to modify a point it is sufficient to select it from the table and press Modify button or
press Enter button on device keyboard (if available). The same window displayed in the command
used to create a new point will appear; modify the point data and press confirmation button.
Warning. Point name cannot be modified.
How to delete a point

In order to delete one or more points it is sufficient to select them from the table and press
Delete button. It is not possible to delete control points or other points having a particular
significance inside the work.
How to find a point

In order to find a point in the table press Find button.
It is possible to carry out a research on point name, code or description. Select the mode desired
and the text to search. Press confirmation button to close the window and start the search.
The tool positions on the first point satisfying research criterions; to continue the search press
button Find next.
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Table of Measures
To open the table of measures select the item Job from main menu and then the item Measures.
The table reports a list of all the measures available in the work.
By Station item it is possible to apply a filter on the measures to be displayed in the table;
besides all the measures, it is possible to see only the measures taken from the single stations.
By its side each measure reports an icon specifying the way the point has been measured; the
following icons can be displayed:
indicates standard measure.
indicates that the measure was deleted.
indicates that a measure was taken by direct and reversed mode.
indicates a measure with offset at a distance.
indicates a measure with offset of horizontal angle.
indicates a measure with offset of vertical angle.
How to modify a measure

In order to modify a measure select it from the list and press Modify button or press Enter from
device keyboard (if available).
84
The dialog box now appearing reports the name of the station and of the point measured. The
measure data are then subdivided into three pages: IH/PH/Code, HA/VA/SD and Offsets.
Only the data referred to the first page can be modified, therefore station height, prism height,
code and description. Modifying station height or prism height involves recalculating point
elevations.
How to delete a measure

In order to delete one or more measures it is sufficient to select them from the table and press
Delete button. The measure is not really deleted; it just assumes the status of deleted measure,
recognizable by the icon
.
How to find a measure

In order to find a measure in the table press button Find.
It is possible to carry out a research on point name, code or description. Select the mode desired
and the text to search. Press confirmation button to close the window and start the search.
The tool positions on the first measure satisfying research criterions; to continue the search press
button Find next.
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Survey codes
Survey codes are very important in carrying out a survey, since they allow to identify every point
with extreme precision as well as to automate the completion of survey drawing.
By survey codes it is possible to:
Set automatically an extended description on points;
Compose different codes so as to obtain the description of the point as a combination
between the descriptions of different codes (compound codes).
Set automatically on points a specific symbol which can be set to a particular layer.
Obtain the automatic drawing of lines connecting points with the same code.
The tool makes it possible to define different code libraries that can be used in any work. It is
possible to modify in any moment the code library used in a PowerTopoCE work from its
Settings dialog box; See chapter Settings and preferences on page 57. Code libraries are saved
in PowerTopoCE folder as COD extension files.
Pentax W-800: PowerTopoCE provides for the possibility to define some quick codes
that can be used to speed up the survey; choosing a quick code during the survey phase
allows to start the measure and assigns to it the corresponding survey code
Compound codes
Any point can be associated to different survey codes by interposing, between any code, a
separator which normally is a point (.) but can also be set by the user.
The description resulting from a compound code will be a combination between the
descriptions of any single code.
Drawing from codes

By this function of PowerTopoCE it is possible to represent the point with a specific symbol and
on a specific layer; moreover, the tool generates automatically some lines joining survey points;
the drawing is created in real time, while the survey is being carried out.
To any survey code it is possible to assign one of the following typologies:
Single point: a code representing a single entity, like a tree, a sump pit, etc.
This kind of codes will not be used to create lines between the points surveyed.
Line: the code represents an entity which is normally represented as a linear entity;
typical examples of this can be road edges, hedges, slopes, sidewalks.
The tool will join automatically the points having the same code; line interruption must be
specified by a special control code.
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Controls codes
Control codes are specific codes controlling the way in which drawing lines between survey
points are created. Control points must be specified after the survey code by interposing the
separator which normally is a point (.)
The control codes currently available in PowerTopoCE are the following:
NJ Stop Draw: this code forces the tool not to create a line connecting the current point
and the previous one with the same code. Its function is to stop the drawing of a linear
entity and start a new segment.
CL Close line: this code forces the tool not only to connect the current point with the
previous one having the same code, but also to create a closure line between the current
point and the first point of the sequence. It is used to create the drawing of closed elements,
such as buildings, parcels, etc.
An example of how to use survey codes

Suppose you define the following codes in the table of survey codes:
Code
A
CSD
CSS
M
F
Description
Tree
Right road edge
Left road edge
Wall
Building
Typology
Single Point
Line
Line
Line
Line
Layer
Trees
Edges
Edges
Wall
Buildings
Suppose that codes are assigned to a set of survey points in this way:
Point name
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
Code
CSD
CSS
F
F
CSS
CSD.M
M
CSD
F
F.CL
CSS
CSS.NJ
A
M
CSS
CSD
Description
Right road edge
Left road edge
Building
Building
Left road edge
Right road edge Wall
Wall
Right road edge
Building
Building
Left road edge
Left road edge
Tree
Wall
Left road edge
Right road edge
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The codes assigned to the points will produce the following drawing:
- Point 113 is represented with the symbol for code A on Trees layer
- a polyline, representing the left edge, connecting points 102,105,111.
(A second polyline connects points 112,115).
- a polyline, representing the right edge, connecting points 101,106,108,116.
- a polyline, representing the wall, connecting points 106,107,114.
- a polyline, representing the building, connecting points 103,104,109,110 and closing on 103.
Note that point 106 represents both a right edge and the beginning of the wall.
Table of survey codes

The whole management of survey codes, their insertion, modification and deletion can be
performed from the table of survey codes. In order to open the table of survey codes select the
item Job from the main menu and then the item Codes.
The table reports a list of all the survey codes available in the current library; the name of the
library is reported on the upper side of the window.
When the window closes, the tool asks whether the modifications made must be saved on the
current code library. Moreover, it also asks whether it is necessary to modify, with the new
settings, the properties of points that have been already surveyed, or that are already contained
in the table of coordinates, since it is possible, for example, to modify the layer associated to a
survey code. If the response to this prompt is yes, the tool will update the layer of the points already surveyed setting them to the new layer.
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How to create a new code

In order to create a new code press New button.
The window is composed of three pages: Code, Layer and Symbol.

In Code page it is possible to define the following data:
Code:
code to be created.
Description: extended description to set to the code.
Code type: defines the point typology as far as creation of drawing by codes.
The following options are available:
Single point: a code representing a single entity, like a tree, a sump pit, etc.
This kind of codes will not be used to create lines between the points
surveyed.
Line:
the code represents an entity which is normally represented as a linear entity;
typical examples of this can be road edges, hedges, slopes, sidewalks. The tool
will join automatically the points having the same code; line interruption must
be specified by a special control code.
Layer page makes it possible to define the layer where to locate the points to which a code is
assigned:
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Use default layer: by activating this option the point will be saved on a predefined layer
and not on a specific layer.
In order to define a layer to assign the code to, deactivate the option Use default layer and press
Layer button. Layer management window will be displayed, where it is possible to create a new
layer or modify an existing layer. To select a layer to assign to the code it is sufficient to select it
from the list and close layer management window. For further information about layer
management refer to paragraph Layers on page 74.
Symbol page allows to associate to the code a symbol by which to represent the survey point.
Use default symbol: by deactivating this option it is possible to associate to the code a
specific symbol by which to represent the point, instead of a default symbol.
In order to associate a symbol to the code deactivate the option Use default symbol and press
Symbol button.
Select the symbol desired in the list of symbols predefined by the tool and then press
confirmation button.
Size input field allows to specify the size to represent the symbol with.
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How to modify a code

In order to modify a code it is sufficient to select it from the table and press Modify button or press
Enter button on device keyboard (if available). The same window displayed in the command used
to create a new code will appear; modify the code data and press confirmation button.
How to delete a code

In order to delete one or more codes it is sufficient to select them from the table and press
Delete button.
How to save the library with a different name

PowerTopoCE allows to create and manage different code libraries. In any moment, to any of
PowerTopoCE works, it is possible to associate a library of codes to use. It is possible to save the
current library with a different name, so that it can be modified, integrated, etc.
In order to save the code library with another name press Save as. Indicate the new name to
assign to the library and press OK.
Warning. The library with the new name becomes the code library associated to the work.
How to load a library

In order to load a code library different from the current one select Load button.
Select the desired library and press OK. The codes referred to the loaded library will be displayed.
Warning. The library with the new name becomes the code library associated to the work.
Special codes
In order to modify the control codes used by the tool for the automatic drawing of survey codes,
select the button Special codes.
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The table reports the control codes supported by the tool. To modify a control code select it from
the table and make the change in the input field situated at the bottom of the window; then press
Update button.
The first of the control codes is the separator used when it is necessary to associate different codes
to a single point: in this case it is necessary to put the separator between the single codes or
between the codes and the control codes.
Quick codes (Pentax W-800)

If PowerTopoCE works on Pentax W-800 total station it is possible to use quick codes to speed up the
survey. In order to define quick codes select Special codes button. From the window now
appearing select Quick page.
100 quick codes are available, which range from number 0 to number 99; every quick code can be
associated to a survey code which will be associated to the measure and to the point measured. To
set a code to a quick code it is sufficient to select the quick code from the table and assign the
corresponding survey code from the input field situated at the bottom of the window; press button
Update to assign the survey code to the quick code.
Quick codes refer to PowerTopoCE application and not to the current work.
As far as the use of quick codes refer to the chapter Quick codes for Pentax W-800 on page 115.
92
Station setting and orientation

Before performing a survey or a stakeout operation it is necessary to define the position of the
station, its height and its orientation. The following situations are possible:
The station coordinates are known and it is not necessary to orient the survey to the North.
The station coordinates are known and so are the coordinates or the azimuth of a point or
of a previous station to use for orientation.
The station has no known coordinates and the coordinates of at least two reference points
are known.
After performing the orientation of the station it is possible to pass to survey and stakeout
functions. During the survey, the same station can be oriented more than once.
Moreover, a function is available, which allows to verify, at any time, whether the station is still
correctly oriented as to a point or not.
Warning. Station setting and orientation must be performed every time the instruments are
moved to a new position.
The dialog box allowing to perform the station setting and orientation can be opened in two
ways:
By selecting the item Survey from the main menu and then the item Station setup.
By pressing the button situated atop the dialog boxes of survey and stakeout commands,
reporting the data referred to the current station:
A window will appear, allowing to perform station setting and orientation:
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The window requires the following data:

Station:
station name; by using button

or local menu
the station,
if already existing, can be selected either from graphic window or
from the table of surveyed points. The height of the station can be
calculated automatically, by pressing Measure button.
Instrument height: specify the height of the station.
Backsight:
specify the mode to use to orient the station.
Calculate instrument height

One of the most annoying problems modern topographers have to face nowadays, despite the
great number of technological solutions for every kind of work, is the fact that the instrument
height must be measured by a metric wheel. PowerTopoCE, using reflectorless measurement
technology and prism rod, can calculate directly the station height.
In the fields where it is necessary to indicate instrument height press Measure button.
Before going on it is necessary to position correctly the rod that supports the prism: the rod base
must be positioned on the station centre, while the prism must be turned towards the
instrument.
The window allows to set the prism height and then to perform the sight by pressing Measure
button. From measure data the tool can calculate with extreme precision the station height.
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Station with known coordinates and no orientation

From the main window select the item No backsight and press Next button; you will pass to a
new window.
In this window indicate the name of the station to orient; if the station already exists, its
coordinates will be displayed but they will not be modifiable. If the station does not exist it is
possible to specify its coordinates, code and description.
Instrument height can be calculated automatically by pressing Measure button.
Press End to accept the data set
Station with known coordinates and orientation point

From the main window select the item Backsight 1 point and press Next button; you will pass
to a new window.
In this window indicate the name of the station to orient; if the station already exists, its
coordinates will be displayed but they will not be modifiable. If the station does not exist it is
possible to specify its coordinates, code and description.
Instrument height can be calculated automatically by pressing Measure button.
Press Next to proceed.
95
Specify, in Backsight Point input field, the name of the point to use to orient the station;
by using
button or
local menu, orientation point can be selected either from the
graphic window or from the table of topographic points.
If the point exists, the azimuth calculated between the station and the point will be displayed.
If the point does not exist, among the topographic points available in the tool file, it will be
possible to set manually the azimuth existing between the station and the reference point.
Press Measure button to go on; the window allowing to perform the measure on backsight
point will then be displayed. For further information concerning Measure refer to chapter Survey
on page 111.
The window displays the name of the backsight point to be measured; the other data required
in the window are the following:
H.P.:
Code:
Measure distance:
96
prism height.
survey code to assign the point to.
if this option is active, besides angles, the tool measures also the
distance between station and point.
The next options button prompts what has been defined in Survey page of Job settings
window; by this option it is possible to decide what value to assign to the instrument horizontal
angle when a station is oriented towards a known point or a previous station. It is possible to
choose among the following options:
Circle >> -:
by this option the instrument horizontal angle is not modified.
Circle >> Zero:
by this option the tool sets on 0 the instrument angle before performing
the prism measure. The angles of the points surveyed later will then be
referred to orientation point.
Circle >> Azimuth: by this option the tool sets the instrument angle to the azimuth value
calculated between station and point. In this way, the angles the
instrument returns are always azimuth.
Make the instrument coincide with the point to survey and press Measure button to activate the
measure by instrument on point. When the instrument provides the tool with the data of the
measure performed it will be possible to pass to the following window.
The window allows to set prism height and point code; point code can be set simply by selecting it
from Code list; to insert a compound code it is also possible to use the code list available in the table.
Select in the table the desired code and press Add. The tool will compile Code field with the codes
added by separating them with a separator. To cancel the last code added press Delete button.
By selecting option Description it is possible to see the description resulting from compound
codes and modify it if necessary.
97
Press Next button to continue. The following window will report the data referred to the measurement performed.
Press Register button to record the measure and return to Station setting dialog box, where a
window is displayed, reporting orientation summary data.
In particular, if backsight point coordinates are known, distance difference and elevation
difference between the point measured and its known coordinates are displayed.
Press End to confirm station orientation.
98
Station with no known coordinates and different orientation points

Select the item Free station and press Next button; you will then pass to the following window.
By this window it is possible to measure different orientation points according to which station
coordinates and correction angle will be calculated; at least two orientation points are necessary.
When at least two measures on two orientation points with known coordinates are available, the
tool will calculate automatically station coordinates and correction angle; the data calculated
will be displayed in the input fields situated under station name and station height.
On the contrary, the table reporting the measures performed will display, besides the name of
orientation point, also the deviations obtained once measurement data have been applied again
to the coordinates calculated by the station.
How to add a measure

Press Add button to add a new measure:
Indicate in the window the orientation point to use to calculate station and correction angle
coordinates; orientation point can already be present but it can also be inserted directly from
this window.
99
In order to indicate an already existing point it is possible to specify its name or use button
or local menu
allowing to select the point from the graphic window or from point table;
once the point has been indicated, its coordinates are displayed. On the contrary, if the point is
not yet available in the file of topographic points, it is possible to insert it directly from this
window by specifying its name and coordinates.
Press confirmation button to go on:
By this window it is possible to perform a measurement on point. Make the instrument coincide
with the orientation point and press Measure button to activate the measure by instrument on
point. For further information concerning Measurement process refer to chapter Survey on page
111. When the instrument provides the tool with the data of the measure performed it will be
possible to pass to the following window.
The window allows to set prism height and point code; point code can be set simply by selecting
it from Code list; to insert a compound code it is also possible to use the code list available in the
table. Select in the table the desired code and press Add. The tool will compile Code field with
the codes added by separating them with a separator. To cancel the last code added press
Delete button.
100
By selecting option description it is possible to see the description resulting from compound
codes and modify it if necessary.
Press Next button to continue. The following window will report the data concerning the
measurement performed.
Press Register button to record the measure and return to Station setting dialog box. The point
just measured will be inserted in the table reporting the list of the orientation points used.
How to remove a measure

In order to remove a measure from the list so that it is not used for the calculation of station
coordinates and correction angle it is sufficient to select it from the list and press Delete button.
The measure will be deleted, coordinates and correction angle will be calculated.
101
How to change the data to be used

For any measure performed it is possible to decide which data, either angles or distance, must be
used to determine the station position. In order to change the data referred to a measure it is
sufficient to select it from the list and then press Use button. In Use column some abbreviations
will appear, identifying the data being used; the possible abbreviations are the following:
HVD:
---:
H:
HV:
VD:
uses horizontal angle, vertical angle and distance

no measure datum is used
only horizontal angle is used
uses horizontal angle and vertical angle
uses vertical angle and distance
Press Use button until the abbreviation corresponding to the desired data appears.
Calculate coordinates and correction angle
When all orientation points have been measured and the deviations obtained are satisfactory it
is possible to finish station setting process by pressing Next button.
The window displays a summary reporting the coordinates calculated for the station and the
standard deviations calculated.
Press End to confirm calculated data and then pass to survey or drawing operations.
102
Check backsight point

In order to verify whether the station is correctly oriented as to a point, select the item Check
backsight point and press Next; then, it will be possible to pass to the following window.
Specify, in Backsight point input field, the name of the point to use to verify the station
orientation; by using
button or local menu
the orientation point can be selected either
from graphic window or from point table.
If the point exists, the azimuth calculated between station and point will be displayed. If the
point does not exist, among the topographic points available in the tool file, it is possible to set
manually the azimuth existing between station and reference point.
Press the button By angle to perform an only-angular check of the orientation, in case it is not
possible to measure the point distance; otherwise, press By distance button to perform a
complete check of angles and distance.
Once the point measure has been performed, the data referred to the differences calculated are
reported in a window similar to the following:
Press Back to perform a new check, press End to finish.
103
Survey
This chapter illustrates the procedures to follow to perform measurements on the points to
survey. Two main commands are available:
Measures:
allows to perform measurements, by different modes, to the points to

survey. The data surveyed are saved in the current work. By this
command it is possible to obtain simple measures but also measures
taken in direct and reversed and even measures not within prism reach.
Free measures: allows to perform simple operations of point measurement and does not
save any information in the current file; the command is available also
when no file has been opened.
How to measure points

In order to activate the execution of this command select from main menu the item Survey and
then the item Measures.
Before allowing to proceed, the tool verifies whether station setting and orientation have been
performed; see chapter
If station setting has not been defined yet, a window will appear, that forces you to carry out this
step before going on.
Press Station setup button to perform station setting and orientation; at the end of the process,
point measurement process will be activated.
104
On the contrary, if this command is carried out after reopening the work file where station
setting and orientation have already been performed, the tool will display a window that offers
two possibilities.
If the station has never been moved since its previous setting and orientation have been
performed, it is possible to select the button Use last setup: the same settings calculated during
the previous station setting and orientation procedure will be used.
If, vice versa, the station has been moved, it is necessary to select Station setup button and
perform a new station setting and orientation procedure.
Once the station has been positioned and oriented, it is possible to proceed with point
measurement procedure.
On the upper side of the window a panel reports some summarizing data concerning the
current station:
By clicking on the panel a dialog box is opened, which allows to set station position and
orientation; see chapter Station setting and orientation on page 97.
105
Press
button on Pocket PC systems or
to instruments advanced settings.
button on Windows CE systems, to accede
The following data are requested:

Point:
Name of the point to measure; in order to measure an already existing

point it is possible either to specify its name or use
button or the local
menu
, which allow to select the point from
graphic window or from point table.
106
H.P.:
prism height.
Code:
survey code to assign to the point.
Traverse point:
by activating this option the point measured will be saved as traverse

station point.
Measure distance:
if this option is active, besides angles, the tool measures also the distance
between station and point.
Angular Offset:
by activating this option the tool will not save the point after measuring
the point on prism, but it will make it possible to orient the station
towards the real point to measure; in this way, the distance will be used
as measured on prism, the angles as measured on the real point.
Offset:
opens a dialog box allowing to choose the mode by which to survey the
point. Different survey modes are available.
Measures:
opens a dialog box reporting the list of the measures performed.
Map:
opens the graphic window displaying the current situation as far as prism
position, station position, orientation, instruments current direction.
Meas.& Reg.:
activates point measurement; once the measurement has been taken, the
point is registered and the tool gets ready to measure the following
point. The name of the point is automatically increased.
Measure:
activates point measurement; once the measurement has been performed and before the point is registered, another window appears:
The data in this window depend on the settings of Survey page; see chapter Settings and
preferences on page 57.
P.H.: prism height.
Code: code to assign to the point.
The code can be defined by choosing it from Code list or it can be composed by using the table
reported at the bottom of the window.
Select from the table the code desired and press Add. The tool will compile Code field with the
codes added by separating them with a separator. To delete the last code added press Delete.
To insert a control code select Control option; the table will display the control codes available;
to add a control code press Add. To delete the last code added press Delete button.
In order to display, and modify, the description associated to the point press the option
Description.
Press Confirm button to continue.
The window reports the measure data and the coordinates calculated for the point. Press
Register button to save the measure. The tool will then return to the main window.
107
Quick codes for Pentax W-800 total station

The use of quick codes allows to start the measure on point and set to it the survey code
associated to the quick code. The quick code therefore allows to speed up the survey, since the
survey code does not have to be selected manually or entered and it is not necessary to press
Measure button. The quick code is inserted by pressing F6 on the keyboard of Pentax W-800
total station; a window will appear, allowing to enter the code.
Enter control code number (from 0 to 99); if two characters are entered the window closes
automatically, without requiring the use of any other key. Once the window has been closed the
tool starts the measure by total station and it will assign to it and to the point calculated the
survey code associated to the quick code.
For quick code definition see paragraph Quick codes (Pentax W-800) on page 95.
Traverse stations Management

The tool provides for some utilities to simplify orientation processes in station changes. When
you are positioned on a station and you have to measure one or more stations to occupy
afterwards, it is necessary to perform the measure by activating the option Traverse station
point; in this way the point is saved in a list which will be used when station change is going to
be performed.
On changing the station it is sufficient to press the button situated atop measurement window:
And a prompt similar to the one below will appear:
108
By answering yes the tool will display a list of the points that have been measured as traverse
station points:
Select the station occupied and press confirmation button. The tool will display automatically
the data necessary to orient the station to the previous station.
Measure on existing point

If a point already measured is measured again, once the measurement has been carried out, a
window will appear, allowing to choose how to proceed.
The window allows to choose among one of the following possibilities:

Overwrite existing point: the measure on the existing point is deleted and therefore only the
one that is being carried out will be considered.
Use next name: the tool proposes automatically the first name available to assign to the point
instead of the set one.
Add additional measure: a supplementary measure is added, which does not change the
coordinates of the existing point but allows to verify the difference in position. In this case, in fact,
the window reporting the measure data reports also the differences as far as distance, between
the existing point and the point just measured.
109
Press Cancel to close the window and return to the main window.
How to measure points in direct and reversed mode

In order to perform measures in direct and reversed, select, from Measure main window,
Offset button.
Select the item Direct & Reverse and press confirm button; the tool returns to the main window. Aim to the point to measure and then press Meas.& Reg. button, or Measure button.
110
The tool informs that a direct measure is being performed. Press OK to continue; the point will
be measured and then the following window will appear, prompting to make the point
coincident by turning the spyglass upside down and rotating the instrument.
Press OK to continue. Once measurement operations have been carried out, the window summarizing survey data will display also the standard deviations calculated.
In case motorized instruments are used, the tool will command the automatic rotation of the
instrument, both to pass from direct measure to reversed measure and to go back to direct
measure.
111
Measurement by repetitions
In order to perform measurements by repetition, select Offset button from Measure main window.
Select the item Repetitions and set the number of measures to perform on each point. By
pressing Options button it is possible to have access to a dialog box allowing to perform advanced settings on repetitions execution mode.
By pressing confirmation button the tool goes back to the main window.
At the bottom of the window the tool displays the current repetition number, explaining
whether the next point is the orientation point or the point to measure, and whether the mode
must be direct or reversed.
To interrupt a sequence of measures by repetitions press Reset button. The tool will annul all the
measures performed and it will make it possible to start again from the first set.
First of all, press Measure button; the following window will appear, prompting to confirm the
prism height to be used on orientation point.
112
Press confirmation button to continue.

Then measure the orientation points and the point to measure, by direct and reversed, following
the tool prompts. If the measures exceed the tolerances set in the settings referred to the
repetitions, the tool will inform the user by a specific dialog box.
At the end of the sequence of measures a window similar to the following will appear, reporting
the data of each set measured:
Use button allows to decide whether to use the set selected to calculate the point coordinates.
By option Correct station it is possible to recalculate the station position according to
orientation measures.
Moreover, the window reports the standard deviations calculated for horizontal angle, vertical
angle and distance.
To save the point press Register button.
113
How to measure points not reachable by prism

Measurement command offers some special options to allow to survey points the prism cannot
reach easily. The following cases are possible:
Offset distance: allows to measure a point if its distance from the prism is known; it is
possible to set a distance and an offset as to station-prism direction, and also a vertical
height difference.
Offset horizontal angle: allows to measure the position of points the prism cannot cover,
such as the middle of big trees, etc.
Offset vertical angle: allows to measure the position of points the prism cannot cover but
which are situated directly above or below it, such as pole tops, etc.
Measures with distance offset

By this option it is possible to measure a point if its distance from the prism is known; it is
possible to set a distance and an offset as to station-prism direction and also a vertical height
difference.
To set the window to measure points with offset and distance, press, from the main window,
Offset button.
From Modes list select the item Measures by offset; select the item Distance offset and press
confirmation button; the tool will go back to the main window. Make the point to survey
coincident and then press Meas.& Reg. button or Measure button. Once prism position has
been measured, a window will appear, allowing to set the point offsets from prism:
114
It is possible to insert three kinds of offset:

Forward/Backward: distance of point projection as to station-prism alignment. The point can
be situated between station and prism (Backward) or beyond the prism (Forward).
Left / Right: distance of point as to station-prism alignment. The point can be situated on the
right or on the left of station-prism alignment.
Up / Down: height difference between point and prism position.
Measures with offset of horizontal angle

By this option it is possible to measure the position of points the prism cannot cover, such as the
middle of big trees, etc. The tool requires the execution of two measurements, the first referred
only to the horizontal angle in the middle of the object to survey, the second referred to the
prism situated next to it.
To set the window to measure points with offset of horizontal angle, press, from the main
window, Offset button.
From Modes list select the item Measures by offset; select the item Horizontal angle offset
and press confirmation button; the tool will go back to the main window, which will be slightly
different from the standard one.
115
Make the instrument coincide with the centre of the point to survey and press the button
Meas.Centre; the tool will save only the horizontal angle. Make the instrument situated next to
the object to survey coincide and press Measure button.
Warning. The prism is necessary only next to the point to survey; it is not necessary when
the object centre is measured.
Measures with offset of vertical angle

By this option it is possible to measure the position of points the prism cannot cover, but which
are situated directly above or below it, such as pole tops, etc. The tool requires the execution of
two measurements, the first on the prism situated above or below the object to survey, the
second, only angular, referred to the object itself. To set the window to measure points with
offset of vertical angle, press, from the main window, Offset button.
From Modes list select the item Measures by offset; select the item Vertical angle offset and
press confirmation button; the tool will go back to the main window, which will be slightly
different from the standard one.
Aim to the prism and press Measure button; once the measurement on prism has been carried out,
make the instrument coincide with the point to survey and press Meas.Zenith button; the tool will
save only the horizontal and vertical angle and then calculate the point coordinates according to the
position of the prism and the elevation according to the last vertical angle measured.
116
Set codes to the points surveyed and drawing from codes

During the survey it is possible to set some codes to the points surveyed, so that they can
determine the automatic creation of junction lines between points.
It is therefore extremely important to assign codes to points to allow the automatic completion
of the drawing during the survey.
A code can be assigned to a point in two moments:
1.from the list available in measurement main window:
The code can be selected from the list or it is possible to type in the first characters
constituting it; during the insertion, the tool fills in the field with the code having the same
initial characters.
2.by pressing Measure in the window that will appear; in fact, by pressing Meas.&Reg.
button the point is recorded without needing the insertion of further data.
The data required in this window depend on the settings available in Survey page of
Survey settings; see chapter Settings and preferences on page 57.
P.H.: prism height.
Code: code to assign to the point.
The code can be defined by choosing it from Code list or it can be composed by using the table
reported at the bottom of the window.
Select from the table the code desired and press Add. The tool will compile Code field with the
codes added by separating them with a separator. To delete the last code added press Delete.
To insert a control code select Control option; the table will display the control codes available;
to add a control code press Add. To delete the last code added press Delete button.
117
In order to display, and modify, the description associated to the point press the option
Description.
For further information and examples concerning survey codes refer to chapter Survey codes
on page 89.
How to perform free measures

In order to activate this command, select the item Survey from main menu and then the item
Free measures.
The window connects to the total station and asks for repeated updating of horizontal and
vertical angle values; the frequency according to which the new values are required depends on
the value set in Freq.Upd. field, concerning the current topographic instruments. For further
information about instrument configuration, refer to chapter Configure instruments on page 53.
To carry out a measure of the distance, press button Measure; to interrupt a measure press
button Stop. To set the station horizontal angle on 0, press button SetHA=O; to set the horizontal angle to a specific value press button Set HA.
Press button Settings to have access to instruments advanced settings.
118
Staking
This chapter illustrates the way the staking procedures available in PowerTopoCE work.
There are two main staking commands:
Point staking: allows to find specific points on the field.
Line staking: allows to perform the staking along predefined lines.
Before allowing the execution of any staking command, the tool makes sure station setting and
orientation have already been performed; see chapter Station setting and orientation on
page 97. If station setting and orientation have not been defined yet, a window will appear, that
forces you to carry out this step before going on.
Press Station setup button to perform station setting and orientation; at the end of the process,
point staking will be activated.
If, on the contrary, this command is carried out after reopening the work file in which station
setting and orientation had been performed, the tool will display a similar window with two options.
If the station has never been moved since its setting and orientation was performed, it is
possible to select Use last setup button: the same settings will be used, that have been
calculated during the previous station setting and orientation procedure.
If, on the contrary, the station was moved, it is necessary to select Station setup button and carry
out a new station setting and orientation procedure.
119
Point staking
To perform point staking procedure, select the item Stakeout from main menu and then the
item Points.
On the upper side of the window, a panel reports some summarizing data referred to the current
station:
By clicking on the panel a dialog box is opened, which allows to set the station position and
Press button
in Pocket PC systems or button
to instruments advanced settings.
How to define a list of points to stake

Press List button to define a list of points to stake.
120
in Windows CE systems, to have access
In the window it is possible to create a list of points to stake and the order to follow in the staking.
By CAD: by this button it is possible to select the points to stake directly from the graphic
window; select from the CAD the points to include in the list and then close the graphic window.
Select all: this button includes in the list all the survey points available in the work.
Import: allows to import a file containing a list of points to stake.
Export: creates a file with the list of the points to stake, so that it can be used in the following
sessions or in other works.
Move up: moves, one position upward, the point selected.
Move down: moves, one position downward, the point selected.
Delete: deletes the point selected from the list of the points to stake.
Delete all: deletes the list content.
Add: adds to the list the point with the name indicated in the input field available on the left of
the button.
Press close button to close the window and go back to staking main window.
Staking a single point or a list
The following data are requested:

Point: point to stake. If a list of points to stake has been defined, the tool displays the first point
not yet staked; press Change button to select another point from the list or press Next
point button to pass to the staking of the next point in the list.
If no list has been created, it is possible to specify directly the survey point to stake; by
P.H.:
using
button or the local menu
, the survey point can be selected from graphic
window or point table. By pressing Next point button the tool gets ready to stake the
point following the current one, taking into account the increment value of Increment
field.
prism height.
121
Options: opens the dialog box with staking options; for further information see paragraph
Staking on page 63.
Map:
opens the graphic window that displays, in particular, the current station, the position of
the prism and the point to stake.
Press Next button to continue the process of staking the point selected; the tool reads the total
station horizontal angle and displays the following window.
The tool displays the horizontal angle the instrument must have to assume the direction of the
point to stake; in case motorized instruments are used, the tool will command the station to
position automatically along the point direction, both as far as the horizontal angle and the
vertical angle. Such working option depends on what has been set in staking options; see
Staking paragraph on page 63.
Press Next Pnt to start staking the next point in the list or the next point in the list of
topographic points.
Press Next to continue the staking of the point selected:
122
From this window it is possible to perform the measurements on prism, following which the tool
will inform about the distance between the prism and the point to reach. Option Fast EDM
allows to perform fast, but less precise, measures on prism, to allow moving quickly near the
point; for a precise positioning it is recommendable to deactivate the option Fast EDM and work
with the greatest precision the instrument can provide.
Press Measure button to measure prism position. According to the prism position calculated as
well as according to the position of the point to reach, the tool will display a window reporting
some graphic indications concerning the direction the prism must follow to reach the point. On
the right some numeric information is reported, about the distance between prism and point.
Clicking on the square containing the arrows allows to pass from the display of the angular shift
(first window) to the display of the distance (second window).
When the prism is within the tolerance set, the window is displayed with white arrows.
123
If the distance difference between prism and point is satisfactory, it is possible to press Accept
button to save the position of the point reached by the prism. The window summarizing the
distance differences between the point to reach and the position of the prism will be displayed.
Press Accept again to save the staking point. The tool will ask to specify the name and the code
to assign to the staking point.
124
Press confirmation button to save the point; the tool will then display the initial window again,
from which it is possible to pass to the staking of a new point.
Staking report
The tool allows to obtain a report displaying all the points staked inside a work and the
differences between the project point and the staked one.
Select from the main menu the item Stakeout and then the item Report. A window similar to
the following will appear:
Press Export button to create an ASCII file containing the data displayed in the report.
125
Line staking
To perform line staking procedure, select the item Stakeout from main menu and then the item
Line.
On the upper side of the window, a panel reports some summarizing data referred to the current
station:
By clicking on the panel a dialog box is opened, which allows to set the station position and
Press toolbar button
in Pocket PC systems or heading button
systems, to have access to instruments advanced settings.
in Windows CE
How to define a line

The reference line for the staking can be defined according to two reference points or according
to one reference point and an azimuth setting the direction.
From Point:
first reference point of the line to stake; by using button

or local menu
the topographic point can be selected either from the graphic window or
from the table of points.
To point / Azimuth: the direction of the reference line can be defined by choosing a second
topographic point or setting an azimuth; press on scroll button To point /
Azimuth to select the mode desired.
By using
the topographic point can be
selected either from the graphic window or from the table of points.
By the local menu of
, input field, the azimuth can also be defined by
selecting two topographic points from the table or from the graphic window; moreover, the local menu allows to retrieve the calculator window.
126
Staking points on a line

Moreover, the following data are required:
P.H.:
prism height.
Start station: start station of the reference line on the line base point.
In the window two supplementary buttons are available:
Options:
opens the dialog box with staking options; for further information see
paragraph Staking on page 63.
Map:
opens the graphic window that displays, in particular, the current station, the
position of the prism and the line to stake.
Press Next button to continue the process of staking the line defined.
From this window it is possible to perform the measurements on prism, following which the tool
will inform about the distance between the prism and the line. Option Fast EDM allows to
perform fast, but less precise, measures on prism, to allow moving quickly near the line; for a
precise positioning it is recommendable to deactivate the option Fast EDM and work with the
greatest precision the instrument can provide.
Press Measure button to measure prism position. According to the prism position calculated as
well as according to the position of the line to reach, the tool will display a window reporting
some graphic indications concerning the direction the prism must follow to reach the line. On
the right some numeric information is reported, about the distance between prism and line.
127
When the prism is within the tolerance set, the window is displayed with white arrows.
Button St.>Pr. allows to change the display of the data calculated; the button assumes two
states:
St.>Pr.
In this case the tool displays the distances to reach the line considering
station-prism direction.
Pr.>Ln.
In this case the tool displays the shortest distance (perpendicular) to reach the
line considering the prism current position.
If the distance difference between prism and line is satisfactory, it is possible to press Accept
button to save the position of the point reached by the prism. The window summarizing the
distance differences between the line to stake and the position of the prism will be displayed.
128
Press Accept again to save the staking point. The tool will ask to specify the name and the code
to assign to the staking point.
Press confirmation button to save the point; the tool will then display the initial window again,
from which it is possible to pass to the staking of a new point along the reference line.
129
COGO
This chapter illustrates the working of some commands allowing the rapid creation of new
points by using already existing points and enabling the user to carry out specific calculations
such as solution of triangles, azimuth, surfaces, etc.
The following commands are available:
Distance & offset: calculates the coordinates of a new point, offset from a predefined alignment.
Intersection:
calculates the coordinates of a new point as intersection, by angle or
distance, between two existing points.
Triangles:
solves the triangle according to different options of known data.
Area:
calculates the area of an object or of a group of points.
Azimuth:
calculates the azimuth according to different input options.
Distance & offset

This command calculates the coordinates of a new point, offset from a predefined alignment. The
command can be activated by selecting the item COGO from the main menu, and then the item
Distance & offset.
From point: reference point to define the chain. By using button

or local menu
topographic point can be selected from graphic window or from points table.
the
To point / Azimuth: the alignment direction can be defined by choosing a second topographic
point or by setting an azimuth; press on the scroll button To point /Azimuth to select the mode
desired.
By using
the topographic point can be selected either from
the graphic window or from the table of points.
input field, the azimuth can also be defined by selecting two topographic points from the table or from the graphic window; moreover, the local menu allows to retrieve the calculator window.
Distance: distance at which to position the new point along the alignment, taking the point of
reference as starting point.
input field, the distance can also be defined by selecting two topographic points from the table or from the graphic window; moreover, the local menu allows to retrieve the calculator window.
130
Offset / Angle: the point can be positioned, as to the alignment, at an offset distance or by
defining an angle to be added to the azimuth of the reference alignment; press scroll button
Offset / Angle to select the mode desired.
input field, both the distance and the angle can be defined by selecting
points from the table or from the graphic window; moreover, the local menu allows to retrieve
the calculator window.
Left/Right: position of the point to create as to the alignment.
Vert.Dist. / Elevation: the elevation of the point to create can be calculated by adding a height
difference to the elevation value interpolated along the alignment, or it is possible to assign it a
fixed value; press on scroll button Vert.Dist. / Elevation to select the mode desired.
Create point: by activating this option and pressing Calculate button the point is calculated
and added to the list of topographic points; otherwise, the tool will display only the coordinates
calculated and the position on the map. If this option is active, it is possible to specify the name
to assign to the new point.
Solve: this button performs the calculation of the point coordinates and displays the results in a
following window.
If the option Create point has been activated, before calculation results are shown, a dialog box
is displayed, allowing to assign the new point a code:
It is possible to assign the point a code simply by selecting it from Code list; to insert a
compound code it is possible to use the list of codes available in the table.
Select in the table the code desired and press Add. The tool will compile Code field with the
codes added, separating them with a separator. To delete the last code added press Delete button.
131
By selecting the option Description it is possible to see the description resulting from the
compound codes, and modify it if necessary.

The last dialog box displays the data referred to the point calculated.
From the window now appearing it is possible to go back to the main window of data insertion
by using < Data button; by Map button it is possible to open the graphic window, which will
display the position of the point calculated.
132
Intersection
This command creates one or two points starting from two known points and defining the
distance or the direction from the known points. The command can be activated by selecting the
item COGO from main menu, and then the item Intersection.
, the su
1st point: first reference point. By using

the topographic point
can be selected either from the graphic window or from the table of points.
Azimuth / Distance: sets the direction of the point to determine as to the first reference point
or the distance between the two. Press on scroll button Azimuth / Distance to select the mode
desired.
By the local menu
of input field, both the distance and the direction can be defined by
selecting points from the table or from the graphic window; moreover, the local menu allows to
retrieve the calculator window.
2nd point: second reference point. By using
the topographic
point can be selected either from the graphic window or from the table of points.
Azimuth / Distance: sets the direction of the point to determine as to the second reference
point or the distance between the two. Press on scroll button Azimuth / Distance to select the
mode desired.
input field, both the distance and the direction can be defined by
selecting points from the table or from the graphic window; moreover, the local menu allows to
retrieve the calculator window.
Create point: by activating this option and pressing Calculate button, intersection points are
calculated and added to the list of topographic points; otherwise, the tool will display only the
coordinates calculated and the position on the map. If this option is active, it is possible to
specify the name to assign to the new points.
Solve: this button performs the calculation of the point coordinates and displays the results in a
following window.
133
If the option Create point has been activated, before calculation results are shown, a dialog box
is displayed, allowing to assign the new points a code:
It is possible to assign the point a code simply by selecting it from Code list; to insert a
compound code it is possible to use the list of codes available in the table.
Select in the table the code desired and press Add. The tool will compile Code field with the
codes added, separating them with a separator. To delete the last code added press Delete button.
By selecting the option Description it is possible to see the description resulting from the
compound codes, and modify it if necessary.
134
display the position of the point calculated.
Triangles
This command solves the triangle according to different groups of input data. The tool can
calculate the triangle according to the following input data:
3 sides
2 angles and the side in between
1 side and two subsequent angles
2 sides and the angle in between
2 sides and the subsequent angle
The command can be activated by selecting the item COGO from main menu and then the item
Triangles.
Select, from Solution list, the kind of data to insert; insert the data required in the three input
fields prompted.
input field, both the distances and the angles can be defined by
selecting the points from the table or from the graphic window; moreover, the local menu allows
to retrieve the calculator window.
135
Solve: this button performs the calculation of triangle data and displays the results in a
following window.
display the shape of the triangle calculated.
Area
This command performs the calculation of an area defined by a group of points or by a closed
polyline. The command can be activated by selecting the item COGO from the main menu and
then the item Area.
Polyline: press this button to select, from the graphic window, the polyline on which to perform
area calculation.
Points: press this button to select, from the graphic window, the topographic points delimiting
the area to calculate.
The tool will display the shape of the area selected and the corresponding profile.
136
Solve: this button performs the calculation of polyline or points area and displays the results in
a following window.
display the boundary of the area calculated.
Azimuth
By this command it is possible to calculate azimuth in different ways:
between two points

average between azimuths
angle bisector
azimuth + angle
azimuth to line offset
The command can be activated by selecting the item COGO from main menu, and then the item
Azimuth.
Select the mode desired in Method list.
137
Between two points: the azimuth is calculated between two points.

By using
the topographic points can be selected either from
Bisected azimuths: given two azimuths, the average azimuth is calculated.
By using
azimuths can be defined by selecting points either
from the graphic window. Moreover, the local menu allows to retrieve the calculator window.
Bisected corner: calculates the azimuth of an angle bisector. To define the angle it is necessary
to set the point on the centre and two points defining its limits.
By using
the topographic points can be selected either from
Azimuth + angle: calculates the azimuth resulting from the sum between an angle and an azimuth.
Azimuth to line offset: calculates the azimuth between a reference point and a point
calculated by applying an offset or an angle to a alignment. The alignment is defined by the
reference point itself and by a direction or a second reference point; define the distance along
the alignment as well as offset distance or angle.
Solve: this button performs azimuth calculation and displays the result
138
Printed in Belgium
PENTAX Industrial Instruments Co., Ltd.

2-36-9, Maeno-cho
Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 174-0063 Japan
Tel. +81 3 3960 0502
Fax: +81 3 3960 0509
E-Mail: international@piic.pentax.co.jp
Website: www.pentax.co.jp/piic/survey
www.pentaxsurveying.com
Japan Surveying Instruments Manufacturers Association
Member symbol of the Japan Surveying

Instruments Manufacturers
Association representing the high quality
surveying products.
011108

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PowerTopoCE

for Pentax W-800 Series Total Station

Copyright 1992-2007 - SierraSoft

Precautions regarding safety

How to save a work with a different name

Settings and preferences

How to draw arcs and circles by 3 points

Data management: Measures and Points

Station setting and orientation

Precautions regarding safety

Using the software with generic total stations

Laser beam emission by the distance measurement

displayed on the devices screen

Laser beam emission by the laser pointer

Laser beam emission by the laser plummet

Using the software with Pentax W-800 total station

Laser beam emission by the distance measurement

displayed on the total station screen.

Laser beam emission by the laser pointer

Laser beam emission by the laser plummet

Installing PowerTopoCE in a mobile device

Starting PowerTopoCE on a mobile device

Pentax W-800 total station keyboard

How to insert alphanumeric characters in input fields

Each keyboard button corresponds to the following characters:

How to insert numeric characters in input fields

How to delete characters in input fields

How to move among the windows input fields

How to close keyboard dialog boxes

button is available, the window can be closed by keyboard

On the contrary, if atop the dialog box

buttons are available, the window

How to use function keys in dialog boxes

How to activate bubble display

How to change EDM working mode

Completely Uncharged battery

How to move in PowerTopoCE menus

button corresponds to Enter button of Pentax W-800

Selection from CAD

Pentax W-800: in the input fields providing for

button, the CAD can be

Options from button

In order to pass to the different pages it is sufficient to press

Pentax W-800: to pass to the previous page it is possible to press F1 button;

the three points can be specified in the graphic window

Digitize the formula to be calculated and press

How to create a work

Press New button.

How to open a work

BAK files of a work, resulting from the automatic backup. By selecting

How to save a work with a different name

How to create a model

Importing coordinates from ASCII files

the existing point is deleted and the new point is imported.

the point is not imported and the existing point is maintained.

interrupts the importation of points

Importation of DXF files

Exporting coordinates or measures from ASCII files

Exporting a drawing into DXF file

In this window set the following parameters:

Export DXF 3D:

activate this option to generate a 3D DXF; deactivate this option to

Linking external works