Topcon has released a new version of its popular computer aided design (CAD) software suite, formerly known as MAGNET. With enhanced features and workflow improvements to the Office, Field and Tools modules, version 9 is also renamed under the Topcon software suite as the business retires the MAGNET brand.
“Topcon’s software engineering department has been the engine behind this platform for many decades, in all of its iterations – first as Civildes, then Civilcad and most recently MAGNET,” said Adam Burke, Geospatial Business Executive Manager at Aptella. “Users can expect the same dedicated software development focus, now incorporated under the Topcon brand,” he added.
With numerous software modules designed for surveyors, engineers, modellers, estimators and project managers, Topcon aims to maximise productivity through connected software capabilities and workflows. Whether used as standalone, office-based CAD software, or as an integrated, Cloud-connected field to office solution with Topcon or Sokkia survey instruments, the platform is designed to offer user-friendly, versatile configurations to suit a variety of applications.
Some of the enhanced features of Topcon Office version 9 include a range of new options to work with digital terrain models (DTMs), spot elevations, and offset capabilities for greater versatility when working with 2D or 3D data sets.
Topcon Field improvements include enhanced productivity and stake reporting capabilities, advanced resection functionality for unknown control points, and a new offset routine to create points that cannot be observed with a total station. Both Field and Office modules now include direct import and export compatibility with 12D XML file formats.
AllDayRTK high accuracy positioning network subscribers can now import and export RINEX data directly into Topcon Tools with a current Plus or RINEX subscription. Version 9 Topcon Tools also boasts improved coordinate system functions, new traverse calculations and viewing options, and enhanced functionality when working with data in tabular view for reporting.
“Many of the version 9 improvements have stemmed directly from user feedback, gathered at events such as Aptella’s bi-annual user conference hosted in Sydney,” said Karl O’Toole, Product Application Specialist at Aptella.
“With presentations from Topcon, Aptella, and also customers sharing their workflows and experiences, the conference is always a great opportunity to contribute ideas and discuss future enhancements.”
Merge DTM
Updated to include new merging options of standard, lowest, highest and average. Includes the ability to update the base DTM.
Spot Elevations
New option to add spot elevation labels and symbols manually. Includes leaders, arrows, text box, positioning settings and label prefix/suffix.
Leader with Text
New function included in the insert ribbon for the quick insertion of labels containing a leader with text. Labelling includes ability to add prefix/suffix to point information.
Offset
New offset function in the modify ribbon to support lines, arcs, circles, polygons, boundaries, pads and strings. Improves the ability to create 2D/3D offset data to easily create break lines for surface creation.
12D XML Design File
New ability to import and export design data using the 12D XML file format. Includes common design data of points, lines, strings and surfaces.
Open Project Options
Ability to open new projects into a new tab group (same as MAGNET version 8) or open new projects into the current tab group (same as MAGNET version 7 and below).
AllDayRTK RINEX Import
New feature added to support direct downloading and import of RINEX data from AllDayRTK stations across Australia/New Zealand. This feature requires a current ADR+ or RINEX subscription licence from Aptella to use this functionality.
Tabular View
Updated functionality when viewing data in the tabular view to run reports, adjust column widths and renaming measured data.
TS Traverse Calculation
New UI function added to include graphical and observation view of any total station traverses in the data set. The user can automatically or manually select traverses to perform adjustment calculations on.
Coordinate Systems
New coordinate system ribbon to access existing datum, projection, localisation and geoid functions. Includes new convert coordinates feature for datum/projection conversions.
Resection Unknown Points
Added the ability when conducting a resection to measure to unknown control points and the software will recognise the geometry against existing control points in the data set. This allows the user to quickly take field measurements and the software will assist in determining the correct geometry to compute a resection setup.
Productivity Report
New productivity report feature that includes the setup and points set out for that day for both optical and GNSS applications. The report can be customised with unique header and logo to export in PDF format.
12D XML Design File
New ability to import and export design data using the 12D XML file format. Includes common design data of points, lines, strings and surfaces.
Stake Report Filter
New filter for date and time when exporting a stake report in PDF or CSV format. Easily select from today, yesterday or custom date and time range. This filter can apply to multiple types of stake reports like points, surface and roads.
IFC File Improvements
Added new creation functionality to IFC files which allows the user to create points at centre of circle, centreline of tube (pipe) and centre of selected face (bolt). This assists the user to set out the design data from the IFC file in the field.
Perpendicular Occlusion
New total station offset routine to allow users to create a point at the inside corner that can’t be observed. Typically used when measuring two points along a wall/face and the edge of second wall/face to create the intersection point that is hidden from view of the total station.
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Aptella Pty Ltd
ABN 56 130 367 065
