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Working With CAD, Vector PDF & Survey Data

2024 Post-Seminars Day 2 Handbook Table of Contents (Final)

Cover
Note to Self-Paced Users of the Day 2 Seminar Handbooki
Title Page and Notices1
Author's Note2
Some Handbook Acronyms and Terminology3
Day 2 Quick Reference Index4
Day 2 Table of Contents6
Model Day 2 Seminar Class Outline21
Program and Vector Data Overview23
- A Toolbox for Creating Earthwork Models23
- AGTEK Site Modeling Products Compared24
- Should AGTEK 3D Users Upgrade to AGTEK 4D?26
- Requirements for Importing Vector Data28
- Similarity of CAD, Vector PDF and LandXML Data29
- Raster PDF vs. Vector PDF30
- Tips for Working with Multiple PDF Plan Sheets31
  - Revised PDF Plan Sheets32
  - Image Selection Utility (Gradework 4D)32
  - Alignment Strategies33
- Start-Up Options Menu34
  - Shader Support (AGTEK 4D)34
  - Plan View Shading Resolution34
  - Manage Image Cache (AGTEK 4D)35
- AGTEK Data File Maintenance36
- Requesting and Receiving Vector Data Files37
  - Why Import Vector Data Files?37
  - Vector-File-Ready Checklist38
  - What to Ask For (CAD/Vector PDF/LandXML)39
  - Improving the Odds of Getting CAD Files40
  - Sample Pre-Bid CAD File Request Letter41
  - Sample Contract-Award CAD File Request Letter42
  - File Types and Corresponding Procedures43
  - File Viewing, Editing and Conversion Resources45
- Data Entry Guides46
  - AGTEK 3D46
  - Earthwork 4D47
  - Gradework 4D48
- Typical Vector Data File Manipulation Sequence50
Modeling with Vector Data Step-by-Step52
- Sample Site Grading Plan52
- Street Details, Site Location Map and Plan Abbreviations/Notes53
- New Job File Setup for PDF Data54
  - Import First PDF Plan Sheet55
    - Multi-Page Preview Dialog56
    - Adjust Display and Note PDF Data Type57
    - Set Scale for First PDF Plan Sheet58
    - Verify and Correct PDF Plan Scale - AGTEK 4D Method59
    - Extract and Transfer Vector Plan Data60
    - Verify PDF Plan Scale - AGTEK 3D Method61
    - Correct PDF Plan Scale - AGTEK 3D Method62
  - Translate Job File to Designer's Coordinates63
  - Match Point Selection for Aligning Next PDF Plan Sheet64
    - Direct Coordinates or Selected (Common) Points?64
  - Import and Align Next PDF Plan Sheet (Common Points)65
    - Adjust Display, Note PDF Data Type, Set Scale66
    - Align Next PDF Plan Sheet (To Previous Sheet)67
      - AGTEK 3D (Dialog Method)68
      - AGTEK 4D (Shortcut Method)69
    - Extract Next PDF Plan Sheet's Vector Data70
    - Unrecognized Vector PDF Plan Sheet Problem71
    - Transfer Next PDF Plan Sheet's Vector Data72
  - Some Points About Vector PDF Plan Data73
    - Only 2D Data From Vector PDF Plans73
    - Missing or Overlapping Vector PDF Line Work73
    - "Horizontal Shift" Error With Next PDF Sheet73
    - Correcting Next PDF Sheet's "Horizontal Shift" Error74
  - Re-Loading PDF Plan Sheets - AGTEK 3D75
  - Re-Loading PDF Plan Sheets - Earthwork 4D76
  - Re-Loading PDF Plan Sheets - Gradework 4D77
  - Manual PDF Realignment (Align Matching Edges)78
- Starting New Job with CAD Data80
  - Incompatible AutoCAD File Versions80
  - External/Block References and Locked/Off/Frozen Layers81
  - Widely-Separated Data82
    - Arbitrary and State Plane Coordinate Data82
    - Crop Rectangle82
    - Document SPC Translation Point(s)83
  - Troubleshoot Missing CAD Data86
- Selection and Transfer of Vector Data88
  - Existing and Design Data on Same Layer88
  - Pre-Transfer Data Settings and Functions89
    - Compression (Point Reduction)89
    - Crop Rectangle89
    - Imported Elevation Min/Max Filter89
    - Transfer Units (Feet/Meters/Architectural)89
    - Join Selected Data (AGTEK 4D)89
  - Vector Data Display Options90
    - Layer Display Control (Alt-B)90
    - Hide/Hide All But/Show All/Gray Hidden Lines90
    - Label Display Options90
      - CAD Text90
      - Elevations90
      - Rotated Text (AGTEK 4D)90
  - Vector Data Selection Options91
    - Area Select91
    - Layer Select/Deselect (Ctrl Key, Left Click)91
    - Object Select/Deselect (Shift Key, Left Click)91
    - Delete Unwanted Data91
  - Vector Data Transfer Options92
    - To Existing or Design Surface (Right Click or Menu)92
    - To Specified Surface and Layer (Send To Button)92
    - Cut/Paste Function (AGTEK 4D)92
  - Importing and Transfering CAD TIN Surface93
  - Importing and Transfering LandXML Surface Data94
- Selecting and Transferring Step-by-Step Exercise Data95
  - CAD Elevation Text Labels95
  - Line Work Layers96
- Use PDF Plan Sheet to Verify CAD Data98
  - Import and Align PDF Plan Sheet98
  - Check CAD Line Work100
  - Check CAD Elevation Text Labels100
- Find and Correct Spiked CAD Elevations101
  - Job File Min/Max Elevations (File Information Report)101
  - Display Interpolated OG Elevation at Pointer in Entry Mode101
  - Find Elevation Function103
- 2D-to-3D Conversion Techniques104
  - Existing Surface Data Lines104
    - Assign Elevations to Contours in Edit Mode104
      - F9 Elevation Snap104
      - Bridge Gap (Join) Utility105
      - F8 Auto-Increment Snap106
    - Spot Elevations in Edit Mode107
    - Point Compress Existing Contours108
    - Conform Selected Utility109
    - Spot Elevations and Break Lines in Entry Mode110
  - Design Surface Data Lines113
    - Landscape and Pond Contours113
      - Cleanup Pond's CAD Contour114
    - Building Lines115
      - Bridge Gap (Join) Utility115
      - F9 Elevation Snap115
      - Auto Pad Utility116
      - Trim and Remove Overhanging Contours119
      - Top-of-Wall Landscape Grade Lines121
        
        Snap Circle Setting122
      - Varying Landscape Spot Grades at Building123
      - Level Landscape Grade Lines at Building (Offset)124
    - Street Line Work125
      - Assign Elevations in Edit Mode125
      - Line Work Cleanup Notes (Fillet/F7 Snap/Join)127
      - Assign Elevations in Entry Mode128
    - Lot Lines131
      - Lot Line Prep with Swap Ends, F7 Extend, F6 Insert131
      - Assign Lot Line Elevation by Conform131
      - Assign Lot Line Elevation by Slope132
      - Assign Lot Line Elevation by Daylight132
- Checklist to Complete the Earthwork Takeoff133
- Translate Job File Data to State Plane Coordinates134
- Geo-Reference Job File with State Plane Coordinates136
- Identify State Plane Coordinate Zone139
  - NGS Coordinate Conversion and Transformation Tool139
  - SPCS83 Tool for SPC Zone Maps in Google Earth139
  - State Plane Lookup Utility (Gradework 4D)140
- Reminder of Useful Functions (Edit Mode)141
- Reminder of Useful Functions (Entry Mode)142
Additional CAD Data Manipulation Examples143
- Check and Adjust for Architectural Units143
  - Adjusting Import Transfer Units (Prevention)144
  - Check Job Scale Utility (Scale Repair in AGTEK 4D)147
  - Stretch Site Utility (Scale Repair in AGTEK 3D)148
- Data Prep for Auto Pad Utility149
  - Import Layer Selection (Alt-B) to Filter Transfer Layers149
  - Create Missing CAD Line Work151
    - Prep CAD ROW Lines for Pad Setback Offsets151
      - Label Select, Hide All But, Join and Compress151
      - Swap Ends Utility153
    - Offset ROW Pad Setback Lines153
    - Prep CAD Rear Lot Lines for Pad Setback Offsets154
      - Label Select, Deselect, Join and Compress154
      - Change Line Label of Isolated Rear Lot Lines157
    - Offset Rear Pad Setback Lines158
    - Prep and Offset Partial Rear Pad Setback Line160
  - Cleanup Conflicting CAD Line Work161
    - Label Select for Hide or Delete162
  - Run Auto Pad Utility164
    - Label Select Pad Elevation Text Labels164
    - Auto Pad Offset Value164
    - Auto Pad Data Line Errors165
    - Manual Select Pad Elevation Text Labels167
    - Fix Non-Responsive Pad Elevation Text Label168
    - Create Artificial Pad Elevation Text Label169
  - Cleanup for Auto Pad Data Line Errors and Conflicts171
    - Horizontal Spikes in Auto Pad Data Lines171
    - Gaps in Bounding Annotation Line Work172
    - Trim CAD Contours Extending Into Auto Pad Area173
- Street Model from "Conformed" Centerline175
  - Join Lines Before Conforming Centerline177
  - CL High-, Low-, and Match-Point CAD Text Grades178
  - Conform Centerline181
  - Fixed Horizontal EP Offset Lines182
  - Intersection Prep with Ctrl-X, F5, F7183
  - Tapered Horizontal EP Offset Line183
  - Line Snap Entry of EP Radius Lines185
    - Alt-V to Hide Background Layers185
  - Interpolating EP End-Point Existing Tie-In Grades186
  - Final EP Line Work Cleanup187
  - TBC Offset Lines187
  - Shoulder Offset Lines188
  - Conflicting Offset Lines and CAD Street Contours189
    - Prep for Removal of CAD Street Contours190
    - Trim and Delete CAD Street Contours191
  - Conform Other CAD Lines to Final Street Surface193
  - Identify and Correct Interpolation Errors193
Modeling with ASCII Text Survey Data195
- Overview and Compatible Data Formats195
- Borrow Pit Modeling & Volumes I (No Starting Topo)198
- Borrow Pit Modeling & Volumes II (Before and After Topos)205
- Quantify and Document Bid Topo Update218
  - Survey Data Layer220
  - Apply Survey Utility221
  - Compare GPS and Bid Topos with Contours225
  - Compare GPS and Bid Topos with Cut/Fill Map226
  - Compare GPS and Bid Topos with Profiles229
  - Volume Calculations and Evaluation of Results230
- Cross-Section Data Modeling Problem235
Appendix A: How to Get Help, Training, Program Updates247
- Getting Help247
- Getting Trained249
- Getting Program Updates250
Appendix B: Keyboard Shortcuts253
- Import (CAD Transfer) Mode253
- Edit Mode255
- Entry Mode260
- Profile View Mode264
- Plan View Mode266
- 3D View Mode269
- Volume Report Mode272
- Haul Report Mode273
- Print View Mode274
Appendix C: Download and Use Day 2 Seminar Training Files275
Appendix D: Exporting AGTEK Data281
- Overview of Exportable File Types281
- File Preparation Tips for Field Data283
- Manage Export Colors before Export (AGTEK 4D)285
- Display Modeling Colors Option (Gradework 4D)285
- Manage Export Colors during Export (AGTEK 4D)286
- Data for CAD Systems287
- 3D Surface for Autodesk Revit BIM288
- 3D Surface for SketchUp290
- Data for Google Earth291
- Data for Transfer between AGTEK Job Files294
- Data for Leica Grade Control297
- Data for Topcon Grade Control298
- Data for Trimble Grade Control301
- Data for Stringless Curb Machines303
Appendix E: Prepping CAD Files for AGTEK305
- Bind External Reference with DWG TrueView306
- Bind External Reference with AutoCAD LT308
- Convert DWG/DXF to Layered Vector PDF with DWG TrueView309
- Convert Architectural Units with TurboCAD Deluxe310
- Convert Architectural Units with AutoCAD LT311
- Metric to Imperial (Meters to Feet) Units Conversion Methods312
- CAD Spot Elevation Formats313
- Check for Geolocation Info (SPC Zone) with AutoCAD LT314
Appendix F: Catalog of Day 2 Handbook Web Resources315
Appendix G: Horizontal Translations331
- Exercise I - Translate North/East and Align Matching Edges Utilities332
- Exercise II - Data Alignment Tool (Gradework 4D)337
Appendix H: CAD Spot Elevation Topo Exercise341
Appendix I: Geo-Reference Job File with Google Earth349
Appendix J: Conceptual Modeling Exercise355
- Boundary Map and Existing Topo356
- Offsets from Property Lines357
- Circle Utility359
- Point Compression Utility360
- Insert/Break Point Function (F5)360
- Trim Lines Utility361
- Join Lines Utility363
- Lot Lines by Snap Entry365
- Lot Lines by Station Generator Utility366
- Lot Lines Clean Up368
- Wildcard Label Selection368
- Elevate Level Lot Areas with Auto Pad Utility369
  - Create Lot Grade Labels369
  - Run Auto Pad Utility370
  - Modify Auto Pad Results with Side-Setback Offsets371
- Assign Tentative Street Centerline Grades by Daylight Function373
- Enter Temporary Design and Existing Perimeters374
- Apply Cut-to-Fill Shrink Factor to Default Job Site Report Region376
- Calculate Volumes to Check Tentative Rough Balance376
- Edit and Finalize Street Centerline Grades377
  - Edit Elevations by Point Scroll Range Interpolation377
  - Edit Elevations by +/- Function378
  - Edit Elevations by Slope Function378
- Prep Street Centerline for Tie-In to Existing380
  - Assign Elevations by Conform Selected Utility380
- Create/Prep Street Edge-of-Pavement Line381
  - Centerline Offset381
  - Insert/Break/Delete/Conform/Trim/Join382
  - Fillet Line Utility at Angular Join Points385
  - Check and Correct Fillet Elevation Errors387
- Detail Curb & Gutter/Walk with Apply Template Utility (AGTEK 4D)390
- Storm Basin Detail392
  - Determine Basin Location and Top/Bottom Grades392
  - Fillet Line Utility393
  - Apply Template Utility (AGTEK 4D)393
- Edit Level Lot Area Footprint Example395
  - Offset Move-To Reference395
  - F7 Move Point Options396
- Establish Limit of Grading by Slope-Intercept Offset397
- Enter Final Design and Existing Perimeters399
- Enter Final Stripping Area400
- Enter Final Report Regions/Sectional Areas401
- Final Volume Calculations and Site Balancing Grade Adjustments404
  - First Calculation and Volume Report Evaluation404
  - Use Cut-Fill Colors and Profiles to Choose Grade Raise Areas405
  - Partial Grade Raise Based on Volume Report Change Values407
  - Second Calculation and Volume Report Evaluation407
  - Determine Overshoot Percentage and Modify Change Values407
  - Remaining Grade Raise Based on Modified Change Values408
  - Third Calculation and Volume Report Evaluation (Balanced)410
- Generate Contours for Conceptual Design Surface411
Appendix K: Scaling Multiple Paper Sheets with CAD Data - AGTEK 3D413
Appendix L: Verify CAD Data and Paper Plan Match - AGTEK 3D415
Appendix M: Volume Calculation Error and Warning Dialogs417
About the Author and Seminar Instructor419
Seminar Attendee Survey421
Tear-Out Plan Sheet for Modeling with Vector Data Exercise423
Tear-Out Details Sheet for Modeling with Vector Data Exercise424

Latest News & Information

Working With CAD, Vector PDF & Survey Data

2024 Post-Seminars Day 2 Handbook Table of Contents (Final)

(Click for Seminar Training Files)

(Click for Day 2 Seminar Outline)

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