Instrument and GPS Support

Instrument Selection

FieldGenius has a central location to access settings for your Total Station and GPS equipment.

Easy to use menus help you configure your equipment easily without any guess work.

Not sure which settings to use?

Just press the Help button for access to our comprehensive on-board help system.

 

Total Station and GPS Toolbars

When connected to a total station you will have easy access to all your options for your instrument. These options appear on the instrument toolbar which is currently displayed on the right hand side of the screen.

On this toolbar, you can change your instrument settings, target height and measurement modes.

GPS Movies here.

 

Similar to the total station toolbar, once you're connected to a GPS receiver you will see a toolbar with GPS related options.

The GPS toolbar displays to you the current satellite status, sky plot, PDOP values and more.

 

Advanced instrument control ensures that you're maximizing your productivity by using advanced features on your instrument.

(Image from Tracker while connected to Leica Robotic Instrument. This allows you to check the instrument for level while at the pole)

Robotic Movies here...

Powerful Road Module

Manual Entry of your alignment data

Entering your centerline data is easy with FieldGenius. Simply add new elements using the Add element command.

Easy to use element editors will help you enter your information.

Graphical views are always displayed to help you visually validate your entries.

Advanced Roading Movies...

Defining your template is easy. FieldGenius graphically displays your template as you enter your information so you're always certain that you didn't make a mistake.

Advanced template editing allows you to specify template widening, template transitions, as well as enter superelevation data.

FieldGenius supports vertical grade breaks, as well as symmetrical and un-symmetrical parabolic curves.

At any time you can do a station check to determine an elevation at any station.

Furthermore, you can have FieldGenius compute the High / Low points along your vertical profile.

Staking your alignment data

Once you've defined your alignment data you're ready to stake it.

The screen will help you select your Stake Alignment points along the template and will display to you all the pertinent information that you need such as offsets, stations and elevation.

Zoom controls help you zoom and pan in the template view to help you with complex templates.

When you continue on to staking a point along the alignment you will have all the information you need to help you locate the stake point.

Information is displayed telling you what your current station and offset is in relation to the design point you're trying to stake.

Advanced options are available to you during alignment stakeouts.

The profile view is a great tool when slope staking. Easily see where you are in relation to the cut or fill slope from the hinge point.

When you store your stake position, you will see the results of your stakeout.
All the staking tools you will ever need
Staking Lines and arcs with FieldGenius is easy. You will always see where you are in relation to the line or arc. FieldGenius will automatically interpolate the elevation for you so you don't have to do any manual calculations.

 

 

 

Powerful visualization tools are available to you during alignment staking.

See where you are at all times with text notifications and graphic views.

 

Point stakingcouldn't be easier with FieldGenius.

Instantly see how far you need to move to locate your stake points.

 

Stake to a DTM and get instant cut and fill values.

Import DTM files from LandXML data or directly from your MicroSurvey QSB files.

The FieldGenius tablet / desktop version helps you work with your FieldGenius projects
The interface and commands are very similar to the one you use on your data collector so there is virtually no learning curve.

 

What kinds of things can you do with the desktop version?

  • Use FieldGenius on tablet devices.
  • Use FieldGenius on your desktop computer.
  • Use a bigger screen to complete your survey work.
  • Connect to Total Stations and GPS receivers.
  • Import large ASCII files and create a FieldGenius Project before you head to the field
  • Download your FieldGenius Projects and review them with office staff
  • Import a large DXF file for viewing and adding coordinates
  • Import and view LandXML files prior to heading for the field
  • Enter templates, alignments, profiles from drawing or plans into a FieldGenius project
  • Edit and reprocess your FieldGenius raw files
  • Modify your AutoMap library before starting your job

It is free to install and use in demo mode and is limited to 30 points. To unlock all the functionality you need to buy the required modules just as you would for the mobile version.

It's Easy to Use

The logical options on the screen reflect the time and experience we have with mobile devices. Larger buttons with the ability to change shot modes, target height, next point number, and connectivity options increase productivity.

Our simple connectivity system (no coding) is easier to use than any other data collector.  If you want to connect your shots, just pick the line button and start taking shots.  No predefined code needs to be chosen.

 

Our simple pop up description list makes it easy to label shots.  Multiple lines can be joined at the same time with the same code.

 

Smart Points:

In this screen shot, we have just picked a point.

A number of logical options are immediately available to you. There is no need to "learn" how to get to staking from the graphics - you just pick the Stake button from the bottom row of the point toolbar.

These options make it easier to get started with FieldGenius when compared to other collectors. And they make FieldGenius more productive every hour of every day you use the program.

 

Smart Lines:

In this shot, we have just picked a line. The line was imported from a CAD program. Immediate options include staking, listing, & computing ties to points perpendicular to the line.

You can even make it a current line so you could start picking up data and add to the line. If you are picking up a string of points, you can reverse the line and continue from the other end. Perpendicular ties are a snap to any point.

In the next screen shot, we picked the Info button, and you can see the report on the line.

 

Line information in the scrolling info window:

This window will zoom to fill the screen if you tap it so you can read all the info

All the information you need on a line is displayed:

  • Both Horizontal and Slope distance
  • Grade
  • Elevation difference
  • Azimuth
  • Connected point information

 

One Tap to Common Options:

The large icon on the main work screen takes you to the system menu.

FieldGenius has been expanded and improved in many areas.  Project options and instrument routines have been completely re-written.  We improved every facet of instrument communication and control.

 

Full Screen Mode for Productivity:

In this screen capture, the full screen mode has been toggled on to show the amount of graphics available in FieldGenius.

FieldGenius is productive, because you can do more from the graphics screen.  You have fewer picks to get around the program.  Less time is spent staring at menus and buttons while you are navigating the program.

With FieldGenius all the commands you need are at your fingertips.

Code-free Connectivity

MicroSurvey has developed the most simple linework (survey chain) connectivity in the industry. Absolutely NO CODING is required to generate your linework in the field in real time. Other data collection systems force 
you to predefine codes for generating linework. We all learned how to “Connect the Dots” when we were 
kids and MicroSurvey has taken real time linework to that level of simplicity.

Watch a movie: 

Here are some of the features that make FieldGenius easier than most data collectors:

  • You can connect points that have different descriptions - notice the MANHOLE in the C/L line
  • Linework can consist of straight segments, arcs, and splines
  • Linework is ALL in 3D including Arcs and splines
  • You can have more than one line with the same description - there is no need to use DITCH1 and DITCH2, or E/ASPH1 and E/ASHP2.  FieldGenius is smarter and knows which line to work on
  • Multiple lines can connect to the same point
  • Missing segments can be drawn using the Pencil tool any time you need to add more info
  • A bad line can be removed instantly by just picking it and choose Delete Segment

 

All linework is generated by using one of three draw options, selected from buttons that appear on the main interface:

Draw Lines button = Connect points with straight lines
Draw Curvy Lines button = Connect Points with a best-fit curvy line
Draw 3-Point Arc button = Fit an arc through three measured points

To start a new line, simply select the desired draw option before you take your measurements. The connection button will display a <Start line> for you. 
After the shot to the first point for the new line is complete, the line will be added to the active lines list, identified by the current point description and an automatically assigned group number. After the second point for this line has been shot, the line will be drawn. 

From this point forward, simply continue taking shots to add to the line. 
If you wish to stop adding to the current line, simply deselect the current draw option (Line, Curvy line, Arc). After turning off the draw option, <No line> will display in the active lines list. To start a new line with the same description, just tap the line button again.

Sound simple? It is. You'll find FieldGenius is, quite simply, the easiest data collector to generate an accurate drawing from shots in the field.

Painless Data Transfer

MicroSurvey has been building software that communicates with data collectors since the '80s. When we decided to create FieldGenius, one of the top priorities was a smooth transfer of data to the desktop and back.

ActiveSync connects the Windows CE device to your desktop (or laptop) computer.  We automatically provide communication inside ActiveSync to move your FieldGenius projects between desktop software and the collector. Our new solution, called MicroSurvey Transfer shows you files on your desktop and data collector. Moving files back and forth is done by simply selecting them and pressing the arrow button. There is no need to create a partnership with your device. Options are available to autostart MicroSurvey Transfer when connecting, and to supress the Activesync "Create Partnership" prompt that appears when you dock an unknown device.

 

 

Once downloaded, you can manipulate the jobs with a number of different packages.  Here are some of your options:

  1. Use your existing software.  FieldGenius creates a DXF file of the graphics that you create, an ASCII file of coordinates you collected, and a TDS format RAW file that can be imported into virtually any surveying software.
  2. Use MicroSurvey CAD Basic Version: All the line work and coordinates that you create in FieldGenius are automatically inserted into the CAD drawing - including symbols of your choice!  This inexpensive package will do full COGO (plus batch COGO), adjustments, areas, subdivision design, simple labeling, and full spreadsheet manipulation of the coordinates or raw data. This program also allows you to auto-coordinate lines, points, or arcs (from a DXF, DGN or DWG file) and send the linework and coordinates to FieldGenius.
  3. If you are looking for a complete AutoCAD replacement, plus a complete surveying & design system, then MicroSurvey CAD is the solution.  This powerful program provides you will all the tools a Surveyor needs.  The same functionality can be added to AutoCAD by using our inCAD product.

Other painless data transfer options from FieldGenius include our powerful FBK (Autodesk LDD format) file creation capability.

Our latest addition to the FieldGenius transfer options is our new stake from DXF capabilities. Just drag a DXF file into FieldGenius and you can import into any job. Pick a line, arc, point, polyline, block, or text in the DXF file and you can immediately coordinate and stake the item. Linework is added to FieldGenius so you can stake with stationing and offsets automatically. It's painless!

Advanced Autodesk Land Development Desktop Support

With many of our FieldGenius customers using LDD, we decided to add an interface to LDD that is unmatched in the industry.  Autodesk's Survey module for LDD uses FBK files for raw data storage and processing.  Now, FieldGenius will directly export an FBK file so you can import directly with Survey.

The FieldGenius FBK file contains coordinates, and linework.  The linework is imported into LDD as true "figures".  This makes it easy to use these figures in LDD for breaklines or anything you choose!

 

Once you have exported the FBK file from FieldGenius, just import into LDD:

 

 

Select the FBK file, pick Ok, and the program will import the linework and coordinates.  This makes it painless to survey in FieldGenius and process using LDD.  No other software is required!

 

 

Here is a point listing from LDD:

 

 

FieldGenius makes it easy to work with Land Development Desktop workstations!

 

Intelligent Display

To help you work faster, MicroSurvey introduced with FieldGenius a new scroll window that shows you 
the shots and coordinates. This capability can improve the ease and speed of your survey data collection 
by giving you instant feedback on processes and calculations. The "info" button toggles the display on and off.

A dashed line shows the most recent measurement taken. The Triangle shows the location of the prism and the direction back to the instrument.   In a robotic instrument, the triangle turns solid when tracking, and it 
rotates to show the direction of travel.

To make it easier for you, we display the next point number and current target height on the screen.

 

Current commands are shown in large text at the top of the display window. For example the Zoom Window command shown here:

 

Interested in trying our outstanding Tablet/Desktop Version?  The tablet/desktop version supports all the devices, and can be run in portrait (Pocket PC, Recon) or Landscape (Ranger, Recon, Tracker) formats.  
Digital Terrain Modeling, Volumes, Contouring
FieldGenius has the ability to create and utilize DTM surfaces from existing survey data or create a DTM in real time as the data is collected. The TIN and contours will automatically update as each new shot is taken.

 

If a DTM surface is present, the user can stake to any point on that surface by simply supplying the N,E location to be staked. There are many methods of selecting the N and E location for staking such as:

Station and offset from an existing horizontal alignment
An existing point, uploaded, surveyed or stored via COGO
Real time observation (conventional total station, robotic total station or GPS)
Manually entered location
Surface data can be shown as a wireframe mesh or a solid surface for simplifying your viewing.

 

 

Superior Data Import
FieldGenius continues MicroSurvey's history for flexible methods for importing data from other systems.

Import LandXML Data

FieldGenius contains an XML reader with support for points, lines, arcs, spirals, parcels, surfaces, horizontal alignments, vertical alignments, templates, and cross sections.

 

LandXML is a common, open data format that describes industry-specific data such as points, parcels, and alignments. Land development professionals worldwide use LandXML to make the data they create more accessible to every project participant.

Data can go directly from Land Development Desktop, CAiCE Visual PE, Bentley inRoads, Eagle Point 2002, Trimble TerraModel, or any other software that supports the LandXML schema, to FieldGenius without the need for converting your data. As a result, data can be efficiently transferred and accessible for your project. By utilizing LandXML as our internal data format, FieldGenius not only provides interoperability between different application software, but also between varying versions of that software. 

Import and Stake Directly from a DXF File 
Importing a drawing is a great way to prepare for a trip to the field. With FieldGenius XG your drawing will appear with more detail than other data collectors. Our drawing import shows blocks, text, polylines, lines, arcs, points, surfaces, and more! FieldGenius XG allows you to turn on and off layers in the CAD drawing to make it easier to see the information that is important to you.  Our latest feature with DXF import is direct coordination and staking of DXF items.  When you select lines, arcs, points, polylines, blocks, or text, points are added to the database, and linework is converted automatically to figures.  You can setup, backsight, and stake directly from the DXF objects!

Import Control Points
Import a point control file from either an existing ASCII point file or your LandXML data. If your current design software supports LandXML and control points, your control point data will automatically be available in your FieldGenius project without the need for conversions or separate control files.

Import ASCII Points
Import point data from an ASCII format file into your FieldGenius project. This allows coordinate data to be transferred from virtually any application into a FieldGenius project.

Custom Toolbars
Custom instrument control toolbars for GPS and robotic total stations are on the main interface, minimizing the need to dig into menus for commonly used toggles and settings. MicroSurvey’s Robotic and GPS 
support has the most intuitive interface in the industry. All Robotic and GPS settings and functions are easily accessible from their respective control toolbars. FieldGenius has
built-in support for all major manufacturer's robotic total stations and RTK grade GPS systems.

 

On the GPS toolbar, there are six buttons used to control the settings, and set the display mode for positional information for the GPS positions.

The buttons, from top to bottom are as follows:

The first field indicates the position solution type.
The second field is the number of SV’s the rover is currently using in the RTK solution. To view a sky plot of the current SV’s visible to the rover, press this button. 
The third field displays the DOP values for the current RTK position. Pressing the button will cycle through the PDOP, HDOP and VDOP. 
The fourth button returns information about the rover receiver. The serial number, battery status and sky list of SV’s can be displayed.
The fifth button is used to display the current position of the cursor in the HUD (provided it is enabled ). The position is in the current map projection (with applied local transformation), the Latitude and Longitude (WGS 84 derived system), or the current Hrms & Vrms values. 
The sixth button in the GPS toolbar will recenter the display on the current position of the cursor (RTK position). Double tapping this button will set the system into an auto-pan mode where the position cursor will always be centered. Tapping the button once more will disable the auto-pan mode.

On the robotic toolbar, there are eight buttons used to control the settings and remotely operate the instrument via the radios:

From left to right, top to bottom:

The first button is the Instrument Guide Lights On/Off toggle.

The second lets you view your connected instrument info.

The third is Automatic Target Recognition. When depressed, ATR is active.

The fourth button provides easy selection of EDM measuring modes.

The fifth toggles automatic centering of the map view.

The sixth allows you to adjust your instrument tolerances.

The seventh button is for activation and de-activation of the leveling laser.

The eighth allows you to adjust your search settings.

The ninth is used when rotating your total station.

The tenth button allows you to change to a different instrument.

The last button is move-by-keys toggle. When this button is active, you can rotate the instrument about its axes by using the up/down/left/right cursor keys (or joystick control) on your handheld device.

One-Tap measure and Store Shot Functionality

To make data collection even simpler, use the Auto-Store method to shoot, record, and draw the point all in one tap.

When selected, this will instruct the
instrument to take a shot, draw and 
record the point. The point will be stored with the current Description (Feature Code) and Target Height using the next available point number.

This method can be very efficient in situations where you are able to select the feature code before measuring.

Shown here are some of the shot options available in FieldGenius:

 

Many other options are available by pressing the Next button:

 

Smart Toolbars:

You no longer have to wade through several menus and screens to get access to the functions you use most. MicroSurvey created Smart toolbars to give you quick access to the functions you use all the time. A Smart Toolbar pops up on the bottom of the screen that provides quick access to commonly used functions as you select specific items from your drawing using the stylus.

There are Toolbars for points, lines, staking and more.

Point Toolbar:

Line Toolbar:

 

Logical Layout

An assortment of tools are available from the FieldGenius start-menu. Access to these tools are optimized for speed and effeciency; reducing the need to 'dig down'.

One tap. Two taps. You're there.

 

Works on more Windows CE hardware models and Windows tablets

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