Answer: MicroSurvey inCAD 2010 works inside AutoCAD R2009 through to 2010. It even works inside Civil 3D 2009-2010 and AutoCAD Map 3D 2009-2010.

Answer: Use the MicroSurvey Project Manager to set the project Directory to the location where the DWG or DXF file is stored. When the Project Manager appears, pick on the Set Project Directory button. Browse to the folder where the file is located and press the OK button. Once this is done, simply pick on the file you wish to open click the Open button.

Question: Is this product stand alone or do I need other software to run your product?

Answer: To run MicroSurvey inCAD, you must have a copy of AutoCAD installed on your computer. MicroSurvey inCAD integrates with your AutoCAD to create a full-featured survey and design package.

Question: Can I download my data collector into your product? If so, what happens to the original raw data file?

Answer: Yes you can. MicroSurvey inCAD supports direct downloads of virtually all popular makes and models of data collectors. If your make or model is not supported, you can “spawn” an external communication program from within inCAD. MicroSurvey’s own FieldGenius data collector integrates seamlessly with all our desktop products. MicroSurvey inCAD will read the original raw data file and create a traverse database that you can edit and use in adjustments. The original raw data is not changed in any way. Data integrity is maintained.

Question: What traverse adjustments are available?

Answer: MicroSurvey inCAD supports Angle Balance, Compass Balance, Vertical Balance (Elevations), Crandall’s Method, Transit Balance and a 3D Least Squares Adjustment and for those with coordinate data only, an Existing Point traverse adjustment using a Compass Method. All of these adjustments affect the coordinate data only. Re-processing the traverse database will restore the coordinates to their original location. This allows you to experiment with adjustments until you find one that works best for your situation.

Question: What happens to AutoCAD when I install inCAD?

Answer: inCAD does not modify your AutoCAD in any permanent way.  We have created a startup program that will start AutoCAD with the inCAD features.  If you start AutoCAD using the normal desktop icon or from the Start Menu, then AutoCAD will look 100% the same as your original AutoCAD.  You can choose when you want to take advantage of the features of inCAD.  We also do not remove the standard File/Draw/Modify/View menus from AutoCAD.  They are still available even when inCAD is running.

Question: Can I perform map checks (lot closures) with inCAD?

Answer: Yes. There is a lot closure routine that allows you to enter bearings, distances and curve data to compute a closure based on plan or deed measurements. The report that is generated can be printed immediately or saved to a location on your hardrive for future reference.

Question: Can your program perform 3D modeling?

Answer: Yes. MicroSurvey inCAD is a fully functional 3D modeling program. You can create TINs, TGRIDs and GRIDs using point and line data. Breaklines allow you to accurately model your topographic survey with very little effort. Once a 3D surface is built, contours and volumes are just a single click away. For those interested in advanced 3D modeling, inCAD supports First and Second order derivatives, Trend and Krige methods for surface generation.

Question: OK, so you do 3D Modeling but how hard is it to use?

Answer: MicroSurvey inCAD is one of the easiest 3D modeling programs on the market. For a typical topographic survey, it takes less than two minutes to create a very accurate and impressive model for your clients. This can be viewed as a fully rendered, shaded model.

Question: How long is it going to take me to get “up to speed” with your product?

Answer: If you are familiar with AutoCAD, you can be calculating and modeling with inCAD in as little as a few hours. MicroSurvey inCAD comes with a lay flat Getting Started manuals containing all the tutorials, and 90 days of toll-free technical support. There are also approximately 10 hours of online movies in the program. These movies guide you through the most often used functions of inCAD. Additional support can be purchased on a yearly basis.