Topko CE

Users Guide

Copyright 1992-2009 SierraSoft

All rights reserved
May 2009

SierraSoft S.r.l.
Via Roveredo 1/a
33170 PORDENONE PN
ITALY
Tel.:
+39 0434.25.49.06
Fax.: +39 0434.25.49.07
e-mail: info@sierrasoft.com
WEB: http://www.sierrasoft.com

WARNING
Using computer procedures involves knowing the operative system. TopkoCE 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 TopkoCE 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 TopkoCE 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................................................................................................................................ 3
Introducing Topko CE ........................................................................................................ 9
System requirements ...................................................................................................... 9
Assistance ..................................................................................................................... 9
Product Setup ..................................................................................................................11
Starting TopkoCE..............................................................................................................13
Standard components .......................................................................................................15
How to move in TopkoCE menus ....................................................................................15
Dialog boxes .................................................................................................................16
Input fields ...................................................................................................................17
Local menu ...................................................................................................................17
Selection from CAD........................................................................................................17
Options from button ......................................................................................................18
Toolbars .......................................................................................................................18
Managing of targets.......................................................................................................18
Pages ...........................................................................................................................20
Rapid insertion ..............................................................................................................20
Virtual keyboard ............................................................................................................21
Calculator .....................................................................................................................21
Help on line ..................................................................................................................22
Work management ...........................................................................................................23
Work file.......................................................................................................................23
How to create a work ....................................................................................................23
How to open a work ......................................................................................................25
How to save a work with a different name.......................................................................26
How to create a model ...............................................................................................26
Importation ..................................................................................................................27
Importing coordinates from ASCII files.........................................................................27
Importation of DXF files..............................................................................................29
Import LandXML format files ......................................................................................29
Import Esri Shape format files .....................................................................................30
Exportation ...................................................................................................................30
Exporting coordinates or measures from ASCII files ......................................................30
Exporting a drawing into DXF file................................................................................31
Export drawing to LandXML file ...................................................................................32
Linking external works ...................................................................................................32
How to connect a work or a raster image .....................................................................33
Rendere visibile o invisibile un lavoro o unimmagine raster............................................33
How to change the display order of the files selected ....................................................33
Remove link to a work or a raster image ......................................................................33
Deleting a work.............................................................................................................33
Work transfer................................................................................................................33
Nadir setup................................................................................................................34
Preparare Topko CE per il trasferimento dati.................................................................34
Prepare Nadir for data transfer....................................................................................35
How to transfer works from Topko CE to Nadir .............................................................36
Trasferimento lavori da Nadir a Topko CE.....................................................................37

How to import Topko CE format data into Nadir............................................................38

How to export from Nadir Topko CE format data...........................................................39
How to transfer data from Topko CE to Topko ..............................................................40
How to transfer works from Topko to Topko CE ............................................................42
How to import Topko CE format data into Topko ..........................................................42
How to export Topko CE format data from Topko .........................................................43
Information about the work............................................................................................44
Information about Topko CE...........................................................................................45
Configure instruments.......................................................................................................47
Create a new configuration ............................................................................................48
How to make a configuration current ..............................................................................49
How to modify a configuration........................................................................................49
How to delete a configuration.........................................................................................49
Settings and preferences ...................................................................................................51
General ........................................................................................................................51
Units of measurement....................................................................................................52
Format .........................................................................................................................53
Coordinates ..................................................................................................................53
CAD .............................................................................................................................54
Files .............................................................................................................................55
Graphic CAD.....................................................................................................................57
Display check ................................................................................................................57
Snap to object...............................................................................................................58
How to set and use snaps to object .............................................................................58
How to insert data in the graphic window ........................................................................59
Drawing commands .......................................................................................................60
Inserting a topographic point ......................................................................................60
How to insert a cadastral parcel ..................................................................................61
How to draw orthogonal polylines................................................................................61
How to draw orthogonal polylines................................................................................62
How to draw arcs and circles by 3 points......................................................................62
How to draw circles....................................................................................................63
How to insert texts.....................................................................................................63
Layers ..........................................................................................................................64
Create a new layer .....................................................................................................65
How to modify a layer ................................................................................................66
How to make a layer current .......................................................................................66
How to change the layers visibility ...............................................................................67
CAD settings .................................................................................................................67
Modify object properties.................................................................................................68
Delete objects ...............................................................................................................69
Information about the drawing .......................................................................................69
How to identify a point ...............................................................................................70
How to measure distances ..........................................................................................70
How to measure an angle ...........................................................................................70
How to measure areas................................................................................................70
How to link external works .............................................................................................70
How to link a work or a raster image ...........................................................................71
How to make a work or a raster image visible or invisible ..............................................72
How to change the display order of linked files .............................................................72
How to remove the link to a work or a raster image ......................................................72
Data management: Measures and Points ............................................................................73

Points Table..................................................................................................................73
How to create a new point ..........................................................................................73
How to modify a point ................................................................................................74
How to delete a point .................................................................................................75
How to find a point ....................................................................................................75
Table of Measures .........................................................................................................75
How to modify a measure ...........................................................................................76
How to delete a measure ............................................................................................77
How to find a measure ...............................................................................................77
Survey codes....................................................................................................................79
Compound codes...........................................................................................................79
Drawing from codes ......................................................................................................79
Check codes ..............................................................................................................79
An example of how to use survey codes ..........................................................................80
Table of survey codes ....................................................................................................81
How to create a new code ..........................................................................................81
How to modify a code.................................................................................................84
How to delete a code .................................................................................................84
How to save the library with a different name...............................................................84
How to load a library ..................................................................................................84
Special codes.............................................................................................................84
Settings for survey operations............................................................................................87
Survey..........................................................................................................................87
Repetitions ...................................................................................................................89
Coefficients...................................................................................................................90
Use of coefficients in the calculation of coordinates .......................................................90
Robotic instruments ..........................................................................................................93
Search and lock prism....................................................................................................93
Continuous Tracking ......................................................................................................93
Motors management......................................................................................................94
Execute from remote .....................................................................................................96
Calculate station height..................................................................................................98
Select from the table the option desired. ......................................................................98
Measure a known point...............................................................................................98
Measure by prism on station .......................................................................................99
Calculation of station elevation .....................................................................................100
Station with known coordinates and no orientation.........................................................101
Station with known coordinates and orientation point .....................................................102
Station with known coordinates and different orientation points ......................................105
Add a measure ........................................................................................................106
How to change the data to be used ...........................................................................109
How to remove a measure ........................................................................................109
Calculate the correction angle ...................................................................................109
Station with no known coordinates and different orientation points..................................110
How to add a measure .............................................................................................111
How to remove a measure ........................................................................................113
How to change the data to be used ...........................................................................113
Calculate coordinates and correction angle .................................................................114
Station orientation check..............................................................................................114
Survey ...........................................................................................................................117
How to measure points ................................................................................................117
Traverse stations Management..................................................................................122

Measure on existing point .........................................................................................122

How to measure points in direct and reversed mode.......................................................124
Measurement by repetitions .........................................................................................125
How to measure points not reachable by prism ..............................................................127
Measures with distance offset ...................................................................................127
Measures with offset of horizontal angle.....................................................................129
Measures with offset of vertical angle ........................................................................130
Set codes to the points surveyed and drawing from codes ..............................................131
How to perform free measures .....................................................................................132
Staking ..........................................................................................................................133
Staking settings...........................................................................................................134
Point staking ...............................................................................................................135
How to define a list of points to stake ........................................................................136
Staking a single point or a list ...................................................................................137
Line and arc staking ....................................................................................................142
How to define a line .................................................................................................142
Defining an arc by three points..................................................................................143
Defining an arc by two points and radius....................................................................143
Defining an arc by point, azimuth and radius ..............................................................144
Staking points on a line/arc.......................................................................................144
Staking by offset .........................................................................................................148
Defining a reference line...........................................................................................148
Defining an arc by three points..................................................................................149
Defining an arc by two points and radius....................................................................149
Defining an arc by point, azimuth and radius ..............................................................150
Defining a point by station and offset.........................................................................150
Staking report .............................................................................................................155
COGO ............................................................................................................................156
Chain & offset .............................................................................................................156
Intersection ................................................................................................................159
Triangles ....................................................................................................................161
Area ...........................................................................................................................162
Subdivision .................................................................................................................163
Survey calculation .......................................................................................................166
Empiric traverse adjustment......................................................................................167
Least square adjustment...........................................................................................169
Calculator ...................................................................................................................171
Calculator ................................................................................................................171
Azimuth...................................................................................................................171
Roads ............................................................................................................................174
Typical sections...........................................................................................................174
Create/Edit a typical section ......................................................................................175
Delete a typical section.............................................................................................178
Copy a typical section ...............................................................................................178
Import a typical section ............................................................................................178
Manage project data....................................................................................................179
Insert / Edit axis ......................................................................................................180
Delete axis ..............................................................................................................181
Import data .............................................................................................................181
Axis data manager.......................................................................................................182
Road data................................................................................................................183
HAL Horizontal alignment.......................................................................................183

VAL - Vertical alignment............................................................................................185

Templates ...............................................................................................................187
Slopes.....................................................................................................................188
Widths ....................................................................................................................190
X sections................................................................................................................192
Road staking...............................................................................................................193
Station setup ...........................................................................................................193
Stake mode .............................................................................................................194
Select point to stake out ...........................................................................................195
Calculate direction and distances ...............................................................................196
Display stakeout data ...............................................................................................197
Display final results ..................................................................................................199
Save point ...............................................................................................................199
Sideslope stakeout.......................................................................................................200
Station set up ..........................................................................................................200
Axis selection and stakeout mode ..............................................................................201
Select hinge point by typical sections and cross sections..............................................202
Select hinge point ....................................................................................................203
Set sideslope slopes .................................................................................................204
Stake slope..............................................................................................................205
Display final results ..................................................................................................207
Catch point..............................................................................................................207
Calculate position along the road ..................................................................................208
Station set up ..........................................................................................................208
Calculate position .....................................................................................................209
Stakeout report ...........................................................................................................212

Introducing Topko CE
Welcome to Topko CE Users guide. Topko CE is a software for topographic and
cadastral survey which can work on such Windows Mobile devices as Pocket PC (2002
and upper) and Windows CE (4.0 and upper), as well as communicate directly with
the topographic instruments.
Topko CE 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. By specific functions it is also possible to manage
cadastral works.
By Topko CE Roads module it is possible to perform on field the stakeout of road axes
of any kind and size. Besides the complete management of alignment data, the tool
offers powerful functions for pavement and sideslope staking, and of such
supplementary elements as walls, ditches, etc.
This guide describes in a complete way all the functions available in Topko CE. 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 Pocket PC system with vertical
240x320 display; if the tool works on a Pocket PC system with horizontal display or on
a system with Windows CE, frames can be slightly different.

System requirements
Topko CE 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 2002, 2003 or upper.

Assistance
Assistance concerning the use of Topko CE can be offered by local distributors of
SierraSoft products or by SierraSoft technical support.
To contact SierraSoft technical support by telephone, fax or e-mail, the following
references are available:
e-mail:
Telephone:
Fax:

gsupport@sierrasoft.com
+39 (0) 434 254 898
+39 (0) 434 254 759

10

Product Setup
Topko CE is normally supplied on a SD or CF memory board; in case it is purchased
together with a mobile device, the software is already pre-installed in the device. In
any case, no special setup procedure is necessary.
In case the software is supplied on SD or CF memory board, the only operation to be
performed is the one allowing to install Topko CE among the device programs.
To perform this operation it is sufficient to execute the installation program
TopkoCE_ITA.ARMV4.CAB available in Topko CE Setup folder of the memory
board supplied with the tool.
The installation procedure requests to install the software in the device or on the
memory card. The software is able to run in both cases: installed in the device or
installed on the memory card.
In any case it is necessary to have inserted correctly the memory card in its slot
otherwise the software cannot be executed.
Follow the instructions that appears on the device; once the installation has been
performed, a dialog box will inform about the result of the operation.

11

12

Starting TopkoCE
In order to start TopkoCE in Pocket PC devices select the item Programs and then
the item Topko CE.
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 board 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.
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 board.
On starting Topko CE a window is displayed, which allows to create a new work or to
open an already existing one.

13

For information
management.

concerning

work

creation

mode

refer

to

chapter

Work

Topko CE 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 Topko CE will be available; in fact, only
those commands will be made available, which do not require to interact with any
data files.

14

Standard components
This chapter illustrates the working of a set of checks 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.

How to move in TopkoCE menus

Topko CE 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.

15

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 Topko CE main window reports the name of the current work and 3
icons:
indicates the level of the device battery charge. By clicking on the icon
a dialog box appear with additional information about the battery.
opens the window for the management of instruments. See chapter
Configure instruments.
opens the graphic window. See chapter Graphic CAD.
To exit the program select the icon Exit from main menu.

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.
opens the window that allows to intervene on the current instrument
settings.
(robotic instrument) the icon indicate that the prism is not locked to the
total station. By pressing the button the search of prism will start.
(robotic instrument) the icon indicate that the prism is locked by the total
station. By pressing the button the prism will be released.
(robotic instrument) the icon indicate that the total station is not measuring
continuously the distance. By pressing the button the total station will start
to measure the distance continuously.
(robotic instrument) the icon indicate that total station is measuring
continuously the distance. By pressing the button the total station will stop
to measure the distance.

16

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.
opens virtual keyboard to simplify the insertion of data in the current input
field. See paragraph Virtual keyboard.
opens the window that allows to intervene on the current instrument
settings.
(robotic instrument) the icon indicate that the prism is not locked to the
total station. By pressing the button the search of prism will start.
(robotic instrument) the icon indicate that the prism is locked by the total
station. By pressing the button the prism will be released.
(robotic instrument) the icon indicate that the total station is not measuring
continuously the distance. By pressing the button the total station will start
to measure the distance continuously.
(robotic instrument) the icon indicate that total station is measuring
continuously the distance. By pressing the button the total station will stop
to measure the distance.

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 Topko CE virtual keyboard.
button or
button. A dialog
After selecting the field it is sufficient to press
box will appear, which represents a virtual keyboard to use for the insertion of data.
For more information see paragraph Virtual keyboard.

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:

17

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.

Options from button

When

the

label

of

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.

Toolbars
In some windows the following toolbar is used:

the bar displays the buttons of the main commands and a supplementary button
,
allowing to gain access to pages containing secondary commands which, due to lack
of space, are not visible.

Managing of targets
By TopkoCE 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
diastimeter 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)
By pressing
currently set:

18

button the local menu is opened, reporting the list of all the targets

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 Manage targets, which will open a
dialog box similar to the following:

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:

19

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.

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.
associated to the input field and select
Another method is to use the local menu
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
window or from the table.

20

the three points can be specified in the graphic

If the values to be inserted are derived from a calculation, this can be performed by
local menu, Topko CE scientific calculator. For further information
activating, from
see paragraph Calculator.

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
button or

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
digitized will be inserted in the current input field.

button. The value

Calculator
Topko CE integrates a scientific calculator that can be retrieved directly from some
. The value calculated is automatically displayed
input fields by using a local menu
as the value inserted in the input field.

21

button. The tool will

Digitize the formula to be calculated and press
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
Topko CE is equipped with an integrated help on line accessible from the main menu
by selecting the item Help.

22

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 Topko CE 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. Topko CE 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.

23

Digitize 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.
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.

24

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 link with the instruments has
already been set and checked.
WARNING! When using Topko CE it is not necessary to save work data, since Topko
CE 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.

How to open a work

To open an existing work select the item File from the main menu and then the item
New/Open.

25

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:
Topko CE:
work files.
Topko CE 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.
Topko CE 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.

How to create a model

The command Save with name can be used also to create a work model to use on
creating new works.
26

From the dialog box which prompts for the new name to set to the work, select the
item Topko CE 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 Topko CE work it is possible to use the
Importation function available by selecting the item File from the main menu.

It is possible to import coordinates from ASCII files, drawings from DXF files. ) . It is
also possible to import data from LandXML and Esri Shape format 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
right.

button. The datum will be added to the list on the

27

** 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 below 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.

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:

28

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

Yes all:
No:
No all:

Rename:
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.
the point is not imported and the existing point is
maintained.
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.
imports the point setting the name proposed in Start
from input field.
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.

Interrupt importation: 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.

Import LandXML format files

Select the option LandXML and press Next. Press Browse to select the file to
upload. Wait until the importation of LandXML file has been carried out completely.
The tool imports the points and parcels contained in the file.

29

Import Esri Shape format files

Select the option Esri Shape and press Next. Press Browse to select the file to
upload. Wait until the importation of shape file has been carried out completely.
The tool imports shape file of points, lines and polygons.

Exportation
In order to export data with other formats into Topko CE work it is possible to use the
Exportation 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 into ASCII file to export the coordinates or the
option Measures into 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

30

select one by one the kind of data to export and press

be added to the list on the right.
After defining the fields and their order, press Next button.

button. The datum will

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 for 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 for 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.
31

Export 3D DXF:

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.

Export drawing to LandXML file

Select the option LandXML and press Next. Specify the name of the LandXML to be
created and the saving path.

Linking external works

By this command it is possible to link, as external references, both works performed
with Topko CE and raster images.
When a Topko CE 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 Topko CE 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 stakeout.
At any moment it is possible to make the data of the linked works invisible or remove
the connection.
To connect Topko CE works or raster images to the current work, select the item Job
from the main menu and then the item Maps.

32

How to connect a work or a raster image

To connect Topko CE 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 check list select
the kind of file to link:
Topko CE: Topko CE work
BMP:
BMP format images
PNG:
PNG format images
TIF:
TIF format images
The file selected is added to the table.
Warning. In Pocket PC 2002 devices it is not possible to load raster images.

Rendere visibile o invisibile un lavoro o unimmagine raster

In order to change, inside the graphic window, the status of visibility of a linked work
or of a aster 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 ( Topko CE 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 Topko work or to a raster image it is sufficient to
select the corresponding table line and press Remove button.

Deleting a work
In order to delete a Topko CE work select the item Delete work 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
Topko CE 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
SierraSoft softwares listed below installed in the PC.
Nadir:

SierraSoft freeware software allowing the connection to field data recorders

and transfer of data from field data recorder to PC and vice versa.
Moreover, Nadir offers a simple procedure of survey calculation as well as
33

different procedures of data import and export. Nadir can also be used for
the transfer of survey data from Topko CE 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 Topko CE it is necessary to possess Topko version 11, T
module, Numeric topography in particular. For further information
concerning Topko functions and features see SierraSoft internet site:
www.sierrasoft-italia.it.

WARNING! To allow the transfer of data from Nadir to Topko CE it is necessary to

connect the two devices by a serial cable.

Nadir setup
Nadir 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 Nadir setup. Updated versions of Nadir can be downloaded from
SierraSoft internet site www.sierrasoft-italia.it.
Register Nadir after installation; if the PC where Nadir is being executed is equipped
with an internet connection, registration can be carried out automatically by pressing
Request for installation code button; the tool connects automatically to a page of
www.sierrasoft.net internet site, where it is necessary to insert the UserId and
Password supplied on purchasing Topko CE. The first connection to
www.sierrasoft.net site activates a registration process where to insert ones own
data. Then, a new page will display the data concerning the request; press Send
button and wait for the e-mail containing Nadir setup code.
If the computer does not allow an internet connection it is sufficient to connect, by
another computer, to www.sierrasoft.net internet site, enter the site by the UserId
and Password supplied on purchasing the tool; also in this case, the first connection
to www.sierrasoft.net internet site activates a registration process, where it is
necessary to insert ones own data.
Once the registration has been performed, select the item Freeware installation
code in Services area; in the page now appearing select Nadir as Product and
insert the Serial number appearing in Nadir registration window.
Press Start button and wait for the e-mail containing Nadir setup code.
The tool can work for some days even if the registration has not been carried out yet.

Preparare Topko CE per il trasferimento dati

In order to perform the transfer of data from Topko CE to PC and vice versa, select
File menu and then the item Transfer from Topko CE menu.

34

Choose the COM port connecting the serial cable with the device and press Next.

button to select the folder containing the works to transfer and to receive
Press
from Nadir. Leave Topko CE in this condition as long as the transfer of data has been
completed.

Prepare Nadir for data transfer

In order to perform the transfer of data with Topko CE, select

set the data as follows:

button and

35

Choose the COM port connecting the serial cable to the display and press OK to
confirm the settings.

How to transfer works from Topko CE to Nadir

From Nadir main window select

36

button:

Open work list from Work name check box. After some seconds the Topko CE 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.

Trasferimento lavori da Nadir a Topko CE

Coordinates can be transferred from Nadir to Topko CE only if they have already been
loaded manually or by importation procedures.

From the main window select

button:

37

Set the name of the work to create in Topko CE folder and then press Load button.
At the end of the process a Topko CE format file will be available in the folder selected
in Topko CE, which can be opened and used.

How to import Topko CE format data into Nadir

If a PC contains a Topko CE format file this can easily be imported into Nadir by
button. From the window now appearing select the item
selecting
Topographic instruments file and press Next.

38

Select the Topko CE 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.

How to export from Nadir Topko CE format data

In order to generate a Topko CE format file from Nadir on your PC select

button. From the window now appearing select the item Field data recorder files
and press Next.

39

Indicate the path and the name to assign to the file to be exported and press Export
button.

How to transfer data from Topko CE to Topko

In order to transfer data from Topko CE 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:

40

Press Change button to set communication parameters:

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 Topko CE format file to create on the PC
and choose, from the list Work name, the Topko CE work to import.

41

Press Next. At the end of the process Topko will have imported all the data of Topko
CE work: measures, coordinates, drawing.

How to transfer works from Topko to Topko CE

In order to transfer data from Topko to Topko CE 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 Topko CE format file to be created in the PC and the name this
work will have in Topko CE folder. Press Next to start the exportation of Topko CE
format data and for their transfer on the device.
At the end of the process the folder selected in Topko CE will contain the Topko CE
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.

How to import Topko CE format data into Topko

If a PC contains a Topko CE 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.

42

Press Browse button to select the Topko CE format file to load; then press Load
button.
At the end of the process Topko will have imported all the data of Topko CE work:
measures, coordinates, drawing.

How to export Topko CE format data from Topko

In order to generate on your PC a Topko CE 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.

43

Indicate the path and the name to assign to the file to export, then press Export
button.

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.

44

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.

Information about Topko CE

This command provides for some information concerning the Topko CE 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.

45

46

Configure instruments
This chapter shows how to configure Topko CE 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 Topko CE 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.
Topko CE supports the most widespread topographic instrument marks and models. If
your set of instruments is not among these models, please contact your local
distributor of SierraSoft products or SierraSoft technical support.
icon, displayed on
The management of the instruments can be activated from
the upper side of Topko CE main window. From the pull down menu select the item
Instruments setup.

The table reports the list of the configurations created by Topko CE.

47

Create a new configuration

In order to create a new configuration press New button:

In this window it is possible to set the following data:

Name:
Mark:
Model:
Upd.Freq:

name that describes the configuration.

instruments mark.
the models supported are listed according to the mark selected.
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:
Baud:
Parity:
Data:
Stop:

name of the device serial port to use to communicate with the total
station.
transmission speed.
kind of parity to use in the transmission.
number of data bits.
number of stop bits.

Warning. Baud, Parity, Data and Stop parameters must be exactly those used by
the instruments.
By Instrument settings button it is possible to perform some specific settings
referred to the instrument selected. Some instruments do not provide for any kind of

48

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)

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 Start 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.

49

50

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
middle.

and

buttons or the check list in the

Confirmation button saves the modifications in the current work and makes them
immediately effective; annul button will save none of the changes made.

General

By this page it is possible to perform the following settings:

51

; 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.
; Point Saving Beep: 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.
; Automatic Saving: 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 Topko CE BAK in File type section list.
For further information on how to open a BAK file refer to paragraph
How to open a work.

Units of measurement

This page makes it possible to set the units of measurement used by the tool.
Distance Unit:
Angle Unit:
Azimuth type:
Slope units:

52

unit of measurement of distances expressed in metres or feet.

unit of measurement of angles expressed in centesimal
Degrees, decimal Degrees and Degrees/Minutes/Seconds.
defines the position and the direction of azimuth directions.
representation mode of slopes as ratio between height and
base or as percentage value.

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.
Coordinates:
Distances:
Angles:
Stations:
Elevations:
Areas:
Slopes:

number
number
number
number
number
number
number

of
of
of
of
of
of
of

decimals
decimals
decimals
decimals
decimals
decimals
decimals

for coordinates.
for distances.
for angles.
for stations.
for elevations.
for areas.
for slopes.

Degrees/min/sec/ Type: representation mode of angles if in Unit page

Degrees/min/sec has been chosen as angles unit of
measure.
Stations type:
representation mode of stations; Standard mode, by which
they are represented as distances, or X+YYY.ZZZ mode.

Coordinates

53

By this page it is possible to set the coordinates display order and the symbol to use
to represent them.
Coordinates order:
Symbols:

it is possible to display the coordinates according to

East/North or North/East mode.
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: displays control points.
Parcels: displays cadastral parcels.
Drawing: displays the work drawing elements.
Mono drawing: displays drawing elements with one colour. The colour can be
selected from the item Monochrome map colour.
External references: 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.
Line types: displays lines with their line type; otherwise, all the lines are
displayed as unbroken 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.
Monochrome map colour: colour to use to represent the drawing if Mono
drawing option has been selected. To change the colour, click on the coloured area
and then select the colour from the dialog box now appearing.

54

Files

In this page it is possible to define the table of survey codes to be used during the
survey and the stakeout. For further information concerning survey codes refer to
Survey Codes paragraph.

55

56

Graphic CAD
Topko CE 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 stakeout.
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 Topko CE main window by selecting
button. Moreover, many dialog boxes are equipped with a button for the direct access
to the graphic window.

Display check
The display of a drawing can be checked 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.
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).
57

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:
End: 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 drawn by POINT command.
Near: performs a snap to the position that is the nearest to the point selected.
None: deactivates snap to object mode.

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
and, from the pull down menu, select the item Osnap.

58

button

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:

and
An input field allows to insert the value required while the two buttons
allow either to confirm the value inserted and go on, or to stop the command.
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:

59

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
select the item Topographic point.

button and, from pull down menu,

The tool asks to indicate the position of the point on the graphic window: click with
the pen on the position required.

The window is composed of two pages: Point and Property. 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.

60

From Property 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
item Parcel.

button and, from pull down menu, select the

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.

How to draw orthogonal polylines

To insert a drawing line or polyline press
select the item Line or Polyline.

button and, from pull down menu,

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.

61

How to draw orthogonal polylines

To insert a polyline with segments that are orthogonal to each other as to a
predefined alignment press the item
Ortho polyline.

and, from pull down menu, select the item

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
you click on it.

button, which can change its status into

and

if

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. To stop the drawing press

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.
To stop the drawing press

button.

How to draw arcs and circles by 3 points

To insert an arc or a circle by three points press
select the item 3P Arc or 3P Circle.

62

and, from pull down menu,

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. To stop the drawing press

button.

How to draw circles

In order to draw a circle with a defined radius, press
menu, select the item Circle.

button and, from pull down

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.

63

From Property 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 check the visibility of similar objects.

Layer management can be activated by pressing

menu, by selecting Layers button.

64

button and, from pull down

The table lists all the layers available and, for each layer, it displays name, visibility,
colour and line type.

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.

65

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.
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.

Visible layer: 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.

66

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.

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
Properties.

button and from pull down menu, by selecting the item CAD

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 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.
Mono drawing: displays the drawing elements by a single colour. The colour can
be selected from the item Monochromatic map colour.
External references: 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.

67

Monochromatic map colour: colour to be used to represent the drawing if the

option Mono drawing has been selected. To change the colour click on the coloured
area and then select the colour from the dialog box.

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
Object Properties.

button and, from pull down menu, select the item

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.

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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.

Delete objects
In order to delete drawing elements press
select the item Cancel.

button and, from pull down menu,

Select the objects to delete and press confirmation button

on command line.

Gli oggetti possono essere selezionati singolarmente cliccando su ciascuno di essi

oppure possono essere selezionati specificando gli angoli opposti in modo da definire
un'area rettangolare. Dopo aver specificato il primo degli angoli opposti possibile:
o

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. Cancel 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.

69

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 know exactly the coordinates of a point, 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 Point-Object Dist.
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.

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
from command line.
calculate; to stop the selection of points press command
A window will appear, showing area, perimeter and barycentre of the surface
indicated.
and select
To measure the area of a circle or of a closed polyline press button
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

Topko CE allows to link, as external references, both works performed by Topko CE
and raster images.
When another Topko CE 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.
70

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 Topko CE work are set to the same layer, REF-EXTfollowed 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 Topko CE works or raster images, press
button and, from pull down menu, select the item Maps.

How to link a work or a raster image

To link the current work a Topko CE work or a raster image, press Add button; a
dialog box will allow to indicate the file to link. Select from Type check list the kind of
file to link:
Topko CE:
BMP:
PNG:
JPEG:
TIF:

Topko CE work
BMP format images
PNG format images
JPG format images
TIF format images

The file selected will be added to the table.

Warning. In Pocket PC 2002 devices it is not possible to load raster images.

71

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 (Topko CE 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 Topko work or a raster image it is sufficient to select
the corresponding table line and press Remove button.

72

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
indicates
indicates
indicates
indicates
indicates
indicates
indicates
indicates

that the point was used as reference to orient the current station.
that the point was created by Topko CE COGO functions.
that the point is a control point.
that the point was inserted manually.
a survey point measured by total station.
that the point is the last point measured.
a staking point.
a station.
the current station.

How to create a new point

In order to create a new point press New button.

73

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 Property 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 text.

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

74

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 Search 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.

Table of Measures
To open the table of measures select the item Job from main menu and then the item
Measures.

75

The table reports a list of all the measures available in the work.
By Display 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
indicates
indicates
indicates
indicates
indicates

standard measure.
that the measure was deleted.
that a measure was taken by direct and reversed mode.
a measure with offset at a distance.
a measure with offset of horizontal angle.
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).

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: HS/HP/Code,
AO/AV/DI and Offsets.
76

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 point 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 point satisfying research criterions; to continue the
search press button Find next.

77

78

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 Topko CE work
from its Settings dialog box; See chapter Settings and preferences. Code libraries
are saved in Topko CE folder as COD extension files.

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 Topko CE 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 check code.

Check codes
Check codes are specific codes controlling the way in which drawing lines between
survey points are created. Check points must be specified after the survey code by
interposing the separator which normally is a point (.)
The check codes currently available in Topko CE are the following:

79

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

Description

Typology

Layer

Tree

Single Point

Trees

CSD

Right road edge

Line

Edges

CSS

Left road edge

Line

Edges

Wall

Line

Wall

Building

Line

Buildings

Suppose that codes are assigned to a set of survey points in this way:
Point name

Code

Description

101

CSD

Right road edge

102

CSS

Left road edge

103

Fabbricato

104

Fabbricato

105

CSS

Left road edge

106

CSD.M

Right road edge Wall

107

Wall

108

CSD

Right road edge

109

Building

110

F.CL

Building

111

CSS

Left road edge

112

CSS.NJ

Left road edge

113

Tree

114

Wall

115

CSS

Left road edge

116

CSD

Right road edge

The codes assigned to the points will produce the following drawing:

80

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.

How to create a new code

In order to create a new code press New button.

81

The window is composed of three pages: Code, Layer and Symbol.

In Code page it is possible to define the following data:
Code:
Description:
Code type:

code to be created.
extended description to set to the code.
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 check code.
Layer page makes it possible to define the layer where to locate the points to which a
code is assigned:

; Use default layer: by activating this option the point will be saved on a
predefined layer and not on a specific layer.

82

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.
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.

83

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 point
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

Topko CE allows to create and manage different code libraries. In any moment, to any
of Topko CE 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 check codes used by the tool for the automatic drawing of
survey codes, select the button Special codes.

84

The table reports the check codes supported by the tool. To modify a check 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 check 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 check codes.

85

86

Settings for survey operations

This chapter illustrates the operations that can be set in order to check the tool
working in survey phase.
Settings refer to the current work and not to the tool in general.
In order to open settings dialog box select the item Survey 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
middle.

and

buttons or the check list in the

Confirmation button saves the modifications in the current work and makes them
immediately effective; annul button will save none of the changes made.

Survey

87

From this page it is possible to set some options regulating the mode by which point
survey operations are carried out.
; Graphic view: this option decides whether to activate the window for the
management of measures in the mode implying the graphic display.
; Display angles continuously: by activating this option the tool displays, in the
table for the management of measures, the horizontal and vertical angle current
values.
; Require Cod./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.
; Require 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.
; Require point 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.
Orientation Angle: by this option it is possible to decide what value to set to the
tool horizontal angle when a station is oriented towards a known point or a previous
station. Possible options are the following:
Do not set: by this option the tool horizontal angle is not modified.
Set 0: by this option the tool sets on 0 the tool 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 tool angle to the azimuth
value calculated between station and point. In this way, the angles returned by
the tool are always azimuth.
However, such mode can be modified by the user also during the orientation.

88

Repetitions

In this page it is possible to set the options regulating the mode by which
measurements by layer 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:
OR > PT ^ PT > OR: measure on orientation point, measure on point,
spyglass reversing, point reversed sight, orientation point reversed sight.
Number of layers: number of layers (repetitions) to perform.
; Measure distance on orientation: if this option is active the tool measures the
distance also on orientation 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.

89

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:
o
o
o
o
o
o

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 Topko CE.
The sequence of the corrections, provided the slope distance is known, is the
following:

90

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

91

92

Robotic instruments
This chapter illustrates the way the software works when it is used by robotic
instruments. Robotic instruments can identify, recognize and aim the prism; they are
equipped with servomotors allowing the automatic rotation of the instrument both
vertically and horizontally, and with a sensor to follow the prism.
Communication between station and prism allows a single operator to carry out
survey and stakeout controlling the instruments from a distance.
Topko CE can command the search and lock of the prism as well as to manage the
tracking (continuous measure of the distance) with real time display of the current
position on the graphic display. The control on the robotic instruments can be
exercised both for survey and for stakeout.
A specific window allows to command manually the station moving in order to make it
possible to rotate the station in the desired direction also from a distance.
In case of working by robotic instruments, survey and stakeout windows include some
supplementary buttons for the control of the total station.

Search and lock prism

The button in this state indicates that at the moment the prism is not
linked to the station. Pressing this button will activate the search for
the prism. The total station will search for the prism according to the
modes provided for by the instruments configuration: the search can
be carried out within the area set or, if the instruments possess this
option, the station will rotate towards the prism. If the prism is
identified, it will be followed, and the button icon will become this:
.
The button in this state indicates that the prism is linked and its moving
is followed by the station. By pressing this button the prism is unlinked
from the total station, which will stop following the prism. The button
icon will then become this:

Continuous Tracking
Continuous Tracking means that there is a continuous measurement of the prism
distance. This option is particularly convenient in the stakeout, since it allows to see in
real time the distances between the current position and the point to reach;
moreover, you can see your own position inside the graphic window.

93

The button in this state indicates that the continuous tracking is not
active. By pressing the button the station will be asked to activate the
continuous tracking; if the prism is not linked, the search for the prism
is activated by the modes provided for by the instruments
configuration. When the prism is linked, the tracking is activated, and
the button icon is modified like this:

The button in this state indicates that the tracking is active and the
software is receiving the distances from the total station. By pressing
the button the continuous measure of the prism is interrupted and the
button will display the following icon again:

Motors management
Button allows to gain access to the window for the management of motors,
allowing to control manually the servomotors of the total station.

The main square, atop, on the left, allows to move the station towards a specific
direction, by simply clicking inside the square. By clicking on the blue zone you will
obtain only a horizontal or vertical shift; by clicking on the white zones, you will obtain
at the same time a horizontal and vertical shift.
The motion speed is proportional to the distance from the centre of the square; the
bigger the distance of the point clicked, the bigger the rotation speed used. To stop
the rotation press STOP.
The other buttons can be used to perform other kinds of shift:

94

< -100
+100 >

rotates the station by 100gon on the left

rotates the station by 100gon on the right

F1/F2

inverts the station face

Up

rotates the station upwards; the amount of shift is regulated by the

instrument settings.

Left

rotates the station to the left; the amount of shift is regulated by the
instrument settings.

Right

rotates the station to the right; the amount of shift is regulated by the
instrument settings

Down

rotates the station downwards; the amount of shift is regulated by the

instrument settings

Settings

enters the window of instrument settings.

Search

activates the search of the prism. The total station will search for the
prism according to the modes provided for by the instrument
configuration: the search will be carried out within the area set or, if
the instruments possess such option, the station will directly rotate
towards the prism.

Standby

unlinks the prism from the total station, which will not follow the prism
anymore.

By pressing

button the window displays other options to control the

station direction:

Pt:

it is possible to indicate the point name available in the current archive and
obtain the rotation of the station towards the point.

AO:

it is possible to set the horizontal angle the station will assume.

AV:

it is possible to set the vertical angle the station will assume.

dAO: it is possible to rotate the horizontal angle of the value inserted.

dAV: it is possible to rotate the vertical angle of the value inserted.
Press Rotate button to start the rotation requested.

95

Execute from remote

If you work from a distance, i.e. if the software is used on the prism pole, it is
necessary to specify this situation in the instruments settings.
One of the available options for robotized instruments is Run remotely.
You must activate this option when you work on the prism. In this way, all the
references supplied by the tool consider that the operator is watching the total station
and is not operating on it.

96

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 it is possible to calculate the
orientation according to one the following cases:
o the azimuth of a point is known
o the coordinates of one or more points are known
o the coordinates of a previous station are known
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:

The window requires the following data:

97

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.
Station height: specify the height of the station.
Orientation:
specify the mode to use to orient the station.

Calculate station 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 that the instrument height must be measured by a metric wheel.
TopkoCE can determine the station height by the measure taken at a known elevation
point or by the measure of the stake positioned in front of the station.
In the fields where it is necessary to indicate station height press Measure button.

Select from the table the option desired.

Measure a known point

TopkoCE can determine the instrument height by taking a measure at a point whose
elevation is known. If station elevation, point elevation, prism height and observation
data are known, it is possible to determine the station instrument height.

98

The following data must be specified:

Station elevation:
Known point:

it reports the station current elevation, which must be known.

if the point to observe is contained in the current work it is
possible to activate it by entering its name or by selecting it
from table or graphic window.

Point elevation:

set the elevation of the point to observe.

Prism height:

height of the prism used in observing the point.

Instrument height: instrument height calculated by the tool.

Press Measure to start the measure on known point; in Instr.height field the value
calculated will appear.

Measure by prism on station

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.

99

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.

Calculation of station elevation

TopkoCE allows to determine the station elevation by the measure of one or more
reference points, whose elevation is known.
Press Measure button in the fields where the station elevation must be specified.

By this window it is possible to measure different known elevation points, according to

which the station elevation will be calculated.
The table reports the list of all the points observed and their elevation, the height
difference calculated and the data of the corresponding measure. Atop, on the right,
the elevation is reported, which has been calculated for the station as average
between all the measures taken.
Press Add to measure a known elevation point and use it to determine the station
elevation.

The following data must be specified:

100

Point:

if the point to measure is contained in the current work it is

possible to activate it by entering its name or by selecting it
from table or graphic window.

Point elevation:

set the elevation of the point to measure.

Prism height:

height of the prism used in measuring the point.

Press Measure to start the measure on known point. The point will be added to the
list of the points used to calculate the station elevation.

Press Use button to exclude/include the point selected in the table from the
calculation of station elevation.
Remove button allows to delete completely a measure from the list.
To accept the elevation calculated press Accept.

Station with known coordinates and no orientation

From the main window select the item No orientation and press Next button; you
will pass to a new window.

101

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.
Station height can be calculated automatically by pressing Measure button.
The station elevation can be automatically calculated by pressing Measure button in
elevation field.
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.
Station height can be calculated automatically by pressing Measure button.
The station elevation can be automatically calculated by pressing Measure button
in elevation field.
Press End to proceed.

102

Specify, in Orientation 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
orientation point will then be displayed. For further information concerning Measure
refer to chapter Survey.

The window displays the name of the orientation point to be measured; the other
data required in the window are the following:
P.H.:
prism height.
Code:
survey code to assign the point to.
Measure distance: 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 Work
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 >> 0: 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.

103

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 check 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.

Press confirmation button to continue. The following window will report the data
referred to the measurement performed.

104

Press Record button to record the measure and return to Station setting dialog
box, where a window is displayed, reporting orientation summary data.

In particular, if orientation angle coordinates are known, distance difference and

elevation difference between the point measured and its known coordinates are
displayed.
Press End to confirm station orientation.

Station with known coordinates and different orientation

points
Select Backsight by multiple points from main window and press Next; a new
window will be accessed.

105

Indicate in this window the name of the station to orient; if the station already exists
its coordinates will be displayed but it will be impossible to modify them. If the station
does not exist, it is possible to specify its coordinates, code and description.
The station height can be automatically calculated by pressing Measure button.
The station elevation can be automatically calculated by pressing Measure button in
elevation field.
Press Next to continue.

This window allows to measure different orientation points according to which the
station correction angle will be calculated.
The table reporting the measures carried out will display the name of the orientation
point and the difference in angular correction between the average value calculated
and the value measured.
Press Add to measure a near point and use it to determine the station orientation.

Add a measure
Press Add to add a new measure:

106

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.
In order to indicate an already existing point it is possible to specify its name or use
or local menu
allowing to select the point from the graphic window or
button
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.
When the instrument provides the tool with the data of the measure performed it will
be possible to pass to the following window.

107

The window allows to set prism height and point code; point code can be set simply
by selecting it from Code check 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.

Press confirmation button to continue. The following window will report the data
concerning the measurement performed.

108

Press Record 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 change the data to be used

Press Use button to exclude/include the point selected in the table from the
calculation of station orientation.

How to remove a measure

To remove one of the measures from the list, so that it cannot be used to calculate
the correction angle, it is sufficient to select it from the list and press Remove.
The measure will be removed and correction angle will be recalculated.

Calculate the correction angle

When all orientation points have been calculated and the deviations obtained are
satisfactory it is possible to finish station setting process by pressing Next button.

109

The window displays a summary reporting the angular correction and the standard
deviations calculated.
Export button allows to create a text file containing the data of the measures carried
out and of the results obtained.
Press End to confirm calculated data and then pass to survey or drawing operations.

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 station.

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.

110

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.
In order to indicate an already existing point it is possible to specify its name or use
or local menu
allowing to select the point from the graphic window or
button
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

111

to chapter Survey. 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 check 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.

Press confirmation button to continue. The following window will report the data
concerning the measurement performed.

112

Press Record 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 Remove button.
The measure will be deleted, coordinates and correction angle will be calculated.

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: uses horizontal angle, vertical angle and distance
---: no measure datum is used
H:
only horizontal angle is used
HV: uses horizontal angle and vertical angle
VD: uses vertical angle and distance
Press Use button until the abbreviation corresponding to the desired data appears.

113

Calculate coordinates and correction angle

When all orientation points have been calculated 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.
Export button allows to create a text file containing the data of the measures carried
out and of the results obtained.
Press End to confirm calculated data and then pass to survey or drawing operations.

Station orientation check

In order to verify whether the station is correctly oriented as to a point, select the
button Check; it will be possible to pass to the following window.

114

Specify, in Orientation 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.

115

116

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 Station Setting and orientation.
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.
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.

117

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.
The main window, allowing to carry out the measure of points, can either appear in
text mode or include a graphic displayer. The graphic displayer visualizes the prism
current position, i.e. overlapping the drawing and the already existing points. It is
possible to pass to the graphic mode by pressing Graphic button on the toolbar
positioned at the bottom of the window. Likewise, by Text button, it is possible to go
back to the non graphic mode.

118

By
button it is possible to pass from an extended graphic display to a concise
graphic display, in which other checks and options are available.

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.
button on Pocket PC systems or
Press
accede to instruments advanced settings.

button on Windows CE systems, to

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.
119

P.H.:
Code:

prism height.
survey code to assign to the point.

Traverse station 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.
The other commands and options available can be activated by the toolbar positioned
at the bottom of the window:
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.
Text
Graphic:
Map:
Settings:
Meas.& Reg.:

Measurement:

120

activates the window by text mode, hiding the graphic displayer.

activates the graphic displayer in the main window.
opens the graphic window displaying the current situation as far
as prism position, station position, orientation, instruments
current direction.
opens the window allowing to modify the settings as well as the
preferences concerning survey operations.
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.
activates point measurement; once the measurement has been
performed and before the point is registered, another window
appears:

The data requested in this window depend on the settings of Survey page; see
chapter Settings and preferences.
Prism H.:
Code:

prism height.
code to assign to the point.

The code can be defined by choosing it from Code check 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 check code select Check option; the table will display the check codes
available; to add a check 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 Save button to save the measure. The tool will then return to the main window.
121

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:

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.

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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 following name: the tool proposes automatically the first name available to
assign to the point instead of the set one.
Save added 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.

Press Annul to close the window and return to the main window.

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How to measure points in direct and reversed mode

In order to perform measures in straight and reversed, select, from Measure main
window, Offset button.

Select the item Straight & Reversed and press confirm button; the tool returns to
the main window. Make the point to survey coincident and then press Meas.& Reg.
button, or Measure button.

The tool informs that a straight 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.

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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.

Measurement by repetitions
In order to perform measurements by repetitions, 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 layer execution mode.
By pressing confirmation button the tool goes back to the main window.

125

At the bottom of the window the tool displays the current layer 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 layers press Reset button. The tool will annul
all the measures performed and it will make it possible to start again from the first
layer.
First of all, press Measure button; the following window will appear, prompting to
confirm the prism height to be used on orientation point.

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 measures by layers, 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 layer measured:

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Use button allows to decide whether to use the layer selected to calculate the point
coordinates. By option Recalculate 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 Save button.

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:
o

o
o

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.

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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:

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.
Press confirmation button to continue.

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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.

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.

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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.

Make the instrument coincide with 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 Zenith.Meas. 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.

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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 check 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.
PrismH.:
Code:

prism height.
code to assign to the point.

The code can be defined by choosing it from Code check 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 check code select Check option; the table will display the check
codes available; to add a check code press Add. To delete the last code added
press Delete button.

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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.

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.
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 SetHO.
in Pocket PC systems or button
Press button
have access to instruments advanced settings.
132

in Windows CE systems, to

Staking
This chapter illustrates the way the staking procedures available in Topko work.
Le funzioni di picchettamento disponibili sono le seguenti:
Point staking: allows to find specific points on the spot.
Line and staking: allows to perform the staking along predefined lines and
arcs.
Staking by offset: allows to carry out the staking of points defined as offset
from lines and arcs.
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. 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 measurement process 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.

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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.

Staking settings
This chapter illustrates the operations that can be set in order to check the tool
working in stakeout phase.
Settings refer to the current work and not to the tool in general.
In order to open settings dialog box select the item Stakeout from the main menu
and then the item Setup.

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.
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; Require layer: by activating this option, before saving a stakeout point, the tool
displays a window that asks to specify the code and the description to set to the
point.
; Display Delta value 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 (AO+AV): station will be automatically turned horizontally and
vertically towards the point.
2D Auto (AO) : 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.

Point staking
To perform point staking procedure, select the item Staking 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:
135

By clicking on the panel a dialog box is opened, which allows to set the station
position and orientation; see chapter Station Setting and orientation.
in Pocket PC systems or button
Press button
have access to instruments advanced settings.

in Windows CE systems, to

How to define a list of points to stake

Press List button to define a list of points to stake.

In the window it is possible to create a list of points to stake and the order to follow in
the staking.
From 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.

136

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
button or the local menu
, the
the survey point to stake; by using
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.
If the coordinates of the point to stake out are known, but this is not
among the points of the current work, it is possible to insert the values in
the specific input fields.

P.H.:

prism height.

In the toolbar at the bottom of the window it is possible to find other commands and
options:
Turn:

sends a command to the motorized total station, so that it will move

towards the direction of the point to stake out.

Options: opens the dialog box with staking options.

Map:
Next:

opens the graphic window that displays, in particular, the current station,
the position of the prism and the point to stake.
by this button it is possible to stake out the next point in the list or the next
point in the list of topographic points.

137

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.
Press Next 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:

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 EDM fast 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 EDM fast 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
138

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 (left window) to the display of the distance (right window).
button it is possible to pass from the numeric display to the graphic display,
By
where it is possible to see the prism current position and the position of the point to
reach.

139

When the prism is within the tolerance set, the window is displayed with white
arrows.

In the graphic mode, the reaching of the precision set is displayed as follows, by a
circle identifying the tolerance area.

140

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.

141

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.

Line and arc staking

To perform line staking procedure, select the item Staking from main menu and then
the item Line & Arc.

The first window now appearing allows to choose whether to stake out a line or an
arc; this arc can be defined by three crossing points, by 2 crossing points and radius
or by starting point, azimuth and radius. Choose the desired mode to continue.

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

the topographic point can be selected
or local menu
either from the graphic window or from the table of points.

142

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
button or the local menu
the
desired. By using
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.

Defining an arc by three points

Define the three points to use to calculate the reference arc. By using

button or

local menu, the topographic point can be selected from graphic window or from
the table of survey points.

Defining an arc by two points and radius

Define the two crossing points, the arc radius and the direction of geometry
annotation.

143

Defining an arc by point, azimuth and radius

Define the arc starting point, the start azimuth, the radius and the direction to follow
to build the arc.

Staking points on a line/arc

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 toolbar at the bottom of the window it is possible to find other commands and
options:
In the window two supplementary buttons are available:
Options: opens the dialog box with staking options.
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.

144

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/arc.
Option Fast EDM allows to perform fast, but less precise, measures on prism, to
allow moving quickly near the line/arc; 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/arc to reach, the tool will
display a window reporting some graphic indications concerning the direction the
prism must follow to reach the line/arc. On the right some numeric information is
reported, about the distance between prism and line/arc.
If in the instrument settings the option Measure continuously in stakeout has
been activated, the diastimeter measures uninterruptedly the prism position, so it is
not necessary to activate manually the measure each time the position changes; to
stop the measurement phase press Stop button.

button it is possible to pass from the numeric display to the graphic display,
By
where it is possible to see the prism current position and the position of the line/arc to
reach.

145

When the prism is within the tolerance set, the window is displayed with white
arrows.

In the graphic mode, the reaching of the precision set is displayed as follows, by a
circle identifying the tolerance area.

146

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/arc
considering station-prism direction.
Pr.>Ln. In this case the tool displays the shortest distance (perpendicular) to
reach the line/arc considering the prism current position.
If the distance difference between prism and line/arc 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/arc to stake 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.

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/arc.

147

Staking by offset
In order to perform the staking of points by setting station and offset from a
reference line or arc select the item Staking from the main menu and then the item
Offsets.

The first window now appearing allows to choose whether to carry out the staking by
a line or an arc; this arc can be defined by three crossing points, by 2 crossing points
and radius or by starting point, azimuth and radius. Choose the desired mode to
continue.

Defining a reference line

The reference line for the staking can be defined according to two reference points, or
according to a reference point and an azimuth that defines the direction.

From Point:

first reference point of the line to stake; by using button

To point / Azimuth:

the topographic point can be selected

or local menu
either from the graphic window or from the table of points.
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

148

button or the local menu

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.

Defining an arc by three points

Define the three points to use to calculate the reference arc. By using

button or

the local menu

, the topographic point can be selected from the graphic window
or from the table of survey points.

Defining an arc by two points and radius

Define the two crossing points, the arc radius and the direction of the geometry
annotation.

149

Defining an arc by point, azimuth and radius

Define the arc starting point, the start azimuth, the radius and the direction to follow
to build the arc.

Defining a point by station and offset

After defining the reference element, it is necessary to specify the position of the
point to stake out by defining its station along the line or arc and its distance (offset)
from it.

Station:

indicate the station, along the reference element, at which the point to
Buttons allow to increase the station
stake out is situated.
according to the value specified in Interval field.

Interval:

150

station feed step. This value can be calculated by Calculate button. It is

possible to specify the number of segments into which to subdivide the
reference element, to obtain the length of such segments.

Left/Right: by this scrolling key it is possible to define whether the offset value
defined in the lateral input field must be applied to the right or to the
left of the reference element. Measure button allows to obtain the
offset value by indicating a point in the graphic window; the tool will
calculate the distance between the point and the reference element
and will propose such value as offset.
Up/Down: by this scrolling key it is possible to define whether the value of vertical
offset defined in the lateral input field must be applied positively or
negatively in comparison with the elevations of the reference element.
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.
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
151

prism must follow to reach the point. On the right some numeric information is
reported, about the distance between prism and point.
If in the instrument settings the option Measure continuously in stakeout has
been activated, the diastimeter measures uninterruptedly the prism position, so it is
not necessary to activate manually the measure each time the position changes; to
stop the measurement phase press Stop button.

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).
button it is possible to pass from the numeric display to the graphic display,
By
where it is possible to see the prism current position and the position of the point to
reach.

152

When the prism is within the tolerance set, the window is displayed with white
arrows.

In the graphic mode, the reaching of the precision set is displayed as follows, by a
circle identifying the tolerance area.

153

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.

154

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:

The window allows to display different stakeout information; the information to be

displayed can be selected by using Data list. It is possible to display, for any point
measured, the stakeout information concerning:
-

Coordinates: project, stakeout and offset coordinates.

Elevations: project and stakeout elevations.
Stations: project, stakeout station and difference.
Offset: project and stakeout offset.

Press Export button to create an ASCII file with the data displayed in the report.
155

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 of surfaces, etc.
The following commands are available:
Chain & offset:
Intersection:
Triangles:
Area:
Subdivision:
Survey calculation:
Calculator:

calculates the coordinates of a new point, offset from a

predefined chain.
calculates the coordinates of a new point as intersection,
by angle or distance, between two existing points.
solves the triangle according to different options of
known data.
calculates the area of an object or of a group of points.
performs the subdivision of a polyline or parcel.
performs traverse adjustments and least square
adjustments on survey measures and recalculates the
point coordinates.
scientific calculator and azimuth calculation according to
different input options.

Chain & offset

This command calculates the coordinates of a new point, offset from a predefined
chain. The command can be activated by selecting the item COGO from the main
menu, and then the item Chain & offset.

From point: reference point to define the chain. By using button

or local menu

the topographic point can be selected from graphic window or from points table.
To point / Azimuth: the chain 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.

156

By using

button or the local menu

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.
Distance: distance at which to position the new point along the chain, taking the
input field, the distance
point of reference as starting point. By the local menu of
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.
Offset / Angle: the point can be positioned, as to the chain, at an offset distance or
by defining an angle to be added to the azimuth of the reference chain; press scroll
input
button Offset / Angle to select the mode desired. By the local menu of
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 chain.
Height difference / Elevation: the elevation of the point to create can be
calculated by adding a height difference to the elevation value interpolated along the
chain, or it is possible to assign it a fixed value; press on scroll button Height
difference / 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.
Calculate: 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:

157

It is possible to assign the point a code simply by selecting it from Code check 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.

Press confirmation button to continue.

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.

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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.

1st point: first reference point. By using

button or the local menu
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 /
of input field, both the
Distance to select the mode desired. By the local menu
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.
button or the local menu
the
2nd point: second reference point. By using
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 /
input field, both the
Distance to select the mode desired. By the local menu of
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.
Calculate: 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 points a code:

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It is possible to assign the point a code simply by selecting it from Code check 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.

Press confirmation button to continue.

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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.

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
2
1
2
2

sides
angles and the side in between
side and two subsequent angles
sides and the angle in between
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 Resolution list, the kind of data to insert; insert the data required in the
three input fields prompted. By the local menu of

input field, both the distances

161

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.
Calculate: this button performs the calculation of triangle data and displays the
results in a following window.

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 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.
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The tool will display the shape of the area selected and the corresponding profile.
Calculate: this button performs the calculation of polyline or points area and displays
the results in a following window.

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 boundary of the area calculated.

Subdivision
By this command it is possible to perform the subdivision of a parcel or of a generic
polyline. The purpose of the subdivision is to calculate the position of the points, on
the perimeter of the surface indicated, which define a specific area.
The command can be activated by selecting the item COGO from main menu and
then the item Subdivision.

Parcel: press this button to select, from the graphic window, the parcel or the
polyline on which to perform the subdivision.
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Points: press this button to select, from the graphic window, the topographic points
defining the area on which to carry out the subdivision.
The software displays the shape of the selected area. Press Next to continue.

It is possible to set the direction of the subdivision line by indicating two points the
line must be either parallel or perpendicular to.
Subdivision line:

choose the direction of the subdivision line; parallel or

perpendicular to the two reference points.

1st point:

button or the local menu

first reference point. By using
the topographic point can be selected either from the graphic
window or from the table of points.

2nd point:

second reference point. By using

Parcel area:

the topographic point can be selected either from the

graphic window or from the table of points.
displays the area of the zone to subdivide.

Take off Area:

displays the surface to divide from the zone indicated.

button or the local menu

Create points on intersections: by activating this option and pressing Calculate

button, the crossing points of the subdivision area 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.
Press Calculate button to start calculation procedure. By the graphic displayer the
user will be asked to select the side of area to subdivide. Indicate the half plane
corresponding to the zone from which to calculate the area to subdivide.

164

If Create point option has been activated, before displaying calculation results, a
dialog box will be displayed, allowing to assign a code to the new point.

It is possible to assign a code to the point 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 fill in Code field with
the added codes, splitting them by a separator. To delete the last code added press
Delete.
Press Next to continue.

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The tool displays the subdivision line crossing point coordinates; by Map button it is
possible to open the graphic window in which the point position is visualized.

Survey calculation
By this command it is possible to perform an adjustment on the coordinates of the
stations according to the measures taken. It is possible to carry out an empiric
traverse adjustment, or a least square adjustment on all the work stations. The
command can be activated by selecting COGO from the main menu and then Survey
calculation.

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Select the kind of calculation to perform:

Traverse adjustment (compass rule): the software performs the adjustment of
closed and closed loop traverses by using the compass rule: first the angular error is
determined and adjusted , then the linear value is determined and adjusted.
Least square adjustment: the coordinates of the stations are calculated by a least
square adjustment which takes into account all the measures found in the survey.
Vertical adjustment: it is possible to perform a vertical adjustment of the traverse.
If a traverse adjustment by empiric method was chosen, the elevation error will be
distributed among the stations; if, on the contrary, the stations have been adjusted by
least square method, the same method will be used to adjust the elevations.
Press Next to continue.

Empiric traverse adjustment

Select the option Traverse adjustment and press Next.

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In this window it is necessary to specify the stations that make up the traverse; the
sequence of the stations must follow exactly the sequence followed on field, during
the survey.
The tool lists on the left all the stations found in the survey; by lateral buttons it is
possible to take the stations to the list on the right, representing the stations which
belong to the traverse to be adjusted.
Press Next to continue.

This window allows to set the tolerances to verify during the adjustment. They are
tolerances on angles, distances, height differences. If the measures exceed the
tolerances set, the calculation is interrupted and the user is advised about such
measures; it is possible either to accept the values exceeding the tolerance set and
continue or stop the calculation. It is also possible to set the mode by which to
distribute the errors calculated among the traverse vertexes.
Press Calculate to start the calculation of traverse adjustment errors.

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Calculation basic results are displayed. In particular, angular error, linear error and
elevation error are visualized.
Press Accept to accept the results, then adjust the stations and recalculate the point
coordinates. Such points are in fact re-calculated according to the variation applied to
the coordinates of the stations they refer to.

Least square adjustment

Select the option Least Square Adjustment and press Next.

This window allows to set the tolerances to verify during the adjustment. They are
tolerances on angles, distances, height differences. If the measures exceed the
tolerances set, the calculation is interrupted and the user is advised about such
169

measures; it is possible either to accept the values exceeding the tolerance set and
continue or stop the calculation.

Press Calculate to start station calculation by least square method.

Calculation basic results are displayed; in particular, the standard deviation concerning
horizontal and vertical adjustment.
Press Accept to accept the results and then adjust the stations and recalculate the
point coordinates. Such points are in fact re-calculated according to the variation
applied to the coordinates of the stations they refer to.

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Calculator
This command opens the window by which it is possible to access the calculator
included in the software as well as to calculate azimuths between points.
The command can be activated by selecting COGO from main menu, and then
Calculator.

Calculator
Entering Calculator page will activate the standard calculatior included in the tool.

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.

Azimuth
Entering Azimuth page will activate the function by which it is possible to calculate
azimuths between points; azimuths can be calculated 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.

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Select the mode desired in Method list.

Between two points: the azimuth is calculated between two points. By using
button or the local menu
the topographic points can be selected either from the
graphic window or from the table of points.
Bisected azimuths: given two azimuths, the average azimuth is calculated. By using
button or the local menu
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
button or the local menu
the topographic points can be selected either from
the graphic window or from the table of points.
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.

172

173

Roads
By Topko CE Roads module it is possible to stakeout on field road axes of any kind
and size. Besides the complete management of alignment data, the tool offers
powerful functions for pavement and sideslope staking, and of such supplementary
elements as walls, ditches, etc.
Both horizontal and vertical alignment data can be inserted directly into Topko CE.
The horizontal alignment can be made up of horizontal straights, circular curves and
clothoids: it is possible to define the elements in different ways: by station, length,
azimuth, points, etc. It is also possible to manage alignments with elements not
tangent to each other.
A project profile can be made up of gradients and vertical curves, both circular and
parabolic; insertion can be performed by vertexes or by consecutive elements.
It is possible to specify the stations by which the different typical sections must be
used; it is possible to specify the typical section to use on the left and on the right of
the axis.
It is possible to define, again by station, some width and slope variables to assign to
the different segments (zones) of the typical section; in this way it is possible not only
to manage the superelevation and widening provided for by the current policy but also
possible variable widening or variable slopes concerning other parts of the typical
section: shoulders, sideslopes, etc. The values specified on the different stations are
automatically interpolated to obtain the corresponding value on the intermediate
stations.
Instead of the typical sections, as an alternative method, it is possible to use the
project cross sections; such sections must be defined by stations and can also be
made up of different surfaces.
It is possible to perform the staking of the main road profile by specifying the station
to stake out and the offset; the choice of the points to stake is made easier by the
graphic display of the typical section. It is possible to add to the point to stake out a
further horizontal and vertical offset. A specific function allows to stake out the
sideslopes by considering the current terrain conditions.
The tool returns, in real time, both graphically and analytically, all the information
necessary to stake out and reach the point; the point measured can be recorded and
at the end of the work a complete report is available, allowing to compare design data
with stakeout data.
Alignment and cross section data can be transferred directly into Topko CE from
ProSt, SierraSoft software for road design, or imported from LandXML format files or
from files exported by other design softwares.

Typical sections
By managing the typical sections it is possible to manage also a library of typical
sections to use in the different stake out operations. The tools offered by TopkoCE
allow to define the typical section in a complete way.

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The typical section describes the road transversal profile and can contain elements
defining in a complete way roadways, gutters, shoulders, ditches and sideslopes. Each
segment of the typical section can have a name identifying it; the name is useful to
make it possible to apply to the corresponding segment project parameters that vary
according to the station.
By TopkoCE it is possible to define only the right side of the typical section. On
defining the road data (Manager item from Roads menu) it will be possible to
associate each side to the corresponding semi-typical section. Therefore, in case the
road has a symmetrical transversal profile, it will be sufficient to define only the right
semi-typical section and then associate it also to the area on the left of the axis. The
rotation point of the typical section roadway can coincide with the project axis or it
can be an external point.
It is possible to have access to the typical sections management by using the item
Templates from Roads menu.

The window displays a list of the typical sections available in TopkoCE Templates
folder. The definition of each typical section is saved in a TCT extension file in
Templates folder.
For each typical section, the tool lists the name, the slope of cut and fill sideslopes,
the distance between rotation point and road axis and the number of segments the
typical section is made up of.
At the bottom, a window displays a preview of the typical section selected; by clicking
on the image a window is activated, which allows to display the typical section in full
screen.

Create/Edit a typical section

To create a typical section, press New button; to modify an existing typical section,
select it from the list and press Edit button. A window will appear, which allows to
assign a name to the typical section and then insert the different segments (zones)
that constitute it.
Moreover, it is possible to specify the distance between the roadway rotation angle
and the road axis; the possible cases are the following:
-

not divided roadways: in this case the rotation point coincides with the road axis,
so the distance to set is 0.

175

divided roadways, with roadways rotating on the internal edge: in this case, the
distance to set is equal to the distance between the internal edge and the road
axis.
divided roadways with roadways rotating on each roadway axis: in this case the
distance to set is equal to the distance between the roadway axis and the road
axis.

The lower side of the window reports a preview of the typical section, highlighting the
segment currently selected; by clicking on the image, a window is activated, allowing
to display the typical section in full screen.

To add a new segment (zone) to the typical section, press New button. A window will
appear, allowing to assign a name to the segment (zone) and define its size and
typology. The segment can be defined by selecting one of the modes listed in
Segment type item:

176

Offset X: horizontal segment, of which the width is specified;

Offset Y: vertical segment, of which the height is specified;
Offset X e Y: sloped segment, of which width and height are specified;
Offset X and slope: sloped segment, of which width and slope are specified;

Slope: sideslope to ground, of which the slope is specified in case of cut

sideslope and fill sideslope.

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To modify a typical section segment, select it from the list and press Edit.
To delete a segment from the typical section, select it from the list and press Delete
button.

Delete a typical section

To delete a typical section, select it from the list of the typical sections and press
Delete button. The typical section will be completely deleted from Templates folder.

Copy a typical section

It is possible to copy a typical section by using Copy button. A window will appear, by
which to indicate the name to assign to the new typical section. Press Save button to
carry out the copy.

Import a typical section

The importation allows to copy in Templates folder the typical sections selected in a
different folder; in fact, only the typical sections contained in Templates folder can
be used by the tool.

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Manage project data

TopkoCE allows to manage different axes to draw and each of them can be defined
completely, both horizontally and vertically; a specific manager allows to define the
different elements that make up the horizontal axis (horizontal straights, curves,
clothoids) and the elements that make up the vertical axis (grade lines, circular
vertical curves, parabolic vertical curves). As far as the cross sections, the software
offers two modes of data definition:
-

Typical sections: specifies the typical section to use in the alignment. It is

possible to define different typical sections for the right side and the left side as
well as to indicate the typical section change starting from specific stations. To the
typical section it is possible to apply transversal slope variations and roadway
widening; widening and slope variations are defined by station.
It is possible to define multiple variations of transversal slope and width which can
be applied to the different segments (zones) of the typical section.
This method is used when only the typical section to be used is available, while
the transversal alignment of the other sections is not known.

Cross sections: defines the section transversal elements at different stations.

The cross sections already provide for the transversal rotation and roadway
widening; moreover, there can be different transversal elements, to allow the
stakeout of different works or elements. In case of section staking by intermediate
station, i.e. between the ones defined, the software carries out an automatic
interpolation between the two close stations. This method is used when the
cross-sections at specific stations are available on file.

It is possible to avoid inserting all the alignment data by a road design software which
can export project data. ProSt, SierraSoft road design software, included in SierraSoft
Geomatics Suite, can export its design project directly into TopkoCE format files;
moreover, TopkoCE can load LandXML format data, as well as formats generated by
other software.
The complete management of the axes to draw is activated by the item Manager
from Road menu. A window will appear, listing the different axes available:

For the axis selected a graphic preview is displayed, of the horizontal and vertical
alignment. By clicking on the preview a graphic window in full screen will be activated.
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It is possible to decide what axes to display in the main CAD window by activating Vis
option.

Insert / Edit axis

To create a new axis press New button; press Edit to modify the data of an existing
axis.

180

Delete axis
To delete an axis, select it from the list and press Delete. This will delete all the axis
data and it will be impossible to recover them.

Import data
It is possible to import some data of the axis from files generated by specific road
design software or from LandXML format files.
To start the importation, press Import button; a dialog box will appear, allowing to
select the format of the file to be imported. Select the format desired and press Next.

By the following dialog box it is possible to select the file to import; after selecting the
file, importation procedure will start and, once it has been carried out, all the
uploaded data will be available and ready to use.
Import LandXML format files
The data uploaded from LandXML format files are the following:
-

Horizontal alignment
Vertical alignment (project profile)
Cross sections

All the axes contained in the file will be uploaded.

Import CLIP format files
The data of a road project performed by CLIP software are not contained in a single
file but in different files. To perform a correct importation procedure, and therefore
upload all data, all the files referred to an axis must have the same name and be
contained in the same folder; on the contrary, the file extension must be different.
On performing the importation, it will be necessary to indicate just one of the files;
the other project files will be automatically identified.
The data uploaded from CLIP format files are the following:
-

horizontal alignment: the file is imported, which reports the mark *PLT in the first
line.
vertical alignment: the file is imported, which reports the mark *ALZ in the first
line.
181

cross sections: the file is imported, which reports the mark *TER in the first line.

Import ISPOL format files

ISPOL software does not produce files with project data in a particular project, it just
generates reports. From such reports it is however possible to import the project
horizontal and vertical alignment.
To perform the importation procedure correctly, and therefore upload all data, all the
files concerning an axis must have the same name and belong to the same folder; on
the contrary, the file extension must be different. When the importation is being
performed, it will be necessary to indicate just one of the project files; the other ones
will be identified automatically.
The data uploaded from ISPOL print files are the following:
-

horizontal alignment: the file is imported, which includes the text "LISTADO DE
LAS ALINEACIONES"
vertical alignment: the file is imported, which includes the text "ESTADO DE
RASANTES"

Axis data manager

Axis data are subdivided by pages, each one allowing to manage a specific aspect of
the project. It is possible to have access to the different pages by buttons and by a
pull down menu situated in the upper side of the window.
The pages containing the different data are the following:
-

182

Data: axis properties: name, start station, plane coordinates that give origin to
the alignment.
HAL: management of the horizontal alignment.
VAL: management of the vertical alignment.
Templates: definition of the typical sections to use along the axis.
Slopes: transversal slopes to apply to the different zones (segments) of the
typical section.
Widths: width to apply to the different zones (segments) of the typical section.
X-Sections: list of the cross sections defined for the axis.

Road data

In this page it is possible to set the following data:

Roads name: name to assign to the axis.
Start station: axis start station.
Start point: planimetric coordinates of the point that originates the horizontal
alignment. If the start point corresponds to a topographic point found among the
current work data it is possible to retrieve the coordinates by specifying the point
name as well as by selecting it in the graphic window or in the coordinates table.
Visible: by activating this option the current axis will be displayed also inside the
main graphic window.

HAL Horizontal alignment

183

In this page it is possible to manage the axis horizontal alignment. A table reports a
list of the different elements which form the axis. For each element the following data
are reported:
Element:
Length:
Azimuth:
Radius:
Parameter:

element type.
length.
element start direction.
curve radius or clothoid start radius.
clothoid A parameter.

The lower side of the window displays a graphic preview of the axis, in which the
current element is highlighted. Clicking on the preview will activate the display in full
screen.
Insert / Edit alignment element
To add an element to the alignment, press Insert button; the new element will be
inserted before the element currently selected. To modify an element, press Edit
button; element data can be modified but it is not possible to change the element
typology.

From Type pull down menu it is possible to specify the kind of element to insert; the
following typologies can be managed:

184

Straight: the horizontal straight can be defined by:

o Length
o End station
o Coordinates of end point

Curve: the curve can be defined by:

o Length and Radius
o End station and Radius
o Angle and Radius
Moreover, it is possible to specify whether the curve direction is to the right or to
the left.

Clothoid: the clothoid can be defined by:

o Length, End radius and form factor
o End station, End radius and form factor

o A Parameter, End radius and form factor

Moreover, it is possible to specify whether the clothoid direction is to the right
or to the left.
Only for the first element of the alignment it is possible to specify the start azimuth.
For the following elements it is possible to specify, by the option Tangent to
previous element, whether the tangency to the previous element must be kept or
not; if the tangency is kept, the element start direction will be determined by the
exit direction of the element preceding it. Otherwise, therefore if the tangency is not
kept, it will be possible to specify a different direction for the element.
Delete element
To delete an axis element select it from the axis and press Delete button.
Create axis from polyline
From polyline button allows to transform a drawing polyline, found in the work, into
a horizontal alignment. This option is available only when the axis contains no
elements. The graphic window will appear, which allows to select a polyline; once the
polyline has been selected, it will be transformed into a corresponding sequence of
horizontal straights and curves.

VAL - Vertical alignment

In this page it is possible to manage the axis project profile. A table reports a list of
the different elements which form the project profile. For each element the following
data are reported:
Element:
Length:
Slope:

element type.
length.
element final slope

The lower side of the window displays a graphic preview of the profile, in which the
current element is highlighted. Clicking on the preview will activate the display in full
screen.

185

Insert / Edit element

To add an element to the profile, press Insert button; the new element will be
inserted before the element currently selected. To modify an element, press Edit
button; element data can be modified but it is not possible to change the element
typology.

From Type pull down menu it is possible to specify the kind of element to insert; the
following typologies can be managed:
-

Grade line: the horizontal straight can be defined by indicating:

o Length and slope. According to the status of the option Length between
vertexes it is possible to specify the length of the grade line between the
two vertexes or between the two tangent points.
o End station and end elevation: according to the status of the option
Vertex station it is possible to specify the station of the grade line final
vertex or the station of the final tangent point.

Circular curve: the curve can be defined by indicating:

o Final slope and radius
o Final slope and length

Parabola: the parabola can be defined by indicating:

o Final slope and radius
o Final slope and length

Delete element
To delete a profile element, select it from the list and press Delete.
Calculate project elevation
By Calc.El. button it is possible to calculate the project elevation at a certain station.
Set the station in the input field and press the button; the corresponding project
elevation will be displayed.

186

Templates

In this page it is possible to define the typical sections to use along the axis according
to the station. A table displays the station and the section to apply respectively to the
left and to the right of the axis.
Insert / Edit template
To insert a template, press Insert button; press Edit button to modify one of the
settings available.

A window will appear, allowing to set the station from which the template will be
applied; two lists will then allow to choose the template to use on the left and on the
right of the axis. The lower side of the window will display the complete preview of
the template defined.
Delete a template
To delete a template, select it from the table and press Delete.

187

Slopes

By this page it is possible to define the slope values to apply to the different zones of
the typical section. In the upper side of the window it is possible to manage the
zones; for each zone it is then possible to specify, by station, the slope value to apply
to the corresponding typical section zone.
In order to let the tool assign the desired slope value to a typical section segment,
there must be a correspondence between the name of the typical section segment
and the name of the zone.
If during the staking, it is necessary to perform the stake out at an intermediate
station, between the stations defined in this page, the software will work as follows:
-

according to the station and to the definition in Templates page it will be able to
determine the template to be used on the left and on the right of the axis.
according to the station and to the definition of the slope it will be able to
interpolate the corresponding slope value, to apply to the corresponding left and
right template zone.

Slope data manager must be set only if stake out by templates is used.
Create a new zone
To create a new zone press New button in the upper side of the window; a window
will appear, allowing to set the name to assign to the zone.

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Assign a name corresponding to the segment (zone) of the template to apply the
slope to.
The new zone will be inserted in the list and so it will be possible to insert the slope
values it must have according to the station.
Rename zone
To rename a zone press Rename button, in the upper side of the window; then
assign the zone a new name.
Delete zone
To delete a zone, select it from the list and press Delete button in the upper side of
the window. The zone will be deleted with all the corresponding slope values.
Copy zone
A zone, with all its slope values, can be copied by Copy button. It will be necessary to
indicate the name to assign to the new zone.
Insert / Edit slope value
To insert a new slope value to the current zone, press New button at the bottom of
the window; to modify a slope value, press Edit button.

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The window allows to set the value of the station from which the new slope value will
be applied; the slope value is not just one, since it is possible to specify a slope value
to apply in case the zone is situated on the left or on the right of the axis. In this way
it becomes easier to insert data concerning the roadway superelevation symbols.
Delete slope value
To delete a slope value, select it from the list and press Delete button at the bottom
of the window.

Widths

By this page it is possible to define the width values to apply to the different zones of
the template. In the upper side of the window it is possible to manage the zones; for
each zone it is then possible to specify, by station, the width value to apply to the
corresponding template zone.
In order to let the tool assign the desired width value to a typical section segment,
there must be a correspondence between the name of the typical section segment
and the name of the zone.
If during the staking, it is necessary to perform the stake out at an intermediate
station, between the stations defined in this page, the software will work as follows:
-

according to the station and to the definition in Templates page it will be able to
determine the template to be used on the left and on the right of the axis.
according to the station and to the definition of the widths it will be able to
interpolate the corresponding width value, to apply to the corresponding left and
right template zone.

Width data manager must be set only if stake out by template is used.
Create a new zone
To create a new zone press New button in the upper side of the window; a window
will appear, allowing to set the name to assign to the zone.

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Assign a name corresponding to the segment (zone) of the template to apply the
width to.
The new zone will be inserted in the list and so it will be possible to insert the width
values it must have according to the station.
Rename zone
To rename a zone press Rename button, in the upper side of the window; then
assign the zone a new name.
Delete zone
To delete a zone, select it from the list and press Delete button in the upper side of
the window. The zone will be deleted with all the corresponding slope values.
Copy zone
A zone, with all its width values, can be copied by Copy button. It will be necessary
to indicate the name to assign to the new zone.
Insert / Edit width value
To insert a new width value to the current zone, press New button at the bottom of
the window; to modify a width value, press Edit button.

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The window allows to set the value of the station from which the new width value will
be applied; the width value is not just one, since it is possible to specify a width value
to apply in case the zone is situated on the left or on the right of the axis. In this way
it becomes easier to insert data concerning the roadway superelevation symbols.
Delete width value
To delete a width value, select it from the list and press Delete button at the bottom
of the window.

X sections

This page lists the stations for which there is a transversal definition of the section.
The window bottom displays a preview of the cross section at the station selected. By
Edit button it is possible to have access to the data of the cross section selected.

The window displays a list of the surfaces making up the cross section. For the
surface selected the vertexes coordinates (offset from axis and elevation) are
displayed.

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Cross sections data cannot be modified and it is not possible to insert them. Therefore
they can only result from an exportation performed by ProSt, SierraSoft road design
software, or an importation from Land XML format or formats generated by other
design software.

Road staking
By this command it is possible to perform the staking of any point of the road surface,
at any station. The command works when the following data have been defined:
Horizontal alignment: horizontal alignment
Project profile: project grade lines and vertical curves
Typical sections or cross sections: it is necessary to specify the typical
section/s to use along the axis; otherwise, some cross sections must be
present.
The command can be activated by selecting the item Road stakeout from Roads
menu.

Station setup
Before allowing the execution of any staking command, the tool verifies whether the
station set up has already been performed; see chapter Station Setting and
orientation. If the station set up has not been defined yet, a window appears, which
forces to do this.

Press Station setup button to perform the station set up; at the end of the process,
point staking procedure will start.
On the contrary, if this command is executed after reopening the job file where
station set up has already been executed, the tool will display the following window
with two options.

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If the station has never been moved since its last set up, it is possible to select the
button Use last setup: the same settings will be used, which have been calculated
during the last station set up procedure. On the contrary, if the station has been
moved, it is necessary to select Station setup button and perform a new station set
up.

Stake mode

A window will appear, reporting a list of all the roads contained in the work; select
from the list the road to use as reference. The start and end stations of the road
selected will be displayed.
It is then possible to select the stake out mode to use:
-

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Typical sections: use this mode to perform the stake out using the typical
sections defined.
Cross sections: use this mode to perform the stake out according to the cross
sections available. It is necessary to specify the reference surface among the ones
found in the cross sections.

Two graphic previews of the road selected will be displayed: a preview concerns the
horizontal alignment and the other concerns the project profile. By clicking on the
preview it is possible to pass to the full screen display.
Press Next button to continue.

Select point to stake out

The second window displays the road transversal profile at the station indicated. From
this window it is possible to choose the section point to stake out and also a
supplementary offset.
and
to
Station: station at which to perform the staking. Use buttons
change the station by summing the interval specified in Interval input field. By
button it is possible to open the window that lists:
-

The stations calculated according to the interval specified

The stations of the horizontal alignment and project profile main points
The stations where cross sections are defined

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Interval: distance to sum/subtract to the current station when buttons

and

are used.
and
to
Offset: offset from axis of the point to stake out; use buttons
change the point. In the preview the point to stake out is indicated with a green
circle.
Stake offset: total distance between the axis and the point to stake out; this
distance is the sum between the offset distance and a possible supplementary
offset. The supplementary offset can be specified in +/- field.
Elevation: elevation of the point to stake out. It is possible to apply an altimetric
offset by using +/- field.
Press Next button to continue stake out procedure; the tool reads the total station
horizontal angle and displays the following window.

Calculate direction and distances

The tool displays the horizontal angle the instrument must assume to take the
direction of the point to stake out; in case motorized instruments are used, the tool
orders the station to position automatically along the point direction with reference to
both the horizontal and the vertical angle. Such working option depends on what has
been set in stake out options.
Moreover, the following information is displayed:
-

S, O, E: the upper side of the window reports stakeout station, distance between
axis and point to stake out and elevation.
H.Ang.Req.: horizontal angle the instrument must assume to take the point
direction.
H.Dist.Req.: horizontal distance between instrument and point.
V.Dist.Req.: height difference between instrument and point.
V.Ang.Req.: vertical angle required.

Press Next to continue.

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Display stakeout data

From this window it is possible to perform the prism measures by which the tool
informs about the distance between the prism and the point to reach.
On the upper side of the window a panel reports a summary of the current station:

By clicking on the panel the dialog box for station setup will open; see chapter
Station Setting and orientation.
in Pocket PC systems, or title button
with Windows CE
Press toolbar button
systems, to have access to the instruments advanced settings.
H.P. input field allows to specify the prism height, while by the option Fast EDM it is
possible to perform fast but less precise prism measures to move quickly near the
point; for a precise positioning it is better to deactivate the option Fast EDM and
then work with the maximum precision the instrument can offer.
Press Measure button to measure the prism position. According to the prism
measure calculated and according to the position of the point to reach the tool
displays a window reporting some graphic information about the direction the prism
has to follow to reach the point.

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The window right side reports some numeric information about the distance between
prism and point; the following information is supplied:
Go forward/Go back: prism shifts along the axis to reach the station
indicated.
Go right / Go left: prism shifts perpendicularly to the axis to reach the point.
Up / Down: height difference between prism and point to stake out.
Station: station at which the prism is situated;
Offset: distance between prism and axis;
Such information can be calculated in two ways
corresponding items:

by the button reporting the

Ref. Axis: the information is calculated taking the axis as reference.

Ref. St-Pr: the information is calculated taking as reference the direction
between station and prism.
on the upper left side it is possible to change the graphic
By clicking on button
information display mode. It is possible to select three different modes:

The first mode reports the information concerning the direction to follow to reach the
point; by clicking inside the square it is possible to pass from the display of the
angular shift to the display of the distance. When the prism is inside the tolerance set
the window is displayed with white arrows.
The second mode displays the prism position as to the horizontal alignment; clicking
on the square will open full screen display. The third mode displays the prism position
as to the cross section calculated; also in this case clicking on the square will open full
screen display.
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Map button opens the graphic window of the tool main CAD, while Options button
opens the dialog box with staking options.
By Slope button it is possible to activate the command for sideslope staking. The
sideslope will be calculated taking as starting point the offset point just indicated.
By Next button it will be possible to go back to the window for the selection of the
point to stake out.
If the distance between the prism and the point is the one desired, it is possible to
press the button Accept to save the position of the point reached by the prism.

Display final results

A window will be displayed, which sums up the distance difference between the point
to reach and the prism position.

Press Accept again to save the staking point.

Save point
It is necessary to specify the name and the code to assign to the staking point.

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Press confirmation button to save the point; the tool displays again the window from
which it is possible to stake out a new point.

Sideslope stakeout
By sideslope stakeout command it is possible to determine the position of the contact
point between project sideslope (both cut and fill) and the existing terrain. Moreover,
the command allows to set stakeout offsets from the contact point and can generate a
detailed report with all the information concerning the stakeout performed.
The command can be activated from Roads menu by selecting the item SideSlopes
or by Road stakeout; in this case, the point selected in Road stakeout command is
suggested as sideslope starting point.

Station set up
Before allowing the execution of any staking command, the tool verifies whether the
station set up has already been performed; see chapter Station Setting and
orientation. If the station set up has not been defined yet, a window appears, which
forces to do this.

Press Station setup button to perform the station set up; at the end of the process,
point staking procedure will start.
On the contrary, if this command is executed after reopening the work file where
station set up has already been executed, the tool will display the following window
with two options.

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If the station has never been moved since its last set up, it is possible to select the
button Use last setup: the same settings will be used, which have been calculated
during the last station set up procedure. On the contrary, if the station has been
moved, it is necessary to select Station setup button and perform a new station set
up.

Axis selection and stakeout mode

A window will appear, reporting a list of all the roads contained in the work; select
from the list the road to use as reference. The start and end stations of the road
selected will be displayed.
It is then possible to select the stake out mode to use:
-

Free: this mode allows to set station, offset from axis (offset) and hinge point
elevation; Hinge point is the sideslope starting point.
Typical sections: use this mode to select the hinge point using the typical
sections defined.
Cross sections: use this mode to select the hinge point according to the cross
sections available. It is necessary to specify the reference surface among the ones
found in the cross sections.

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Two graphic previews of the road selected will be displayed: a preview concerns the
horizontal alignment and the other concerns the project profile. By clicking on the
preview it is possible to pass to the full screen display.
Press Next button to continue.

Select hinge point by typical sections and cross sections

The second window displays the road transversal profile at the station indicated. From
this window it is possible to choose the hinge point from which the sideslope to stake
out will be calculated.
and
to
Station: station at which to perform the staking. Use buttons
change the station by summing the interval specified in Interval input field. By
button it is possible to open the window that lists:
-

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The stations calculated according to the interval specified

The stations of the horizontal alignment and project profile main points
The stations where cross sections are defined

Interval: distance to sum/subtract to the current station when buttons

and

are used.
Left hinge point: offset from axis and elevation of hinge point from which left
and
buttons to change hinge point. In
sideslope will be calculated; use
the preview the point to stake out is indicated with a green circle.
Right hinge point: offset from axis and elevation of hinge point from which
and
buttons to change hinge point.
right sideslope will be calculated; use
In the preview the point to stake out is indicated with a green circle.
Press Next to continue the staking procedure.

Select hinge point

In case the slope stakeout is performed by free mode, i.e. without using typical
sections or cross sections, the second window allows to define the offset from axis
and the elevation of the two hinge points: the hinge point to use in case a stakeout is
performed on the left of the axis and the hinge point to use in case a stakeout is
performed on the right of the axis.
and
to
Station: station at which to perform the staking. Use buttons
change the station by summing the interval specified in Interval input field. By
button it is possible to open the window that lists:
-

The stations calculated according to the interval specified

The stations of the horizontal alignment and project profile main points
The stations where cross sections are defined

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Interval: distance to sum/subtract to the current station when buttons

and

are used.
Left hinge point: offset from axis and elevation of hinge point from which left
sideslope will be calculated.
Right hinge point: offset from axis and elevation of hinge point from which
right sideslope will be calculated.
If hinge points correspond to topographic points contained in the file it is possible
button or local menu
to insert their name; moreover, it is possible to use
to select the point from graphic window or from points table.
In case a topographic point is indicated as hinge point, the tool sets the new
station value corresponding to the projection on axis of the point indicated.
Press Next button to continue staking procedure.

Set sideslope slopes

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By this window it is possible to set the slopes the left and right sideslopes must
assume both in cut and fill conditions.
In case a stakeout is being performed by typical sections, sideslope slopes are
displayed as they have been defined in the typical section used at the station
indicated.
Press Next to continue.

Stake slope

This is the command main window, by which it is possible to perform the measures
and by which the tool can drive the user to reach the contact point between the
sideslope and the existing terrain.
In the upper side of the window a panel reports a summary of the current station:

By clicking on the panel the dialog box for station setup will open; see chapter
Station Setting and orientation.
in Pocket PC systems, or title button
Press toolbar button
systems, to have access to the instruments advanced settings.

with Windows CE

H.P. input field allows to specify the prism height, while by the option Fast EDM it is
possible to perform fast but less precise prism measures to move quickly near the
point; for a precise positioning it is better to deactivate the option Fast EDM and
then work with the maximum precision the instrument can offer.
Press Measure button to measure the prism position. According to the prism
measure calculated and according to the position of the point to reach, the tool
displays a window reporting some graphic information about the direction the prism
has to follow to reach the point.

205

The window right side reports some numeric information about the distance between
prism and point; the following information is supplied:
Go forward/Go back: shift of prism along the axis to reach the station
indicated.
Go right / Go left: shift of prism perpendicularly to the axis to reach the
point.
Up / Down: height difference between prism and point to stake out.
Staked Slp.: sideslope staked slope.
Design Slp.: required slope;
on the upper left side it is possible to change the graphic
By clicking on button
information display mode. It is possible to select three different modes:

The first mode reports the information concerning the direction to follow to reach the
point. When the prism is inside the tolerance set the window is displayed with white
arrows.
The second mode displays the prism position as to the horizontal alignment; clicking
on the square will open full screen display. The third mode displays the prism position
as to the cross section calculated; also in this case clicking on the square will open full
screen display.
Slope Auto button can present three different statuses:
Slope Auto: decides sideslope slope value according to the prism position. If
the prism is above hinge point a cut sideslope is calculated; on
the contrary, if the prism is below hinge point a fill sideslope is
calculated.
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FILL Slope: forces the use of a fill sideslope.

CUT Slope: forces the use of a fill sideslope.
Map button opens the graphic window of the tool main CAD, while Options button
opens the dialog box with staking options.
By Next button it will be possible to go back to the window for the selection of the
point to stake out.
If the slope determined by the prism position is the one desired, it is possible to press
the button Accept to save the point position.

Display final results

A window will be displayed, which sums up the differences between project slope and
the slope determined by the prism position.

Press Accept again to save the staking point.

Catch point
By the window now appearing it is possible to set the name to assign to the staking
point. Press Register to carry out the point registration procedure.

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Besides the point identifying the intersection between the sideslope and the existing
terrain, it is possible to stake out further reference points by specifying an offset from
the main point.
Specify the offset to keep and press Stake button to continue; the reference point
staking procedure is exactly the same as the one followed by the command for single
point staking.
Press the button NextCP to stake another sideslope point.

Calculate position along the road

By Position item, in Roads menu, it is possible to know the position of a point along
the road.

Station set up
Before allowing the execution of any staking command, the tool verifies whether the
station set up has already been performed; see chapter Station Setting and
orientation. If the station set up has not been defined yet, a window appears, which
forces to do this.

208

Press Station setup button to perform the station set up; at the end of the process,
point staking procedure will start.
On the contrary, if this command is executed after reopening the work file where
station set up has already been executed, the tool will display the following window
with two options.

If the station has never been moved since its last set up, it is possible to select the
button Use last setup: the same settings will be used, which have been calculated
during the last station set up procedure. On the contrary, if the station has been
moved, it is necessary to select Station setup button and perform a new station set
up.

Calculate position

A window will appear, reporting a list of all the roads contained in the work; select
from the list the road to use as reference. The start and end stations of the road
selected will be displayed.
It is then possible to select the stake out mode to use:

209

Typical sections: use this mode to perform the stake out using the typical
sections defined.
Cross sections: use this mode to perform the stake out according to the cross
sections available. It is necessary to specify the reference surface among the ones
found in the cross sections.

Two graphic previews of the road selected will be displayed: a preview concerns the
horizontal alignment and the other concerns the project profile. By clicking on the
preview it is possible to pass to the full screen display.
Press Next button to continue.

A panel in the window upper side will report a summary of thr current station:

By clicking on the panel the dialog box for station setup will open; see chapter
Station Setting and orientation.
in Pocket PC systems, or title button
Press toolbar button
systems, to have access to the instruments advanced settings.

with Windows CE

H.P. input field allows to specify the prism height, while Options button opens the
dialog box for staking options.
By the option Fast EDM it is possible to perform fast but less precise prism measures
to get quickly near the point; for a precise positioning it is better to deactivate the
option Fast EDM and then work with the maximum precision the instrument can
offer.
Press Measure button to measure the prism position; the tool then reports some
information about the prism position as to the reference axis. The data are subdivided
into the following pages:
Axis: the following information will be displayed:
Station: station of point projection on axis.
Offset: perpendicular offset of point from axis
210

Elevation: measured elevation

Template: indicates the point position, i.e. whether the point is on the right or
on the left of the axis.
Element: reports the kind of planimetric element on which the point projection
is situated.
Moreover, a graphic preview is displayed, reporting the prism current position
as to the axis selected. By clicking on the preview it is possible to obtain a full
screen display.

X-Section: the following information is displayed:

Station: station of point projection on axis.
Template: name of the template used at the station calculated (only in case of
staking by templates)
El.: height difference between the prism position and the typical section or
cross section surface.
El.CL: height difference between the prism position and the elevation on road
axis at the current station.

A preview is also displayed, reporting the prism current position as to the

section interpolated at the station calculated. By clicking on the preview it is
possible to obtain a full screen display.
Shot data: angles and distances referred to the last shot.

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To save a point press Register; it is necessary to specify a name and a code to

assign to the staking point.

Press confirmation button to save the point; the tool will then display again the
window from which it is possible to continue the process.

Stakeout report
All the data concerning stake out processes are saved by the tool when the staking
point is recorded. It is possible to display such information at any time and then
export the data on ASCII file.
The report with stakeout data can be displayed by using the item Report of Roads
menu. A window will appear, listing the different axes contained in the work; select
from the list the axis whose data have to be displayed.

The window allows to display different stakeout information; the information to be

displayed can be selected by using Data list. It is possible to display, for any point
measured, the stakeout information concerning:
212

Stations: project, stakeout station and difference.

Offset: project and stakeout offset.

Elevations: project and stakeout elevations.
Coordinates: project, stakeout and offset coordinates.
Sideslopes: slope of project and stakeout sideslope.

Press Export button to create an ASCII file with the data displayed in the report.

213