SOFTREE News

Fall/Winter 98

After Sales Service Online
The internet is an excellent tool for software companies to economically provide after sales service and support. We intend to fully use this technology in the future.

Come visit us on the internet at www.softree.com. Download the latest version of the software and manuals for free. Find out about training and seminar events in your area. Check out the tips and techniques or if you're stuck try the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section.

Free Maintenance Upgrade
An upgrade (version 3.014) for RoadEng/98 is available for download from the Support/Download area of our web site at www.softree.com. In addition to various bug corrections, this version contains the following enhancements.

• Auto Balance feature in the Location module. This feature will automatically adjust the alignment vertically or horizontally to balance cut/fill volumes.
• Transparent solid and bitmap hatching in the Terrain module.
• Option to include units (deg.) in slope and azimuth displays.
• Support for digitizers using WINTAB driver.
• Screen digitizing using keypad number keys in Terrain.
• Option in Location to create a table in multiplot with row separators.
• Join function added in Terrain.

Moose Hunting

We know what you thinking but the answer is NO! RoadEng/98 can do a lot of things but we haven't put in a moose hunting option……Yet! However we thought you might find this story amusing.

Two Texan moose hunters flew into a remote lake near Smithers BC. They spent the week hunting, and both managed to get a moose. When the plane returned to pick them up, the pilot looked at the animals and said, "This little plane won't lift all of us, the equipment and both those animals. We'd never make it over the trees on the take off.".

"That's baloney", says one of the hunters. "Yeah," the other agrees, "You're just chicken: We came out here last year and got two moose and that pilot had some guts: he wasn't afraid to take off!". "Yeah", said the first hunter, "and his plane wasn't any bigger than yours!"

The pilot got angry and said, "Hell, if he did it so can I." They loaded up, taxied at full throttle, and took off.

The plane almost made it, but didn't quite have enough lift to clear the trees at the end of the lake. It clipped the tops, then flipped, and broke up, scattering the baggage, animal carcasses, and passengers all through the brush.

Hurt and dazed but still alive, the pilot sat up, shook his head, and said, "where are we?".

One of the hunters stumbled out of the bushes, looked around, and said "I'd say...About a hundred yards further than last year..."

Welcome US Forest Service Region 1

Earlier this summer Softree completed a bulk purchase sale with the US Forest Service Region 1 (Montana and Idaho). Region 1 is the third USFS region to adopt RoadEng as the standard design software for low volume roads. Other regions include Region 10 (Alaska) and Region 6 (Washington/Oregon).

Welcome Region 1. We are looking forward to working with you to improve the application of computers in forest engineering.

RoadEng/98 - Getting Down to Business

After 3 years in development and testing RoadEng/98 was completed in June. Since the release, we have shipped more than 500 systems and sales remain strong.

Response to the new system has been very positive as more people become familiar with the new features.

Although RoadEng/98 "looks and feels" the same as previous versions, beneath the surface is a set of powerful new features to get the job done faster and better. Response to the new system has been very positive. Here is just a few of the most popular features.

Survey/Map
Faster entry, more flexibility and improved output quality

• Speed entry of extended side shots is now supported; simply type them in abbreviated format e.g. 10/20, 15.35, 30.
• View - Quickmap menu instantly pops up a plan view showing the current traverse.
• Plan view rotation allows you to fit your map on the output sheet.
• Editing text labels using the mouse.
• Radial side shots.
• Fully configurable the traverse entry screen for entry and reporting.
• Improved traverse adjustments including an UNDO function.
• Fast entry of ground types and layer depths by assigning them by station range.
• Control of line types and symbols.

Terrain/Cable
Make operational maps quick and easy, logging plans from maps, site plans, and improved cable analysis.

• "CAD like" functions to manipulate features and text.
• Support for background bitmaps such as scanned contour maps or air photos.
• The maximum number of features and points has been increased.
• Automatic legend generator, scale bar and logos.
• User definable linetypes and symbols.
• Quick deflection analysis using the third point deflection analysis method.
• Multiple deflection profiles on the same sheet.
• Logging plans and profile analysis from digital topo maps (eg. TRIM 1:20000).

Location
Improved engineering design, accuracy and output presentation

• Vertical or horizontal alignment changes in the cross section window.
• Culvert design and reporting.
• Improved earthwork calculations with transition templates, adjustable stripping widths and control of right of way.
• Adding or editing text labels using the mouse.
• Control of linetypes.
• Multiple data and plan windows including rotated plan window.
• Scrolling and totals in the data window.
• Template and ground type libraries.
• Background display of map information such as timber types, property lines etc.
• The cost (in $Canadian )of the upgrade is

-Terrain Tools $200
-Deflection Lines $225
-RoadEng $450

Tips and Techniques

Designing in the Cross Section Window

It is now possible to design both the horizontal and vertical alignment is the section window. This technique is probably the easiest and most intuitive design method. Cross section design can also be combined with standard profile or plan window design.

The following steps outline the process for creating a vertical alignment for a new design in the cross section window.

1. From menu Edit - Auto - Generate create Profile points at survey stations. Although we don't need to in this example, you could also generate Plan points if you wish to modify the horizontal alignment.
2. Activate the Section Window and select menu View - Section Window Options. Enable Vert Alignment (this enables editing of the road grade line in the section window).
3. Right click on the mouse while it is in the cross section window until the vertical edit cursor appears.
   
4. Left click with the mouse at the center of the road to capture the point. Move the mouse to the new subgrade position and left click again to anchor the point.
5. When you are satisfied with the position of the current cross section. Use the next/previous design point buttons on the tool bar to advance to the next survey station.

Creating Cruise Map

Creating a cruise map from a boundary traverse is easy using the Terrain module. The following steps demonstrate the process.

1. From the Terrain Module File - Import menu import the block traverse entered in Survey/Map.
2. With the Plan Window active, select menu View - Plan Options. Enable the grid by selecting the Grid check box. Press on the plus ("+") button and set the required spacing.
3. Click on the Draw Feature button to begin drawing cruise grid with the mouse.
4. Move the cursor to first plot location (at grid node) and press the left mouse button twice to capture and anchor a new point. Move to the next cruise plot location and press the left mouse again. Continue this process until you have created a linear feature with vertices at plot locations.
5. From menu Edit - Modify Selected Features - Line Types, choose a dotted line type and an appropriate symbol.
6. From menu Edit - Modify Selected Features - Labels, find Point Number in the list and double click to enable the display of plot sequence number.

Steps 1 to 5 will give you a basic cruise map. Some additional formatting and the incorporation of a scanned topo map yield the map as shown on the next page.

NOTE: This example makes 2 assumptions. The first is that the starting plot lies on a grid intersection. If this is not the case the entire traverse should be selected and moved so that it does. The second assumption is that the grid is in a cardinal direction (NS-EW). If you would like a grid that is rotated, you can create your own line segment, rotate it at the desired bearing and then duplicate it at the required spacing.

Revised Support Policy

This !? &% #?! thing won't work!

Everyone needs help sometimes. We understand this, and we're glad to provide this service.

We pride ourselves on having top quality technical support. When you call us, you will speak to someone knowledgeable in both the software and your application. Often you will be directly connected to one of the program authors.

In order to maintain and improve this service we are implementing several policy changes. As of November 1, 1998.

• We are discontinuing support for Version 2. NOTE: anyone who has purchased within the last year is due for a free upgrade.
• New systems and upgrades come with 3 months unlimited support.

• Phone, fax and email support for Softree/98 products will be available on a "Per Incident" basis. An incident may involve one or more communications between ourselves and the client. The cost per incident will be 25 $Cdn (billed to a credit card at the time of the call). Customers may also pre-purchase a "Yearly Support Pack" allowing 10 incidents per year for 129 $Cdn (+ $10 for each additional copy of the software at the location).

For more information please contact Wendy at 604-519-6222 extension 1.

Training

This fall and winter we will be offering the following courses.
 
Surveying and Mapping (2 days)
Novice/Intermediate

This course will be of interest to both novice and experienced users. The course will cover entry of survey notes, closing and adjusting traverses, drafting, geo-referencing, terrain modeling, contouring and profiles. The new features in Terrain Tools /98 will be emphasized. Cost $500 (Canadian).

Surveying, Mapping and Cable Logging (2 days)
Novice/Intermediate

This course will cover topics outlined in the Surveying and Mapping course as well as cable logging. The new features in Terrain Tools /98 will be emphasized. Cost $500 (Canadian). 

Road Design (2 days)
Novice/Intermediate

This course will be of interest to both novice and experienced road designers. It will cover entry of survey notes, closing and adjusting traverses, drafting, georeferencing, drafting , terrain modeling, contouring and profiles. Cable analysis, templates, horizontal and vertical alignment, culvert design, mass balancing and creation of plan/profile sheets. The new features in RoadEng /98 will be emphasized. Cost $500 (Canadian). 

RoadEng/98 Upgrade (2 days)
Advanced

This course is intended for persons who have worked with RoadEng and who now want to become more proficient. Emphasis will be placed on applying the new features of RoadEng/98 to solve forest engineering problems. Topics include, survey notes entry , basic map production, georeferencing, drafting , interfacing to external software such as MicroStation PC^® and ArcView^®, contouring, profiles, cable analysis, templates, horizontal and vertical alignment, culvert design, mass balancing and creation of plan/profile sheets. Cost $500 (Canadian).

All courses will be limited in size and may be re-scheduled (if insufficient attendance). Please enroll early by contacting Softree. Cancellations will be accepted upto 2 weeks before the course starts.

For more information call Wendy at 604-519-6222

Email: mail@softree.com