A WinCE version of Survey/Map is coming! Terrain Tools CE provides functions to enter field notes on a handheld computer. The following is a list of key features in Terrain Tools CE.

Beta testing will begin in February 2004. If you are interested, please email Wendy Hellofs (whellofs@softree.com). Please include in the email the type of handheld computer you are using, and a description of field equipment you use, such as laser measuring devices, GPS etc.

This winter we will be running courses in RoadEng and Terrain Tools. In-house training courses tailored to meet your specific requirements are also available. Please contact Wendy Hellofs (604-519-6222) for more information.

...Click here for more information.'

Softree recently announced the beta release of RoadEng Civil Assistant. This new product adds highly interactive road engineering functions to a "host" civil/survey system such as AutoDesk® Land Desktop (LDD). The host software must support LandXML surfaces and alignment objects.

Civil Assistant, will work with terrain models and alignments created in the host software. It's interactive capabilities, allow you to quickly position alignments and minimize earthwork quantities while maintaining design standards. The designed alignment is re-incorporated into the host software project for final drafting and completion using LandXML.

Features Benefits of RoadEng Civil Assistant

Beta testing is expected to take several months. Softree is seeking users of AutoDesk® Land Desktop, Eaglepoint, InRoads® and other civil design software to participate in a beta test program. For more information about beta testing contact Wendy Hellofs (toll free 866-519-6222 or email: whellofs@softree.com).

Free maintenance upgrades for Version 4 can be downloaded from the Support Section of our web site (www.softree.com). In addition to bug corrections, the following enhancements have recently been added.

Softree Espanol, operated through Esys Technologies Inc. (a subsidiary of Econ Consulting) is developing markets for Softree products in Latin America.

In November, Len Apedaile from Softree-Espanol attended Expo Forestal Corma in Concepción, Chile. Len participated in two presentations to introduce RoadEng and Terrain Tools to the Chilean Forest Industry. Eleven Chilean forest companies participated in these two events.

Recent RoadEng sales in Chile include, Forestal Anchile Ltd., and the Universidad Católica del Maule (UCM).

Work is also progressing on the translation of RoadEng to Spanish. In November the first ‘pre-beta’ Spanish version (for internal use only) was created.

Softree recently signed an agreement with Laser Technology, Inc of Englewood Colorado to distribute and market our Terrain Tools 3D software.

Laser Technology, Inc is a $12 million public company (AMEX:LSR) that designs and manufactures laser-based speed and distance measurement instruments, or laser rangefinders, used in a wide variety of applications ranging from traffic speed enforcement to forestry; from surveying and mapping to golfing and hunting; from docking ships to docking the Space Shuttle.

Forestry Maps in Version 4

With the increased file size capabilities and the improved import/export many companies are now finding Terrain Tools useful for creating operational maps.

The following maps were created by Access Forest Management Ltd. of Port McNeill B.C. using the procedure described below.

• A cut block including roads, boundary and d-lines was traversed.
• Field notes were entered in the Survey/Map module.
• Traverses were tied together, closed and adjusted using the Survey/Map module.
• The adjusted traverse map was imported into the Terrain module and shifted to match the UTM map coordinate system.
• A background map including contours and planimetric features was imported in DXF format.
• The area of interest was cropped from the TRIM data.
• Map information such as swamps, rock bluff and streams was added or adjusted based on ground information.
• Symbols and lines-types were assigned to map features using customized line-types and symbol libraries.
• The traverses were overlayed on the map and adjusted (shifted and rotated) into position.
• Label formatting and other drafting was carried out.
• A Multi-plot sheet was created including legend, logo and OLE embedded MS Excel spreadsheet.
• In addition to hardcopy maps, and PDF files, clients are provided with shape files for updating Microstation® and ArcView® GIS databases.

Deflection Line Map courtesy of Access Forest Management Ltd.

Creating a Catch Basin

It is possible to automatically create a catch basin at a culvert location without creating and applying a separate template.

Click here to view this example in PDF format.

Web Training

Do you need a little help applying the program to a specific project? Web based training may be the answer.

Web based training is a live on-line presentation with visual display over the Internet and voice narration using a telephone connection. Pre-packaged courses are available or custom courses using your own data to solve a specific problem are also available. The cost is $100 (CDN) / hour. Note this service requires that you have a broadband internet connection (such as Cable or DSL).

Share Your Symbols, Lines and Hatch Types 

Do you have any symbols, lines or hatch libraries you would like to share with others?  Please email them to mail@softree.com and we will make them publicly available for download.

Why Upgrade to Version 4?

Click here for information about Version 4.