CG

CAD, CAM, CAE & GIS

TECHNEWS

CG (Computer Graphics) is proudly produced & published
by Technews
www.technews.co.za
Issue Date: June 2003

Software review: TechnoCAD - DatumMate

1 June 2003

Reviewer details
Name: Ann Rycraft
Company: SARK Consulting Engineers
Telephone: 011 441 1263
Product details
Vendor: TechnoCAD
Product name: DatumMate
Telephone: 011 803 8834
General
1. What industry is the software being applied in?
We are a civil engineering/geotechnical company and also do a lot of work with the mining industry.
2. Describe the application where the software was utilised.
We use DatumMate to change AutoCAD drawings, such as survey plans and general arrangements, from one survey datum to another. This has become particularly important since South Africa has changed from the original Cape Datum, to the new WGS84 datum. We had a lot of drawings based on the Cape Datum, and we needed to change these to the new WGS84 Datum, particularly as we interface a lot with other disciplines, such as Surveyors.
3. List the features of this particular software package.
The software allows us to change complete AutoCAD drawings from one survey datum to another. In addition, we can import survey data files and have the survey points plotted directly in AutoCAD. The survey can then be transformed if required. We can also transform a drawing from one central meridian to another, such as changing a drawing from the Lo27 to the Lo29 meridian. There is also a calculator in the software that enables us to type in a coordinate in one survey system and find the corresponding coordinate in another survey system.
4. Does the software allow for upgrades?
Yes. Generally an upgrade is released every 18-24 months, but sometimes enhancements are made available prior to a major upgrade. In addition the software is ported to each new release of AutoCAD.
5. How is the after-sales support handled?
We can obtain support via e-mail, which is particularly useful, especially if we need specialised assistance with a particular data-set, as that can then be attached to the e-mail. Telephonic support is also available. Training courses were also offered to us.
6. What sort of licensing agreement is used on this particular software?
The software can be loaded onto as many computers as we like. Licensing is controlled by a software protection device, which needs to be attached to the computer on which you wish to work. This gives us complete flexibility, allowing people to work from home if they wish.
7. What impressed you the most about the software?
The software is extremely fast, accurate and user-friendly. It was also supplied with a very good on-line help system. We particularly liked the feature that once DatumMate has transformed a drawing, the details of the transformation are stored directly within the drawing, which can be reported at any time.
8. What was the predominant feature (or features) that made you decide on this particular software package?
We needed software that would run seamlessly inside AutoCAD and that gave us an extremely accurate datum transformation. In addition, DatumMate does not require any other file import or export. As our drawings can be very large, we also needed the conversion process to be fast.


Others who read this also read these articles

Search Site





Subscribe

Previous Issues