However, many businesses that want the flexibility of using the most appropriate data collection and computing software for the field with either total stations or GPS equipment choose to combine it with a field controller from Topcon’s suite of hardware products. It is also available onboard many Topcon total stations such as the GPT-7500, GTS-900 and GPT-7000i. The software resides in the electronic boxes-commonly referred to as “handhelds”-that are used to manage the process of data collection. TopSURV is also designed to be integrated with Topcon’s digital levels. TopSURV, Topcon’s data collection and field management software, handles all the technical and administrative details of using GPS equipment or total stations-or both-to capture data, quality check the data, perform impromptu field calculations and analysis as required, transmit to a processing site and, once a design is complete, to go back out in the field and set irons for property corners, stakes for alignment and grading, and other types of markers as required by the client. And flexibility is key users can start with a single product and then add to it as more power is needed to fit a broader range of applications. All three software products are designed to minimize complexity while maximizing functionality. Users can decide whether to have only total station support or GPS support as well, in addition to digital level support. With an integrated package, users can add functionality while maintaining a high degree of versatility for applications such as property boundary surveys, topographic surveys, subdivision and construction layout, and linear projects, particularly roads. In fact, certain aspects of the products purposely overlap so that depending on where the software operations are done as work flows from the field to the office to outside the office-be it to a third party or employees in the field-the varied range of professionals who “touch” the data, use it and enhance it can use the software products in their own mix to accomplish specific goals. They operate as separate packages but can also be integrated with each other to function as a whole suite. Topcon’s TopSURV, Topcon Tools and SiteMaster are designed to address these requirements. Surveyors and other professionals have specific requirements when it comes to how they want the software to operate, what functions it should have, and how its various modules should integrate with field and office workflow and work with third-party products. Software for handling data collection, processing and production of data and document deliverables comes in a confusing mix of titles and features that seem to overlap and with benefits that are hard to appreciate.

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