GPS_SETUP

GPSXCAD command for s etting up the GPS link to AutoCAD.

Test Button - Tests the current setting for the GPS. If successful NEMA sentences are displayed in list box.
- Res efaults.
OK Button - Click to save the GPS settings.

Port Setting - Communication port for the GPS.
Baud Rate Setting - The GPS standard is 4800.
Parity Bit Setting - D   br> Bits -< ;stan

GPSxCAD Features

Using Global Positioning System(GPS) receivers to precisely locate and collect spatial data has become common place. Low cost, accuracte, handheld GPS units has made the technology widely available. Your probably already using GPS with your current mapping projects. You may be recording GPS points in the field and then back at the office download the GPS points, convert the points and then import them into AutoCAD.

GPSxCAD allows you to access GPS information directly from inside the AutoCAD environment. Using GPSxCAD, points, lines and polylines can be entered into AutoCAD while in the field. Map entry can be done in real-time, reducing collection time and improving accuracy. GPSxCAD is also a powerful navigation tool. The program functions as moving map software, your exact position is displayed on the map as you move.

Features

• Add 3D points, lines, and polylines.
• Show your GPS position in real time on the map (moving map). Software automatically positions map to current position.
• View GPS satellite information.
• Collect GPS point information with enhanced elevations DEM.
• Support for Lat\Long, UTM and State plane projections. In both NAD27 and NAD83 datums.
• Access GPS position in any AutoCAD command.
• Support for most Garmin, Magellan, and Trimble GPS.

System Requirements

• A PC running AutoCAD 2000 or later.
• Any GPS receiver which outputs NMEA 0183 sentences.
• Serial compatiable connection, including serial cable, USB to Serial connection and bluetooth.

See GPS Compatiblity

Enhanced Elevation Reporting

GPS altitude (height of antenna) is not very accurate and may be 100 ft or more off actual elevation. To improve elevation accuarcy GPSxCAD uses DEM and bilateral linear interpolation to report a more accurate estimated elevation. This enhanced elevation is accurate to within the DEM standards of 1 meter.

GPS_PROJ

GPSXCAD command for setting up the coordinated projection.

GPSXCAD supports the following projections.

Latitude \ Longitude, NAD83 and NAD27 datums

Universal Transverse Mercator UTM, NAD83 and NAD27 datums.

State Plane Projections, NAD83 and NAD27 datums.

To change the projections select from the pull down lists.

OK Button - Click to save the Coordinate Projection Settings.

GPS_PT

GPSxCAD adds this command for the entry of 3D points from the GPS reciever. The GPS_PT command displays the current GPS position. The current projection is displayed and can be changed from within this command. The command provides moving map functions, current GPS position is centered in the display.

• Add Point Button - Adds a single 3D point to the drawing at the current GPS position.
• Add Points Button adds a 3D point at set time intervals.
• Zoom In Button - performs a zoom to scale at 2.0x increasing the scale.
• Zoom Out Button - Performs a zoom to scale a 0.5x decreasing the scale.
• Load Elev. Points Button-Loads a DEM as an elevation reference to the drawing.

GPS_PL

GPSxCAD command for the entry of polylines from a GPS. The GPS_PL command displays current GPS position and projection. Command provides moving map functions, current GPS position is centered in the display.

• Adds Vertex Button- Adds a vertex to the polyline at the current GPS position. The vertex is shown as a red point.
• End Polyline Button- Ends the current polyline. If Close is selected from the Open Close Polygon selection the polyline will be closed.
• Start Recording Button- Starts recording polyline vertices at set time intervals.
• Stop Recording Button- Stops the recording of vertex points. The polyline is Closed or if selected in the Open Close Polygon selection.
• Zoom In Button - performs a zoom to scale at 2.0x increasing the scale.
• Zoom Out Button - Performs a zoom to scale a 0.5x decreasing the scale.

GPSXCAD GPS Monitor Commands

GPS_ZC - GPS Monitor provides this AutoCAD command to Zoom and Center the drawing to the current GPS position.

GPS_ZIN- A command to Zoom In to 2x original scale and center the drawing.

GPS_ZOUT- A command to Zoom Out to 1/2 scale and center the drawing.

GPS_LOC- Command to locate the current GPS position on the Map. Command also centers the map at the current GPS position.

GPS_MN

This command loads the GPS Monitor dialog box and provides GPS positions for use in the AutoCAD environment. While running all AutoCAD commands are avialble.

!PT1 - GPS Monitor sends the current AutoCAD position and stores it in this AutoLISP variable. This point can be accessed from any AutoCAD command such as point, line, polyline, etc. Enter this point at the command line whenever a point is prompted.

Example: Point Command AutoCAD.
Command: Point !PT1