Here you will find some information that will help you get started with your upgrade to MicroSurvey embeddedCAD. If you don't find an answer to your question here, try searching our Helpdesk, or submit a technical support ticket.
- About MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013
- Installing MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013
- Registering MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013
- Using/Customizing MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013
- Learning MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013
About MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013
What CAD Engine is used in MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013?
MicroSurvey embeddedCAD is powered by Autodesk Technology and uses the AutoCAD OEM 2013 Service Pack 1.1 engine, so it contains the same core technologies as other AutoCAD 2013 products. This provides maximum compatibility with other AutoCAD products and their DWG files.
Will it be a big adjustment learning MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013?
The survey commands are virtually identical as in other MicroSurvey products, so the main difference will be adjusting to the AutoCAD engine. If you are familiar with other modern AutoCAD software, then it should not be a big learning curve.
Installing MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013
Will MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 overwrite my existing copy of MicroSurvey CAD or inCAD, or AutoCAD?
MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 will install into its own folder, and it will not conflict with any other MicroSurvey or Autodesk software you have in any way.
Should I un-install my current version of MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD prior to installing MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013?
MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 is completely independent from other MicroSurvey products, so their presence does not matter in any way. However, please remember that if you have purchased MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 as an upgrade from another MicroSurvey product or version, then you no longer own the license for that other product and you should not be using it for production work.
How do I install the new version?
To install, you must be logged in with an Administrator account. Please contact your network administrator if you do not have Administrator access. Insert the DVD that you received when you purchased embeddedCAD 2013 into your DVD drive. Then simply browse to your DVD drive and execute the appropriate installation file - note that there are two installation files, one for 32-bit systems and one for 64-bit systems. Follow the on-screen instructions to step through the installation.
Do I really need an Administrator account?
You need an Administrator account only to install MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 and then to run it for the very first time on your computer. After that, you can use your normal account; it will not matter whether it is an Administrator or Limited account.
I inserted the new DVD in my drive and nothing seems to happen. Is the DVD damaged or did I do something wrong?
Ensure you are using a DVD drive, a CD drive will not work.
If your DVD disc appears to be damaged, contact your sales representative for another DVD, or try downloading a new copy from our website.
I was lucky enough to have a prerelease or Beta copy of MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013. What do I do now with the new DVD?
We appreciate your assistance as a Beta tester and we thank you all for your assistance in getting MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 completed. We do recommend that you un-install your beta copy of MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013. You should back up any changes you have made to customize MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 first. We recommend that you copy the changes out to a safe location prior to installing the new DVD and then if desired, copy the files back in over the new ones, after looking at what has changed.
How do I remove MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013?
Please use the Control Panel | Add / Remove Programs option and remove the following two programs:
- embeddedCAD 2013 Support Files
- embeddedCAD 2013
Registering MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013
I've got it installed. How do I register it?
First, you need to activate the USB License Key you received when you purchased MicroSurvey embeddedCAD. Plug the USB License Key into any computer that is connected to the internet and run the License Manager software that was installed with MicroSurvey embeddedCAD.
How do I register it with my network license?
First, you need to activate the USB License Key you received when you purchased MicroSurvey embeddedCAD. Plug the USB License Key into any computer that is connected to the internet and execute the License Manager software that was installed with MicroSurvey embeddedCAD.
Then install the MicroSurvey Network License Server application on any computer on your network with an available USB port. Once your USB License Key has been activated online, just plug it into any available USB port on any computer on your network which has the MicroSurvey Network License Server installed. Make sure you know the name of the computer that the USB License Key is plugged into. If you are unsure of the computer name, please contact your IT Department for assistance.
Then run MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 on any computer on the same network. When asked, simply provide MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 with the computer name that the USB License Key is plugged into, and then press the "Connect to Server USB Key" button and it will automatically detect the USB License Key and unlock the program if there is an available seat available. You must leave the USB License Key plugged in to the server computer for the entire duration that anyone is running MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 – if you unplug the key, MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 will become disabled on any computer it is running on.
Do you have hardware locks available?
Yes, all of our MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 licenses use a USB License Key for activating the program. Simply plug the USB License Key into the computer, and then start MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013. Want to work on MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 at home or on another computer? Just take the USB License Key with you, wherever you want to use MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013!
Can I use MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 without a hardware lock?
No, all of our MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 licenses use a USB key for activating the program.
Using/Customizing MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013
What will happen to all my old jobs? Can I still use them with MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013?
Absolutely! embeddedCAD 2013 can open projects from previous versions of MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD/embeddedCAD, however embeddedCAD 2013 projects may not be able to be directly read into all older MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD/embeddedCAD versions. See below for additional details.
What about the drawing file? Is it different for MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013?
MicroSurvey embeddedCAD is powered by Autodesk technology and uses the same drawing format as AutoCAD 2013. It can also read drawing files from previous AutoCAD versions or from IntelliCAD.
What about the database file? Is it different for MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013?
MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 uses the same .MSZ database file as MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD/embeddedCAD 2008 and newer.
If you open a MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD 2006 or older drawing that has an MSD database file, MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 will automatically convert the MSD database file to the new MSZ format database file. However, MSZ database files can not be converted back to the previous MSD format. If you need to open a MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 drawing in an older MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD version, you can export the point database as an ASCII file to import it into the older version of MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD. And always use the SAVEAS command in the File Menu, and save the drawing file to an older DWG format, as discussed above.
When a database is first converted from the older MSD format to the new MSZ format, a backup copy of the current MSD file will be created with an MS5 extension. It will not be updated again with any changes you make while in the new format, but if necessary it can be used to re-open the prior database in the previous version of MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD/embeddedCAD.
What about the log file? Is it different for MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013?
MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 creates the same rich text format log file with a RTF extension, as MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD 2008 and newer. The existing .log files from MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD 2006 or older are not affected.
What about all the other files? Are they different for MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013?
All other files types created by MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 such as surface files, alignment files, batch files etc, are completely interchangeable between previous versions of MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD/embeddedCAD.
When using FieldGenius with MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013, where do my jobs go now?
You will need to ensure that you are using the newest version of MicroSurvey Transfer, and that it is set to sync with MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013. embeddedCAD 2013 will not appear as a sync option in older versions of MicroSurvey Transfer.
I have taken many hours to setup my AutoMap Library to work as desired in my previous version of MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD. What is going to happen to all that work?
All you need to do is copy the CSV file that you created with a previous version into MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013. Then as you have done before, load it and use it anytime you require. If you had saved your CSV file under the name survey.csv or mscad.csv then we recommend that you give it a new name in MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 to help keep track of which one is which.
The Automap Library files for MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD 2008 and newer are located in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\MicroSurvey\xxCAD\yyyy\mscad\ if your computer runs Windows XP, or in C:\Program Data\MicroSurvey\xxCAD\yyyy\mscad\if your computer runs Windows Vista or Windows 7.
You will need to update the paths for the symbols that may be associated with your AutoMAP library if you used MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD specific symbols, because when you remove that MicroSurvey product from your computer the path will no longer exist and you will need to update your AutoMap library to look in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\MicroSurvey\embeddedCAD\2013\mscad\blocks\ if your computer runs Windows XP, or in C:\Program Data\MicroSurvey\embeddedCAD\2013\mscad\blocks\ if your computer runs Windows Vista or Windows 7.
I have setup several Toolbars and I really would prefer not to have to do them all again in MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013. Is there a quick way to convert these over so I don't lose them?
Please refer to your AutoCAD or IntelliCAD documentation.
I have setup many Aliases and I really would prefer not to have to do them all again in MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013. Is there a quick way to convert these over so I don't lose them?
Please refer to your AutoCAD or IntelliCAD documentation.
I have setup several Keyboard Hotkeys and I really would prefer not to have to do them all again in MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013. Is there a quick way to convert these over so I don't lose them?
Please refer to your AutoCAD or IntelliCAD documentation.
I have created an extensive Building Library in MicroSurvey inCAD 2006, can I transfer it into MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013?
The Building/Structure Library from MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD 2006 or older is stored in a file called DB_POLY.ASC which is found in C:\Program Files\(your MSCAD or AutoCAD folder)\mscad\
The Building/Structure Library from MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD 2008 or newer is stored in a file called DB_POLY.ASC which is found in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\MicroSurvey\xxCAD\yyyy\mscad\ if your computer runs Windows XP, or in C:\ProgramData\MicroSurvey\xxCAD\yyyy\mscad\ if your computer runs Windows Vista or Windows 7,
Copy this file into C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\MicroSurvey\embeddedCAD\2013\mscad\ if your computer runs Windows XP, or into C:\ProgramData\MicroSurvey\embeddedCAD\2013\mscad\ if your computer runs Windows Vista or Windows 7, overwriting the existing file if there is one already there.
I have created an extensive Description Translation Library in MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD, can I transfer it into MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013?
From MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD 2006 or older: First, export your Description Translation Library from MicroSurvey inCAD 2006 by typing in the command (dumpccpd) at the command line, including the parenthesis. This will create a file in C:\Program Files\(your MSCAD or AutoCAD folder)\mscad\desctran.db
From MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD 2008 or newer: First, locate the file called desctrans.csv in either C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\MicroSurvey\xxCAD\yyyy\ if your computer runs Windows XP, or C:\ProgramData\MicroSurvey\xxCAD\yyyy\ if your computer runs Windows Vista or Windows 7.
Then copy this file into C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\MicroSurvey\embeddedCAD\2013\ if your computer runs Windows XP, or into C:\ProgramData\MicroSurvey\embeddedCAD\2013\ if your computer runs Windows Vista or Windows 7, and if necessary rename it to desctrans.csv.
I have customized or added my own Blocks in the Symbol Librarian, can they be transferred into MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013?
Yes, simply copy any customized DWG or DXF files from your old Symbols folder into the new one.
The MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD 2006 or older Symbol Librarian is found in C:\Program Files\(your MSCAD or AutoCAD folder)\Symbols\
The MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD 2008 or newer Symbol Librarian is found in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\MicroSurvey\xxCAD\yyyy\Symbols\ if your computer runs Windows XP, or C:\ProgramData\MicroSurvey\xxCAD\yyyy\Symbols\ if your computer runs Windows Vista or Windows 7.
The MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 Symbol Librarian is found in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\MicroSurvey\embeddedCAD\2013\Symbols\ if your computer runs Windows XP, or C:\ProgramData\MicroSurvey\embeddedCAD\2013\Symbols\ if your computer runs Windows Vista or Windows 7.
I have customized the generic title blocks used by the Add Sheet and Title Block routines, can they be transferred into MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013
Yes, simply copy any customized DWG files from the old Design folder into the new one.
The MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD title blocks are found in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\MicroSurvey\xxCAD\yyyy\Design\ if your computer runs Windows XP, or C:\ProgramData\MicroSurvey\xxCAD\yyyy\Design\ if your computer runs Windows Vista or Windows 7.
The MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 title blocks are found in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\MicroSurvey\embeddedCAD\2013\Design\ if your computer runs Windows XP, or C:\ProgramData\MicroSurvey\embeddedCAD\2013\Design\ if your computer runs Windows Vista or Windows 7.
I want to plot my first MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 drawing. Can I get my prior Print Style Tables for line width and colors into MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013?
AutoCAD and IntelliCAD .CTB and .STB print style table files should be cross-compatible between different versions. Please refer to your AutoCAD or IntelliCAD documentation.
How can I transfer my custom Linetype files into MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013?
AutoCAD and IntelliCAD .LIN linetype files should be cross-compatible between different versions. Please refer to your AutoCAD or IntelliCAD documentation.
How can I transfer my custom Hatch Pattern files into MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013?
AutoCAD and IntelliCAD .PAT pattern files should be cross-compatible between different versions. Please refer to your AutoCAD or IntelliCAD documentation.
How can I transfer my custom Templates into MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013?
AutoCAD and IntelliCAD .DWT template files should be forward-compatible to new versions. Please refer to your AutoCAD or IntelliCAD documentation.
How can I transfer my custom MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD Defaults into MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013?
The very easiest way to transfer your MicroSurvey defaults from any previous version of MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD into MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013, is to just open up an existing project in MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013, then go to MsTools | MicroSurvey System Defaults | Save As Default Configuration. This will set everything from its Labeling defaults, System Toggles, and Job Defaults.
Or, you can open your previous version of MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD and run the MsTools | MicroSurvey System Defaults | Save Configuration File command, then open MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 and run the MsTools | MicroSurvey System Defaults | Load Configuration File command and then run the MsTools | MicroSurvey System Defaults | Save As Default Configuration command.
How can I transfer my custom MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD Modeling Defaults into MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013?
Open your previous version of MicroSurvey CAD/inCAD and run the MsModeling | Configuration File Options | Save Configuration File command. Save it as follows:
Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\MicroSurvey\embeddedCAD\2013\QS\QS.QCF
Windows Vista/7: C:\ProgramData\MicroSurvey\embeddedCAD\2013\QS\QS.QCF
MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 will then automatically use that new qs.qcf configuration file.
How do I load Toolbars?
Stock toolbars can be toggled on/off through the View | Toolbars command, or you can customize your own custom toolbars using the View | Customize | Interface.
Learning MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013
I've heard that there are many hours of training movies, how do I play the training movies?
The online training movies are available through the help system, go to Help | embeddedCAD Help. An internet connection is required, highspeed is recommended. If you prefer, the online movies can be downloaded for offline viewing.
I've heard that the help file was improved for MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013?
We have updated the help file for all of the changes to the survey commands. Our help file is independent from the AutoCAD help file, and can be opened by going to Help | embeddedCAD Help.
An updated AutoCAD 2013 help system is also now available through your Start menu | Programs | MicroSurvey | embeddedCAD 2013 | Help (AutoCAD 2013).
Are there any tutorials or other examples of how to use MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013?
Yes, there are several tutorials available in the Getting Started Guide. You can access it through your Start Menu | Programs | MicroSurvey | MicroSurvey embeddedCAD 2013 | Getting Started, or through the Help file.
What about classroom-type training, is anything like that available?
Training courses are sometimes offered if there is sufficient demand in a particular region. Please phone your Sales Representative at 1-800-668-3312 or 1-250-707-0000 to enquire about any upcoming training sessions.
Brian Sloman
Comments