TPC Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions about Traverse PC

What is Traverse PC and how is it different from traditional survey software?

Traverse PC is a land survey software built by and for surveyors. Unlike complex CAD programs designed for drafting, TPC is data-centric and focused on a logical workflow. It simplifies survey tasks and automatically generates drawings from your data, making your work more efficient and accurate.

What is a “no-CAD” survey software?

A “no-CAD” or “CAD-like” survey software means the program handles all aspects of a survey without needing a separate, full-featured CAD program. Traverse PC uses its own powerful drawing engine, so you can do everything from deed research to final platting within a single, integrated program.

How does the “Works Like You Think” concept benefit me?

This concept means the software is designed to follow the natural thought process of a surveyor. Instead of focusing on drawing lines, you work with field data, traverses, and computations. The software handles the drawing for you, so you can focus on the integrity of your data and the accuracy of your results.

Can I still work with CAD files if I use Traverse PC?

Yes. While TPC is not a CAD program, it has robust import and export capabilities for industry-standard CAD formats like DWG and DXF. This ensures you can seamlessly collaborate with engineers and other professionals who use CAD.

What is a “Traverse” in Traverse PC?

A “Traverse” is the fundamental building block of a project. It’s a smart data object that can represent anything from a property boundary to a control loop. Traverses automatically compute key data like closure, area, and volume, simplifying your workflow.

Is Traverse PC a portable solution that can be used in the field?

Yes, Traverse PC is a desktop application that is designed for portability. It runs on Windows, making it perfect for use on a laptop at the job site or in your vehicle. It’s built to work seamlessly with your field equipment, allowing you to easily import and export data from your data collector, total station, or GPS/GNSS receiver.

Questions for Specific Industries & Use Cases

How does TPC help land surveyors with boundary and ALTA/NSPS surveys?

TPC provides all the necessary tools for deed research, monument recovery, and platting. For ALTA/NSPS surveys, its built-in Least Squares network analysis helps you meet the required positional tolerance and precision standards.

Can civil engineers and site planners use Traverse PC?

Yes. Civil engineers can use TPC for crucial front-end work like site analysis, drainage plans, and topographic mapping. Its ability to work with survey-grade data and its seamless export to CAD programs make it an ideal tool for project initiation.

How does Traverse PC help with construction staking and site layout?

Traverse PC is a powerful tool for construction. You can easily compute offsets, setbacks, and points on a line, then export just the points you need to your data collector or total station for accurate on-site staking. Its intuitive, data-driven approach simplifies a traditionally complex task, making your workflow faster and more precise.

Is TPC useful for municipal and public works departments?

Yes. Municipalities can use TPC to combine different data types—such as boundaries, topography, and right-of-ways—for planning and infrastructure projects. It helps check lot setbacks and right-of-way offsets, streamlining project management.

How can landscape designers benefit from this software?

TPC provides landscape designers with a foundation built on accurate survey data. You can use it to create precise site plans, locate existing utilities, and add aerial imagery for a comprehensive view.

Can it be used for the oil and gas industry?

Yes. The software’s advanced COGO and data management tools are ideal for complex projects in the oil and gas sector. It can manage pipeline and well site surveys, working with ground distances and true bearings to ensure a high level of accuracy.

Is TPC used by other professionals like foresters, archaeologists, or real estate agents?

Yes, TPC’s flexibility makes it useful for many professionals who need to manage and visualize geospatial data. Its ability to create clear, precise maps from field data is valuable for forestry, archaeological mapping, and real estate assessments.

Features and Functionality

How does TPC handle coordinate systems and grid-to-ground conversions?

Traverse PC provides a comprehensive list of Coordinate Reference Systems (CRS) and offers tools for site calibration. It handles the conversions between grid and ground distances automatically, ensuring your data is always consistent and accurate.

Does the software support Least Squares adjustments?

Yes, the Professional edition of TPC includes Least Squares network analysis. This powerful tool is essential for meeting the highest standards of precision and positional tolerance for high-value projects.

How does TPC handle topographic surveys and volume calculations?

The software has all the tools needed to generate surfaces, create and edit breaklines, and compute volumes for earthwork and site grading, all from within the same program.

What are “Point Codes” and how do they work?

Point Codes are a powerful feature that allows you to turn your field data into a complete map. By assigning a code to a feature in the field (e.g., “EP” for edge of pavement), TPC will automatically draw that feature with the correct line style and symbol.

Support, Training, and Purchasing

Do you offer a free trial or demo?

Yes, we offer a free, fully-featured trial of Traverse PC so you can test the software on your own projects. We also offer personalized one-on-one demos to show you how TPC can work for you.

What kind of support is included?

All subscriptions come with comprehensive, unlimited support from our team of licensed surveyors. This includes phone and email support, one-on-one training, and access to our extensive online learning center.

What is the pricing model for Traverse PC?

Traverse PC is offered through an annual subscription model, which includes the software, all updates, and full technical support. We offer different editions to fit a variety of needs and budgets.