How to get 2008 Map3D to import SID images

You need the 2008 raster design object enabler for 2008 civil3D: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=9476871&linkID=9240618

Free Utility from COE for coordinate system converstion

http://crunch.tec.army.mil/software/corpscon/corpscon.html

Export Autocad Linework to Google Earth

Autodesk introduced a new labs tool in March for exporting autocad objects in a KML/KMZ format for Google Earth. The tool works farely well, but I have definitely had some trouble with surface exporting. It is not easy because if your surface elevation is below existing ground in GE, then it will not show up. So with some tinkering, I was able to get one of my surfaces to show up when I offset the elevation about 40' in relation to existing ground.

If you are curious as to what my stream surfaces look like, then you can download my recent tinn surface in kmz here:
http://sites.google.com/a/streamrestoration.info/civil3d/gis/STREAM.kmz?attredirects=0

You can download the Autodesk Labs Google Earth Extension here:
http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/google_earth_extension_beta/

The command is "publishkml".

Ton Ten Uses of an iPhone for Stream Restoration

I haven't made a good post in a while and I thought this would be a interesting topic -- how to great use of your iphone out in the field. An iphone with a 3G data connection is a very powerful data tool that is all too often dismissed as a luxurious toy. To make use of some of these functions, then you will have to jailbreak your iPhone, unfortunately. See iclarified for easy instructions on how to do so.

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1. Tethering

Use your iphone to connect to the internet. This will enable Google Earth to get realtime terrain and images. With 5.0, you can see your gps position on Google Earth if you connect to a handheld unit (Garmin or Magellan). Use both the iPhone and GPS unit in conjunction to see your location on your laptop. If you export your sitework linework via kml (http://civil3d.streamrestoration.info/2009/07/export-autocad-linework-to-google-earth.html), then you can see yourself realtime in relation to your site.
(Jailbreaking is necessary)

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2. Cycorder

A simple video recorder that works well. (Jailbreaking is necessary)

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3. Note2Self

Make quick notes to yourself out in the field with this versatile voice recorder. It will also let you email the sound clip to anyone.

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4. Weatherbug Plus

See when huge storms are coming in on a realtime Doppler radar map so you know when to prepare.

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5. Tracks

Record your gps track while out in the field.

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6. Google Earth/Maps

See your gps postion on a street map or in relation to the satellite image.

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7. Topo Maps

Download any USGS topo map and see your current gps position in relation to it.

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8. Qik

Broadcasts a realtime video stream to Qik.com. Especially useful for construction administrators.
(Jailbreaking is necessary)

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9. PDF Viewer

View maps and other assorted pdf documents easily.

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10. iBird Yard

A comprehensive database of photos and birdcalls. Get better at ornithology while out in the field.

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