TPAS University: Data extraction commands in AutoCAD

Posted on February 19, 2015 by kellytpasllc

In this installment of TPAS University, Kelly Streeter demonstrates two methods for extracting survey data from a TPAS drawing in AutoCAD.

The first method, which uses the DATAEXTRACTION command, is available in all versions of AutoCAD and allows the user to fine-tune a selection of data to export from the drawing, including x-y coordinates.

The second method, the ATTOUT command, is available in later versions of AutoCAD. It is much faster than the DATAEXTRACTION command, but does not allow the export of x-y coordinates, since it only exports block attributes. It is a great tool for quickly exporting raw survey data for analysis.

Please post in the comments below if you have questions about these features.

Welcome to the new TPAS website and blog!

Posted on January 23, 2015 by kellytpasllc

We are pleased to announce the launch of the new TPAS website and a fresh look for the TPAS blog!

The new site includes more information, video tours, and downloadable guides for viewers who are new to TPAS. For new and experienced TPAS users, we are excited to present TPAS University, a series of instructional videos addressing frequently asked questions and providing tips for getting the most out of TPAS.

We hope that you find the new site informative and easy to use. Please share your feedback with me at kelly@tpasllc.com.

-Kelly Streeter, TPAS Program Manager

TPAS University: Fixing data in AutoCAD drawings using the ATTOUT and ATTIN commands

Posted on January 23, 2015 by kellytpasllc

In this installment of TPAS University, Kelly demonstrates how to easily correct individual annotations or large batches of data using AutoCAD’s ATTOUT and ATTIN commands.

The ATTOUT command exports a selected set of data to a tab-delimited file, which is easily edited in Excel. The data is then imported back into the AutoCAD drawing using the ATTIN command.

This is a great tool for making batch changes to data, for example changing the priority designation for an entire group of conditions. It also works well for correcting smaller issues, such as typographical errors.

Please post in the comments below if you have questions about these features.

Documenting Historic Resources at the Tremont Nail Factory

Posted on April 18, 2013 by kellytpasllc

by Kelly Streeter

: Tremont Nail Factory in Wareham, MA

This past weekend I had the opportunity to speak to a Bachelor Design Studio class from Boston Architectural College (BAC) and demonstrate the documentation of historic resources using TPAS™. Professor Johanna Rowley is directing her students in a case study at the 19th century factory of the Tremont Nail Company in Wareham, MA, a practical application of research and field work with real world implications.

Ms. Rowley first became aware of the site in 2011 while working on a BAC-funded project to investigate disaster recovery at restoration sites in the aftermath of the tornadoes that hit Springfield in 2011. The site was purchased by the town in 2006 when Acorn Manufacturing moved the nail operation and has languished unused ever since. Ms. Rowley’s goal is to mobilize her students and the community to help Wareham stabilize and document the site as an initial step in the effort to determine how the adaptation of the buildings and site could serve to fill existing needs of the community.

I met with Johanna and her students to discuss the goals of the site inspection. The class had previously prepared background drawings from field measurements and archival data. We then went into the field, with two separate teams working together with a TPAS™ kit to document and photograph the existing conditions at the site. This information will now be used by the class to assess and prioritize the preservation needs of the site.

It was a fun day at an amazing landmark. To follow the effort, “Like” their Facebook page.

Read article, Hammering out Tremont Nail’s restoration in Wareham

TPAS Webinar Feb 26 2013 – Register Here

Posted on February 11, 2013 by kellytpasllc

Free TPAS Webinar
FEB 26, 2013 (Tuesday)
12:00 EST

Join us for an overview of the functionalities of TPAS including new and upcoming features. Q + A will follow.

TPAS software uses AutoCAD functions and formats you probably already know. It’s loaded into a ruggedized tablet PC linked to a digital camera along with project drawings letting you experience total digital inter-connectivity on site by entering graphical and numerical data, photographs and notes directly into your existing files.

And now, web-based TPAS report portals allow you to interactively search, view and format all project data and photographs within an internet browser. You can create, edit and print reports from the browser without opening AutoCAD. This new feature reduces the time and resources your project team spends on reporting tasks for complex, data-driven projects.

Vertical Access uses TPAS for existing conditions documentation, but its applications are as limitless as the reporting needs for your architecture, engineering or construction projects.

For more info:

Article: Transformative Technology – Tablet PC Software Modernizes Facility Condition Assessments, Properties Magazine
TPAS Technical Highlight (download pdf)

Questions? Contact Kelly Streeter, PE at kelly@tpasllc.com

A Visit to Canning Studios

Posted on February 5, 2013 by kellytpasllc

by Kelly Streeter

I had the opportunity to visit John Canning Painting, Plastering and Conservation Studios in Cheshire, CT last week. Bill Barry, John Riccio and I met to discuss the application and customization of the TPAS software to the types of plaster surveys they routinely do. While there, I was able to tour the studio and get a sneak peak at the murals they are designing and executing for the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich, CT. What a treat.

Transformative Technology – Tablet PC Software Modernizes Facility Condition Assessments

Posted on January 28, 2013 by kellytpasllc

Chambers, Murphy and Burge Restoration Architects, are development partners for TPAS™ and have been utilizing the tablet-based digital annotation system in the field to document conditions and observations on their historic building restoration projects. In the article, Transformative Technology – Table PC Software Modernized Facility Condition Assessments, published in the October 2012 issue of Properties Magazine , Michael Sanbury and Elizabeth Corbin Murphy describe how this technology has streamlined their processes of assessments.

Watch an on-demand webinar recording here, or contact Kelly Streeter, PE, partner at TPAS and Vertical Access.

Upgrading to New Tablet and Camera Models

Posted on August 15, 2012 by kellytpasllc

Our clients often ask us for recommendations as to what hardware we use as we employ TPAS™ for the collection and cataloging of facade conditions data. We recently upgraded our tablet PCs to the Motion J3500 model. Its screen is optimized for outdoor use and its two batteries can be “hot swapped” to maximize productivity in the field. Our new cameras are Panasonic DMC-TS20s. As with the Motion tablet, the camera is built with durability and ruggedness in mind. As we continue to develop the software side of TPAS™ to make condition surveys and field reporting more efficient, the new hardware will likewise add to our field productivity.

Web reporting with TPAS

Posted on April 27, 2012 by kellytpasllc

Web-based TPAS reports allow you to interactively search, view and format all project data and photographs within an internet browser. You can create, edit and print reports from the browser without opening AutoCAD. The new TPAS report portal summarizes and aggregates survey data to allow all project stake holders to communicate more efficiently about site observations and quantities. Once the data is brought into the portal you can create printable web and pdf reports to easily share information with others. This new feature will reduce the time and resources your project team spends on reporting tasks for complex, data-driven projects.

Applications are as limitless as the reporting needs for your architecture, engineering or construction project, ranging from ASI and RFI reports to memos documenting hazardous condition or high priority items.

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For a recent Vertical Access project, five technicians were on site for five days and took over 3000 observations on one building. The complete report deliverable, with the new web report, was delivered to the client within five business days of the team leaving the site.

Play with a beta web report site to see how powerful it is to have all observations and photos available in the cloud. For a guided tour, register for our next webinar on June 4th at noon EDT.

TPAS Free Webinar on www.tpasllc.com

Posted on February 2, 2012 by kellytpasllc

The January 23rd TPAS webinar was well attended and allowed us to introduce some great new capabilities. If you weren’t able to make it, you can view the video chapters of the webinar at the TPAS website. As always, feedback is important; it helps us to prioritize future improvements and features, so please get in touch to let us know what you think.

The content is split into six chapters:

Welcome
What is TPAS
Why use TPAS
TPAS Demo
ROI
Web-based reporting

TPAS LLC

Direct to digital documentation system

Author Archives: kellytpasllc