Survey and Topography Tools
SDBox Design Software - Command guide for survey drafting, point management, coordinate tables, and area calculations in CAD drawings
Complete Topographic Plan
Contours & Terrain
Boundaries & Road Network
Orthophotos & Legal Inserts
Step-by-step survey drafting guide: Download PDF
Survey Units Setup TOPOUNITS
Defines the units (Units) used in Survey Drawings.
The Y axis is at angle 0.0000 and the X axis at angle 100.0000g.
The following are defined:
- Coordinate display format
- Linear and angular units
- Precision settings
- Scale factor for EGSA grid
Survey units configuration interface
Tips:
Use this command at the beginning of any new survey drawing to ensure consistent unit settings across all survey-related commands.
Import Objects from Coordinate File ITAX
Inserts point symbols (blocks) or other objects into the Drawing from a coordinate file (e.g., measurement data file).
Supports various file formats and allows customization of block attributes during import.
Coordinate file import interface (click image for details)
Usage:
Import survey points, monuments, or any other objects with coordinates from external data collectors or text files.
3D Points Notification Update 3DLL
Updates notification for 3D Points. When, in commands that include this parameter, you select points whose Z is not 0.00, you are notified if you wish.
The same parameter is set in the tab of the ZLL command.
3D points notification settings
Note:
This setting helps maintain accuracy when working with 3D terrain models or elevation data.
Drawing Elements Update with Points DMLL
Defines which Block and based on which Attributes the codes that participate in various commands will be set when you type points during drafting.
The same settings apply for line drafting with the ZLL command.
Run this command whenever you insert new points into the Drawing or when the drawing "does not read the points".
Drawing elements configuration for point-based drafting (click image for details)
^ Back to topRectangle with 3 Points MR3
Draws a Rectangle by selecting 3 consecutive points which you can also type by their codes.
How it works
Select three consecutive points on the screen or type their point codes. The command creates a rectangular polyline based on these points.
Rectangle created from 3 points
Note:
This command is particularly useful for quickly defining building footprints or property boundaries when you have known corner points.
Usage:
Use when you need to create rectangular shapes based on existing survey points without manually drawing each line.
Tips:
When typing point codes, use the automatic point search feature to quickly locate existing survey points in your drawing.
Command Sequence
Select or type 1st point:
Select or type 2nd point:
Select or type 3rd point:
Rectangle with 2 Points MR2
Draws a Rectangle by selecting 2 diagonal points which you can also type by their codes.
How it works
Select two diagonal corner points on the screen or type their point codes. The command creates a rectangular polyline defined by these opposite corners.
Rectangle defined by diagonal corners
Note:
This method is faster than MR3 when you know the opposite corners of a rectangular area, such as building extents or property limits.
Usage:
Ideal for quick rectangular area definition when you have surveyed the diagonal corners of a building or plot.
Tips:
The rectangle will be created parallel to the current UCS (User Coordinate System). Ensure your drawing orientation is correct before using this command.
Command Sequence
Select or type 1st corner point:
Select or type opposite corner point:
Spline with Points MSP
Draws a Spline curve through selected points which you can also type by their codes.
How it works
Select multiple points on the screen or type their point codes. The command creates a smooth spline curve passing through all selected points in sequence.
Spline curve created through multiple points
Note:
Splines are useful for representing natural contours, curved boundaries, or any smooth irregular shape in topographic drawings.
Usage:
Use for contour lines, curved road edges, river banks, or any natural feature that requires smooth curves between survey points.
Tips:
You can continue adding points until you press Enter. Use Undo (U) option to remove the last point if needed.
During drafting you have many point construction possibilities
^ Back to topCircle with 3 Points MK3
Draws a Circle by selecting 3 points which you can also type by their codes.
How it works
Select three non-collinear points on the screen or type their point codes. The command creates a circle passing through all three points.
Circle defined by 3 points on its circumference
Note:
The three points must not be in a straight line. The circle will be drawn regardless of the points' order.
During drafting you have many point construction possibilities
^ Back to topCircle with Center+Radius MKK
Draws a Circle by specifying the center point and radius. For the center you can also type the point code.
How it works
Select the center point (or type its code) and then specify the radius by selecting a second point or typing the radius value.
Circle defined by center point and radius
Tips:
You can type the radius value directly or pick a point to define the radius graphically. When typing point codes for the center, use the automatic point search.
Arc with 3 Points MJL
Draws an Arc by selecting 3 points which you can also type by their codes.
How it works
Select three points: start point, second point (on the arc), and end point. The command creates an arc passing through all three points.
Arc defined by 3 points
Note:
This is useful for curved building corners, road curves, or any curved feature where you have surveyed points along the curve.
During drafting you have many point construction possibilities
^ Back to topInsert Images for Fitting or Excerpt ZIMIN
Inserts an image (raster) of your choice and creates Layers 'tiff_prsrm_****' for images intended for background fitting, and 'tiff_apsp_****' for images that will be placed as excerpts in the drawing notes.
How it works
- Select the image you want to insert. (If you have a grayscale image, it is recommended to convert it to black and white before insertion, so it's "lighter" in the drawing and can have transparency properties).
- Specify if the image is black and white. (If black and white, the created layer will have color 251 which is dark and helps differentiation from other drawing objects. If color, the layer will be white).
- Choose if you want to create a Layer for later placement of the image on this new layer which will constitute an excerpt in the drawing.
Image insertion interface
Note:
This command was created based on the fact that most images inserted in Survey drawings are used in boundary studies or other line work. That is why the generated layer uses the prefix "tiff_p_****", where "p" denotes raster images intended to be placed in real-world scale, automatically grouped, and positioned behind the drawing, at their exact insertion point and correct scale.
Tips:
Name your images appropriately before insertion, so when inserted into the drawing, the layers automatically get corresponding names.
See also: ZIMGEO (Automatic insertion of georeferenced images)
^ Back to topGrid Drawing KNB, KNBS
Creates grid lines for survey drawings at appropriate spacing according to print scale.
KNB vs KNBS
KNB: Select 2 points that define the area and grid crosses are drawn according to the print scale.
KNBS: Select 2 random points and the frame, grid, coordinates of the 4 vertices and grid steps on all 4 sides are automatically drawn.
KNB (left) vs KNBS (right) grid creation
Usage:
KNB is for simple grid creation, while KNBS creates a complete grid with coordinates and labels - ideal for detailed survey drawings requiring coordinate references.
Tips:
The grid spacing automatically adjusts based on your drawing's print scale. For larger scale drawings (more detail), the grid spacing will be smaller.
Grid Coordinate Annotation KNBT
Select grid points where you want coordinates to be annotated, which are drawn automatically.
How it works
Select grid intersection points and the command automatically places coordinate text at those locations.
Automatic coordinate annotation on grid points
Note:
No need to use osnap because it automatically snaps to grid vertices. The text height adjusts according to the drawing scale.
Tips:
Use this after creating your grid with KNB or KNBS to automatically label coordinates at important grid intersections.
Building Hatch (Open Area) PHKT
Draws a Polyline with dashed line type for Buildings, at the points you specify and towards the interior of the Building.
How it works
Select points defining the building outline. The command creates a polyline with dashed line style towards the interior of the building.
Building hatch pattern for open (unclosed) areas
Note:
If you navigate in the Drawing and these line symbols don't appear, execute Regen to refresh the display.
Usage:
Use for buildings that are partially defined or when you need to show building outlines in open areas without closed boundaries.
Building Hatch (Closed Area) HKT
Select a point inside a closed area and a Polyline with dashed line type for Buildings is automatically drawn inside the closed area.
How it works
Pick a point inside any closed polyline or boundary. The command automatically creates a building hatch pattern inside that area.
Automatic building hatch inside closed areas
Note:
If you navigate in the Drawing and these line symbols don't appear, execute Regen to refresh the display.
Tips:
This is much faster than manually drawing building hatches, especially for complex building footprints with multiple internal courtyards.
Copy to Point MCC
Repeated Copy of objects you select via filters to points where you can also type their codes.
How it works
Select objects to copy using filter-based selection, then specify multiple destination points by either picking on screen or typing point codes.
Filter-based object selection (click image for details)
Object Selection:
Select objects on the drawing screen based on filters that you want to copy.
Drafting with typed points
You can select the Blocks that will participate in the command and which Attribute contains the codes you will type during Drafting.
3D Points notification
If you select this option then during drafting you will be notified when you select a point that doesn't have Z=0.00.
During copying you have many point construction possibilities
Details about point construction options
Note:
The base point of the copy is selected on screen.
Offset to Point MOF
Offset of object to points where you can also type their codes.
How it works
Select an object to offset, then specify offset distance and side by picking points or typing point codes.
Offset operation using point codes
Note:
This is particularly useful for creating parallel lines at specific distances from surveyed features like property boundaries or building lines.
Usage:
Common applications include creating setback lines, service corridors, buffer zones, or any parallel offset from existing surveyed lines.
zzDistance ZDD
Repeated distances. Each distance is reported in the Command Line. You can also type point codes.
How it works
The command works like the equivalent AutoCAD DIST command with the difference that successive distances are reported in the command line and you're notified if you select 3D points.
Continuous distance measurement with reporting
Command Sequence
Give 1st point for 1st Distance? :
Give 2nd point for 1st Distance? [U=Undo]:
.... A: 15.858m. Give 1st point for 2nd Distance? [U=Undo]:
.... A: 15.858m. Give 2nd point for 2nd Distance? [U=Undo]:
.... A: 15.858m. B: 13.115m. Give 1st point for 3rd Distance? [U=Undo]:
Note:
Continue with as many points as you want. All distances are cumulatively reported in the command line.
Tips:
Useful for quick verification of multiple distances in a sequence without having to write them down separately.
Building Characteristic Text XKT
Insertion of Text for Building Characterization with selection from Dialog.
How it works
Open a dialog with pre-defined building characteristics and select the appropriate text to insert at specified locations in your drawing.
Building characteristic selection dialog
Building characteristic text placement
Usage:
Standardizes building annotations in survey drawings with consistent terminology for building types, conditions, and characteristics.
Tips:
You can customize the dialog entries to match local building classification systems or specific project requirements.
RG OG Indication Text RGOG
Indications (simple text) for Planning and Building Lines. Select start, direction, interior point of property, and green zone width.
How it works
Create annotation text for planning (RG) and building (OG) lines with automatic calculation of offsets and text placement.
RG (Planning) and OG (Building) line annotations
Command Sequence
Enter Layer for 'RG-OG Indications':
Select START point (corner) <U=Undo, ENTER=Exit>:
Select DIRECTION for annotation <ENTER=Undo>:
Give point toward property interior <ENTER=Undo>:
Enter or measure on screen the Green Zone width <ENTER=Undo>:
Enter Text (for FEK, T.E. or D.E. below RG line):
Note:
If the first 2 points concerned a Planning line, then the Building line can also be automatically annotated if you provide the green zone width.
Text options for additional information (click image for details)
Tips:
You can optionally annotate (with smaller text) the Government Gazette (FEK), Building Permit (T.E.) or Plot Definition (D.E.) below the Planning line.
Select the type of line. Details
Coordinate Tables ZPID, ZPPOL, ZPRP, ZPTR, ZPBL
Draws a table on screen in whose columns appear the names, coordinates and elevation of the Blocks for each type you select.
How it works
The process is the same in the various versions of the command and the only difference is in the suggested Blocks that are selected, the Attributes that are recorded and the table title, which are saved and suggested in each new use per version.
Coordinate table creation interface (click image for details)
Command Variations:
- ZPID: Property vertices coordinates
- ZPPOL: Polygon vertices coordinates
- ZPRP: Reper (monument) coordinates
- ZPTR: Trigonometric point coordinates
- ZPBL: Block coordinates
Table from File ZPFL
Select file and column separator and a table is drawn where the contents of the file are annotated.
How it works
Import data from external text files (CSV, tab-delimited, etc.) and automatically create formatted tables in your drawing.
Details about file import and table creation
Note:
Supports various delimiters: comma, tab, semicolon, or custom characters. The table formatting automatically adjusts to your drawing scale.
Usage:
Ideal for importing survey data from external sources, coordinate lists, or any tabular data that needs to be presented in drawing format.
Export Coordinates to File ZXID, ZXPOL, ZXTAX, ZXREP, ZXTRI
Exports Block elements to a file where each row contains the names, coordinates and elevation.
How it works
The process is the same in the various versions of the command and the only difference is in the suggested Blocks that are selected, the Attributes that are recorded and the file, which are saved and suggested in each new use per version.
Coordinate export interface (click image for details)
Command Variations:
- ZXID: Export property vertices
- ZXPOL: Export polygon vertices
- ZXTAX: Export tachymetric points
- ZXREP: Export reper (monument) points
- ZXTRI: Export trigonometric points
Elevation Points in Section View MKO
Select left and right point of the Section line and then the points (Blocks) that will be projected in the Section.
How it works
The process is as follows:
- Select 2 points on screen (left and right) that define the section axis based on which the points you select next will be transferred and rotated.
- Select the export file for the projections of the points and the points (Blocks) that will participate.
Point selection for section projection (click image for details)
Note:
The first time you run the MKO command in a drawing, a dialog opens where you set constraints when typing codes for point search by name.
Command Sequence
Give 1st Point (LEFT) for 'Point projection in section'? :
Give 2nd Point (RIGHT) for 'Point projection in section'? [U=Undo, S=Series, K=Constructions]:
Export file configuration (click image for details)
Filter-based object selection (click image for details)
Tips:
After the command completes, you can import this file into any drawing with the ITAX command and selection Custom Blocks -> SHM-OPSHS.
Each line of the export file has the form: CODE, X, Y, Z, L (where L is the distance of the point from the section axis).
Import projected points with ITAX command (click image for details)
^ Back to topDeclarations, Notes, Remarks TITLOITOPO
Inserts into the drawing all necessary elements for titles, notes, building terms and remarks during the drafting of standard Survey drawings.
How it works
Automatically inserts standardized title blocks, declaration forms, notes, and remarks that are commonly required in survey drawings according to Greek surveying standards.
Standard survey declarations and notes (click image for details)
Includes:
- Surveyor declaration forms
- Property owner information
- Survey date and reference numbers
- Standard notes and disclaimers
- Scale and north arrow indications
- Drawing revision history
Usage:
Use at the final stage of survey drawing preparation to ensure all required legal declarations and standard notes are included.
Survey Monuments Security EXASF
The Security Frame is inserted, a new Viewport is defined centered on the survey point (Station, Trigonometric, Well, etc.), dashed security lines are drawn, dimensions are written and the dependency and description table.
How it works
Creates standardized security perimeters around survey monuments with dimensioning and annotation according to surveying standards.
Survey monument security documentation (click image for details)
Purpose:
Documents the protection zone around survey monuments to ensure their preservation and legal protection against construction or other activities.
Usage:
Essential for official survey documentation when monuments (reper, trigonometric points, etc.) need legal protection or when showing required setbacks.
Legal Requirements:
Security zones around survey monuments are often required by law. This command helps create standardized documentation that meets regulatory requirements.