Software Review: Trimble Business Center

Written by Marco Cecala, Takeoff Professionals

Created on Saturday, 03 July 2010 17:12

Sometimes change is good, and other times it is not. In the case of Trimble Business Center (TBC), some of us know we need things to change but are not sure what to expect. In order to let the reader see what I mean, let me go through a bit of history.

When the whole 3D game started Trimble’s Terramodel was about the best game in town. Many of us old timers got used to the product and how to make it work for the specific purpose of producing 3D data for machine control. Time marches on and the engine Terramodel is built on is dated and would need an overhaul. Trimble has decided to replace the old standby with TBC. We knew the time would come, so I’ll get with the times and discuss the features and benefits of TBC.

TBC comes in two versions, Standard, used for sites and Heavy Construction Division geared to heavy highway contractors. The program is driven by dialog boxes with multiple entry options for each command. It seems the overall thrust of the designers was to make sure you know what information was needed to make a command work. If you are going to build a road, TBC calls it a corridor; the dialog box lets you know you need a centerline, vertical alignment and other options you can add for more detail.

The biggest thing in my mind is the reduction in elements required to make a model. TBC uses a “linestring” as the only type of line you need to know. They can be 2 dimensions, in the case of contours and pad outlines, basically a linestring with only one elevation. They are capable of being 3D with infinite elevation changes and locations available to the user. Users of other programs will often times need to convert line types for different purposes, which is eliminated in TBC.

Project control and revision tracking are easy to track. If you want to know the current file being used for calibration, line work, surface, points or a host of other elements; TBC makes it easy to open a window and verify or change the elements. The ease of use for the newly designed Graphical User Interface (GUI) may be passed off as eye candy to some. I feel it gives the user the ability to scan all available files of a particular type, make a decision as which to use then load it on the screen.

With the production of the new program comes the ability to import AutoCAD and MicroStation files. Terramodel files are not supported; they can be converted and brought into TBC if you wish. The import routine worked well with no degradation of quality. There are adjustable settings for import elements that will help tailor the routine for different situations.

Trimble is excited about the 3D editing features, and for good reason. TBC allows the user to edit the 3D model in an isometric view. In other words, you can view the 3D model, rotate and zoom, then adjust individual elements to improve model quality. This feature is nothing new to AutoCAD users. The difference is TBC has incorporated the tool for use in civil construction, not mechanical design that seems to be the primary focus of CAD.

We know that pioneers take arrows, and the development of an entirely new software platform is no exception. Trimble has taken a big leap with the release of TBC. The efficiency of the software engine is robust and takes advantage of modern computing speed. Sure there are growing pains; no venture like this is without them. A review of the version releases will tell you Trimble is addressing issues, adding features and fixing bugs. These improvements are then sent to the user in the form of patches and upgrades.

Trimble has introduced a new version of TBC and modules for data and takeoffs. A review is coming in a future article.

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