PocketCAD Pro

Abstract

ArcSecond, Inc., developed a new program that puts the power of the PDA to use for the architect, engineer, and contractor. PocketCAD Pro uses new technology to provide the essential tools found in desktop CAD and high-end functions for use on job sites and other remote locations. A proprietary drag-and-drop feature lets you easily exchange files between PocketCAD Pro and other popular CAD programs such as AutoCAD.

Headnote

Take CAD out in the field.

PDAs (personal digital assistants) are fast becoming commonplace in our modern society. These miniature handheld computers are one of the most sought-after consumer electronic devices. The Palm Pilot and the new Windows CE-based units let you take massive amounts of information wherever you go.

ArcSecond, Inc., developed a new program that puts the power of the PDA to use for the architect, engineer, and contractor. PocketCAD Pro uses new technology to provide the essential tools found in desktop CAD and high-end functions for use on job sites and other remote locations. A proprietary drag-and-drop feature lets you easily exchange files between PocketCAD Pro and other popular CAD programs such as AutoCAD. This feature lets you exchange and integrate data files created on the run with those created back in the office. ArcSecond specifically designed PocketCAD Pro to take advantage of the Windows CE-based machines.

PocketCAD Pro is very easy to use. If you know AutoCAD, you'll know PocketCAD Pro. Included are line, arc, circle, move, offset, zoom, object snaps, and many other tools, even Block and Wblock commands. You use icons to enter information on the screen, which is expandable. To select an object, you touch it or marquee with a window, then you lift the stylus to tell the program that the selected object is ready for an operation. I particularly like PocketCAD Pro's sketch tool. By changing the layer color, I easily sketched notes directly over a drawing, which I later uploaded to my laptop by infrared and sent to my office via the Internet. ArcSecond has done an excellent job of getting the maximum versatility out of a small space.

Tired of carrying copies of the blueprints to the job site? The standard PDA with Pocket CAD Pro easily holds 40 computer drawings. With flash adapters up to 100MB now available, you can carry all the plans for several buildings and their details in your briefcase. ArcSecond sees PocketCAD Pro not as just a design tool, but as a communication tool-their watchwords for this program are communication, inspiration, and transportation.

Many leading global companies already use PocketCAD Pro, including Dow Chemical, Intel, Shell Oil, Arco, Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard, Disney, AT&T, Lucent, U.S. Navy, IBM, Kodak, and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Look for more versatility in the future. With commercially available Pocket PC assessories, you can directly upload and download information to and from the Internet. According to the company, a third party has written a printer driver for the program-I can't wait for that. Imagine going to an engineer's office and printing out as-builts you just observed. I can imagine transmitting changes to a superintendent on his or her PDA while we do a walk through. ArcSecond also makes the excellent Vulcan spatial measurement system and envisions users putting 3D information from Vulcan and electronic distance measuring systems into PocketCAD.

This program is very useful. You can try PocketCAD Pro for yourself by downloading a functional demonstration (except for saving capabilities) from www.arcsecond.com.

ArcSecond packages two varieties of Pocket PCs with PocketCAD from its Web site. However, PocketCAD Pro works well with any Windows CE-based PDA.

PocketCAD Pro

CAD integrated into PDAs

Pros: Portable; AutoCAD-compatible; easy learning curve.

Cons: Lack of printer drivers; xrefs converted to blocks on import.

Price: $199; PocketCAD viewer is $159

ArcSecond, Inc. 703.435.5400 [email protected] www.pocketcad.com | www.arcsecond.com