The toolbox for surveyors and topographers
TopoTools is an application dedicated to topography professionals, designed to enrich Bentley Systems software — in particular MicroStation — with powerful and intuitive tools. It integrates directly into your working environment, taking over the concepts you already know, for a quick grip.
Once installed, TopoTools add a tab to the workflow « Drawing », combining its main features:
- Point management : simplified import/export, with evolutionary formats.
- Temporary display : altitude, number, code — ideal for analyzing a site.
- Graphic tools : placement of points, lines, surfaces, with customizable attribute sheets.
- Dressing : improving the readability and aesthetics of the plans.
TopoTools also allows field modelling, based on internal data or standard elements (including DWG). Once the model has been generated, you gain access to advanced functions: level curves, cubatures, sections, profiles, and calculations such as the conversion of coordinates by Helmert method.
Each feature is presented in a dedicated video, allowing you to discover the application at your own pace.
TopoTools' 10 key features
TopoTools simplifies the import of topographic points thanks to an intuitive interface integrated into the group « Data management ». Three formats are supported: TXT, CSV and DTT.
- TXT/CSV : perfect for quick import of X, Y, Z coordinates, with the possibility of adding aliases and comments.
- DTT (TopoTools data) : enriched format allowing to define topological links between points (customizable shape codes), ideal for automatically generating lines as soon as the ground rises.
Each column of the file is parameterizable, and imported points are displayed with their attributes: code, number, comment, and integration with the MNT if applicable.
TopoTools makes it easy to export your topographic points via the tool « Data management ». You can filter the data by code and choose between two formats:
- CSV : ideal for spreadsheets (Excel, etc.), this format includes code, number, X, Y, Z coordinates and any comments.
- DTT (TopoTools data) : enriched format allowing to export also topological links between points, for full reintegration into TopoTools.
The generated files can be opened directly in the associated application, for quick data control or adjustment.
The setting tool is the nerve center of TopoTools. It allows you to define the behavior, appearance and interactions of points and lines in your projects.
- Codes and aliases : Customize point and line codes, with the possibility of excluding the MNT.
- Symbology Choose the level (calk) or force a specific symbolology for each element.
- Form codes Configure topological links (rights, curves, isolated points) to automate line creation.
- FlexiPoints Add points to the random appearance (cell, color, style, rotation...) to visually enrich your plans.
- Talus : set the barbules (number, length, style) for a precise and aesthetic rendering.
- Cross profiles : Customize their display according to your standards.
- Multiple configurations : manage multiple settings profiles according to your clients or project types.
The set is based on Bentley Systems concepts (levels, styles...), ensuring smooth and familiar integration.
The tool group « View » allows you to temporarily view the attributes of points (number, altitude, code) directly on the screen, without weighing the drawing.
- Virtual display : the texts are visible but not inserted as graphic objects, to preserve the legibility of the plan.
- Customization : the text styles can be adapted according to your preferences.
- Controlled printing : The display can be activated or disabled for printing, according to your needs.
TopoTools allows you to correct, complete and enrich your readings directly in MicroStation with simple and efficient editing tools.
- Graphic editing : Insert or delete peaks, edit, copy or move items to adjust your data.
- Adding points : Choose a code, assign a unique number, set altitude (manual, automatic or MNT based), and specify if it should be excluded from the field model.
- Creation of lines and surfaces Select a line code to define its role and symbology. The altitude of points follows the same rules as for isolated points.
- Attribute form : each element created is enriched with customizable attributes for complete integration into the project.
The set is based on Bentley Systems standards for smooth grip and optimal compatibility.
TopoTools offers dedicated tools to improve the aesthetics of your plans while maintaining their technical precision.
- Talus Two modes of representation of the barbules (standard or alternative) allow a clear rendering and adapted to the geometry of the terrain.
- FlexiPoints Add natural elements (trees, bushes...) with a random appearance (cell, color, style, scale, rotation) to give life to your plans.
- Preview : Each style can be viewed before placement to ensure optimal rendering.
These functions enhance the readability and visual quality of your projects, while integrating perfectly into the MicroStation environment.
TopoTools allows to create accurate and scalable digital terrain models (NTMs) from standard elements, with or without specific attributes.
- Quick creation : selection of elements, start of calculation — The model is generated in a few clicks.
- Smart triangulation : the breaking lines (talus, etc.) are respected to guarantee the fidelity of the relief.
- Advanced Options : inclusion of simple elements, exclusion of certain codes, customization of the level and color of display.
- Reusable files : NTMs are registered in the active Workset and can be used throughout the project.
Once the template is created, you can access powerful functions:
- Automatic altitude determination for new elements
- Calculation of level curves
- Evaluation of cubatures (by horizontal plane)
- Generation of free profiles
A dedicated tool also manages display and operations on MNTs.
TopoTools allows the volume of materials to be rapidly estimated from a digital field model (NTM) by cutting it by a horizontal plane.
- Ideal method to calculate the volume of heaps on a flat ground.
- Three ways of defining the plan :
- Minimum Z: based on the lowest point of the perimeter
- Average Z: automatic calculation of average altitude
- Free Z: manual input of a custom value
- Clear visualization : the volumes above the plane are displayed in red, those below in green.
A simple, visual and accurate tool for your volume calculations.
TopoTools allows to generate terrain profiles between two points, with great placement flexibility and immediate visualization.
- Multi-models : enable one or more NTMs to compare natural terrain with added volumes (e.g. piles of materials).
- Free placement : draw a line in plan, the profile will show instantly and can be positioned wherever you want.
- Data displayed :
- Profile Name
- Scale ratio (length/altitude)
- Altitude of comparison plan
- Altitudes, cumulative distances and inter-distances for each active model
Each element of the profile is fully adjustable to fit your drawing standards.
TopoTools allows the precise repositioning of elements (points, lines, texts) using pairs of reference points, using Helmert's method.
- Accurate alignment Re-align a survey or adjust an import from two pairs of minimum points.
- Two modes of transformation :
- Translation + rotation (without scaling)
- Complete transformation with or without scaling, by least square adjustment
- Preview and control : view the result before validation and generate an error report in Excel.
An ideal solution to correct field inaccuracies and ensure the geometric consistency of your data.
