"Wally" wrote in message

| Had a wee look at the web site - the particular package is RoadCalc, I
| believe. More complex than I initially envisaged (does clever stuff to
| integrate services and the like). I like the way it integrates the
| topographical data to produce a 3D model - very slick.

Yeah... that's it. The plans produced are Profile and Aerial only though. I
generally shoot all the info into delineated groups such as rock outcrops,
water, tree lines etc..... so all the data input from the total station is
colour coded to reflect the field info. This allows the Cad operator to
indicate if the cut /fill is blast rock or sub-excavation work as well as
the quanties of clearing which will be encountered to prep and grub the
area.

Don't kid yourself.... engineering/ construction outfits have a high demand
for good Cad personnel. It pays well and engineering is as steady as the
mortician's trade. We're always building stuff..... Cad Techs are in on the
preliminary through to completion on any project.

| Okay. I don't want to say yes just now - wouldn't want you to go asking
| around on my behalf if the thing fell through at this end. I also need to
| try and establish if the work you're talking about is something I can step
| up and do - roads and mines are new to me. While taking on the unknown and
| learning it fast is something I'm good at, the fact that it's an unknown
| introduces an element of uncertainty. :-)

No sweat.... I'll keep my ears open and forward your email to interested
parties. Picking up the technique is simple as long as you have a grasp of
the basics. I believe they are planning a major bridge across the Mackenzie
River as well. That would be structural cad design.

I won't do Cad work because it's indoor work and my interest is in the field
work. My motto is is "Even a Bad Day in the Field beats a Good Day at the
Office"! ;-)

CM