Integration of survey and road design

At this stage, fully integrated computer aided design and drafting (cadd) survey and design system operating in interactive modes is not generally available. Automatic data capture is available, however, some of the equipment and software limits working procedures and flexibility in the field. Differences in file structures between equipment is an impediment to their widespread use. A number of systems for example, the rca ridge/ spur system and moss provide integration of survey and design information and the computer plotting of drawings. When combined with automatic data capture, they allow field observations to be made and files created and transferred electronically from survey to design staff. The development of integrated cadd system for road design and survey purposes offers considerable promise, and such systems are likely to be available within the next 5 years or so.