[How to check which version and SP you are using]

same way you did it is correct. If you have a SP it will list it as --- 2013 SP1 (Build xxxx) You probibly do not have a Service Pack installed.

[Plant list]

yes that would help to figure out the problem

[Plant list]

I am sure Tamsin will jump in soon, she is on that side of the pond and is a fantastic resource for you.

[Plant list]

Are you modifying in the VW Plant Database?

[worksheet sum feature]

If you place the Sum in the "Location" Column it will give the correct sum.

This is quite strange though.

[Coordinate layout]

it would also help if you added your computer and version info in your profile.

[Coordinate layout]

The Stake tool is also located within the Site Planning tool set.

[Coordinate layout]

try using the stake tool, or if you were supplying in house survey they can list at time of data collection.

[Coordinate layout]

I think I get what you are asking. and yes it can be done. what is your method of survey?

[Fix the stair handrail algorithm]

its almost M.C. Escher in style, maybe you could charge more! but yes things like tis just should not happen.

[Materials for VW part 1]

yes on this idea!!!

[rotate plan lock]

yep +1

[Best practice of showing a DTM]

Bimguy and Ray, I too would like to see major improvements in the DTM and definitely more toward the engineering side. As A landscape designer I may not work the way you do. but I often incorporate many or all of the things you are suggesting(or try to!) You are right that VW has left out the engineering side of things. this would be a massive market for them I am sure and have always wondered why thy don't dive in.

[Best practice of showing a DTM]

DWorks, Tamsin has it. I use the snapshot all the time for this.

[import sheet layer should...import a sheet layer]

yes, I can definitely see the benefit in that

+1

[Creating Survey Points for contouring]

Stake objects are great but I tend to reserve them for later manipulation of the DTM that way they can be later adjusted if needed. In the instance where Don2012 is mentioning that he did not record specifics on the site and now wants to "add" missing points I would recommend locus points as they will embed with the other gathered points. Either method though will work just fine and for a quick addition to a small plan I will use Stake object.

Don, what was your original method of gathering data?

[Creating Survey Points for contouring]

Good call Tamsin.

[Creating Survey Points for contouring]

Just add Locus points and set the z value to the elevation and re run the DTM

[Pipe Tool]

BIMGuy, looks look a nice program but I am looking more for simple water lines, drainage lines, and irrigation lines.

Could even use it for sleeving under hardscape and structures.

[Pipe Tool]

yes with the bends, I assumed that fittings and connections would be worked through as Symbols. Of course I am looking at this more from the Landscape side, but I would assume that there would be some piping in Architectural that would require elevation or at least slope.

That would be a good add to the tool, the choice of slope or elevation.

And yes bends should be allowed preferably the ability to use a poly line as a line generator.

As I earlier described Shd 40 PVC quite often here we use Corrugated flexible tubing which can run in curves very easily.

For the use of irrigation line PVC or PE are the choice and cuves are frequent so the ability to set a simple sub elevation (ie. -12" form surface) would be great (as this is often "Plowed" into the ground.

[Pipe Tool]

extrude along path is just to many steps. I want to designate a pipe and size, draw a line, and set start and end point inverts. And because this is a specific tool I can then collect data in a worksheet.

For example, I want to set drain piping under a permeable drive and coordinate the outflow of this. I would like to set the pipe to Shed 40 PVC (Perf) 4" with a start invert at 964.85 ft and end at 963.10. This would then show in 3D elevations and be able to show data in worksheets.

It would also be nice to have an auto label feature that would show on plan type, size and start and finish inverts and have the functionality to turn off or on each tag.

[Pipe Tool]

If your referring to the exiting pipe tool it is near worthless.

Do you have something else you are using?

[Viewports and Heliodon settings]

I was just talking to someone about this very subject. I think a viewport where you could "lock" certain settings this would keep them from re-rendering to something different.

[Pipe Tool]

I would like to see a dedicated pipe tool that would allow for start and end invert elevations. this would work for both Arch, and Landmark. Also the ability to specify pipe size, type and so on.

[Tool for modelling services through walls]

Alan, I would like to see a dedicated pipe tool that would allow for start and end invert elevations. this would work for both Arch, and Landmark. Also the ability to specify pipe size, type and so on. Ill add that to the want list.