Summary
Version 2-30 brought an all new version of the Graphical Takeoff System.
The main differences from the superseded system are:
| • | A tree structure for easier control |
| • | Each Job can have an unlimited number of images. |
| • | Adobe PDF format is now supported |
| • | Takeoffs can be split into user definable groups or layers |
| • | Images can be resized, cropped, split, rotated by any angle. |
| • | Mouse operation is much simpler |
| • | Undo Feature for input. |
| • | Vertical and Horizontal scales can be set with one input. |
| • | Repricing function |
| • | Improved Volume entry |
| • | Easier editing of point positioning and line lengths |
| • | Better image printing & preview functions. |
| • | Autocad DXF format no longer supported |
The Databuild Graphical Takeoff is a fast and accurate method of taking off quantities. As the name implies, a graphical image ( such as scanned images or pdf drawings ) is displayed on the screen and the estimator identifies or traces various lines and components.These components will often relate to recipes which are later exploded into their component parts.
The system works with images that may be scanned or exported from CAD systems and the like. Supported formats are .BMP, .JPG, .GIF and .PDF
Alternatively, components can be taken off without an image using the screen grid or an external digitizer
You can have multiple images attached to each job
The process is quite simple:
| • | Load an Image(s), from a scanner or document you have received |
| • | Edit the document if required (Cropping, rotating etc) |
| • | Set the Scale. |
| • | Select Graphical Takeoff Group(s) |
| • | Select an Item from the drop-down. |
| • | Trace those items on the screen. The method is determined by the items Unit of Measurement: Either length, Area, Volume or Units |
| • | Repeat the above until all done |
| • | Export to the Bill of Quantities |
Details
The top level of a tree structure (Image Level) shows all images attached to that job ( and one "no image" if you want to work without images)
Below that level all the Graphical Takeoff Groups are automatically added (Group Level). These are logical groupings or layers to make life a bit easier.
These groups are setup in a module accessible from the Edit menu, from a button when in Group mode or from the Catalog module.
The next level down (Item Level), Individual items are shown. These items exist in your Catalog and are usually recipes. If you attach any items to a GTO Group (in the catalog module), you can have only those items prompted in the catalog drop-down.
The final level (Point Level) are the individual points you have entered. Depending on the units of the item, these may be individual items, ends of a line or perimeter points of an area or volume.
To the right of the tree, the image is displayed. The display and functionality vary with the current level which is colour coded and determined by the currently selected row in the tree:
| • | Image Level |
| • | Group Level |
| • | Item Level |
| • | Points Level |
Image Level
The image and all components already added to that image are displayed. The colours and line thicknesses are set in the Catalog module. A toolbar above gives various options:
Adds a new image and groups below that image
Displays help for setting scales
Loads the Image Viewer module where images can be cropped, rotated, split etc
Deletes all takeoff items for the current image
The Horizontal and vertical scale size of the image. Although these can be set manually, they are best set using the scaling system described below.
Saves the current image as the default one to be added to all new jobs.
Mouse Actions
Left Button: Click any 2 points to edit scale:
Adjusting either dimension will alter the image horizontal or vertical extents
Warning: Changing scales after you have entered components will alter the position of those components. Both scales can be set at once by selecting a diagonal line.
Control + Left: Displays a legend of these mouse actions
Group Level
The image and all components already added to that group and image are displayed.
A catalog drop-down is shown. Before adding a new takeoff component, select the item you want.
If you have checked "Show Group catalog items only" in the edit menu, and you have assigned some catalog items to the current group, those items will be loaded into the drop-down. Otherwise, all catalog items that have a GTO width greater than zero will be loaded.
. A toolbar above gives various options:
Starts taking off the current item.
Stops the takeoff and saves to the database
Deletes all takeoff items for the group in the current image
Loads the Graphical Takeoff Group Module
Below the image there is a comments bar
These comments form part of an item's workup when exported to a bill of quantities.
A Hold checkbox prevents the contents being cleared when you save takeoffs or switch items
Clears the current text
Edits the standard comments prompts that are accessible from the comments drop-down
Mouse Actions
The mouse actions vary depending on the units of measurement of the current items.
There are 4 modes available:
Unit mode
Length mode
Area mode
Volume mode
Left Button:
Unit mode: Adds another item
Length mode: First click starts a line, subsequent clicks add continuous lines
Area mode: First 2 clicks set start line, subsequent clicks define a self closing area
Volume mode: As for area, heights are entered in Points Level.
Note: The ESCAPE key deletes the last entry before new inputs are saved.
Right Button:
Unit mode: No Action
Length mode: Creates 4 lines from the diagonal entered and saves data
Area mode: Creates an area from the diagonal entered and saves data
Volume mode: As for area, heights are entered in Points Level.
Shift + Left Button:
Unit mode: No Action
Length mode: Enters an end point and saves data
Area mode: Enters an end point and saves data
Volume mode: As for area, heights are entered in Points Level.
Shift + Right Button:
Unit mode: No Action
Length mode: Closes with a line to the start point and saves data
Area mode: No Action
Volume mode: No Action
Control + Left Button:
Displays a legend of these mouse actions
Shift +Right Button:
Saves Takeoff
Note: The escape key deletes the last point entered
Item Level
Similar to Group Level:
Rather then display all existing takeoffs in the group, only those with the current item code are shown
If the item is an AREA based one, you will have the opportunity to input a pitch (in degrees). This is useful for entering roof areas as the system will increment the area taken off by the desired amount.
Deletes the current item and all points associated with it
The quantities and price are shown
Mouse Actions as for Group level
Points Level
Horizontal and vertical coordinates of the current point are displayed. These may be edited directly.
The current point on the image has a red circle displayed around it.
In Volume mode, a third entry appears for height/depth
Mouse Actions
Left: Shifts the highlighted point
Control + Left: Displays a legend of mouse actions
All Levels
A Zoom panel appears below the image.
You can Zoom the image by:
| • | Moving the zoom slider |
| • | Entering a value in the zoom box |
| • | Control-I to zoom in |
| • | Control-O to zoom out |
If the zoom is greater than 1 (100%),
a blue box appears to the left with an internal white box representing the part of the image you can currently see.
By dragging this inner box around, you can move the viewable area.
Using A Digitizer
The system works exactly the same if you are using a digitizer. Just use the digitizer mouse instead of your normal mouse. There is no need to enter a file in this case
Toolbar
File Menu
Export to Quantities Exports all items on all images to the current job bill
Load Image Loads a new image onto the current job
Refresh Image Refreshes picture
Print Image Loads the Image Viewer where you can print the image
Print Image + Takeoff Prints the image with the takeoff overlayed and a legend below
Edit Menu
Recalculate Areas Run after adjusting components in area or volume routines
Reprice
GTO Groups Loads the Graphical Takeoff Groups module
Show Group Catalog Items only
Only shows current group items in drop-down
View Menu
Zoom In
Zoom Out
Image Toggles display of Image
Takeoff Toggles display of Takeoff items
Grid Toggles display of Grid
Ruler Toggles display of Ruler
Ruler Font ...
Ruler colour ...
Snap to grid Lines near horizontal or vertical snap to square
Click for a legend of Mouse buttons
Delete ALL images and takeoff items and points on current job
Loads Macro Module
Prints the image with the takeoff overlayed and a legend below
Refresh Image
Loads the Job Variables module
Closes the routine