California-based sheet metal forming software maker Topcon is now offering Topcon Exchange, a software add-on for Autodesk’s AutoCAD Civil 3-D civil engineering design software program.

Company officials say it is designed to save time by converting Autodesk’s AutoCAD Civil 3-D design data into files compatible with Topcon -3D construction products and the Magnet software system.

“Topcon Exchange enables construction site model designers and CAD experts to remain comfortable within their Autodesk software environments,” said Jason Hallett, Topcon’s vice president of global product management. “Once design data is ready to be sent to an active project site, Topcon Exchange simply converts the Civil 3-D design information — even complex road designs with defined corridors — into Topcon standard file formats, such as MJF (Magnet Field job) for land surveying and construction layout and TP3 (3-D Topcon Project File) for machine control systems.

“For years, the Magnet system of software solutions has proven that easy and secure connectivity leads to measureable productivity and the new Topcon Exchange add-on is no different,” Hallett added. “After installation, users are offered the ability to log in to their own private and secure cloud-based company account from within Civil 3-D, providing access to all of the project-related data that they have stored in Magnet Enterprise.”

The software provides workflow for office staff to export original 3-D design data to the Topcon “cloud.”

“Topcon Exchange bridges the geo-centric data between Autodesk’s Civil 3-D and Topcon mobile workforce applications,” said Hallett.