What to send with every job
A drafter can only be as accurate as the package they receive. Whatever format your data collector exports, include these items:
- Field data file: CSV point file, FBK field book, or RW5 raw data (see the table below).
- Field sketch or notes: scanned or photographed, legible, with north arrow and any unusual conditions.
- Feature code list: the codes your crew uses and what each one means, including line-work and curve codes.
- Coordinate system details: projection or state plane zone, horizontal and vertical datum, units (US survey feet, international feet, meters), and any grid-to-ground scale factor.
- Reference documents: deeds, recorded plats, title commitments, prior surveys, or easement documents, if the drawing depends on them.
- Instructions: deliverable type (boundary, topo, ALTA/NSPS, as-built, plat), your layer standards, and your template or title block.
Common field data formats compared
| Format | What it usually contains | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSV / TXT (PNEZD) | Point number, northing, easting, elevation, description | Fast point plotting and surface building | Column order must be stated; no raw observations or line-work logic |
| FBK (field book) | Coded field commands, observations and line-work instructions | Automated line-work and curves in Civil 3D or Carlson | Code set must match the list you provide |
| RW5 (raw data) | Raw angles, distances, GPS and station records, often with coordinates | Auditing, reprocessing, and traverse checks | Instrument heights and prism constants should be verified |
| DXF / DWG | Existing linework and points | Updating or continuing a drawing | Confirm which layers are current |
If you are unsure which to send, send more than one. A CSV for quick plotting plus the RW5 for checking is a common and useful combination.
Prepare your files before you send them
A few minutes of cleanup prevents most revision requests.
- Check point numbering. Remove duplicate point numbers or note them. Mark control points, check shots and stakeout points separately.
- Confirm the column order for CSV files. State it explicitly, for example "P,N,E,Z,D". A swapped northing and easting is a common error.
- Flag bad shots. If a point was an error, a repeat, or a temporary setup, note it in the description or in an instruction file.
- Include control information. List the monuments held, the basis of bearings, and any localization or calibration used.
- Use clear file names. Include a project number or name and a date, such as
Smith_Boundary_2024-05-10.rw5. - Keep raw files unaltered. Do not edit the RW5 or FBK by hand. Send the original export plus a note about any changes made in the office.
Ways to deliver the files
Send the package in whatever way suits your workflow:
- Email for small zipped packages.
- Cloud links (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive or similar) for large point clouds, scans or many images.
- WhatsApp for quick questions or a photo of a field sketch, and as a faster way to start a conversation.
- A quote request form when you want pricing and turnaround confirmed before sending the full dataset.
For sensitive projects, ask for an NDA before you share files. Also avoid sending the same data in several conflicting versions. Mark one package as final and say which files supersede earlier ones.
Special cases: point clouds, LiDAR and legacy data
Point cloud or LiDAR deliverables (such as LAS, LAZ, E57 or RCP files) are usually too large for email, so use a cloud link. Include the coordinate system, the scan date, and the area of interest. If you only need part of the cloud turned into CAD, say which features you need extracted, such as building footprints, curbs, utilities or breaklines.
For older projects, scanned field books, handwritten notes and paper plats can still be drafted from. Scan them at readable resolution, keep the pages in order, and label them by project and date.
How Land Drafters helps
Land Drafters, LLC is a US company in the Orlando, Florida area that provides outsourced land survey CAD drafting to surveying and civil engineering firms in all 50 US states, Canada, the UK and Australia. The team works from CSV, FBK, RW5 and similar field data and delivers drawings in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Carlson, MicroStation or Revit. Work includes boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, as-built, subdivision plat and construction staking drafting, as well as Civil 3D surfaces and point cloud/LiDAR to CAD.
- Typical turnaround is 24-72 hours.
- Pricing is hourly or per drawing; see /pricing.
- A free trial drawing lets you check quality before committing.
- An NDA is available on request.
To send your first dataset or ask which format is best, go to /get-quote or contact the team on WhatsApp.
Quick checklist
- Field file(s): CSV, FBK and/or RW5
- Field sketch and notes
- Feature code list
- Coordinate system, datum and units
- Deeds, plats or title documents
- Deliverable type, layer standards and template
- Clear file names and one final package