Newsletter - 05 July 2006

Company News

-------------------------------------------------------

Civil Designer 6.4

Due to our extensive user base, the new version has been released to our clients in stages with the first batch of beta testers being among the first to have received the software. Over the next few weeks we will be despatching the version to all our clients across all regions so that you can benefit from the added advantages of the program.

The latest version has improved functionality with over 154 new enhancements and features that have all been tailor made to suit your specific needs. We look forward to receiving your feedback, suggestions and ideas with regard to the new version on our Civil Designer forum. To enter the site, click here.


Invest in Civil Designer Training

With the ever increasing demands on civil engineering professionals, now is the time to invest in your software expertise and efficiency.

Our specialised courses are conducted at the Knowledge Base training centres in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. We also offer focused in-house “project training” where tuition is conducted on your premises and where specific trouble shooting areas within your organisation are addressed. This method of instruction allows the delegate to explore the program's full capabilities within the context of existing in-house projects.

Teaching methods include one-on-one tuition in a class of not more than 8 delegates to facilitate greater interaction between the delegate and the trainer. The learner-centred approach has been designed to orientate and equip delegates with the necessary skills to contribute to improved work efficiency through enhanced application of the software.

Should you require more information on any of our training courses, then please feel free to contact one of the training co-ordinators on (021) 701-1850.

Product News & Information

-------------------------------------------------------

Calculating Dam Volumes

In the latest Civil Designer 6.4 version the program allows you to calculate the volume of a dam from a set level down to a DTM surface. The set level will typically be that of a water surface. The volume is calculated by taking slices through the surface, the thickness of the slices being a user-defined value. The output is then given in the same user-defined depth increments. The extent of each depth increment can be drawn as CAD polylines suitable for later conversion to points.

It is important to ensure that the surface validates prior to using this function. In addition, surfaces with large open or complicated shaped polygons inside a model will not provide results to the same level of accuracy as simple triangular models for example.

Dam Volumes click to see full image

In order to calculate dam volumes, the calculation routine iterates through each depth increment and cumulatively calculates the total volume. The output is then sent to the Output Window. The smaller the depth interval the more accurate the volume calculation will be. This is especially true for when the DTM surface is irregular.

The program also prompts to warn you that the volumes are unreliable in cases where you have a zero depth increment set in the Dam Volume dialog. The depths increment is very important as without it you are not accumulating the volumes of successive slices though the surface but instead using one thick slice. The Dam Volumes calculation in Civil Designer 6.4 provides an invaluable tool for quick and effective output.

Support & Development

------------------------------------------------------

ANNUAL UPGRADE AND SUPPORT AGREEMENTS

Support Contracts are charged at 13% of the product purchase price and guarantee cutting edge software functionality, the availability of our Support Centre and the provision of a free marketing and publicity service where your project success stories are showcased in top trade journals. Support agreements therefore give you more choice and best of all, you will have immediate access to our Civil Designer 6.4 version with the latest functionality.

LATEST UPDATES FROM THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM

SHIPPING NOW: CIVIL DESIGNER 6.4

Here are the latest downloads available on the updates page:

• Civil Designer v6.3 - Build 28
  Build 28 (10/05/2006)

• Civil Designer v6.3 - HOTFIX
  Build 28a (07/06/2006)

• Civil Designer v6.3
  Help file Update (14/05/2004)

• Civil Designer v6.3
  Hasp Driver Update (18/08/2005)

------------------------------------------------------

Training is often regarded as the cornerstone to achieving optimal results and enhanced productivity. The value of good quality training cannot be emphasized enough.

“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela

If you are interested in training, please contact your regional office to make your booking as the courses are extremely popular.

 

CURRENT VISITS & TRAINING ACTIVITIES

Our Customer Consultants will be involved in the following visits and training activities over the next couple of weeks. Please feel free to give us a call on (021) 701-1850. We would be happy to meet up with you to discuss your training or product needs.

Customer Showcase

Ursula du Preez De Meyer & Associates Port Elizabeth

A Logical Switch

WITH a background in Consumer Science specialising in interior design, textile fashion and psychology, Ursula du Preez is a surprising newcomer to the civil engineering field. In fact, her limited formal experience in civil did not stop her from achieving an A+ in AllyCAD and Civil Designer courses and she has continued to impress everyone with her top class performance.
read more

Click here to view Detailed Customer Showcases from our clients.

Recruitment Service

RECRUITMENT

Knowledge Base Recruitment has gained the support of civil engineering firms nationwide through its efforts to address the massive skills shortages affecting the industry and as a result of its integrity-centred conduct.


TOP CANDIDATES FOR EMPLOYMENT
We are currently looking to place a selection of highly competent civil engineers in a limited number of top contractual positions.

If you are interested in an exciting career move, then please e-mail yvonne@knowbase.co.za or call us on 021-701 1850 for further details.

This is a random selection of our candidates for permanent placement. Send us an email and include the Candidate Number for further information:

Bureau Service

Bureau assists companies to complete specialised projects on time.

The Knowledge Base Bureau is fully operational with a dedicated team of professionals that clients can outsource at any time to complete specialised projects within clearly defined timelines. The division assists companies that have limited resources and who are in need of specific services.

Whatever the job spec, the Bureau team will take care of it. We are committed to helping you grow your business.

For more information contact Brett Pureveen on (021) 701 1850 or visit www.knowbase.co.za/bureau/.

Buy your Plotter from the People who know how to use & Install them

CIVIL DESIGNER - World Class Platform for Civil Engineers

Civil Designer Support INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT CENTRE support@knowbase.co.za 086 0101 999 (South Africa only) +27 21 7011850 (International Clients)

CIVIL DESIGNER is the leading civil engineering infrastructure design package with nine integrated modules that operate seamlessly on a single design platform. This places unequalled design functionality at your disposal without the inconvenience of transferring data between different design programs.
 

DESIGN CENTRE

CAD

SEWER

SURVEY & TERRAIN

MAP

STORM

ROADS

TURN

WATER

Knowledge Base Software
Developers of Professional Civil Engineering and CAD Design Solutions

If you do not wish to receive future copies of this newsletter unsubscribe here.