Getting started with R3Survey
Install and activate
- Download the installer and run it (close AutoCAD/Civil 3D first)
- Open AutoCAD or Civil 3D — click Always Load when prompted
- Type R3ABOUT at the command line
- Click License Activation, paste your licence key, and click Activate
Don't have a licence key? Contact us for a trial.
First steps
1. Set your units
Run R3UNITS to configure your preferred input and display units for distances, areas, and angles. This controls how R3Survey reads your input and displays results.
2. Import a survey
Use R3STRING to load a survey file (XML, CSV, PTA, TXT) from your instrument. R3Survey reads point codes and draws points and linework automatically, styled and layered to your configuration.
Set up a configuration first with R3MANAGECONFIGS.
3. Enter a traverse
Use R3TRAV to key in bearings and distances. Accepts DMS (e.g. 125.3020), decimal degrees, and other common formats. Arc entry is supported.
4. Check your work
Open the R3Properties panel with R3PROPERTIES. Click on any line, arc, or polyline to read its bearing, distance, arc parameters, and enclosed area.
5. Set up survey plans
If you're working with multiple plans in one drawing, use R3PL to configure survey plan layers. Then use R3ISOLATEPLANLAYERS and R3SHOWALLPLANLAYERS to switch between plans.
6. Label your plan
Use R3DIMS to auto-label boundary segments with bearings, distances, and arc details. Labels can be placed inline or routed to a reference table.
Key commands
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
R3TRAV | Enter a survey traverse |
R3PROPERTIES | Open the properties panel |
R3STRING | Import and draw a survey file (Smart Strings) |
R3UNITS | Configure units |
R3PL | Manage survey plans |
R3DIMS | Auto-label boundaries |
R3IMPORTLANDXML | Import a NSW LandXML file |
R3EXPORTLANDXMLNSW | Export NSW ePlan LandXML |
R3IMPORTSCIMS | Import SCIMS control marks |
R3OFFSET | Offset with unit conversion |
R3HELP | Open documentation |
R3ABOUT | Version info and licence activation |
R3UPDATE | Check for updates |
All R3Survey commands start with R3. Type R3 at the command line and press Tab to see the full list.
Video tutorials
Coming soon. Walkthrough videos covering common workflows will be posted here.
Full documentation
The complete command reference and user guide is at R3Survey Documentation. You can also type R3HELP from within AutoCAD to open it directly.