What is geocoding in Pythagoras?

Geocoding is a powerful feature that turns raw field measurements into a ready-to-use drawing. By using short field codes entered during surveying, Pythagoras automatically creates the correct points, lines, symbols, and text – in the right color, layer, and style.

Instead of getting a cloud of raw coordinates, you'll get a clean, styled representation of the site that’s ready for interpretation and finishing.

How does it work?

Pythagoras converts a simple combination of three components into a visual drawing:

Workflow

1. Survey the field using codes.
   Enter a code at each point (e.g. IC for inspection chamber). Each code will be interpreted by Pythagoras later on.

2. Import the field file into Pythagoras.
   Go to File > Import > Field Memory and select your file.

3. Pythagoras reads the codes, looks up the instructions in the CDF file and draws the result accordingly.

4. End result: a fully styled drawing that’s ready for review and output.

Example

You measure a manhole and enter the code IC.
In the CDF file, IC is defined as a point with a red symbol on the "Inspection Chambers" layer.
Pythagoras will create this automatically when importing.

Things to watch out for

• Always match your CDF to your active library (.LIB).

• Missing or incorrect codes, symbols, layers, or styles may lead to errors or skipped elements.

Using the Text Editor

Pythagoras includes a built-in text editor to check or correct your CDF or field file.

The editor opens automatically:

• When errors are found while importing a field file

• When loading a faulty CDF

To open manually:

1. Go to File > Open Text File

2. Choose your .txt or .cdf file

3. Click Open

What you can do:

• Yellow lines = errors

• Grey lines = warnings or comments

• Navigate with Window > Next Error or Previous Error

• Re-load the file using F1

Common mistakes and how to fix them

1. CDF and Library mismatch

Symptom: the CDF file path shows up in red when loading.

Solution:

• Make sure the correct library is active

• Go to Settings > Symbols > Import System Symbols

• Re-import your .LIB (e.g. Startersbibliotheek.LIB)

2. Measurement errors

Errors in the field file are automatically flagged.

What to do:

• The file opens in the Text Editor

• Yellow = errors, grey = warnings

• Edit directly and press F1 to re-import

3. CDF syntax issues

Examples:

• Missing or extra brackets

• Incorrect attributes or keywords

Solution: Open the file, check the line marked in yellow, and correct it. Use F1 to re-load the CDF.