Down in the exhibit hall, I was really happy to see that Trimble had a booth.   From a survey standpoint, it’s great to see one of the largest survey equipment and software providers in the industry here, and I took it as a nice time to find out some info.    To be honest, I was a bit disappointed, and here’s why…

Trimble, I realize that you have some really incredible survey equipment.   As a matter of fact, a lot of it was set up there, all yellow and shiny, looking ready for purchase.   I like seeing the latest concepts in GPS as much as the other guy.   However, it’s a good idea to research what venue you’re currently demonstrating in.

Autodesk University is a conference of over 7500 Autodesk software users.   A good portion of those perform engineering and surveying tasks.   Field work is very important to the process, I’ll agree.   However, knowing at least a minimum amount information about the software that’s hosting the conference is pretty important as well.   One person that I talked to had no idea what I was talking about when I mentioned Trimble Link and Civil 3D.   With another, I inquired as to which LandXML schema a certain TDS software was built on.   The answer I got:  “What’s a schema?”    Any questions about TDS software (still a VERY major player in this industry) were met with blank stares.

I’m disappointed.   I like Trimble, and what they can do, but I’ve been less than thrilled with their support.  The major concept that they get into their head is the fact that field work is only a part of the job – there’s still the task of analyzing and reporting on the data that’s collected in the field.   By not supporting those users here, they’re really alienating a certain faction of their users.

Maybe tonight I’ll go over and talk to the Leica booth…