Photometrics

[goingvirtual]

What are the minimum recommended system requirements to use photometrics? I had tested it a couple of years ago but we didn't have the ability to scan blueprints at the time and photographing the plans produced distorted images that didn't work very well. Now we have a large format scanner but I'm concerned about whether my PC and 20 inch monitor will be sufficient.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Randall Garrett]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for writing. What version of Apex are you currently using?
In any version of Apex , the Photometrics feature doesn't really add any significant additional demands on your computer or monitor specs for most users. Generally speaking, if you can run Apex without issues, Photometrics will run just fine. Used properly, Photometrics is a very popular feature which has saved customers with those needs a LOT of time over the years

With respect to monitor specs, by your mentioning a large format scanner, I'm envisioning that you're going to be doing very large buildings, office or apartment complexes, tracts, etc. Let me know what your current computer specs are and an idea of what sort of things you'll be wanting to use Photometrics for, and I can get more specific about recommendations for any upgrades IF needed. That said, the larger the monitor and the higher the resolution, the less zooming and panning you need to do when your scans are very large/detailed. It sounds like you're looking for a "sweet spot" recommendation, so maybe what some other high volume users who do large items will help you bracket what would work best for you.

"Regular users, looking at residential and small commercial properties seem to favor a Core i7 PC with 16 GB of RAM and a speedy SSD - generally a 1 TB "C:" drive and multiple TB for their data drive. This isn't really anything more than what we see most regular residential appraisers running their full appraisal suites on. Note, however, that unless you are doing some significant video rendering, I recommend a contemporary Core i5 and using the money saved to beef up other items in your system. Generally speaking, most appraisal software loves lots of RAM and a really fast SSD. Apex isn't such a "hog" but if your other needs demand it, we'll use it, but don't expect to see huge gains there. For a drawing program, a large, high quality monitor is welcomed by all At the opposite end of the spectrum, our user who probably has the largest number of VERY large and complicated buildings to do is Clark County - Las Vegas, NV. The number and complexity of their casino/hotels is staggering and I'm sure you can imagine what they need to do on a regular basis. They ended up purchasing the 55" Microsoft Surface Hub systems. I believe they would have been better off purchasing more of the less expensive Surface Studio which have a 28" screen with the superior 3:2 aspect ratio. I should note that Las Vegas is a heavy user of the Surface Pen and that is a major factor for them. Other large volume users with large/complicated buildings are now doing Core i5 systems and 32" screens...None of these systems need a monster video card, either - just something contemporary. Even a decent "integrated" video subsystem will do fo the 95% user profile.

Finally, feel free to PM me with your contact info and I'll get Brian to contact you to help you wade through things moving forward. Brian is our lead tech, not a salesperson, so he won't be trying to sell you something. He knows Photometrics well and deals with regular and heavy users often, so spending a few minutes with him could not only save you money, but also assist you in getting the best bang for the buck. BTW, there will be no charge for the call - we're happy to help.

Hope this helps!


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+
/end/

 

[goingvirtual]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for writing. What version of Apex are you currently using?
In any version of Apex , the Photometrics feature doesn't really add any significant additional demands on your computer or monitor specs for most users. Generally speaking, if you can run Apex without issues, Photometrics will run just fine. Used properly, Photometrics is a very popular feature which has saved customers with those needs a LOT of time over the years

With respect to monitor specs, by your mentioning a large format scanner, I'm envisioning that you're going to be doing very large buildings, office or apartment complexes, tracts, etc. Let me know what your current computer specs are and an idea of what sort of things you'll be wanting to use Photometrics for, and I can get more specific about recommendations for any upgrades IF needed. That said, the larger the monitor and the higher the resolution, the less zooming and panning you need to do when your scans are very large/detailed. It sounds like you're looking for a "sweet spot" recommendation, so maybe what some other high volume users who do large items will help you bracket what would work best for you.

"Regular users, looking at residential and small commercial properties seem to favor a Core i7 PC with 16 GB of RAM and a speedy SSD - generally a 1 TB "C:" drive and multiple TB for their data drive. This isn't really anything more than what we see most regular residential appraisers running their full appraisal suites on. Note, however, that unless you are doing some significant video rendering, I recommend a contemporary Core i5 and using the money saved to beef up other items in your system. Generally speaking, most appraisal software loves lots of RAM and a really fast SSD. Apex isn't such a "hog" but if your other needs demand it, we'll use it, but don't expect to see huge gains there. For a drawing program, a large, high quality monitor is welcomed by all At the opposite end of the spectrum, our user who probably has the largest number of VERY large and complicated buildings to do is Clark County - Las Vegas, NV. The number and complexity of their casino/hotels is staggering and I'm sure you can imagine what they need to do on a regular basis. They ended up purchasing the 55" Microsoft Surface Hub systems. I believe they would have been better off purchasing more of the less expensive Surface Studio which have a 28" screen with the superior 3:2 aspect ratio. I should note that Las Vegas is a heavy user of the Surface Pen and that is a major factor for them. Other large volume users with large/complicated buildings are now doing Core i5 systems and 32" screens...None of these systems need a monster video card, either - just something contemporary. Even a decent "integrated" video subsystem will do fo the 95% user profile.

Finally, feel free to PM me with your contact info and I'll get Brian to contact you to help you wade through things moving forward. Brian is our lead tech, not a salesperson, so he won't be trying to sell you something. He knows Photometrics well and deals with regular and heavy users often, so spending a few minutes with him could not only save you money, but also assist you in getting the best bang for the buck. BTW, there will be no charge for the call - we're happy to help.

Hope this helps!


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+
/end/

Randy,

I'm using Apex Sketch v7 Standard, which runs fine on both my PC and laptop. I will mainly be using this to put large residential properties into our CAMA system, although we occasionally enter relatively complex commercial properties as well. I first became familiar with Photometrics a few years ago at a joint presentation by Clark County and Apex at an IAAO convention, so I'm aware of its time saving potential.

Based on the information you provided, I think my PC could handle it. We would only use this for a relatively low percentage of properties, so I don't anticipate that my employer will approve any hardware upgrades.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Randall Garrett]

Great, Mike!

Sounds like you have things handled. Don't hesitate to reach out if you want/need a little "Tips and Tricks" training - Brian loves doing it and we always learn something from seeing what users are working on and visiting on things we could do to improve the work flow.

I would reiterate that a 20" monitor, especially if it is a 16:9 aspect ratio and/or 1080P, would be the FIRST think I would look into. f it were me, I would skip a 24 and go straight to a 27" monitor and really try to get one that is a 16:10 aspect ratio. It used to be "common" for those to be 1920 x 1200 and that should be adequate for 95%+ of what you describe. I'm not really a fan of "4K" monitors unless you are at 34" or larger. You might want to "top out" at one that is "1440P"... Color accuracy doesn't really matter, just one with a non-glossy screen and a good refresh rate. I'm happy to send a link or two to some generic reviews if that will help. Now, finding a 16:10 1440P monitor is very tough, so IMHO for the best bang for the buck, you may find better value in going with a 16:9 monitor that is larger (32")... I'm seeing several 32" monitors that are 2560 x 1440 that are running under $300. What IO want you to be especially careful of is that we humans are really sensitive to the height of the screen, so in order to achieve a more meaningful increase in working area, you may want to get something just a little larger than the largest one you were looking at. That is, if you think a 24' is a good enough upgrade, go to a 27. If you like the 27", really consider a 32". FWIW, on my own 63" x 31" desk, I am using a 43" monitor and I love it. No, it is not too big... LOL. Again, I do not recommend a crappy monitor, but with what you are trying to do, a well reviewed 1440P monitor in the 32" range from a recognized manufacturer should be under $300 and will serve you well. A 27" is surprisingly running about the same price - it may have better color depth, etc., but again, that is not something really necessary for what you are doing.

Hope this helps!


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+
/end/

 

[CANative]

If you have one good measurement, the set scale function works great. Set it once and then trace the image you loaded.

A private client sent me a tiny sketch she took on her phone from a prior appraisal. Could only make out one or two measurements. Set the scale to one of the 35 foot lines and it was then easy to trace. About 20 sf variance from what was in the original report on a 3900+ sf residence.

 

[Randall Garrett]

If you have one good measurement, the set scale function works great. Set it once and then trace the image you loaded.

A private client sent me a tiny sketch she took on her phone from a prior appraisal. Could only make out one or two measurements. Set the scale to one of the 35 foot lines and it was then easy to trace. About 20 sf variance from what was in the original report on a 3900+ sf residence.

Glad things worked out for you! Too bad they pic they sent wasn't a little better quality...
Thanks for posting your feedback!


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

PS - What part of CA are you in? I was in the Newport Beach/Costa Mesa area last week and tend to travel there a few times a year to visit. Let me know by PM if you'd like to meet up sometime.
/end/

 

[goingvirtual]

If you have one good measurement, the set scale function works great. Set it once and then trace the image you loaded.

A private client sent me a tiny sketch she took on her phone from a prior appraisal. Could only make out one or two measurements. Set the scale to one of the 35 foot lines and it was then easy to trace. About 20 sf variance from what was in the original report on a 3900+ sf residence.

A guy from Apex demonstrated that feature and others to me last week in an online demo. I'm looking forward to learning how to use this tool because it will be a big time-saver when I'm inputting complex properties.

Mike

 

[CANative]

Glad things worked out for you! Too bad they pic they sent wasn't a little better quality...
Thanks for posting your feedback!


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

PS - What part of CA are you in? I was in the Newport Beach/Costa Mesa area last week and tend to travel there a few times a year to visit. Let me know by PM if you'd like to meet up sometime.
/end/

Northern CA. About an 8 hour drive to Costa Mesa. Growing up in SoCal with grandparents in Laguna and Huntington Beach, we were in an out of Newport/Costa Mesa a lot. I remember once, mom and dad were making a killing in RE (as opposed to climbing power poles) and were considering buying a boat. Took a test ride in a converted PT boat named "The Dry Martini." lol

 

[Randall Garrett]

Cool story! I'll let you know when I'm out that way again. One of my favorite programmers lives in OR so, depending on the weather in Sept/Oct, we may drive up that way before heading back to South Texas.

If you run or Mike (goingvirtual) into any issues using PhotoMetrics, don't hesitate to let me or Brian know. We're always interested in seeing how we can improve things and getting real world user feedback is most helpful. Brian especially loves getting unusual files to test with and getting feedback from users - helping users on stuff like this is one of the things that is a little ore fun that other things...

Warm regards,

-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+
/end/

 

[CANative]

It can be annoying when the loaded image won't cooperate (resizes, disappears, won't change scale independently from the working sketch, etc.) The up, down, left, right tools pretty much solve most of that but it's not perfect. But I'm still use Apex 5.