Recommended Hardware Configurations

Please contact DAT/EM directly on any questions related to the hardware and software prior to purchasing the computer to ensure system compatibility.

  • PC Computer:  Dell Precision T7920 Workstation or higher Dell 7000-series
  • Operating System: Windows 10 or 11 Professional and Enterprise. Home and LTSC are not compatible!
  • Processor: Six Core Intel® Xeon with 2.4GHz processors or higher
  • Memory: 32 GB of SDRAM or higher. If Trimble Inpho 3DX is also installed, 64GB SDRAM or higher. Do not compromise! Low RAM causes trouble!
  • Hard Drive: 1TB SATA Solid State Drive or better
  • Ports: USB ports to support hardware connections. If you have an old serial input device, a serial port adapter may be required.
  • Power Supply: 750W or higher, preferably 1000W or higher. Do not compromise! Low power causes trouble for DAT/EM users!
  • Software for CAD/GIS interfaces: See the current version release notes for a list of compatible AutoCAD, MicroStation, ArcGIS, and Global Mapper versions.
  • Stereo Display choices:
    1. Schneider Digital PluraView - The ultimate stereo viewing system for photogrammetry. Several models and sizes available. Request quote from dealer - Sharper Technology or your local PluraView reseller.
    2. VRLOGIC SeeHawk3D – Daylight suitable display with innovative stereo mirror technology. Request quote from dealer - Sharper Technology or your local reseller.
    3. Vision Engineering Contour and Vectour – The Contour is a glasses-free option and the Vectour uses stereo mirror technology. Request quote from dealer - Sharper Technology or your local reseller.
    4. NVidia 3DVision - Discontinued by nVidia, but still working in Windows 10 and 11 Professional and Enterprise. DAT/EM has a limited supply of new brand-name and generic-brand 3DVision kits for sale through your DAT/EM reseller with purchase of a Summit Professional or Feature Collection license. 3DVision uses a restricted list of monitors, nVidia video card models, and nVidia video and emitter drivers. Contact DAT/EM Support for compatible hardware lists, driver links, and setup instructions.
  • Compatible Graphics Card: Depends on your 3D Display:
    1. For the PluraView: Follow Schneider Digital's recommendations for nVidia Quadro and AMD graphics card models.
    2. For the SeeHawk3D: Follow VRLogic's recommendations.
    3. For the Contour and Vectour displays, follow Vision Engineering's recommendations.
    4. For nVidia 3DVision: Certain models of NVidia Quadro K-, M-, or P-series, Quadro RTX- series, and RTX A-series video cards. Contact DAT/EM Support or your DAT/EM reseller to discuss 3DVision hardware before you purchase. Contact DAT/EM Support for 3DVision setup instructions.
  • Additional CAD/Desktop Monitor(s):
    • At least one LCD/LED Monitor, almost any type, preferably with a Display Port connector. If you have nVidia 3DVision, preferably the same size as your stereo screen. The desktop monitor is not required to have 120Hz refresh.
    • More side monitors, up to the number of free Display Ports on the video card after the 3D display system is connected. If you add another video card to support more side monitors, it must be the same nVidia series as your stereo card.

Laptop Configuration

Here is the basic configuration for a Laptop, for those who may have need of a mobile solution.

  • Dell Precision 7680 or 7780 Mobile Workstation (available for sale as of April 2024).
  • NVIDIA RTX 3500 Ada (minimum!), RTX 4000 Ada (recommended), RTX 5000 Ada (only if you have to have it for other applications)  laptop model video card if using nVidia 3DVision. If using any other brand of stereo display, contact DAT/EM Support.
  • Windows 11 Professional or Enterprise
  • Intel i7 (minimum) or i9 (recommended) Processor as offered by Dell.
  • If there is a choice of power supplies, choose the highest Watts output offered. This helps run the video card in stereo.
  • 32 GB of RAM or more. Do not compromise! Low RAM causes trouble for DAT/EM users!
  • 1TB SATA Solid State Drive or better
  • Note: Dell's built-in 120Hz screen option for laptops does not work for nVidia 3DVision or generic Three-D Vision; you will need an external stereo display as listed below.
  • Note: For legacy Dell 7000-series laptop models, send a Windows DxDiag report to DAT/EM Support for evaluation.

Stereo display options for laptops:

All laptop stereo options are external displays. Use the laptop's built-in display for a side monitor only.

  • For Schneider PluraView, VRLogic SeeHawk3D, and Vision Engineering Contour or Vectour, follow the manufacturer's instructions for laptop setup. In general, these will require a DisplayPort and an HDMI port for the PluraView and SeeHawk3D, or two HDMI connections for the Contour. It may be possible to use a Thunderbolt hub for these, but only if the manufacturer recommends it.
  • nVidia 3DVision and generic Three-D Vision use a restricted list of video card models, monitors, and nVidia video drivers. Contact DAT/EM Support for Three-D Vision kits, compatible hardware lists, driver links, and setup instructions.
  • DAT/EM VR using a Meta Quest headset. Contact DAT/EM Support for setup details.

Software

  • Summit Evolution Professional, Feature Collection, or Lite
  • LandScape
  • DAT/EM Capture for MicroStation
  • DAT/EM Capture for AutoCAD
  • DAT/EM Capture for ArcGIS
  • MapEditor automated editing software for AutoCAD and MicroStation
  • SuperImposition
  • Contour Creator
  • Stereo Viewer

Input Devices

The following 3D input devices are available for purchase from DAT/EM. Dedicated 3D input devices may be used by Summit Evolution Professional and Feature Collection editions and DAT/EM LandScape:

  • GGS SoftMouse 3D USB optical mouse (replacement of Immersion SoftMouse mechanical mouse)
  • Stealth V, Z, and H models.

These additional 3D input devices may be used with Summit Professional and Feature Collection editions but are not sold by DAT/EM:

  • Leica TopoMouse (USB)
  • Z/I Mouse, S3 and S4
  • ISM HandWheels
  • XBox Controller
  • 3DConnexion Space-series mouse

The following items are also available with a Summit system:

  • One or two system mouse devices for controlling Summit Evolution Lite edition. We suggest one 5-button "typical" wheeled system mouse and one trackball type. Supplied by the user.
  • DAT/EM Keypad Controller display option: User-supplied touch-sensitive or non-touch-sensitive Windows display.

Stereo-Viewing Systems

PluraView, SeeHawk3D, Contour, Vectour

For the Schneider Digital PluraView, VRLogic SeeHawk3D, and Vision Engineering Contour and Vectour displays, Request quote from dealer - Sharper Technology or your local distributor.

NVIDIA 3D Vision 2 Kit

Nvidia-3D-Vision-Bundle

DAT/EM carries the generic-brand "Three-D Vision" kits. These contain the same technology as the legacy nVidia-brand 3DVision 2 Kits. The kits includes a USB emitter and active 3D glasses. Note that 3DVision was discontinued by nVidia in April 2019, but still works with specific Windows 10 and 11 versions and specific monitors, video cards, and nVidia driver versions. Ask your DAT/EM reseller about purchasing Three-D Vision. DAT/EM Support can advise you on compatible displays and drivers and offers detailed installation instructions for 3DVision and Three-D Vision.