Q: What operating systems can I run Columbus 4 on?
A: Microsoft Windows 7, Vista, and XP; Apple Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard and 10.7 Lion.

Q: What browsers are supported?
A: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari and Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Note: We do not recommend using Safari on non-Macintosh computers. Using the Backspace key in this scenario may trigger a Previous Page command.

Q: What enhancements have been made to the Columbus 4 network adjustment engine that were not found in Columbus 3.X?
A: The Columbus 4 network adjustment engine includes:

• GPS observations within all 2D and 3D adjustments (local, grid or geodetic).
• Trig leveling adjustments using zenith angles and slope distances.
• 2D adjustments based on approximate station heights (helpful when measuring in highly-variable terrain).
• Coordinate observations are available for Grid and Local adjustments.
• Adjust From File capability

Q: The Columbus file keywords used in Columbus 3.X have changed in Columbus 4; can Columbus 3.X data files be imported into Columbus 4?
A: Yes. Most keywords from Columbus 3.X are supported in Columbus 4.

Please note that in Columbus 4:

• Columbus 3.X keywords starting with $OP_ and $OPT_ are ignored, since we no longer allow changes to preferences via importing a file.
• Preferences must always be changed within the user interface.
• Preferences can be unique for each project.

Q: How do you ensure quality control from one release to another – assuming you will be doing many small releases?
A: Good question! As we build out Columbus 4, we create individual test files that exercise non-user interface code, each of which generates a report. When we determine the report is correct, we give it “Golden” status. Before each release, we run all tests (an automated process) and compare the new results against the golden results. If nothing has changed, we are good to release. If any report changes are detected, we perform a manual inspection to determine if the change is warranted.

To date, we have about 200 different network tests, and the list is growing. We are always looking for additional network files to add to our quality control. If you have a network you would like to add, please send it to support@bestfit.com. Your data will be kept confidential.

One of the reasons we chose a “light” user interface for Columbus 4 is to improve reliability and lessen the chance of introducing problems when the software is updated. A straight-forward user interface is the best way to control quality year after year.