Installation guide

Northstar CAD + Field

Current versions: Northstar CAD v1.0.2 for Windows + Northstar Field v1.1.3 for Android.

Northstar CAD — Windows

1. Use a 64-bit Windows 10/11 computer with a working graphics/OpenGL driver.
2. Download the private Northstar installer supplied with the commercial package.
3. Verify the supplied checksum before installation.
4. Run the setup program and allow it to create the desktop/Start Menu shortcuts.
5. Open Northstar CAD and set the project coordinate system before geospatial work.

Northstar Field — Android

1. Copy the supplied release APK to the licensed Android device.
2. Allow installation from the trusted file-management source used for delivery.
3. Install Northstar Field and grant only the permissions required for the intended workflow (for example location for Android internal GPS or Bluetooth access for a compatible external rover).
4. Transfer a supported .nscad project or create/open a field project. Project creation and Project Settings include searchable horizontal/compound CRS and vertical-reference selectors.
5. The active job autosaves to app-private storage and is restored automatically after the Android process is restarted. Use manual .nscad export for portable backup, sharing or desktop transfer.
6. Use the Feature / Code Library or begin typing in supported code/description fields to autocomplete from the 781-code offline catalogue; custom client/project codes remain permitted.
7. In Collector, choose the GNSS source: Android Internal GPS or Bluetooth RTK/NMEA. Configure NTRIP only for a compatible external rover workflow.
8. Imported/local project geometry can be viewed, selected and panned without an online basemap. For live receiver transformation, this release natively supports WGS84 GNSS to WGS84 UTM EPSG:326xx/327xx; other selected CRSs are retained without silent approximation. Selecting a vertical reference does not itself apply a geoid model.
9. The Field Collector uses an offline survey canvas. No online basemap setup is required.

Optional desktop integrations

• Agisoft Metashape Professional: required for that photogrammetry backend.
• OpenDroneMap/Docker: optional alternative photogrammetry backend where configured.
• AutoCAD/Civil 3D: required for native DWG automation.
• Internet access: required for Northstar CAD online basemap/search functions and for NTRIP corrections when used in Northstar Field. The Field Collector itself has no web-map dependency.