Updates for Jan2026

This update includes long awaited features and functions, that enhance user experience and productivity.

1. Open .xsd files directly

   Right on any of your data files for CanalNet, then choose Open With and pick CanalNetwork.

   
   
   

   Figure: Directly open files from the desktop or windows explorer.

   Note: Use Open Once option, to avoid linking .xsd files to CanalNet only. Remember both iCAD and CanalNet follow the same data format. Hence, the file extension for both is .xsd.

2. Enhanced visualization

   A new set of project settings are introduced to allow for enhanced visualization.

   
   
   

   Figure: New project settings.

   Dynamic Cross-section: When enabled, the cross-section view responds interactively to the instantaneous location of the section marker line in the profile view.

   Contour Base Map: When enabled, adding a topographic data processed with iCAD (and saved contour data) will display the contours for improved visualization and project context.

   Day light Shade: When enabled, canal routes that contain processed profile data will display their foot print in the plan view as shades of colors. This gives a richer visualization, and quicker access to detect potential alignment flaws early on.

3. Raster Image visualizations

   Raster images - from google earth or any other similar sources - can now be added to the project, further enhancing rich visualizations and context.

   
   
   

   Figure: Raster image visualization feature.

4. Improved zone data processing

   Processing sub-surface layer data for canal alignments is a key feature in CanalNet. In this version, it is enhanced to provide improved spatial representation of the data area, cross-section navigation, and layer interface interpolation.

   
   
   

   Figure: Enhanced zone data boundary and cross-seciton visualization.

5. Operate with out AutoCAD

   Users can open files with out the need to open AutoCAD. CanalNet will allow working on the existing data sets as usual, including analysis, boq reporting and saving.

   Simply hold the f key while clicking on the Ok button, and the mode is initiated. Select the host object where your network data resides, and the data will open.

   
   
   

   Figure: Dialog for operating with out AutoCAD.

   Note: All functions requiring interaction with AutoCAD, e.g., adding new alignment routes, importing by instance, drawing generation, etc. will not work.