Field Trip Approval Checklist: Fill & Download for Free

My end of active service after 8 years in the Marine Corps was in June of 1994 but I understand most of the process is still the same. It more or less starts about a year before your contract is up when you have to go and see the Career Jammer...I mean Planner. This is an NCO or Staff NCO whose job it is to try and retain Marines that the Corps would like to keep. My MOS (Military Occupational Skill) was undermanned at the time so the career jammer tried a few times pretty slyly to talk with me about the merits of staying in the Corps but I had made my mind up and it wasn't going to be changed so the conversations were cordial but short. If you want to explore possibilities, they will present those to you of course keeping in mind that their job is to do what's best for the many (The Corps) and not the few (you) necessarily.Getting closer to actual EAS, you have to take a separation physical where you get thoroughly poked and prodded and the doctor, in my case our squadron flight surgeon, reviews your medical record for any abnormal change in your medical condition since you originally enlisted. There are really three things they are looking for...any condition that needs to be treated immediately so you can be healed up before you are separated, any chronic conditions that will require treatment long term and any condition you may have that is a result of military service and will be the basis for a Veteran's Administration claim following your separation. I had to get my annual aero-medical (flight) physical anyway and it was more stringent than the separation physical so I just went down about 90 or so days before I was supposed to get out and killed two birds with one stone. This also involved a trip to the dentist for full checkup and cleaning and a trip to the optometrist to have my vision checked and be issued new glasses.Next I had to sit through a few classes on transition to civilian life, some of the things that would be different, how to look for a new job, how to create a resume (C.V.), different resources available to me, etc. Keep in mind this was pretty much pre-internet so I was given about 15 lbs. of literature (no shit, 15 lbs. I just found the stuff in an old box and tossed it out a couple months ago)After my transition classes the other Marines at work got me what is called a "Short-Timer's Calendar" Most of them might not be appropriate for me to post here, lest someone take offense, but if you want to see a short timer's calendar just search 'Short Timer Calendar Marines' on Google and have a chuckle. I filled in a space each day and the spaces for Saturday and Sunday when I came in on Monday. It was prominently displayed behind my desk. (My last year in the Corps I was an instructor at the Marine Corps' new helicopter crewchief academy and had a desk in the instructor's area) I made sure to point it out to all the other instructors and remind those unfortunate souls who had made the decision to make the Corps a career that it would be years, in some cases, more than a decade, before they would see one of these. Usually this resulted in a string of epithets that Marines are so artful with, typically starting with F&^% and ending with F&^% and often liberally punctuated with this same word in all it's forms and uses, which are many.Around the same time I had to talk with my boss, a Gunnery Sergeant (E-7) and his boss, a Mastery Gunnery Sergeant (E-9) about taking terminal leave. For the uninitiated, Terminal Leave can be granted when the Marine has a balance of leave (military term for vacation) on the books and wants to take it at the end of their contract. Let's say you have 45 days on the books and want to get out 45 days earlier than your end of service date for whatever reason. A lot of guys I knew that were getting out and going back to college took terminal leave to be able to start school at the beginning of a semester. I put in my request for terminal leave and it was approved so now I actually had a last day on the calendar which was formally approved.Once this was in place I had to schedule some different meetings: review of my flight records, review of my maintenance qualification records, review of my flight qualification records, review of my service record book, make sure every damn list of documents that was supposed to be read and signed off on was done and signed and everyone was happy, etc. I also had an debriefing by our intelligence folks to talk about classified information and the fact that there were a few things I shouldn't ever discuss unless I was specifically told it was okay to do so by the proper authority. This is typically the case only where you have had access to specially compartmentalized information. You have a review of what the rules are, a bit of Q&A if you need it and then you get to sign a few more things with bold sections about prison and other horrible possible outcomes from failing to follow the rules, which you have just signed in 15 spots to acknowledge you thoroughly understand.Did I mention there's a lot of signing and initialing? I should also mention that you have to schedule all of this crap around the things that you have to do in the performance of your regular duties.A few days before I was supposed to get out, I had most things done (and signed) and had already transitioned most of my classroom and flying duties over to other instructors so I spent some time at other squadrons catching up with some old friends, swapping contact info, etc. Would have been great to have had FaceBook back then! I also went back to the squadron I had been with for 6.5 years and did some flying with them, some with my students and some just taking flights with other crewchiefs or pilots that I liked. I even spent a day washing a couple of helicopters with my old buddies. We had a couple of parties at work and other Marine's houses, the enlisted club, couple pilots took me to the Officer's club for beers and shots, etc.About a week before my last day I started doing a final checkout on base. I had to go to a bunch of different places and make sure they had no files open with my name on them, pick up medical records, dental records, etc. and turn any field gear in, clean my weapon at the armory and turn my pistol and rifle cards in, etc. Of course I had a checkout sheet and every person I dealt with had to put a note on it or sign it, or both. Pretty much the last thing I did was turn in my flight gear. I got lucky in that they were going to retire my helmet, probably since no one else would ever want to put that nasty sweatbucket on THEIR head. So I walked away with a complete checkout sheet and a souvenir. I then went to the squadron offices and they gave me my personnel records and a Check-IN sheet for separations. I was told to show up over at their offices the next morning around 0800 or something.I appeared at Separations on time and in the Summer Service C uniform (versus a flight suit or cammies which were my norm) and stood in a formation where they called everyone's name. I turned in my record packet and was told to go away and be back at 1300 for another formation. This went on for 2 days. At the end of the second day, the day before I got out, I was told to show up at around 0900 the next day and pick up my walking papers and a check for moving allowances and final pay.My memories of my last day are bit funny. I showed up a bit before the designated time and as it was a little chilly, I had on my leather flight jacket with my uniform. A Staff Sergeant, who must have been having a really bad already, I say this because of the look of twisted rage on her face as she approached me, decided that I would be her target of opportunity. As I got within 50 feet of her heading towards the building she started yelling and shrieking at me in a loud voice. She went on and on about me being out of uniform and that the leather flight jacket was only authorized for commissioned officers, (which isn't the case) blah, blah, blah, blah. I stopped, smiled at her and told her she, with all due respect, should go straight to hell and she could start digging the hole about one meter from where she was standing off to the side of the walk. I pointed. She really cranked the volume up then and started cursing, really pouring on the coal too, she was seriously pissed. I laughed at her, smiled and said, have a nice day, I have to go pick up my discharge papers. I walked off into the building.The final act was to go and review my discharge papers, Department of Defense Form 214 or DD-214 and I believe sign it. I was handed a check for pay and allowances and told that upon my effective date of full discharge, 45 days hence, they would mail me the finished copy of my DD-214 to my home of record and they recommended that I go and have it officially recorded in case I ever lost it. When it was all said and done, this old crusty Gunnery Sergeant came from the back, shook my hand and thanked me for my service to my country and the Marine Corps. The last two things he said to me were have a nice day and to remember, once a Marine, always a Marine. It was a strange feeling when I went back to my apartment and took my uniform off for the last time officially...relief and a bit nerve wracking at the same time.This was my experience anyway. I wish that I would have had those online checklists that Thomas Snerdley talked about but I'm sure there still would have been some a-hole to yell at me on the last day...haha.

I have done quite some research on this and come up with this list of best apps (update for 2018).Here is the link: Best Apps for Architects and Construction - Our selection for 2018 and here is the summary:1 – BIMxBest For: BIM presentation on mobile devicesWorks On: iOS and AndroidPrice: Free (BIMx) or $49.99 (BIMx PRO)If you’re using ARCHICAD, then you should consider BIMx from Graphisoft, an app that allows architects to present or share designs with clients and contractors. The app offers full control of your BIM projects, with a cloud interface for working on site. BIMx helps bridge the gap between the design studio and the construction site, sparing you the misery that comes from printing out plans.Watch the VIDEO.Features:Full access to any BIM content like 3D models, construction drawings, schedules, element or space informationAll-round 3D cutawaysHyper-model technology for integrated 2D and 3D building project navigationAdditional BIMx Pro features:Live presentation with predefined model viewsSmart measure on Layouts and in the 3D modelAirPrint and Google Could Print2 – AutoCAD MobileBest For: Viewing, creating, editing, and sharing AutoCAD drawings on mobile devicesWorks On: iOS, Android, Windows 10Price: AutoCAD mobile Premium is $5/mo or $50/yr, and Ultimate is $15/mo or $100/yrAutoCAD Mobile is a drawing and drafting app that enables you to view, create, edit, and share AutoCAD drawings on mobile devices. It’s a fitting extension to your AutoCAD desktop that lets you share plans across multiple platforms in the DWG format. When you use this app, you can forget bringing drawings to the site — and can use this instead to adjust measurements and annotate on the job.Watch the VIDEO.Features:Access drawings from your mobile device in the field or outside the officeSupport for multiple layers to see more detail and contextual information than with paper drawingsDraft, edit, mark-up, and measure plans at the job site or on the goShare updated drawings with colleagues and clientsSet your location, and walk inside your drawingGet updated drawings in AutoCAD when you get back to the office3 – Construction Master Pro AppBest for: Solving construction-math problems on the jobsite or in the office, including completing layouts, plans, bids, and estimatesWorks On: iOS, Android, WindowsPrice: $24.99Installing a calculator app on your phone saves you from lugging around a physical calculator. The Construction Master Pro App lets you solve tough construction-math problems on the jobsite or in the office, thereby reducing costly errors and saving time and money. CM Pro can help you do almost everything, from laying out stairs to figuring out how much drywall to use to calculating right angle solutions. This app will help you and your crew on every phase of your project’s estimating, bidding and building process.Watch the VIDEO.Features:Dimensional math and conversionsA host of right-angle tools including irregular hip/valley and jacksExpanded and arched rake-wallArea and volume solutionsAdvanced stair layoutsRoof/rafter calculations (bundles, squares, pitch, plan area, etc.)Trigonometric functionsBuilt-in help:just press and hold the desired key for explanationsAdvanced Tape function enables you to display, review, save and email inputs4 – ArchiSnapperBest For: Creating field reports, site inspections, and punch listsWorks On: Web, iOS and AndroidPrice: Starting at $24/monthCreating field reports from site visits can be a long and tedious process. ArchiSnapper is a simple tool that allows you to draft reports with observations, photos, annotations, assignees, and locations on floor plans. After syncing, the reports and to-do lists are available from the cloud account (on your desktop) for further editing and distribution. Just think: No more struggling with Word or Excel to draft field reports –which will save you hours each week!Watch the VIDEO.Features:Collect data, sketch on photos, assign items, and mark up blueprints on-siteFormat the layout of your PDF reportsAutomatic observation numberingClone your previous report to start a new oneManage your observation categories and/or checklistsWork together with your colleagues on the same ArchiSnapper accountCollaborate with (sub)contractors5 – MagicplanBest For: Creating professional floor plans by taking picturesWorks On: iOS and AndroidPrice: $2.99/plan or $9.99/month (for unlimited plans)Over 15 million (!) downloads can’t be wrong. magicplan is a room-scanning app that uses input from either your smartphone or tablet to devise complete floor plans. With its augmented reality technology, magicplan lets you create your floor plan within seconds: Pictures of the corners of the room are turned into measurements and can be fine-tuned in the 2D overview. Or, scan multiple rooms to complete floor plans of entire buildings — and even add furniture if you want. This app takes a bit of practice to get the hang of, but once you’re familiar with how it works, it’s a great tool.Watch the VIDEO.Features:Magical room capture, room drawing, draw over existing floor plan, room assembling, room duplication/mirroring, imperial/metric unitsAdd objects (from the library), annotations, photos and attributes to generate reports or complete estimatesEstimated materials and costsExport floor plans as PDF or CAD filesBackup your plans to the cloud and work together with multiple users on the same account6 – Morpholio Trace ProBest for: Drawing revisions and sketching with layersWorks On: iOSPrice: Free, with monthly or yearly subscription for full PRO featuresMorpholio Trace is a great sketching app for architects. Used with an iPad or iPad Pro and Apple Pencil, it allows users to instantly draw on top of imported images, or background templates, layering comments or ideas to generate immediate sketches that are easy to circulate. Based on the reviews, it’s clear that users really love this app.Watch the VIDEO.Features:Create designs with color, templates, styles, stencils and layersMark-up plans, drawings, progress images or contact sheetsUse any two points to set a scale in imperial or metric unitsImport images from other sources, take pictures and add markups7 – TSheetsBest For: Tracking your timeWorks On: Web, iOS and AndroidCost: Free for the first user, $16 base fee + $4 per user/month starting from the second userFor most architects, how much time you spend directly affects how much money you’ll earn. So tracking time correctly is crucial for making sure you get paid correctly. Enter TSheets, which allows you to perform these tasks on your phone. No more illegible or lost paper time cards, and no more payroll spreadsheets!Watch the VIDEO.Features:Very simple and easy to use (We and some of our customers have tried it ourselves; no training or manuals needed.)Facial recognition technology to deter buddy punchingA wall-mounted time clock app (called “TSheets Kiosk”) is ideal for job sitesAbility to attach photos to timesheetsConnects to your favorite accounting or payroll softwareTSheets GPS time clock maps employee locations as they move and travel throughout the dayComing soon: Location aware tracking (like geofencing, only better)8 – Sun SeekerBest For: Tracking and analyzing solar path and shadeWorks On: iOS and AndroidPrice: $9.99Although not purely focused on the architectural field, this app makes a great companion tool for architects. It helps you decide on the right orientation for your buildings by providing data like the solar path, the winter and summer solstice paths, and sunrise and sunset times. Using a highly-interactive augmented 3D view, it allows you to instantly determine the amount of sunlight your building will receive.Watch the VIDEO.Features:Uses GPS, magnetometer and gyroscope to find the correct solar position and path for your current location3D augmented reality camera overlay view showing the sun’s current position, and its path with hour points markedCamera view also has an optional pointer to guide you toward the current location of the sunMap view showing solar direction arrows and elevations for each hour of the dayAbility to choose any date and view solar path for that day9 – Shapr3DBest For: 3D modeling with Apple PencilWorks On: iOS onlyPrice: Free; PRO subscription costs $29.99/month or $299.99/yearShapr3D is a 3D CAD app for the iPad and the Apple Pencil. It enables architects to draw sketches quickly and easily before turning them into 3D shapes. Shapr3D can be used together with other CAD software. It’s designed for precise solid modeling and runs on the same engine as most of the desktop CADs, Parasolid. Thanks to its novel interface and user experience, it can be used to create 3D sketches much faster than with traditional 3D CAD. Contrary to the typical CAD software, with Shapr3D and its neat UX/UI, there’s no need to watch lots of YouTube videos before you can start doing simple things. Click here to readhow an architect uses Shapr3D.Watch the VIDEO.Features:Draw sketches quickly, and make them well-defined with powerful constraint toolsLoad models (XT, STEP, IGES, SHAPR) and start manipulating them or importing images as a referenceExport in common 3D formats (XT, STEP, IGES, STL) and use them in CAD appsSend your model to your 3D printer cutter software10 – Autodesk FormItBest for: 3D modeling software that enables sketching, collaborating, analyzing, and sharing early-stage design concepts from your phone or tabletWorks On: Web, iOSPrice: Click here to compare FormIt (free) with FormIt PRO (Note: FormIt Pro is available only as part of the Autodesk Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection, which also includes Revit, Autocad, etc.)While SketchUp has been all-dominating in this space, we see Autodesk FormIt, which offers intuitive 3D sketching in a web browser or mobile app, as a worthy contender. Conceptual design should drive BIM: With FormIt, you can begin the conceptual design (defining floor layers, orientation, building envelope and floor plans), and once the design is settled, continue the working drawings process inside Revit. (When a conceptual design is in SketchUp, the geometry really isn’t going to work seamlessly in Revit.)Watch the VIDEO.Features:Core functionality is free, and includes the 3D sketching tools, advanced geometry, two-way connection to Revit, and the FormIt Converter for importing existing SketchUp filesFormit PRO comes with advanced features like integrated energy analysis, parametric conceptual design, real-time collaboration, customized design, and a Windows installed versionThe FormIt and Dynamo Studio connection enables customized parametric content to be placed and manipulated in FormIt — which enables you to review numerous design options quickly before making decisions11 – iHandy LevelBest For: Checking the level of surfacesOperating System: iOS and AndroidPrice: FreeThis app allows you to check the level of surfaces using only your cell phone. This pocket leveler features a traditional bubble level interface, as well as a digital display of the current angle, measured in degrees from the horizontal.Watch the VIDEO.Features? No need to include extra features for this one. Its beauty is in its simplicity.Bonus Apps for The Road12 – WazeBest for: Avoiding traffic jamsPrice: FreeWorks On: Android and iOSWaze is a free navigation app that saves you from wasting time in traffic. It uses user feedback — like mentions of traffic jams, police locations, and roadblocks — to find better routes for your next trip. Waze (or Google Maps, which is very similar) is a must-have, especially for architects, contractors, and construction engineers who are often on the road. Let’s not forget: Time is your most valuable asset, so being stuck in the middle of traffic is a huge pain. Not to mention, traffic jams are stressful! (More about avoiding stress below.)Watch the VIDEO.Features:Fastest route to destinationReminder for when to leave, based on actual traffic conditionsFind the cheapest, closest gasGet alerts when you’re over the speed limit13 ExpensifyBest for: Managing receipts and expensesWorks On: Web, iOS and AndroidPrice: Free for individuals, $5/month per user for small companies (like most architecture firms)This app was not designed specifically for architects, but it’s a real productivity booster for anyone struggling with expenses. Architects are often on the road, and keeping track of expenses like food, travel, and fuel can be a pain. Expensify automates every step, from receipt scanning through reimbursement. Even expense reports are finished in just one click: Simply take a photo of a receipt, and the app adds it to an expense report, which can automatically be submitted, approved, and even reimbursed the very next day.Watch the VIDEO.Features:One-click receipt trackingAutomatic expense reporting and submitting for approvalNext-day reimbursementIntegrations with all major accounting softwaresIf all these apps can’t help you save time and reduce stress, and you’re desperate for piece of mind, there’s only one last app we recommend…14 Calm – Meditate, Sleep, Relax :)Best For: Practicing meditation and mindfulnessPrice: $12.99/month, $59.99/year, or $299.99 for a lifetime subscriptionAvailable on: Web, iOS and AndroidCalm uses mindfulness and meditation to bring more clarity, joy, and peace to your daily life. Whether you’re an experienced meditator or a beginner, there are sessions for you on Calm. A subscription gives you access to a new inspiration and meditation session every day, along with multi-day themed programs and individual guided and unguided meditations. Calm has more than 200,000 reviews and is ranked in the top five health and fitness apps, so it’s a safe choice for anyone hoping to get started with meditation.Hope you like this list, and feel free to check out the full article here: Best Apps for Architects and Construction - Our selection for 2018

Hi! I did quite some research on this and came up with a list of best the iOS apps for architects for 2018. You can find the list here: Best Apps for Architects and Construction - Our selection for 2018. Here’s the summary:1 – BIMxBest For: BIM presentation on mobile devicesWorks On: iOS and AndroidPrice: Free (BIMx) or $49.99 (BIMx PRO)If you’re using ARCHICAD, then you should consider BIMx from Graphisoft, an app that allows architects to present or share designs with clients and contractors. The app offers full control of your BIM projects, with a cloud interface for working on site. BIMx helps bridge the gap between the design studio and the construction site, sparing you the misery that comes from printing out plans.Watch the VIDEO.Features:Full access to any BIM content like 3D models, construction drawings, schedules, element or space informationAll-round 3D cutawaysHyper-model technology for integrated 2D and 3D building project navigationAdditional BIMx Pro features:Live presentation with predefined model viewsSmart measure on Layouts and in the 3D modelAirPrint and Google Could Print2 – AutoCAD MobileBest For: Viewing, creating, editing, and sharing AutoCAD drawings on mobile devicesWorks On: iOS, Android, Windows 10Price: AutoCAD mobile Premium is $5/mo or $50/yr, and Ultimate is $15/mo or $100/yrAutoCAD Mobile is a drawing and drafting app that enables you to view, create, edit, and share AutoCAD drawings on mobile devices. It’s a fitting extension to your AutoCAD desktop that lets you share plans across multiple platforms in the DWG format. When you use this app, you can forget bringing drawings to the site — and can use this instead to adjust measurements and annotate on the job.Watch the VIDEO.Features:Access drawings from your mobile device in the field or outside the officeSupport for multiple layers to see more detail and contextual information than with paper drawingsDraft, edit, mark-up, and measure plans at the job site or on the goShare updated drawings with colleagues and clientsSet your location, and walk inside your drawingGet updated drawings in AutoCAD when you get back to the office3 – Construction Master Pro AppBest for: Solving construction-math problems on the jobsite or in the office, including completing layouts, plans, bids, and estimatesWorks On: iOS, Android, WindowsPrice: $24.99Installing a calculator app on your phone saves you from lugging around a physical calculator. The Construction Master Pro App lets you solve tough construction-math problems on the jobsite or in the office, thereby reducing costly errors and saving time and money. CM Pro can help you do almost everything, from laying out stairs to figuring out how much drywall to use to calculating right angle solutions. This app will help you and your crew on every phase of your project’s estimating, bidding and building process.Watch the VIDEO.Features:Dimensional math and conversionsA host of right-angle tools including irregular hip/valley and jacksExpanded and arched rake-wallArea and volume solutionsAdvanced stair layoutsRoof/rafter calculations (bundles, squares, pitch, plan area, etc.)Trigonometric functionsBuilt-in help:just press and hold the desired key for explanationsAdvanced Tape function enables you to display, review, save and email inputs4 – ArchiSnapperBest For: Creating field reports, site inspections, and punch listsWorks On: Web, iOS and AndroidPrice: Starting at $24/monthCreating field reports from site visits can be a long and tedious process. ArchiSnapper is a simple tool that allows you to draft reports with observations, photos, annotations, assignees, and locations on floor plans. After syncing, the reports and to-do lists are available from the cloud account (on your desktop) for further editing and distribution. Just think: No more struggling with Word or Excel to draft field reports –which will save you hours each week!Watch the VIDEO.Features:Collect data, sketch on photos, assign items, and mark up blueprints on-siteFormat the layout of your PDF reportsAutomatic observation numberingClone your previous report to start a new oneManage your observation categories and/or checklistsWork together with your colleagues on the same ArchiSnapper accountCollaborate with (sub)contractors5 – MagicplanBest For: Creating professional floor plans by taking picturesWorks On: iOS and AndroidPrice: $2.99/plan or $9.99/month (for unlimited plans)Over 15 million (!) downloads can’t be wrong. magicplan is a room-scanning app that uses input from either your smartphone or tablet to devise complete floor plans. With its augmented reality technology, magicplan lets you create your floor plan within seconds: Pictures of the corners of the room are turned into measurements and can be fine-tuned in the 2D overview. Or, scan multiple rooms to complete floor plans of entire buildings — and even add furniture if you want. This app takes a bit of practice to get the hang of, but once you’re familiar with how it works, it’s a great tool.Watch the VIDEO.Features:Magical room capture, room drawing, draw over existing floor plan, room assembling, room duplication/mirroring, imperial/metric unitsAdd objects (from the library), annotations, photos and attributes to generate reports or complete estimatesEstimated materials and costsExport floor plans as PDF or CAD filesBackup your plans to the cloud and work together with multiple users on the same account6 – Morpholio Trace ProBest for: Drawing revisions and sketching with layersWorks On: iOSPrice: Free, with monthly or yearly subscription for full PRO featuresMorpholio Trace is a great sketching app for architects. Used with an iPad or iPad Pro and Apple Pencil, it allows users to instantly draw on top of imported images, or background templates, layering comments or ideas to generate immediate sketches that are easy to circulate. Based on the reviews, it’s clear that users really love this app.Watch the VIDEO.Features:Create designs with color, templates, styles, stencils and layersMark-up plans, drawings, progress images or contact sheetsUse any two points to set a scale in imperial or metric unitsImport images from other sources, take pictures and add markups7 – TSheetsBest For: Tracking your timeWorks On: Web, iOS and AndroidCost: Free for the first user, $16 base fee + $4 per user/month starting from the second userFor most architects, how much time you spend directly affects how much money you’ll earn. So tracking time correctly is crucial for making sure you get paid correctly. Enter TSheets, which allows you to perform these tasks on your phone. No more illegible or lost paper time cards, and no more payroll spreadsheets!Watch the VIDEO.Features:Very simple and easy to use (We and some of our customers have tried it ourselves; no training or manuals needed.)Facial recognition technology to deter buddy punchingA wall-mounted time clock app (called “TSheets Kiosk”) is ideal for job sitesAbility to attach photos to timesheetsConnects to your favorite accounting or payroll softwareTSheets GPS time clock maps employee locations as they move and travel throughout the dayComing soon: Location aware tracking (like geofencing, only better)8 – Sun SeekerBest For: Tracking and analyzing solar path and shadeWorks On: iOS and AndroidPrice: $9.99Although not purely focused on the architectural field, this app makes a great companion tool for architects. It helps you decide on the right orientation for your buildings by providing data like the solar path, the winter and summer solstice paths, and sunrise and sunset times. Using a highly-interactive augmented 3D view, it allows you to instantly determine the amount of sunlight your building will receive.Watch the VIDEO.Features:Uses GPS, magnetometer and gyroscope to find the correct solar position and path for your current location3D augmented reality camera overlay view showing the sun’s current position, and its path with hour points markedCamera view also has an optional pointer to guide you toward the current location of the sunMap view showing solar direction arrows and elevations for each hour of the dayAbility to choose any date and view solar path for that day9 – Shapr3DBest For: 3D modeling with Apple PencilWorks On: iOS onlyPrice: Free; PRO subscription costs $29.99/month or $299.99/yearShapr3D is a 3D CAD app for the iPad and the Apple Pencil. It enables architects to draw sketches quickly and easily before turning them into 3D shapes. Shapr3D can be used together with other CAD software. It’s designed for precise solid modeling and runs on the same engine as most of the desktop CADs, Parasolid. Thanks to its novel interface and user experience, it can be used to create 3D sketches much faster than with traditional 3D CAD. Contrary to the typical CAD software, with Shapr3D and its neat UX/UI, there’s no need to watch lots of YouTube videos before you can start doing simple things. Click here to readhow an architect uses Shapr3D.Watch the VIDEO.Features:Draw sketches quickly, and make them well-defined with powerful constraint toolsLoad models (XT, STEP, IGES, SHAPR) and start manipulating them or importing images as a referenceExport in common 3D formats (XT, STEP, IGES, STL) and use them in CAD appsSend your model to your 3D printer cutter software10 – Autodesk FormItBest for: 3D modeling software that enables sketching, collaborating, analyzing, and sharing early-stage design concepts from your phone or tabletWorks On: Web, iOSPrice: Click here to compare FormIt (free) with FormIt PRO (Note: FormIt Pro is available only as part of the Autodesk Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection, which also includes Revit, Autocad, etc.)While SketchUp has been all-dominating in this space, we see Autodesk FormIt, which offers intuitive 3D sketching in a web browser or mobile app, as a worthy contender. Conceptual design should drive BIM: With FormIt, you can begin the conceptual design (defining floor layers, orientation, building envelope and floor plans), and once the design is settled, continue the working drawings process inside Revit. (When a conceptual design is in SketchUp, the geometry really isn’t going to work seamlessly in Revit.)Watch the VIDEO.Features:Core functionality is free, and includes the 3D sketching tools, advanced geometry, two-way connection to Revit, and the FormIt Converter for importing existing SketchUp filesFormit PRO comes with advanced features like integrated energy analysis, parametric conceptual design, real-time collaboration, customized design, and a Windows installed versionThe FormIt and Dynamo Studio connection enables customized parametric content to be placed and manipulated in FormIt — which enables you to review numerous design options quickly before making decisions11 – iHandy LevelBest For: Checking the level of surfacesOperating System: iOS and AndroidPrice: FreeThis app allows you to check the level of surfaces using only your cell phone. This pocket leveler features a traditional bubble level interface, as well as a digital display of the current angle, measured in degrees from the horizontal.Watch the VIDEO.Features? No need to include extra features for this one. Its beauty is in its simplicity.Bonus Apps for The Road12 – WazeBest for: Avoiding traffic jamsPrice: FreeWorks On: Android and iOSWaze is a free navigation app that saves you from wasting time in traffic. It uses user feedback — like mentions of traffic jams, police locations, and roadblocks — to find better routes for your next trip. Waze (or Google Maps, which is very similar) is a must-have, especially for architects, contractors, and construction engineers who are often on the road. Let’s not forget: Time is your most valuable asset, so being stuck in the middle of traffic is a huge pain. Not to mention, traffic jams are stressful! (More about avoiding stress below.)Watch the VIDEO.Features:Fastest route to destinationReminder for when to leave, based on actual traffic conditionsFind the cheapest, closest gasGet alerts when you’re over the speed limit13 ExpensifyBest for: Managing receipts and expensesWorks On: Web, iOS and AndroidPrice: Free for individuals, $5/month per user for small companies (like most architecture firms)This app was not designed specifically for architects, but it’s a real productivity booster for anyone struggling with expenses. Architects are often on the road, and keeping track of expenses like food, travel, and fuel can be a pain. Expensify automates every step, from receipt scanning through reimbursement. Even expense reports are finished in just one click: Simply take a photo of a receipt, and the app adds it to an expense report, which can automatically be submitted, approved, and even reimbursed the very next day.Watch the VIDEO.Features:One-click receipt trackingAutomatic expense reporting and submitting for approvalNext-day reimbursementIntegrations with all major accounting softwaresIf all these apps can’t help you save time and reduce stress, and you’re desperate for piece of mind, there’s only one last app we recommend…14 Calm – Meditate, Sleep, Relax :)Best For: Practicing meditation and mindfulnessPrice: $12.99/month, $59.99/year, or $299.99 for a lifetime subscriptionAvailable on: Web, iOS and AndroidCalm uses mindfulness and meditation to bring more clarity, joy, and peace to your daily life. Whether you’re an experienced meditator or a beginner, there are sessions for you on Calm. A subscription gives you access to a new inspiration and meditation session every day, along with multi-day themed programs and individual guided and unguided meditations. Calm has more than 200,000 reviews and is ranked in the top five health and fitness apps, so it’s a safe choice for anyone hoping to get started with meditation.Get started with your first 10 minutes of mindful meditation.I hope you like my list. You can read the full article here: Best Apps for Architects and Construction - Our selection for 2018Thank you!Jerry