T-Converter
T-Converter is the coordinate transformation module of MarineBenchVue. It reads geodetic coordinate files exported from Sonar Viewer and converts them into any required projected coordinate system.
Main Interface
The T-Converter interface has the following elements:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Input File | Path to the CSV/BLH file exported from Sonar Viewer |
| Coordinate System | Target projected coordinate system selector |
| Parameters | Datum transformation parameters and zone settings |
| Output File | Path and filename for the converted output |
| Convert button | Start the conversion process |
Workflow
Step 1 — Export from Sonar Viewer
Export your corrected depth data from Sonar Viewer in BLH (HGO) or CSV format. Ensure GPS coordinates are included in the export.
Step 2 — Open T-Converter
Launch T-Converter from the MarineBenchVue start menu or from within Sonar Viewer via the Tools menu.
T-Converter automatically detects and opens the most recently exported depth file. You can also browse to a file manually using the Open button.
Step 3 — Set Parameters
Click "Set Para" to configure the coordinate transformation:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Source CRS | The geodetic datum of your input data (default: WGS84) |
| Target CRS | The projected coordinate system required for your project (e.g. UTM, Gauss-Krüger, local grid) |
| Central Meridian | Required for Transverse Mercator projections |
| False Easting / Northing | Offset values for the target projection |
| Scale Factor | Projection scale (default 1.0 for most systems) |
| Datum Shift | Three-parameter or seven-parameter datum transformation if required |
Step 4 — Convert
Click "Convert" to process the file. T-Converter will:
- Read all coordinate records from the input file
- Apply the datum transformation (if configured)
- Project the geodetic coordinates into the target system
- Write the output file in DAT format
Step 5 — Review Output
The output .dat file contains the converted Easting, Northing, and elevation values alongside the original depth data. This file can be imported directly into CAD software, GIS platforms, or hydrographic processing suites.
Note: For single-point conversions, enter the latitude and longitude directly in the input fields at the top of the T-Converter interface and click "Calc" to see the result immediately without writing to a file.