Operation
Adaptive user interface
Sherpa adapts to the current step and user role, surfacing only the functions you need next.
Less complexity, shorter onboarding, confident operation.
WHY SherPA
Your reliable guide to topography
//Sherpa is built around one goal: reduce the complexity of surface metrology while keeping the control expert users expect. As a new software generation it also forms a scalable foundation for future workflows and capabilities— so the value keeps growing over time, especially for existing systems. You benefit from:
- Guided, adaptive operation
An interface that shows only the options relevant to the current step, in your preferred dark or light mode. - Reliable setup
Click-to-position, Focus Finder & Focus Tracker, Auto-level, Smart Scanning Technology & HDR as tiny automated helpers in the background. - Transparent results
Live filtering and raw data access make settings and outcomes traceable. - Automation for routine tasks
Recipes, tray measurement and pattern matching for repeatable throughput.
KEY Functions
Make surface metrology easier, faster and more reliable
//In everyday surface metrology, three challenges keep coming up: manual preparation takes time, overloaded interfaces invite operating errors, and results are hard to keep comparable across teams, shifts and sites. Sherpa is built to address exactly these. Five core functions cover the entire measurement process — from operation and preparation through evaluation to automation.
Preparation
Virtual positioning
Click-to-position, simplified axis control, Focus Finder & Focus Tracker and Auto-level support targeting and alignment.
From sample to measurement faster, fewer manual steps.
Acquisition
Smart scanning technology & HDR
Reliable measurement on surfaces with varying reflectivity; during HDR, Sherpa automatically adds and fine-tunes exposure settings based on real measurement data.
More reliable data on challenging surfaces, fewer repeats.
Analysis
Filtering & raw data access
Smart filter presets, live filtering, expert mode, raw data access and the Line Analyzer make settings and results visible.
Traceable results you can validate and explore in depth.
Automation
Pattern matching, recipes, & tray
Pattern matching and reusable recipes plus tray measurement inspect identical parts automatically.
Less routine work, better repeatability, higher throughput.
Every function in one guided process
From setup through True Stitching to standards-based evaluation.
See it live in demo
For Beginners & Professionals
Fast, guided measurements for everyday work
//For getting started in the lab as well as for production testing, Sherpa simplifies everyday measurement tasks through guided workflows and an adaptable interface. It enables quick assessments and accelerates measurement procedures while minimizing the risk of operator errors — reliable and consistent results.
Recall recipes
Load and save recipes and get started quickly. Recipes bundle the right settings for a part, and can optionally be triggered by a barcode scanner, so the correct settings load automatically — measuring the right part the right way every time, even without deep know-how.
Workflow-adaptive interface
You only see what the current step needs. Nothing to hunt for, little to learn, and far fewer chances to pick a wrong setting — so routine measurements stay quick and dependable.
Virtual positioning & simplified axis control
You click the spot you want to measure and the system moves there for you. Position the sample in X, Y and Z right on screen, with no hardware joystick to master — coarse moves and fine adjustments are both a click away.
Stable on a noisy shop floor
Environmental Compensation Technology (ECT) compensates for vibration and environmental disturbances during measurement, so you get reliable data and robust quality control even under real shop-floor conditions.
for Expert Users
Full depth and control when you need it
//For expert users, Sherpa combines easier operation with the freedom to go deeper whenever needed. Experts can fine-tune parameters, inspect raw data, and validate results with greater transparency while still benefiting from more efficient workflows.
Live filtering & raw data access
You change a filter and see the impact immediately, original and filtered surface side by side. When a result looks off, you drop into the unfiltered raw data to run sanity checks, find outliers and prove your result holds up.
Role-adaptive interface
You work with the full depth of the software, while colleagues see a simpler view. The interface scales to each role, so experts get every parameter without forcing that complexity on routine users.
Smart Scanning Technology & HDR
You measure surfaces others struggle with — varying reflectivity, mixed materials. Activate HDR and Sherpa adds and fine-tunes the extra exposures for you, based on the real measurement data, so you capture reliable topography without manual trial and error.
Line Analyzer
Analyze directly inside the diagram, evaluating peak-to-valley, angles, distances and more. Drag start and end points to refine a profile on the fly — so evaluation stays transparent, fast and fully in your hands.
True View
Creates enhanced images with crisp texture details even on samples with vast height differences.
Open architecture
Define custom parameters, develop application-specific evaluations, and easily integrate Sherpa into your process or automation system using serial and field buses, TCP/IP, etc.
Choose easier topography measurements with confidence — see Sherpa live on your application.
WhY Polytec?
Software platform for TopMap surface profilers
//- Built for Polytec systems
- Sherpa is the core software platform and UI for all TopMap profilers from Polytec. Software, measurement system and application expertise go hand in hand.
- Direct support from specialists
- Contacts who understand software and optical measurement technology — from installation to methodology consulting.
- Seamless integration
- Structured workflows, reusable recipes and production-ready automation — integrable into lab, QA and manufacturing processes.
Compatible systems
Works with your Polytec profiler
//Sherpa is the software generation for Polytec topography measurement systems. Choose your profiler to see how Sherpa fits your setup — exact compatibility depends on the system, configuration and software version.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Sherpa topography software
//Which measurement systems are compatbile with Sherpa?
Sherpa is the software generation for Polytec topography systems such as Metro.Lab, Pro.Surf and Micro.View. Exact compatibility depends on the system, its configuration and the software version. For existing systems, an individual review by Polytec is recommended.
How is Sherpa implemented?
Implementation depends on your existing system environment. Polytec checks compatibility, clarifies the required system prerequisites and supports the rollout into your existing measurement and evaluation processes.
Which data and export formats are supported?
Sherpa supports transparent access to unfiltered raw data as well as structured evaluations. Which specific export and data formats are available for your evaluation and reporting needs is clarified by Polytec to match your software version and application.
Can recurring measurements be automated?
Yes. Sherpa saves recurring sequences as reusable recipes for positioning, measurement and evaluation. For routine inspections, tray measurement and pattern matching help measure multiple identical parts more efficiently and reproducibly.
Is Sherpa also suitable for experts?
Yes. Sherpa reduces complexity for routine users without limiting experts. Expert filter mode, live filtering, raw data access and the Enhanced Analyzer remain available for demanding analysis.
Does Sherpa support standard-based evaluations?
Sherpa supports professional evaluation processes and parameters in line with recognized surface standards such as ISO 25178 and DIN EN ISO 4287. Which standards are relevant in your specific case should be reviewed based on the measurement system, software version and evaluation requirements.
What benefits does Sherpa offer for quality assurance?
Sherpa supports standardized workflows, repeatable recipes, savable filter configurations and automated measurement sequences. This makes inspection processes more consistent and routine tasks more efficient across teams and shifts.
I'm still using the TopMap software — how long will it be supported?
Your existing installation keeps working; moving to Sherpa is a planned transition, not an abrupt cut-off. Polytec communicates support timelines for the previous software depending on your specific system and software version. For a binding statement on your configuration, please contact your Polytec representative.
Can I keep my existing measurements, recipes and settings?
Sherpa is the new software generation for Polytec topography systems and is designed to preserve the value of your existing work. Whether and how existing recipes, settings and measurement data can be carried over depends on your system and software version; Polytec reviews this individually and supports the transition. Raw data access and standards-based evaluation help keep your results traceable and comparable over time.
Discuss your demands with our experts
