Feature library

A feature library is a text file with an FXL extension that contains the definitions of feature codes, attributes, linework and symbology, and control codes:

  • Feature codes define the code for types of features, so that features of the same type use the same code.

  • An attribute is a characteristic or property of a feature in a database. All features have a geographic position as an attribute. Other attributes depend on the type of feature. For example, a road has a name or designation number, surface type, width, number of lanes, and so on. The value chosen to describe a particular feature is called the attribute value.

    When you measure a point and select a feature code from the feature library in the Code field, if the feature code has attributes then the Trimble Access software prompts you to enter the attribute data.

  • Linework and symbology define how the feature appears on the map, including line thickness and color. For points, different symbols can be used to represent different point features.

  • Control codes define the relationship between points so that the geometry of a line or polygon is drawn in the map. The easiest way to use control codes to create line, arc, and polygon features in the map as you measure points, or by drawing line and arc features using points already in the job using the CAD toolbar.

If the Use descriptions setting is enabled for the job, you cannot select codes from feature libraries in Description fields. For more information, see Other job settings.

You can create your own feature library using the Feature Definition Manager in the Trimble Business Center software.

Publish the feature library file to the Trimble Connect project using, for example, Trimble Connect Web or the Trimble Connect Sync file synchronization tool. For more information, see Using an existing Connect project.

You can have more than one feature library file in a project, but only one feature library file can be used per job. Select the feature library file to use when you create the job.

To select the feature library to use for the job:

  1. In the Project Properties screen, select the Reference tab and then add the feature library FXL file to the System files group box.

  2. In the Create job or Edit job screen, expand the Feature library section.

    The feature library FXL files in the Trimble Connect project are listed.

  3. Click the feature library file to associate with the job. A check mark appears next to the selected FXL file. Click the FXL file again to clear the selection. If no FXL file has a check mark next to it, then no feature library file will be associated with the job.

  4. If you do not want to associate a feature library file with the job, but there is already one selected, click the FXL file that has the check mark next to it. The check mark disappears and no FXL file will be downloaded with the job.