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 you have enabled Use descriptions, you cannot select codes from feature libraries in Description fields.

You can create your own feature library using the Feature Definition Manager in the Trimble Business Center software and then transfer the file to the System Files folder on the controller.

You can also create a feature library using Trimble Access, however the functionality in Trimble Access for defining an FXL file is more limited. When you create a feature library file in Trimble Access, you can only define feature codes, line type and color or polygon line type and color, and control codes. See To add or edit a feature library in Trimble Access.

To create a feature library that contains attribute definitions or to add symbols you must use the Feature Definition Manager in Trimble Business Center. See Trimble Business Center feature libraries.

Trimble has created the GlobalFeatures.fxl example feature library file for you to install and use with the Trimble Access software.

The GlobalFeatures.fxl feature library file has feature codes set up for points, attributes, lines and symbols, and control codes for drawing features using the CAD toolbar. You can use the file to see how the feature library files makes it easy to enter attributes, draw features using the CAD toolbar, or measure and code features in one step using Measure codes.

You can install the GlobalFeatures.fxl using Trimble Installation Manager. If you keep the GlobalFeatures.fxl check box selected in Trimble Installation Manager, the file will be installed each time you install or update the software, including any updates to the GlobalFeatures.fxl. The GlobalFeatures.fxl file is installed to the System Files folder.

To set up your own feature library file, you can take a copy of the GlobalFeatures.fxl file and edit it in Trimble Access or using the Feature Definition Manager in Trimble Business Center.

To select a code in a survey, the job must be using the feature library that contains the appropriate codes.

To select the library:

  1. Tap and select Job. The current job is already selected.
  2. Tap Properties.
  3. Tap Feature library. The Select feature library screen shows the available feature library files in the System Files folder.
  4. To add a feature library file from a different folder, tap Browse and navigate to the location of the feature library file. Tap the file to select it and tap Accept. The file is copied to the Trimble Data / System Files folder and appears in the Select feature library list.
  5. Tap the feature library file to select it.