Managing point file layers

The Point files tab in the Layer manager screen lists the CSV, TXT and job files in the current project folder.

Use the Point files tab to link CSV, TXT or job files so that you have access to the points in those files without importing the points into the job. This is especially useful when using a file containing control points.

When using points from linked files, make sure that they use the same coordinate system as the job that they are being brought into. The coordinate order (northing and easting ordinates) in the comma delimited file must be the same as the setting in the Coordinate order field in the Units screen. Make sure the data in the file is in the format: Point name, First ordinate (Northing or Easting), Second ordinate (Northing or Easting), Elevation, Point code.

You can use points from a linked file to:

  • stake out without having the design points in the job
  • enter values into Point name fields, such as for Cogo functions
  • navigate to control or check shots from previous surveys

You cannot use lines, arcs or polylines in a linked job.

You can link multiple files. When the point does not exist in the current job, but does exist in multiple linked files, the point in the first linked file is used. If multiple points of the same name exist in a linked job, the search rules work within that job to find the best point.

Linked points from a CSV file are shown in the Map and Video screen as a blue comma ( , ). Linked points from another job are shown using their original point symbol, but are colored blue. Once you select a linked point and use it for a software function, the linked point is copied into the current job, and is shown as a "c" in the map.

To automatically update the data shown in the Map or Video screen as you make changes in the Layer manager, tap the Auto update softkey. A check mark on the Auto update softkey indicates Auto update is enabled.

Changes made when Auto update is enabled are retained when you exit the Layer manager using either the Accept or Esc key.

  1. To open the Layer manager, do one of the following:

    • Tap in the Map toolbar or the Video toolbar.
    • In the Job properties screen, tap the Layer manager button.

  2. Select the Point files tab.

  3. To link more files to the job, tap Add and then select the files to link from a location on the controller or from Trimble Connect if the project you are working in is a cloud project. Tap Accept.

    To pin a favorite folder to the shortcuts shown for This controller, navigate to the folder and then tap and hold the folder in the right pane and select Pin to shortcuts.

    With the exception of files linked from a USB drive, linked files remain in their current location and are not copied to the project folder. If you add a map file that is stored on a USB drive the software automatically copies the file to the current project folder and then links to that file.

    By default, points in files you have linked to the job are visible and selectable in the map, indicated by the check mark inside a square next to the file name .

  4. Tap Accept.

If the Advanced geodetic check box is enabled in the Cogo settings screen, and you select a CSV or TXT file, you must specify the Coordinate type of the points in the file.

  1. In the Point files tab, tap the file that you want to link to the current job.

  2. Select Grid points or Grid (local) points.
  3. If the points in the file are Grid (local) points, select the transformation to use to transform them to grid points:

    • To assign the transformation later, select Not applied, this will be defined later. Tap Accept.

      If you select this option and you later decide to assign an input transformation to this file, you must unlink and then relink the file.

    • To create a new display transformation, select Create new transformation. Tap Next and complete the required steps. See Transformations.
    • To select an existing display transformation, select Select transformation. Select the display transformation from the list. Tap Accept.

  4. Tap Accept.

    For more information on Grid (local) coordinates, see Local transformations.