Managing map file layers

The Map files tab in the Layer manager screen lists the map files in the current project folder.

Map files include BIM models, RXL files, raster image files, and TTM surface files. See Supported map files.

Use the Map files tab to:

  • Link supported map files to the job so that you can use existing data from those files in Trimble Access

  • Make items in linked files visible and/or selectable so that you can work with them. Items that are selectable ("active") can be used in various software functions, including navigating to a point, staking out, and some Cogo functions.

  • Add a map background data to provide background maps and context information for other data in the map. Adding map background data is available only when you open the Layer manager from the map. See Map backgrounds.

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 Map 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. For more information, see Selecting files and folders.

    If the file you want to link is not shown, make sure it is a supported file type and that the file name does not contain invalid characters (such as a dollar sign or parentheses).

    By default, features in files you have linked to the job are visible in the map, indicated by the check mark next to the file name .

  4. To make the features in a file selectable, tap the file name in the Map files tab. A check mark inside a square indicates the features are selectable.

    If the icon does not change, the file does not contain any features that can be selected.

  5. If the file contains layers, by default all layers have the same setting as the file. To make only some layers visible or selectable, tap the arrow next to the file name and then tap each layer once to hide it, or twice to make it visible but not selectable. Tap the layer again to make it visible and selectable.

    The icon next to the file name indicates if some layers are not visible or not selectable .

  6. Tap Accept.

If the first map files you link to the job are BIM models or DXF files in a location coordinate system that are located far from existing job data, then the software warns that the map file is far away from the job data and suggests georeferencing the file. Tap Yes to allow the software to perform an approximate georeference by relocating the center of the map file close to the existing job data. The Georeference map Cogo Adjust form opens, allowing you to fine-tune the georeferencing. For more information, see Georeference map. If you choose not to adjust the georeferencing, tap Esc. The approximate georeference performed by the software is then removed.

To change the features that are visible and selectable at any time, tap in the map toolbar and select the Map files tab. Showing and hiding features can be useful to reduce visual clutter or to make it easier to select features that are close to other features.

To control which features are visible or selectable per file:

  • To display all features in the file, tap the file name once. The check mark next to the file name indicates the features in the file are displayed.
  • To make all features in the file selectable, tap the file name twice. The check mark inside a square indicates the features in the file are selectable ("active").
  • To disable all features in the file, tap the file name three times. No icon next to the file name indicates the features in the file are not shown and are not selectable.

If the file contains layers (typically BIM model, DXF, LandXML, or Shapefile):

  • To expand or collapse the file contents to view the layers, tap the arrow next to the file name.
  • To display all features in the layer, tap the layer name once. The check mark next to the layer name indicates the features in the layer are displayed. If features in only some layers are displayed, the check mark next to the file name is gray .
  • To make all features in the layer selectable, tap the layer name twice. The check mark inside a square indicates the features in the file are selectable. If features in only some layers are selected, the check mark inside a square next to the file name is gray .
  • To disable all features in the layer, tap the layer name three times. No icon next to the layer name indicates the features in the layer are not shown and are not selectable.
  • An icon indicates the file does not contain any features that can be displayed.

To exclude some features or items from the map, regardless of the file or layer they are contained in:

  • Use the Limit box to exclude parts of a BIM model such as floors or exterior walls, or to exclude parts of a point cloud. See Limit box.

  • Use the BIM toolbar to isolate items in the BIM model you are most interested in. See Showing only some items in a BIM model.

If you are viewing a BIM model, you can use the Limit box and the tools on the BIM toolbar together to isolate the particular part of the model you want to view.