Trimble Business Center

Is there a way to import layers using Excel?

I know if you export the .layer file from layer manager.... you can open that file type in Excel and see all of the information... However, if I add a layer then export out an .xlsx file type using Excel then rename the extension to .layer... I cannot import into layer manager.

This is a request from a customer.

No - the .Layer manager file is an XML format file unfortunately which means that you cannot just create a list in Excel, save as a CSV file and then import it. I have requested this as a capability for the Import function that we could just read a CSV file or the XML file but to date that has not been implemented. The best way is to get a CAD file from the source and import that to create the Layers etc and then delete the drawing content and save the Project as a template - that is normally possible - most DOTs publish their Seed Files (DGN) that you can import to get the Layers and Colors and Linestyles (you also need a mapped Bentley Linetype file which I have one that I created that maps the basic linestyles) into TBC, but Lineweight in Bentley is defined in a totally different way to TBC and AutoCAD so you have to do that manually (which is easier now in v5 because Layer Manager allows you to Grouo layers and change a property etc.).

This is a perfect example of where a TML would help ....

Alan

@Layne Meylain, this is an issue I have had to deal with myself.  My local (NY) DOT uses standardized layer naming conventions.  They have an excel spreadsheet with over 8,000 layers detailed.  I wanted to create a .layer file with all those layers in it with the layer groups assigned and linestyle, color, etc.  So when I import one of their CAD files the layers already exist in my project and all the data goes onto the existing layers with the correct colors, groups, etc.  Its a bit of a detailed process that probably isn't for the beginner user, but I can get you started in the right direction by letting you know that if you download "Microsoft Visual Studio" you can use that to open, edit, and save a .xml file or a .layer file.  If you use TBC to create a .layer file with a few layers setup in it and then open that in Visual Studio, you can use it as a template for how to setup your custom file.  Get some good alcohol and enjoy!

@Layne Meylain I have used a standard HTML editor to create a layer and the group by opening one of the .Layers that I have already created in TBC. I would make a bunch of line copies of one of the that I have done, and make them the color red. This way I know that they have not been edited. I will then change the layer name, color and group. I copy and paste the layer name and color from the excel sheet. Once I have done that, I change the text color from red to black. 

You can also do this in Notepad. The only thing is you can not change the line color.

Hope this helps.