Trimble Business Center

Very often I have to create points that are listed in the plans as a station/offset table. Currently the only method I know how to create them is individually with the "create point from offset" command in the CAD tab. 

This is a multi-step process for each point so it can get pretty tedious when I have hundreds of points to process. Is there a way to create multiple points simultaneously using a table?

Thanks

Chris

------------------------------
Christopher Partridge
------------------------------

There are at least two ways.

One is built in, open the TBC help with F1 and search for "TBC Excel" (example here IMPORTING POINTS FORM EXCEL | Trimble Business Center)

The problem with that one is that the elevation must be absolute, it can't be relative to a linestring. You'll have to elevate the points i.e. with a DTM.

My public macro collection (https://github.com/RonnySchneider/SCR_Macros_Public) does include a macro called "SCR_ImportStaOffEl" that allows the elevation to be absolute or relative to a line and doesn't necessarily need a point number column.

If you tick the "relative" box but still enter a column for elevations than those values act as vertical offset from the reference line, i.e. different bolt projections. Had handrails/screens with different types of bolts/projections along the same reference line. In combination with my "SCR_AddHogToLine" macro you can quickly create bolt patterns with correct elevations for different construction stages, deck sag values.

AnzToolbox has a similar macro to mine "Points from Chainage Offset", but at least the old version that I have only supports absolute elevations when using a CSV file, so not much better than the TBC Excel approach. At least you can define the order of the columns, like in my macro.

RPS might have something similar as well.

Very often I have to create points that are listed in the plans as a station/offset table. Currently the only method I know how to create them is individually with the "create point from offset" command in the CAD tab. 

This is a multi-step process for each point so it can get pretty tedious when I have hundreds of points to process. Is there a way to create multiple points simultaneously using a table?

Thanks

Chris

There are at least two ways.

One is built in, open the TBC help with F1 and search for "TBC Excel" (example here IMPORTING POINTS FORM EXCEL | Trimble Business Center)

The problem with that one is that the elevation must be absolute, it can't be relative to a linestring. You'll have to elevate the points i.e. with a DTM.

My public macro collection (https://github.com/RonnySchneider/SCR_Macros_Public) does include a macro called "SCR_ImportStaOffEl" that allows the elevation to be absolute or relative to a line and doesn't necessarily need a point number column.

If you tick the "relative" box but still enter a column for elevations than those values act as vertical offset from the reference line, i.e. different bolt projections. Had handrails/screens with different types of bolts/projections along the same reference line. In combination with my "SCR_AddHogToLine" macro you can quickly create bolt patterns with correct elevations for different construction stages, deck sag values.

AnzToolbox has a similar macro to mine "Points from Chainage Offset", but at least the old version that I have only supports absolute elevations when using a CSV file, so not much better than the TBC Excel approach. At least you can define the order of the columns, like in my macro.

RPS might have something similar as well.

Very often I have to create points that are listed in the plans as a station/offset table. Currently the only method I know how to create them is individually with the "create point from offset" command in the CAD tab. 

This is a multi-step process for each point so it can get pretty tedious when I have hundreds of points to process. Is there a way to create multiple points simultaneously using a table?

Thanks

Chris

Ronny, is your tool dependent on the source line?

RPS took over the Trimble Station / Offset Points sample macro command, and it does allow for delta elevations as well as dependency to the source object - however only in the horizontal. I want vertical dependence...

------------------------------
Nelson Hays

Original Message:
Sent: 01-22-2025 15:41
From: Ronny Schneider
Subject: Most efficient way to create multiple points with station/offset

There are at least two ways.

One is built in, open the TBC help with F1 and search for "TBC Excel" (example here IMPORTING POINTS FORM EXCEL | Trimble Business Center)

The problem with that one is that the elevation must be absolute, it can't be relative to a linestring. You'll have to elevate the points i.e. with a DTM.

My public macro collection (https://github.com/RonnySchneider/SCR_Macros_Public) does include a macro called "SCR_ImportStaOffEl" that allows the elevation to be absolute or relative to a line and doesn't necessarily need a point number column.

If you tick the "relative" box but still enter a column for elevations than those values act as vertical offset from the reference line, i.e. different bolt projections. Had handrails/screens with different types of bolts/projections along the same reference line. In combination with my "SCR_AddHogToLine" macro you can quickly create bolt patterns with correct elevations for different construction stages, deck sag values.

AnzToolbox has a similar macro to mine "Points from Chainage Offset", but at least the old version that I have only supports absolute elevations when using a CSV file, so not much better than the TBC Excel approach. At least you can define the order of the columns, like in my macro.

RPS might have something similar as well.

------------------------------
Ronny Schneider

Original Message:
Sent: 01-22-2025 14:21
From: Christopher Partridge
Subject: Most efficient way to create multiple points with station/offset

Very often I have to create points that are listed in the plans as a station/offset table. Currently the only method I know how to create them is individually with the "create point from offset" command in the CAD tab. 

This is a multi-step process for each point so it can get pretty tedious when I have hundreds of points to process. Is there a way to create multiple points simultaneously using a table?

Thanks

Chris

------------------------------
Christopher Partridge
------------------------------

My tool doesn't create dependent points, the points won't move if you move the line. I never needed that myself, and I always prefer simple CAD points that don't have a name/number and won't show in the project explorer. I always leave the number-column-field empty when I run my macro.

But they'll receive the line's position and elevation, or with an added horizontal/vertical offset.

The big advantage over the "TBC Excel" approach is that you don't need an Alignment, it works with any Line.

I had a brief look in the SDK and it seems fairly simple to implement the creation of dependent points with Station/Offset and deltaElevation in the near future.

The Trimble.Vce.Alignment.LocationComputer.DependentPoint is what the TBC-"Create Dependent Point" creates and that one is a simple CAD point as well. And specifically has the option for deltaElevation from the source line.

Are you positive that the RPS macro doesn't create vertical dependent points if you set "elevation mode" to "delta"?

Haven't updated RPS in ages, and their webpage recently always wants your contact details when you just want to see the tools list. The tools list and what is free and what is to pay for isn't as clear as it used to be on older versions of their webpage. Is that one for free or is it one of the paid ones? 

------------------------------
Ronny Schneider

Original Message:
Sent: 01-23-2025 13:17
From: Nelson Hays
Subject: Most efficient way to create multiple points with station/offset

Ronny, is your tool dependent on the source line?

RPS took over the Trimble Station / Offset Points sample macro command, and it does allow for delta elevations as well as dependency to the source object - however only in the horizontal. I want vertical dependence...

------------------------------
Nelson Hays

Original Message:
Sent: 01-22-2025 15:41
From: Ronny Schneider
Subject: Most efficient way to create multiple points with station/offset

There are at least two ways.

One is built in, open the TBC help with F1 and search for "TBC Excel" (example here IMPORTING POINTS FORM EXCEL | Trimble Business Center)

The problem with that one is that the elevation must be absolute, it can't be relative to a linestring. You'll have to elevate the points i.e. with a DTM.

My public macro collection (https://github.com/RonnySchneider/SCR_Macros_Public) does include a macro called "SCR_ImportStaOffEl" that allows the elevation to be absolute or relative to a line and doesn't necessarily need a point number column.

If you tick the "relative" box but still enter a column for elevations than those values act as vertical offset from the reference line, i.e. different bolt projections. Had handrails/screens with different types of bolts/projections along the same reference line. In combination with my "SCR_AddHogToLine" macro you can quickly create bolt patterns with correct elevations for different construction stages, deck sag values.

AnzToolbox has a similar macro to mine "Points from Chainage Offset", but at least the old version that I have only supports absolute elevations when using a CSV file, so not much better than the TBC Excel approach. At least you can define the order of the columns, like in my macro.

RPS might have something similar as well.

------------------------------
Ronny Schneider

Original Message:
Sent: 01-22-2025 14:21
From: Christopher Partridge
Subject: Most efficient way to create multiple points with station/offset

Very often I have to create points that are listed in the plans as a station/offset table. Currently the only method I know how to create them is individually with the "create point from offset" command in the CAD tab. 

This is a multi-step process for each point so it can get pretty tedious when I have hundreds of points to process. Is there a way to create multiple points simultaneously using a table?

Thanks

Chris

------------------------------
Christopher Partridge
------------------------------

Hey Ronny, I just tested the RPS Station / Offset Points command again to confirm nothing has been updated. The Horizontal component is dependent on the source line/alignment, but the vertical delta is not.

My tool doesn't create dependent points, the points won't move if you move the line. I never needed that myself, and I always prefer simple CAD points that don't have a name/number and won't show in the project explorer. I always leave the number-column-field empty when I run my macro.

But they'll receive the line's position and elevation, or with an added horizontal/vertical offset.

The big advantage over the "TBC Excel" approach is that you don't need an Alignment, it works with any Line.

I had a brief look in the SDK and it seems fairly simple to implement the creation of dependent points with Station/Offset and deltaElevation in the near future.

The Trimble.Vce.Alignment.LocationComputer.DependentPoint is what the TBC-"Create Dependent Point" creates and that one is a simple CAD point as well. And specifically has the option for deltaElevation from the source line.

Are you positive that the RPS macro doesn't create vertical dependent points if you set "elevation mode" to "delta"?

Haven't updated RPS in ages, and their webpage recently always wants your contact details when you just want to see the tools list. The tools list and what is free and what is to pay for isn't as clear as it used to be on older versions of their webpage. Is that one for free or is it one of the paid ones? 

------------------------------
Ronny Schneider

Original Message:
Sent: 01-23-2025 13:17
From: Nelson Hays
Subject: Most efficient way to create multiple points with station/offset

Ronny, is your tool dependent on the source line?

RPS took over the Trimble Station / Offset Points sample macro command, and it does allow for delta elevations as well as dependency to the source object - however only in the horizontal. I want vertical dependence...

------------------------------
Nelson Hays

Original Message:
Sent: 01-22-2025 15:41
From: Ronny Schneider
Subject: Most efficient way to create multiple points with station/offset

There are at least two ways.

One is built in, open the TBC help with F1 and search for "TBC Excel" (example here IMPORTING POINTS FORM EXCEL | Trimble Business Center)

The problem with that one is that the elevation must be absolute, it can't be relative to a linestring. You'll have to elevate the points i.e. with a DTM.

My public macro collection (https://github.com/RonnySchneider/SCR_Macros_Public) does include a macro called "SCR_ImportStaOffEl" that allows the elevation to be absolute or relative to a line and doesn't necessarily need a point number column.

If you tick the "relative" box but still enter a column for elevations than those values act as vertical offset from the reference line, i.e. different bolt projections. Had handrails/screens with different types of bolts/projections along the same reference line. In combination with my "SCR_AddHogToLine" macro you can quickly create bolt patterns with correct elevations for different construction stages, deck sag values.

AnzToolbox has a similar macro to mine "Points from Chainage Offset", but at least the old version that I have only supports absolute elevations when using a CSV file, so not much better than the TBC Excel approach. At least you can define the order of the columns, like in my macro.

RPS might have something similar as well.

------------------------------
Ronny Schneider

Original Message:
Sent: 01-22-2025 14:21
From: Christopher Partridge
Subject: Most efficient way to create multiple points with station/offset

Very often I have to create points that are listed in the plans as a station/offset table. Currently the only method I know how to create them is individually with the "create point from offset" command in the CAD tab. 

This is a multi-step process for each point so it can get pretty tedious when I have hundreds of points to process. Is there a way to create multiple points simultaneously using a table?

Thanks

Chris

------------------------------
Christopher Partridge
------------------------------

Very often I have to create points that are listed in the plans as a station/offset table. Currently the only method I know how to create them is individually with the "create point from offset" command in the CAD tab. 

This is a multi-step process for each point so it can get pretty tedious when I have hundreds of points to process. Is there a way to create multiple points simultaneously using a table?

Thanks

Chris

------------------------------
Christopher Partridge
------------------------------

Here's a video I made using the excel spreadsheet method

https://youtu.be/acPnEjJrULU?si=6eSROFhqPX1uwEVh

------------------------------
Ed Levandoski

Original Message:
Sent: 01-22-2025 14:21
From: Christopher Partridge
Subject: Most efficient way to create multiple points with station/offset

Very often I have to create points that are listed in the plans as a station/offset table. Currently the only method I know how to create them is individually with the "create point from offset" command in the CAD tab. 

This is a multi-step process for each point so it can get pretty tedious when I have hundreds of points to process. Is there a way to create multiple points simultaneously using a table?

Thanks

Chris

------------------------------
Christopher Partridge
------------------------------

TBC has another tool called "create dependent point".  The only bad thing about this is that you have to name each point manually.

Here's a video I made using the excel spreadsheet method

https://youtu.be/acPnEjJrULU?si=6eSROFhqPX1uwEVh

------------------------------
Ed Levandoski

Original Message:
Sent: 01-22-2025 14:21
From: Christopher Partridge
Subject: Most efficient way to create multiple points with station/offset

Very often I have to create points that are listed in the plans as a station/offset table. Currently the only method I know how to create them is individually with the "create point from offset" command in the CAD tab. 

This is a multi-step process for each point so it can get pretty tedious when I have hundreds of points to process. Is there a way to create multiple points simultaneously using a table?

Thanks

Chris

------------------------------
Christopher Partridge
------------------------------

You're correct, the "create dependent point" tool does exactly what he asks for, but he asked for an "efficient way".

And since this tool is unfortunately incrementing the first number in a point name it's rather cumbersome to use. It's the same crap as with "create point" and at least one more command, and I have complained to our dealer several times about it, but Trimble doesn't care.

Plus, you'll have to enter every station/offset/dh by hand. Totally inadequate if you need to enter hundreds of bolts. You do this kind of thing in Excel where you setup the assembly spacing, offset, dh and first interval along the line with some formulas and then it's just a matter of dragging/copying the cells, and you're done.

"TBC Excel" is inconvenient, since it needs alignments, it doesn't work with normal lines and only supports absolute elevations.

"Create dependent points" by hand is totally out of the question since it involves way too much manual entering.

I've updated my Import macro with an option to create dependent points (horizontal and vertical) as well. I'll do some final testing today and probably release a new GitHub repo tonight.

TBC has another tool called "create dependent point".  The only bad thing about this is that you have to name each point manually.

Here's a video I made using the excel spreadsheet method

https://youtu.be/acPnEjJrULU?si=6eSROFhqPX1uwEVh

------------------------------
Ed Levandoski

Original Message:
Sent: 01-22-2025 14:21
From: Christopher Partridge
Subject: Most efficient way to create multiple points with station/offset

Very often I have to create points that are listed in the plans as a station/offset table. Currently the only method I know how to create them is individually with the "create point from offset" command in the CAD tab. 

This is a multi-step process for each point so it can get pretty tedious when I have hundreds of points to process. Is there a way to create multiple points simultaneously using a table?

Thanks

Chris

------------------------------
Christopher Partridge
------------------------------

i have missed on how to install these macros from Ronny.  Where can I find instructions to install the macro?

You're correct, the "create dependent point" tool does exactly what he asks for, but he asked for an "efficient way".

And since this tool is unfortunately incrementing the first number in a point name it's rather cumbersome to use. It's the same crap as with "create point" and at least one more command, and I have complained to our dealer several times about it, but Trimble doesn't care.

Plus, you'll have to enter every station/offset/dh by hand. Totally inadequate if you need to enter hundreds of bolts. You do this kind of thing in Excel where you setup the assembly spacing, offset, dh and first interval along the line with some formulas and then it's just a matter of dragging/copying the cells, and you're done.

"TBC Excel" is inconvenient, since it needs alignments, it doesn't work with normal lines and only supports absolute elevations.

"Create dependent points" by hand is totally out of the question since it involves way too much manual entering.

I've updated my Import macro with an option to create dependent points (horizontal and vertical) as well. I'll do some final testing today and probably release a new GitHub repo tonight.

TBC has another tool called "create dependent point".  The only bad thing about this is that you have to name each point manually.

Here's a video I made using the excel spreadsheet method

https://youtu.be/acPnEjJrULU?si=6eSROFhqPX1uwEVh

------------------------------
Ed Levandoski

Original Message:
Sent: 01-22-2025 14:21
From: Christopher Partridge
Subject: Most efficient way to create multiple points with station/offset

Very often I have to create points that are listed in the plans as a station/offset table. Currently the only method I know how to create them is individually with the "create point from offset" command in the CAD tab. 

This is a multi-step process for each point so it can get pretty tedious when I have hundreds of points to process. Is there a way to create multiple points simultaneously using a table?

Thanks

Chris

------------------------------
Christopher Partridge
------------------------------