Updating FXL

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Devon Kosior posted 05-30-2024 08:19

Looking for a way to quickly update an FXL file. I have an FXL with around 400 codes with attributes, a lot of the attributes have list values as well. Recently, there was a change to all the standard layers that we use, so I need to update the layers in the FXL. I was able to export the FXL to CSV and update all the layers for each code by copying and pasting. Now I need to update the FXL itself, however I lose all of my attribute list values when I convert the CSV back into an FXL, because the values don't get converted into the CSV. So is there a way to update just one portion of the FXL without disturbing anything else? Essentially I need a way to update my layer list based on the codes. Otherwise I am going to have to manually switch the layers for all 400 codes or manually re-enter all 170 of my lists. Any solutions or suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks

Robert Hoy posted 05-30-2024 12:18

I think the creating a FXL file from a CSV autocad export was meant to help creating it. I don't know of a way to update part of a FXL file unless manually.

Do you need all those changed layers in your data collector? It sounds like you would be exporting DXF files from your collector instead of having your cad software process your points and codes?

Devon Kosior posted 05-30-2024 13:04

Hey Robert, thanks for the input. I'm pretty sure it is an order of operations issue. Unfortunately the layers weren't nailed down till after the code list was made. So I am thinking I will have to manually edit things.

Technically, we don't need the layers in the controller. But we use TBC to process all our survey data before it gets sent to drafting. We use the process feature codes function which needs an FXL to work. Now, I am on the survey side for this FXL not the CAD side, so I am being told that I need to match the layers up with our CAD layers.

Marian Plucinski posted 05-30-2024 16:38

Hi Devon,

In my experience, working with FXL is an absolute pain. Importing the new or updated FXL library removes all the attributes from the objects in the project, so it is never an option for us.

We have been nagging SITECH in Australia for a solution, and they responded by giving us extra functionality. "Vanilla" TBC FXL workflows are still terrible, but at least we have "workarounds" now.

If you want to add new attributes to any element, consider using the "Attribute Editor" from TBC's "ANZToolbox" Module. It will allow you to add new attributes, even if the initial pick-up was done using FXL without those attributes. Attribute Editor

If you just want to relayer objects (or change the layer names) in bulk, consider using "Map Objects" from TBC's "ANZToolbox" Module. Basically, it will allow you to change layer A to layer B in bulk, or move all Features "X" to layer "Y". Map Objects

I think you can request a 30-day trial code from SITECH to give that a go.

Best of luck.

Devon Kosior posted 05-30-2024 17:21

Thanks for the suggestion Marian, I will look into that.