Hi all,
I recently learned of the benefits of using feature codes in Trimble Access field software. It sounds very beneficial, but I'm told that you must process your feature codes in TBC before exporting it to civil 3d. Is this true? I'm looking for a way to use feature codes in the field and then import that data directly to civil 3d, generating line work and points during that process. Is that possible?
Thanks
Agree. The bulk of your work will be setting up the Description Key file in C3D to use Point Styles, Point Label Styles, layers, Prefix Database (all of which you have to setup/create). I've spent 6 years continually refining my C3D survey settings.
That is the conclusion I came too as well. I essentially built a feature code list for the collector so that you can see the linework in the field. Then on download, I would export a text file like normal and import it into CAD using a description key file so CAD would recognize the codes as well.
Thanks for the responses
Joe Hicks put together a really comprehensive template that worked in both TBC and Civil3D. It looked like a lot of work, which is probably why he sells it (or used to at least), but in comparison to doing it yourself and working the bugs out I'd think it's probably a bargain. He had the feature code manager set up to set up the layers, linetypes, etc. and symbols the same as the description keys in Civil so you could process in either and it was virtually identical. I like the way TBC handles the processing and you can update it without having to re-import and edit the points for breakline crossing much better than C3D. TBC also has additional features in the works and is always working to improve processes for surveyors, Civil3D is pretty clunky in this regard IMHO.
No, it is not true. You can use your Feature Codes in C3D; however, you need to build a "Description Key" set in your C3D. This key set is similar to Trimble's "Feature Code Library". There are some issues with the transfer if you use attributes in your Trimble .fxl files (i.e. feature code library); if you do, you might want to check out some of the Autodesk user boards to see if anyone can help you with the attributes. If all you are doing is doing points and drawing line work, then you can set up the C3D description key set to do the same thing the feature code library does in TBC.
Hope this helps. Good luck, feature coding in the field is a great, great thing. If you need more info on feature coding in Trimble, look at some of Jarrod Black's posts, his power hour on the subject is helpful too.