TBC Import Format Editor for PNEZD/Grid Points

This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for using the TBC Import Format Editor, essential for customizing point definitions. It simplifies the process of importing field-measured data, ensuring accuracy and control over your project files. This process will be for standard P,N,E,Z,D point files, see other TBC scribes for other custom point file breakdowns. -Kyle Easton-

Sitech Northeast
22 steps
3 minutes

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Click the Down Arrow below **Import.**

Click **Import Format Editor.**

The Import Format Editor is now open - this command can be cumbersome! We will go through some options for adding, deleting, and customizing these Formats over the remainder of the guide.

Uncheck the **Enabled box** for any other items you will not need to use during workflow.

Now let's create a custom point definition for some Field Measured Data. Click **New** to add an additional line for a new format in Editor (bottom of list). Type **Sitech PNEZD Field Pts** under the **Definition Name** line.

Click **Next >** to move onto the next page of Format Editor.

WORLD DOMINATION TIP: You can freely use the NEXT & BACK buttons while creating these Formats. If a mistake is made in any input, simply use the Next/Back buttons to move ahead to the next window. NOTE - IF YOU CLICK 'IMPORT' BUTTON, TBC WILL ASSUME YOU HAVE MADE ALL OF THE CHANGES TO THE FORMAT & RUN THE IMPORT!

Enter a Description of the format (optional). Confirm the **Delimited** bubble is highlighted. This is telling TBC that a special text character (comma, colon, tab, etc.) will delineate Northing, Easting, Elevation (P,N,E,Z,D) Then Click **Next >.**

'Delimiter' - The character separating your values in the Point File text. A quick way to check - Open your points file with Microsoft Notepad. Whatever the character between the Northing, Easting, Elevation, is the Delimiter (95% of the time COMMA) 'Store data as' - For this example we will use Points. This is asking how we want that information stored into our TBC project file. 'Default file extension' - The Extension/Type of the file being IMPORTED. This needs to match exactly to the desired source file (CAPS should not matter). Check 'Show Editor on Import' - WARNING! If you Uncheck - it will use your LAST Import definition to import. This is a bad thing if you have Control, Stakeout, As Build point files. WE WANT FULL CONTROL OVER EACH IMPORT!

Now we come to the "General Properties" (3rd page in editor) which is the most critical for maintaining proper accuracy & tolerance standards. **NOTE**: The ability to move, adjust with a Site Calibration, or translate to a new coordinate system will be impacted by this choice! See the Tips below for an explanation of each option.

WORLD DOMINATION TIP! - See below for an Explanation of each of these General Options (Page 1 of 2)

WORLD DOMINATION TIP! - See below for an Explanation of each of these General Options (Page 2 of 2) ***Below is an Explanation for*** *Import as Grid Points **and when you would/would not want to use that Option***

Click **Survey.**

Click **Next** >.

We will now Build the columns or fields for each data point in our point file. The order of these columns means EVERYTHING! Click **Fields** dropdown menu

Click **Point ID**. This is also sometimes referred to as the **Point Name** in field-software.

Click **Northing.**

Click **US survey foot** to confirm that this is the measured units for that particular coordinate field. *Note*\* if you leave the dropdown on <Display> IT WILL USE THE UNITS THAT YOU HAVE THE PROJECT SETTINGS SET TO Double-Note\* If you click the **Apply to all** checkbox, every other field you add throughout this process will use the units you select here

Click **Easting** to add the next field (working left to right).

Click **Elevation.**

Click **Description 1.** *Note* - This is also sometimes called the 'Point Code' or just 'Code' in field software.

Click **Finish.**

Click **Sitech PNEZD Field Pts.**

Click **Import** to complete the point import process. NOTE\*\* When you highlight the Format in top-list (single click) - it will update the Preview Window below to display that formats coordinate order.

Your points will have successfully plotted onto the plan view.