Using Trimble VX Scan Data
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Howdy,
This isn't a question, but just a quick post so that any one else that has this problem can find the solution a little more easily.
The problem:
Importing Trimble VX scan data into Civil 3D while using an older version of Trimble Access that lacks a scan export option, with out using a licensed Trimble Business Centre (TBC) or Realworks.
The solution:
http://construction.trimble.com/products/software-solutions/business-center-hce
This is a free version of TBC. Prior to downloading it, you will need to register. There are many limitations on this version of TBC, but it is fine for importing scan data.
-To import the data into C3D, you will need to have TBC-HCE operational.
-You will need the .job file and associated .tsf files from the controller.
TBC-HCE can read the files directly from the controller if you have a cable and Windows Mobile Device installed. I prefer to put everything I need for the job into a suitable folder on my HDD and work from there.
-Create a new project in TBC-HCE and be sure to select the correct units of measurement.
-Drag and drop the .job file into the TBC-HCE plan view window. TBC-HCE will probably ask you to select a geoid at this point. Select the appropriate geoid. If you are unable to find it in the drop down list, you may need to copy the config file or geoid file from your controller to the GeoData folder where ever you installed TBC-HCE.
-Once the .job file has loaded into TBC-HCE, check that your data is correct, ie, the scans have loaded, all field collected data is present, etc. If the scans have not loaded, check that the correct .tsf files are in the same folder as the .job file.
-To export the scan data, select the scan by simply selecting the scan in Plan View. It should become highlighted. Due to the way that TBC-HCE displays points, it may be hard to see the scan points, so try just selecting the station you scanned from.
-With the scan selected, from the project tab, select Export. The export dialogue will appear on the right hand side of Plan View. Select a suitable file format, name the file, and select the destination folder. Once you are happy these options are correct, click the Export button at the bottom of the dialogue window.
-Assuming everything has gone correctly, nothing has crashed and you are wearing your lucky underwear, you now have scan data that is usable in C3D. I would suggest opening the file in Excel or Notepad and checking the data quickly prior to importing to C3D, incase there are random data points that will cause problems.
If I have time later, I will follow this post up with a reply showing step by step screen shots of the process I follow.
TBC-HCE or TBC in general has some very powerful tools for surveyors using Trimble equipment, but I am using none of those, so I don't really want to pay $1000 for the ability to import scans.
Why would you use a total station as a scanner?
Yes, the VX is a lot slower than a scanner, but it has some serious benefits. Cost is the primary benefit. If the budget is only big enough to cover one piece of equipment, it needs to be a versatile piece of equipment. The VX meets that versatility and remains with in our budget.
Ofcourse if you are needing to scan a large amount of surfaces regularly, the VX is not suitable.
I am most using it to scan topos of civil work areas, rather than walking the area with a pole. Due to line of sight issues, the area still needs to be walked, so that features and breaklines are correctly defined, but even with that, the scanning process takes equal time. The less time I spend walking around machinery and in the sun, the better! The VX is also useful for scanning inaccessible areas.
Where it really comes in to its own is that the scan data is already in realworld coordinates, ie. project grid. This saves time registering the scans and checking that they are correctly aligned.
I hope this helps some one. I spent just over a week looking for this information!
Regards
