Understanding Layer Mapping

One of the troubling aspects associated with layers is often the large number of layers needed or commonly employed by the creator of the design data. Another is that of the manner in which organizations may seek to name layers in as brief a manner as possible, thereby making the names less descriptive. Nevertheless, the resulting esoteric names may be easier for the source organization to deal with, given sufficient familiarity with their own particular layer naming convention. Perhaps most troubling is the fact that each data source often uses layer names that are specific to that particular organization, and of course different from those which you may use within you own organization. Obviously, there is a significant advantage in being able to always work with data that is organized using layer names with which the members of your own organization have become familiar.

Trimble Business Center enables you to establish and manage your own standard layer naming convention and to convert the CAD data originating from an outside source so that it employs the layer names with which members of your organization are familiar. Additionally, it goes beyond the managing of layer names, allowing you to maintain what is referred to here as a standard layering convention. That subject matter combines the establishment of standard layer names, with the categorization of those layers, and the assignment of specific site improvements to individual layer names, as may be appropriate. The advantage in doing so is that, as the imported source data is moved from its originally assigned source layer to one of your standard layers, as that standard layer is created in your project, it can automatically be categorized for takeoff purposes and the appropriate site improvements can automatically be assigned to it. The process of moving objects from a source layer to one of your organization’s standard layers is generally referred to herein as layer mapping.

The program provides two commands, each of which approaches the subject of layer mapping in a different manner, each suitable for specific circumstances. The following three topics describe the Standardize Layers and Map Layers commands.