Import Third-Party Survey Data Using Custom Scripts

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Import Third-Party Survey Data Using Custom Scripts

Using predefined Python custom import scripts, TBC allows you to import third-party GNSS and total station data contained in the following ASCII formats.

Format	Python import script
DAT (.dat)	starnet.py
FBK (.fbk)	TopconFbk.py
FLD (.fld)	Liscad.py
GSI (.gsi)	LeicaCoordinates.py LeicaGSI.py LeicaGSI3.py
HeXML (.xml)	LeicaHeXML.py
JOB (.job)	GeodimeterJob.py
RAW (.raw)	TDSRaw.py
RW5 (.rw5)	Carlsonrw5.py
SDR (.sdr)	SDR33.py
TXML (.txml)	TopconXml.py

To perform the import, a customized Python import script converts the third-party data contained in the import file into a JobXML-formatted (JXL; .jxl) file. The JXL file is then imported into TBC using the JXL file importer. Python script files (*.py) supporting the file format types listed above are installed with Trimble Business Center and are (in a typical installation) stored in C:\ProgramData\Trimble\PythonImportScripts. You can use any script as-is if it meets your data import needs. Or, if necessary, you can copy and modify it as necessary. (See your dealer for more information.)

More on the custom import process...

When you use the Import command pane to select a folder from which to import an ASCII file containing third-party GNSS and total station data, TBC scans the ...\PythonImportScripts folder to determine if an appropriate Python import script is available. For a Python script to be considered valid for importing data, it must expose three "methods" within the script:

information
can_import
process

Note: A "method" is a procedure (instructions for a specific task) to be performed on, in this case, a data structure object.

If a script exposes these three methods, TBC first calls its information method, which returns a file extension, file description, and script description. If the file extension for the data file matches the file extension returned from the information method, the script is considered to be valid import candidate for the file.

Next, TBC calls the script's can_import method. The script may open the file to determine if the data structure matches the import script, and it makes a final determination as to whether (True) or not (False) the data in the file can be imported.

Once a script is selected, TBC calls the script's process method, which specifies the name of the file you want to import and the name of the resulting JXL file.

To import the data into TBC, the script is automatically processed by the IronPython software and an importable JXL file is created. TBCthen uses the JXL importer to import the newly created JXL file.

If any errors or warnings that occur during the import are included in the Import Report.

Note: Python is an open-source programming language that can be used to quickly and efficiently build import scripts. If you need to create or modify any of the predefined Python scripts to better suit your import needs, see your dealer or a Python developer.

To import third-party data using a custom script:

Select Import to display the Import command pane.
Note: Although you can typically use drag-and-drop to import a file into a project, it is recommended that you use the Import command pane when using a custom import script.
In the Import Folder list, select the folder containing the third-party file you want to import, or click the Browse button to browse to the folder.
The files contained in the selected folder are displayed in the Select File(s) list.
Based on the file extension used for the third-party file you want to import, TBC first attempts to find a suitable non-custom importer to use for the import. If it fails to find one, it attempts to find a suitable Python custom importer script (located in ...\PythonImportScripts) to use. If that fails, the file is labeled as Unknown in the File Type list and cannot be imported. (The File Type indicates the type of importer that will be used.)
If the file extension used for the third-party file matches an extension that is also used for files that can be imported using a non-custom importer, the file may be labeled with the wrong file type in the Selected File(s) list, causing the import to fail. For example, if you try to import a Leica HeXML file with an XML (.xml) extension, TBC, by default, will apply the non-custom LandXML file type. In this case, you would need to change the file type to Leica HeXML, as described in the next step, to successfully perform the import.
In the Select File(s) list, ensure the third-party file you want to import has the correct File Type selected. If it does not, right click the File Type and select the correct file type.
Enter any additional Settings as applicable.
Note: If multiple import scripts are displayed in the Settings: Script drop-down list for you to choose from, be sure to select the correct one based on the data you want to import. Otherwise, you may encounter unexpected results.
Click Import.
The Python import script creates a valid JXL file from the third-party data. TBC then uses the JXL importer to import the data into your project.
If there are any import errors or duplicate data is being imported, you will be notified with a message so you can take appropriate action.

Related topics

Drag and Drop to Import

Import Data Formats

Run an Import Summary Report

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