Understanding Feature Data
Features represent real-world objects such as trees, fences, pipelines, signs, and utility poles. When a surveyor observes a feature in the field, he can make a record of it that includes the type of feature (for example, a tree), along with its location and any associated attributes (for example, the height of the tree and a photo). He does this by selecting from a library of predefined feature codes imported from a Feature Definition (.fxl) file, and supplying attribute values as required. The feature codes, along with any associated photos and attribute values, can then be imported into a project in Trimble Business Center and processed using the same feature definitions.
Note: For more information about feature codes strings, see Enter, Edit, and Delete Feature Codes and Attributes.
Trimble Business Center supports the following basic feature types:
- A point feature is used to identify a single feature, such as tree or utility pole. Each point feature is assigned to a point, which specifies its location. After a point feature code is processed in Trimble Business Center, the resulting feature is typically represented by a specific symbol displayed on top of the point in the various graphic views. If you delete a point to which a feature is assigned, the feature is deleted as well (that is, its symbol no longer displays in the Plan View). For more information, see View and Edit Point Feature Properties.
Note: Typically, a single point feature is assigned to a point. However, it is possible to assign multiple point features to a point either in the field or in the office. For more information, see Rules for Importing Multiple Observations with Different Feature Codes.
- A line feature is used to identify a feature with a linear shape, such as a fence or curb. When a line feature is processed in Trimble Business Center, it is converted to a linestring that can be easily edited using the Edit Linestring command. If offset lines are specified for the line feature, additional linestrings are created. The line style used for the linestring is determined by the feature definition used to define the line feature. For more information, see View and Edit Line Feature Properties.
- A polygon feature is used to identify a feature with a polygonal shape, such as a concrete pad or retaining wall. When a polygon feature is processed in Trimble Business Center, it is converted to a polygon that can be easily edited using the Edit Polygon command. The border line style and fill used for the polygon is determined by the feature definition used to define the polygon feature. For more information, see View and Edit Polygon Feature Properties.
- A block feature is used to identify a predefined CAD block that was created in TBC or some other software application and imported into Feature Definition Manager as a DWG (.dwg) or DXF (.dxf) file. A block feature definition specifies how many of a block's insertion points (one to three) can be used to locate and, optionally, rotate and scale the block.
If the feature includes a photo or other media file attribute, a Media Folder icon 
is displayed with the associated point, linestring, or polygon. You can view and edit attribute values and media files assigned to the feature by opening the Properties pane for the associated object.
Note: In addition to accessing media file attributes from the Properties pane, you can open the media folder attached to the point, linestring, or polygon to access all media files assigned to it, whether they were assigned as feature attributes or assigned some other way. For instructions, see Open Media Files.
After feature codes are processed in the project, the feature data can be exported to CAD systems and geographic information systems (GIS).
Feature code types and attributes are defined and managed in the Feature Definition Managerapplication (select Feature Definition Manager in GIS > Feature Definition), which allows you to create and edit a Feature Definition (.fxl) file that can be loaded on a field device. This same Feature Definition (.fxl) file is then used by Trimble Business Center for feature processing after the feature codes have been imported (see Feature Code Processing Settings and Import Feature Definition (.fxl) Files).
