Roads

New features

Support for LandXML string roads

LandXML string roads are now supported in the Trimble Access Roads software.

LandXML string roads can be defined by an alignment with break lines or by an alignment with irregular lines. Files of this type can be exported by various software packages, including:

  • Trimble Business Center (break lines only)
  • Tekla Civil (break lines or irregular lines)
  • Trimble Novapoint (break lines or irregular lines)
  • Various software packages from third‑party vendors such as Leica and Carlson

LandXML string roads are supported in their native LandXML format, unlike LandXML cross section roads, which the Trimble Roads software converts to Trimble RXL roads before you can use them.

LandXML string roads are very similar to GENIO string roads but offer a number of advantages:

  • There is no need to select the strings to define the road as the road definition is complete and ready for review and stakeout.
  • String names are not limited to 4 characters.
  • LandXML files can include more than one surface.
  • Support for LandXML string files is better when exporting from Trimble Business Center, and when displaying files or staking with Trimble Access.

While the traditional LandXML string format does not include support for side slopes, Trimble has extended the LandXML format to include support for side slopes. LandXML string files exported from Trimble Business Center will have the side slopes defined. Side slopes can also be defined or modified in the Trimble Access Roads software. You can also edit the road definition to exclude the centerline, if required.

To ensure Trimble Business Center exports LandXML string roads, you must have version 5.30 or later. In the Export pane, select Corridor as the export type and select the Trimble Access Roads strings file format. Set the Output file type field to LandXML. If you usually export Trimble RXL and GENIO formats from Trimble Business Center and these formats are working great for you then you can keep using these formats. However, if you are dealing with more complicated road designs, the LandXML string format could be a better solution for you.

LandXML string roads currently have some minor limitations when compared to Trimble RXL and GENIO roads. Trimble RXL roads support full editing of the road as well as additional features such as additional points and strings, and GENIO supports new string creation. However if these are not features you use, LandXML string roads may be a better solution for you.

Enhancements

LandXML cross section roads now permanently stored as Trimble RXL roads

LandXML cross section roads must be stored as Trimble RXL roads for use in the Trimble Access Roads software. The software now prompts you to do this when you select a LandXML road to define or stakeout.

Previously the LandXML road was only temporarily stored as an RXL file, which meant it had to be defined each time you selected the road. The new workflow means that the road is only converted once, and all of the editing tools for Trimble RXL roads are available for the road.

Improved surface display controls

The surface display controls for a road are now separate to those for a surface in a TTM, DXF or LandXML file. The display options for all surfaces are now selectable from a drop down list. Select the new Outline option to display a line around the outside edge of the surface with no shading.

For a road the options are:

  • Color gradient
  • Shaded
  • Outline

For all other surfaces the options are:

  • Color gradient
  • Shaded
  • Triangles
  • Color gradient + triangles
  • Outline

Improved display of road and alignments in the map

The display of roads and alignments containing arcs with small radii has been improved. Previously, depending on the radii, the arcs could appear as a series of straight lines.

Reviewing a string

When reviewing any type of road, you can now select a string to review. This is useful for viewing the extent of a string that does not start at the start station and/or end at the end station. Select the string from the map or tap String and select it from the list. The selected string is highlighted blue in the map.

Resolved issues

  • Cross slope and subgrade definition: We have resolved an issue when staking a Trimble road, where the cross slope and/or subgrade definition was lost when you selected the next station to stake after measuring and storing a point, or when you exited the navigation screen and then tapped Start.
  • Unable to display nearest string in selection screen: We have resolved an issue where the software reported that the nearest string could not be found when you selected the Nearest string option from the cross section view during a conventional survey. This was a display issue only at the selection screen. Tapping Start would correctly stake the nearest string.
  • Incorrect display of a construction offset: We have resolved an issue where a horizontal construction offset applied at the slope of the previous line was displayed incorrectly. This was an issue only for a fill side slope for a Trimble road and only at the selection screen. The fill side slope was shown correctly at the navigation screen.
  • Software deselecting the subgrade point: We have resolved an issue where the selected subgrade point was deselected when you defined a subgrade, switched to the plan view and then returned to the cross section view. This occurred only when the selected subgrade point was on a side slope or at the horizontal alignment.
  • Unusual linework when deselecting the subgrade position: When deselecting a subgrade position the subgrade definition is cleared and the position defaults to the horizontal alignment. Previously the subgrade definition remained but was displayed incorrectly, resulting in some unusual linework.
  • Viewing fixed scale cross sections: We have resolved an intermittent issue when selecting a cross section using the station list where the cross section did not display. This happened only when the cross section view was in Fixed scale mode when reviewing a Trimble or GENIO road or when staking a Trimble road. If you changed from Fixed scale to Free scale and tapped Zoom extents the cross section would display.
  • Incorrect icon in cross section view: The orbit point icon no longer appears in the cross section view when reviewing a road. You cannot orbit a road in the cross section view.
  • Cross section view availability: We have resolved an issue where the software sometimes incorrectly showed a message saying that the cross section view was unavailable.
  • LandXML alignment selection: We have resolved an issue where if you selected an alignment from the map in a LandXML file containing more than one alignment, the first alignment in the file was always selected.
  • Application errors: We have fixed several issues that caused occasional application errors when using or closing the software. In particular:
    • You will no longer see an occasional application error when adding a vertical alignment element after previously deleting all existing elements.