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Working with Feature Definitions

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 About this tutorial

About this tutorial

Your project's Feature Library contains the instructions for mapping feature codes and
control codes assigned to points in the field to their associated real-life features and
attributes during feature processing in TBC.
In this tutorial, you will:
 Import into TBC a Feature Definition (FXL/.fxl) file to populate the project's Feature
Library.
 Add a new definition to the library.
 Modify existing definitions in the library.
 Export the updated library to an FXL file so that it can be used by field crews and
other users.

Note: If you need additional help at any time you are using the software, press F1 to
display the online help.

Step 1. Open the project

For this tutorial, you will use the project file Working with Feature Definitions.vce. The
project includes 10 points that were office-entered specifically for this tutorial to
demonstrate several feature definition workflows. All but one of the points has been
assigned a feature code and attributes, just as if the features had been observed in a city
park and data entered in the field.

Note: The downloaded WorkingwithFeatureDefinitions folder contains this PDF file, the
Working with Feature Definitions.vce project file, and the TutorialGlobalFeatures.fxl file,
which you will import into the project.

1. In TBC, select File > Open.

2. In the Open File dialog, browse to ..\WorkingwithFeatureDefinitions\Working with
Feature Definitions.vce and click Open.
The project opens in the Trimble Business Center window. (If necessary, in the
Trimble Business Center ribbon, select Home > Data > Project Explorer to display
the Project Explorer.)

Working with Feature Definitions 2

 Step 2. Import the Feature Definition (FXL/.fxl) file

The project file is read-only. You can perform the tutorial steps without saving the
project file. However, if you are interrupted while performing the tutorial, you can save
it with a new name by selecting File > Save Project As. Then, you can re-open the
project to continue the tutorial at a later time.

Step 2. Import the Feature Definition (FXL/.fxl) file

The feature codes assigned to the points in the project have not yet been processed to
display their associated features. However, before you can process them, you must
import a Feature Definition (FXL/.fxl) file to populate your project's Feature Library. This
must be the same FXL file that was used to import feature definitions into the field
software, which were then used to assign features and attributes in the field. The
program uses this library to determine how to process the feature codes.

Note: As an alternative to importing a Feature Definition (.fxl) file into your project to
populate the project's Feature Library for feature code processing, you can use the New
Feature Library command to create a new Feature Library "from scratch." See the TBC
Help for instructions.

1. To import the Feature Definition (FXL/.fxl) file:

a. In the Quick Access tool bar located at the top of the Trimble Business Center
window, select Project Settings.
b. In the Project Settings dialog, select Feature Code Processing in the left
navigation pane.
c. Click the Browse button located to the right of the Feature definition file field
and select to open
..\WorkingwithFeatureDefinitions\Data\TutorialGlobalFeatures.fxl.

Working with Feature Definitions 3

 Step 2. Import the Feature Definition (FXL/.fxl) file

d. In the Project Settings dialog, click OK to import the file.

The feature definitions contained in the FXL file are imported into your project's
Feature Library.
2. In the Project Explorer, click to expand the Feature Library node to view the
contents of the library. Click to further expand any Feature Library child node as
necessary.

To view or edit a control code or feature definition, you can double-click its node or
right-click it and select Properties. Following is a description of each of the object
types that make up the library
 Line Control Codes - Surveyors can assign line control codes to points during
field data collection to specify properties for an associated line feature. For
example, they can assign a line control code to a point to specify where a
feature line starts or ends. When the feature codes are processed, line control
codes modify line objects according to the actions (instructions) associated with
the code.

Working with Feature Definitions 4

 Step 2. Import the Feature Definition (FXL/.fxl) file

 Block Control Codes - Surveyors can assign block control codes to points during
field data collection to specify properties for an associated block feature. For
example, they can assign a block control code to a point to specify to scale the
feature block on the X, Y, or Z axis. Or, they can assign block control codes to
one to three points (depending on the block definition) that are used as
insertion points for the block.
When the feature codes are processed, block control codes modify block objects
according to the actions (instructions) associated with the code.

 Point feature definitions - A point feature is used to identify a single feature,

such as tree or utility pole. It typically includes one or more feature attributes
and a representative symbol that displays in graphic views.
Related point feature definitions are typically grouped in the same category (for
example, all landscape-related point feature definitions might be grouped
together in a Landscape category). You can edit a definition's properties,
supported attributes, and symbol as necessary.

Working with Feature Definitions 5

 Step 2. Import the Feature Definition (FXL/.fxl) file

 Line feature definitions - A line feature is made up of two or more points that
define a line, such as a fence or path. A line feature may also include line control
codes that are used to further define linear features (for example, add lines,
curves, and arcs between points) and one or more feature attributes.
Related line feature definitions are typically grouped in the same category (for
example, all road-related line feature definitions might be grouped together in a
Roads category). You can edit the definition's properties (including how the line
displays in graphic views) and supported attributes as necessary.

 Polygon feature definitions - A polygon feature is made up of three or more

points that define the border lines for a polygonal shape, such as a concrete pad
or retaining wall. A polygon feature may include one or more feature attributes.
Related polygon feature definitions are typically grouped in the same category
(for example, all structure-related polygon feature definitions might be grouped
together in a Structures category). You can edit the definition's properties
(including how the polygon displays in graphic views) and supported attributes
as necessary.

Working with Feature Definitions 6

 Step 2. Import the Feature Definition (FXL/.fxl) file

 Block feature definitions - A block feature is made up of one to three points

that define the location and, optionally, the rotation around the Z axis and
scaling on the X, Y, and Z axes for a CAD block. A block feature may also include
block control codes that are used to specify rotation and scaling, and it may
include one or more feature attributes.
Related block feature definitions are typically grouped in the same category (for
example, all utility-related polygon feature definitions might be grouped
together in a Utility category). You can edit the definition's properties (including
how the block displays in graphic views) and supported attributes as necessary.

 Groups - Some field devices enable you to group a set of feature definition
codes and control codes so that they correspond with a single button/action on
the device. Multiple groups can be created from which field crews can select the
one they need for the particular job.

Working with Feature Definitions 7

 Step 3. Process the feature codes

Step 3. Process the feature codes

Now that your project's Feature Library has been populated from the correct FXL file,
you are ready to process the feature codes in the project.
1. In the Trimble Business Center ribbon, select GIS > Feature Definition > Process
Feature Codes.
2. In the Process Feature Codes command pane, do the following:
a. Check the Keyed in Block check box to specify to process the keyed in points.

If you had imported point feature data into the project, other source options
would be available.
b. Uncheck the Close command after processing check box located near the
bottom of the pane.
You will use this command to reprocess feature codes later as you create and
edit definitions.
c. Click the Process Source(s) button.
When processing is complete, several new processed city park features display in
the Plan View:
 Points 2 through 5 have been feature coded to produce a curved line
representing the edge of some landscaping. Later, you will modify the
associated feature definition to change the look of the line.

Working with Feature Definitions 8

 Step 4. Create a feature definition

 Points 6 though 9 have been feature coded to produce a rectangle representing

a park building. Later, you will modify the associated feature definition to add a
label to the feature.
 Points 10 through 14 have each been feature coded to produce a symbol
representing a tree in the park. Later, you will modify the associated feature
definition to change the look of the tree symbol to make it more visible and
recognizable.

Note that no feature has been assigned to point 1, which indicates the location of an
outdoor drinking fountain. This is because there was not a drinking fountain feature
definition contained in the imported Feature Library (.fxl) file. So, you will create
one directly in your project's Feature Library.

Step 4. Create a feature definition

In this step, you will create a new drinking fountain feature definition and assign it to
point 1. Although such an assignment would typically be performed in the field, you will
do it in TBC for this tutorial to verify the feature definition works as intended. You will
create the new drinking fountain definition in the Utility category.
1. In the Project Explorer, right-click the Feature Libraries > TutorialGlobalFeatures >
Utility node and select New > New Point Feature Definition.
The Point Feature Definition Properties pane displays.

Working with Feature Definitions 9

 Step 4. Create a feature definition

2. In the Point Feature Definition Properties pane, do the following:

a. In the Name field, enter Drinking Fountain.
b. In the Code field, enter DF.
Each feature definition code in the Feature Library must be unique. If you had
tried to enter a duplicate code, and error message would have displayed.
Next, you will create a new layer on which the new feature will display.
c. In the Layer drop-down list, select <<New Layer>>. Then, in the Layer Manager,
enter Drinking Fountain for the new Layer Name, select Purple for the Layer
Color, and click Close.

Verify Drinking Fountain is selected in the Layer drop-down list in the Properties
pane.
Next, you will create a label to display with the feature. The label will include
the point name and a list of any attributes assigned to the feature. (You will
assign attribute types to the feature definition later in this procedure.)
d. In the Label style drop-down list, select <New Label Style>.
In the Label Style Manager dialog, ensure that the Point Styles tab is selected.

Working with Feature Definitions 10

 Step 4. Create a feature definition

e. Click the New button and enter the Style name Drinking Fountain.
f. In the Label Properties > Label type drop-down list, select Name and click the
Add button.

g. In the Label Properties > Label type drop-down list, select Feature Code
Attributes and click the Add button.
h. Check the Display attributes vertically check box and click the Down arrow
located beneath the Preview frame to move the label beneath the Name label
as shown here.

Working with Feature Definitions 11

 Step 4. Create a feature definition

i. Click OK to close the Label Style Manager.

j. If it is not already selected, select the new Drinking Fountain label in the Label
Style drop-down list in the Point Feature Definition Properties pane.

You are now ready to assign three attributes to the new feature definition:
 Vendor name (required)
 Condition (required)
 Height (optional)
3. To assign a Vendor attribute to the new Drinking Fountain feature:
a. In the Project Explorer, right-click Drinking Fountain and select New Attribute >
List.
b. In the List Attribute Definition Properties pane, enter Vendor for the Name.

Working with Feature Definitions 12

 Step 4. Create a feature definition

c. In the Input method drop-down list, select Required.

This indicates that the feature code cannot be assigned without selecting a
vendor.
d. Click the Browse button located to the right of the Items field.
e. In the List Attribute Items use the Add button to add two items to the list: Elkay
and Haws.

f. Click OK.

Do not select a Default item; the user will have to make a choice when they
assign the feature code.
Next, you will create an attribute for the Condition of the fountain.
4. Use the same procedure to add a second list attribute definition named Condition
with three option items: Good, Repair, and Replace.
As with the Vendor attribute, this attribute is required and there is no default; the
user must make a selection.

Working with Feature Definitions 13

 Step 4. Create a feature definition

5. To assign a Height attribute to the feature definition:

a. In the Project Explorer, right-click Drinking Fountain and select New Attribute >
Numeric.
b. In the Numeric Attribute Definition Properties pane, enter Height for the
Name.
c. In the Number of decimals field, enter 1.
d. Do not make other changes (this attribute is optional with no default or
min/max values).

Note that the attributes are sorted in alphabetical order in the Project Explorer.
They will display in the same order in the Feature Code Editor (which you will use
later in this procedure) and in the field software.
The next thing you need to do for the new Drinking Fountain feature definition is
assign a symbol to display in graphic views.
6. To assign a display symbol to the Drinking Fountain feature definition:
a. In the Project Explorer, right-click Drinking Fountain and select New Symbol.

Working with Feature Definitions 14

 Step 4. Create a feature definition

b. In the Name field, enter Drinking Fountain.

You are going to use a symbol that has not yet been imported into your project.
c. In the Symbol drop-down list, select <ImportSymbol>.
The Symbol Manager dialog displays.
d. Click the Browse button located to the right of the Source file to browse field.
By default, the CADStyles folder displays.
e. Select the Symbols.sym file and click Open.
The Symbol Manager dialog displays. The symbols contained in the
Symbols.sym file are displayed in the Source file symbols list. Those that are
already in the project are displayed in red with a "strikethrough" indicator.
f. In the Source file symbols list, select the Solid triangle symbol and click the Copy
the selected symbol button to move it to the Existing symbols list.

g. Click OK to close the Symbol Manager dialog.

h. In the Symbol drop-down list in the Properties pane, select Solid triangle.
As mentioned earlier, some field devices enable you to group a set of feature
definition codes and control codes so that they correspond with a single
button/action on the device. Multiple groups can be created from which field crews
can select the one they need for the particular job. Next, you will add the new
Drinking Fountain feature definition to a group already exiting in the project's
Feature Library.

Working with Feature Definitions 15

 Step 5. Verify the new feature definition

7. In the Project Explorer,right-click Drinking Fountain and select Add to Group >
Water Utilities.
A new DF feature code node displays nested beneath the Groups > Water Utilities
node.

You are now ready to assign the new DF feature definition code to point 1 to verify that
the definition is working correctly.

Step 5. Verify the new feature definition

In this step, you will assign the new Drinking Fountain (DF) feature code to point 1,
select attributes (as if you were assigning the code in the field), and re-process the
feature codes in the project to verify the feature definition is working as intended.
1. In the Project Explorer, select point 1 to display its properties in the Properties
pane.

2. Click the Browse button located to the right of the Feature code field and do the
following:
a. Select the new DF code in the list and click the Add Code button.

Working with Feature Definitions 16

 Step 5. Verify the new feature definition

Note that the Condition and Vendor attributes are flagged as "required".
b. In the Condition drop-down list, select Good.
c. In the Height field, enter 1.5.
d. In the Vendor drop-down list, select Elkay.

e. Click OK.

You are now ready to re-process the feature codes in your project.
3. In the Process Feature Codes pane, ensure Keyed in Block is still selected and click
Process Sources.

Working with Feature Definitions 17

 Step 6. Edit existing feature definitions

4. In the Plan View, zoom in on point 1 to view the Drinking Fountain feature.

The label looks fine, but the symbol is too small. So you will make it bigger.
5. Display the Properties pane for the new Drinking Fountain symbol, change the scale
to 30, and press the Tab key.
The symbol size changes immediately, without the need to reprocess feature codes.

Note that the symbol is purple, which is the color assigned to the Drinking Fountain
layer on which the Drinking Fountain feature definition is displayed. To change the
color, you could simply select a color in the Color drop-down list.
Your new feature definition now seems to be working correctly. Next, you will edit some
existing definitions.

Step 6. Edit existing feature definitions

In this step, you will make modifications to the definitions for the other three features
displayed in the Plan View.

Change 1:
As mentioned earlier, points 2 through 5 have been feature coded to produce a curved
line representing the edge of some landscaping. You are going to modify the associated
feature definition to change the displayed line from solid to dashed.
1. In the Plan View or Project Explorer, select point 2.
In the Properties pane, note that LSE SSC is displayed in the Feature code field.

Working with Feature Definitions 18

 Step 6. Edit existing feature definitions

2. Click the More button located to the right of the Feature code field to display the
Feature Code Editor dialog.
Use the list on the right to find out that LSE is the line feature code for the
LandscapeEdge feature definition and SSC is the line control code for
StartSmoothCurve. (You will modify the feature definition only, not the control
code.) Note that the LandscapeEdge feature definition is contained in the
Landscape category.

If you were to view the properties for points 3 thorough 5, you would see that they
also have been assigned the LSE feature code. So they will be affected by any
changes you make in the Feature Library.
3. In the the Feature Code Editor dialog, click Cancel.
4. In the Project Explorer, select the LandscapeEdge line feature definition (nested
beneath the Landscape category node).
5. In the Properties pane, change Line style to Dashed 1-1 and click off the control.
Unlike the symbol change you made earlier, a change to the feature definition itself
will require that you re-process the feature codes.
6. In the Process Feature Codes command pane, click Process Sources.
Before change:

After change:

Working with Feature Definitions 19

 Step 6. Edit existing feature definitions

Change 2:
Points 6 though 9 have been feature coded to produce a rectangle representing a
building. You will modify the associated feature definition to add a label to the feature
that specifies what the feature is and its area and perimeter.
1. Select point 6 to view its feature code in the Polygon Feature Definition Properties
pane.
The feature code BLDG has been assigned to this point (and to points 7 through 9
as well).
2. Click the More button located to the right of the Feature code field to display the
Feature Code Editor dialog.
You can see that this feature code is for the Building polygon feature definition,
which is contained in the Structures category.
3. In the the Feature Code Editor dialog, click Cancel.
4. In the Project Explorer, select the Building polygon feature definition (nested
beneath the Structures category node).
5. In the Properties pane, select <New Label Style> in the Label style drop-down list
(located in the Style group).
The Label Style Manager dialog displays.
6. In the Label Style Manager, do the following:
a. Ensure that the Polygon Styles tab is selected.
b. Click the New button and name the new style Park Building.
c. In the Label type drop-down list, ensure Name is selected.
d. In the Prefix field, enter Park followed by a space. Then, click the Add button
e. In the Label type drop-down list, select Perimeter. Then, in the Offset drop-
down list, select 1 Below and click the Add button.
f. In the Label type drop-down list, select Area. Then, in the Offset drop-down list,
select 2 Below and click the Add button.

Working with Feature Definitions 20

 Step 6. Edit existing feature definitions

g. Click OK.
7. In the Polygon Feature Definition Properties pane for the Building feature
definition, select the new Park Building style in the Label style drop-down list.
8. In the Process Feature Codes command pane, click Process Sources.

Working with Feature Definitions 21

 Step 6. Edit existing feature definitions

Change 3:
Each of the points 10 through 14 has been feature coded to produce two symbols
combined to represent a tree. In this step, you will replace these two symbols with a
single symbol that is more visible.
1. In the Plan View or Project Explorer, select point 10.
In the Properties pane, note that BT is displayed in the Feature code field. Also note
that BroadleadTree is displayed in the Feature field, since this is a point feature.
2. Click the More button located to the right of the Feature code field to display the
Feature Code Editor dialog.
You can see that the BroadleadTree point feature definition is contained in the
Earth category.
3. In the the Feature Code Editor dialog, click Cancel.
4. In the Project Explorer, expand the BroadleadTree feature definition node (nested
beneath the Earth category node), and select Symbols.
Note that two symbols have been assigned to the BroadleadTree feature definition.
You will delete both of them.
5. Right-click the dtree symbol node and select Delete.
6. Right-click the trunk symbol node and select Delete.
7. Right-click the BroadleafTree node and select New Symbol.
8. In the Symbol Definition Properties pane, do the following:
a. Enter Broadleaf Tree in the Name field.
b. In the Symbol drop-down list, select Tree 1.
You can see in the Plan View that the symbol is too small. So you will make it
bigger.
c. In the Scale field, enter 20 and click off the field.
Before change:

Working with Feature Definitions 22

 Step 6. Edit existing feature definitions

After change:

This completes your changes to the project's Feature Library.

Working with Feature Definitions 23

 Step 7. Export the Feature Library to a new FXL file

Step 7. Export the Feature Library to a new FXL file

The changes you have made to the Feature Library are not automatically saved in the
TutorialGlobalFeatures.fxl file you used to import the library. So, if you want to share the
library changes you made with field crews and other users, you must export the library
to an new FXL file.
1. In the TBC ribbon, select Home > Export.
2. In the Export pane, select the GIS tab.
3. In the list on the GIS tab, select Feature Definition File (.fxl) exporter.
By default, the exported file is save in the project folder with the same name as the
imported TutorialGlobalFeatures.fxl file. Since you intend to "overwrite" the
imported file (replace it with the new file), there is no need to change.
4. In the Export only feature library styles drop-down list, ensure Yes is selected.
This specifies that only the line and text styles that are referenced in feature
definitions (not all of the styles defined in the project) are included in the exported
FXL file.

5. Click the Export button.

6. In the File already exists message window, click Yes.
To verify the changes in the updated TutorialGlobalFeatures.fxl file, open a new
project, import the updated file from the
..\WorkingwithFeatureDefinitions\WorkingwithFeatureDefinitions project folder, and
verify the addition of the new Drinking Fountain feature definition and the changes
to other definitions.

Working with Feature Definitions 24

 Step 7. Export the Feature Library to a new FXL file

This completes the tutorial.

Working with Feature Definitions 25