Importing and Exporting Files

Importing and Creating Surfaces

There are many different file types which can be used to import or create surfaces in T3RRA Design Plus. This will generally need to be done to start a new project. 

The file type that you will be working with will depend on how you acquired your data. That is, if you are a T3RRA Cutta user or a John Deere operator, you will have different types of data available for import.

NOTE: Import elevation data into an existing nearby project to ensure the same UTM Zone.


Regardless of file type, these can all be accessed as follows:

  1. Select the ‘import’ icon on the left hand side of the menu bar
    yLGla7g-w0nb5tyrv-ojyqad4crpiqx7kruta-png.png
  2. This will open the below pop-up window
    QFqtsdwkrndqpsa0ogkdx8t8a76to-ukpombg-png.png
  3. Select the relevant file type (either directly from the list on the left hand side or by typing in the search bar).


File types

Here is the list of available file types for import (instructions of how to use some files types are linked below):


File Type: T3RRA Control File (.tci)

If you are a T3RRA Cutta user, you can easily import a surface from T3RRA Cutta into T3RRA Design Plus

  1. Select the ‘import’ icon on the left hand side of the menu bar.
  2. Select T3RRA Control File (.tci) from the list on the left hand side. This will show all available *.tci files on your device.
  3. Select relevant .tci file
  4. This will open up a pop up window, select relevant .tci file here and press OK
  5. Once a file has been selected, press the open button and after a conversion process the elevation surface and identified design surfaces will appear in the working area and the layer selection area.


To import surveyed points from a .tci file and surface within T3RRA Design Plus, from the top Layers menu, choose Surfaces > Layer > Import > From raw data points (Deere RCD, CSV, etc) > T3RRA Software Survey Points (*.tci) and follow the prompts.


Importing Elevations if you are a John Deere Operator

T3RRA Design Plus can import elevation data from three separate John Deere sources. These are:

Importing Elevations from John Deere RCD logs

NOTE: You must have a folder named RCD on your computer for this to work

  1. Select the RCD button on the left hand side of the menu bar
    mCgv-b5mzlrz8plbnbozul4pzribzxt227uwq-png.png
  2. This will pop up a window, select relevant RCD file and press OK1Bpvmwtq8x33peslmpdkxqpq2ov9ui2-cptrw-png.png
  3.  Once a file has been selected, press the open button and after a conversion process the elevation surface and identified design surfaces will appear in the working area and the layer selection area.


Importing a Surface from an Existing Elevation Surface

By working in the Surface Tab in the Layers Panel, select: Layer > Import > From existing elevation surface:



Examples of Importing a Surface from an Existing Elevation Surface

File Type: DXF Surface


DXF files are a standard format used by civil designers, with file names that end in “.dxf”. They can contain all manner of drawings and text in 2D and 3D. Because of this, they are not georeferenced and require you to know the georeference information. They can be exported from all civil CAD programs. We support importing surfaces from DXF, but also linework and markers.


NOTE: DWG is a file format related to DXF. If you encounter a DWG, we recommend you request your designer to re-export it as a DXF. It is possible to convert most DWG to DXF with free tools like “DWG DXF Converter” by ‪AnyDWG Software (available in the Windows Store). However, the quality of the conversion is not guaranteed.



To Import a DXF Surface:

From the Surface Tab in the Layers Panel, select: Layer > Import > From existing elevation surface > DXF (*.dxf)

Select the relevant option from the below list:


rdcmw-zvpc5fib6omvwkjoujlvmtuvvplwhew-png.pngThis coordinate system selection window will then appear. Since projection information is not included in DXF files, you will need to select it now. This tells the importer how to correctly interpret the X, Y and Z coordinates as locations on the Earth.


Common selections include:


NOTE: Be sure to select the correct planar and elevation units from the dropdown menus for your data too.


A local system is a custom coordinate system, and you will need the reference longitude and latitude, the location of the reference point locally, and the local system type (e.g. Orthographic).


After selecting ‘OK’, the ‘Import elevation surface’ screen will pop up. Ensure you select the appropriate pixel size (in the lower right of the window) for the type of work you are doing, but remember that smaller pixel sizes produce larger files that take longer to process. If there are multiple layers in the file, you can select them with the drop-down in the lower left of the window.

p7Fkudio6jvxna0iv7fh8oodgz4yrx3wp9fgw-png.png

At this point, it is recommended that you verify the projection was correct by opening it in Google Earth. 

NOTE: You must have Google Earth Pro installed on your computer to do this.

To export it to Google Earth: 

    > Select the Google Earth icon in the toolbar. 

        > Enter a name and click OK

            > Compare the elevation map’s location to the satellite imagery. If the projection is correct, it              should line up pretty well with field boundaries and landmarks.

In the ‘Import elevation surface’ window there are several options:

NOTE: The lower the surface resolution, the longer the import will take to complete. 

File Type: LandXML Surfaces (*.xml)

LandXML is a non-proprietary file format created in 2000 to facilitate the interchange and archival of elevation models and other related survey and civil engineering data. 


To Import a .XML Surface:

        > From the Surface Tab in the Layers Panel, select: Layer > Import > From existing elevation surface > LandXML Surfaces (*.xml) > Select the relevant file


A ‘Coordinate System’ pop-up box will appear. (Is this information pre-populated based on the file or will changes need to be made?)

lZix57ixvjqw-0ohnwbf7u-nrd65ya-nbdmxw-png.png

Once you select the relevant details in the pop-up window above, select ‘OK. 

Here you will see a ‘Import elevation surface’ pop-up window. There will be instructions (shown in RED) to choose the hemisphere for this data. Once selected, you will also need to select the UTM zone as well. 

A0iqvvmg7s9ei84wackghjkv2l3quygi6tlvw-png.png



File Type: Trimble Field Level II (*.gps)

.gps files are used in Trimble FMX and TMX displays


To Import a .GPS Surface:

        > From the Surface Tab in the Layers Panel, select: Layer > Import > From existing elevation surface > Trimble Field Level II (*.gps) > Select the relevant file

0KBcviqiyt3csqnchy-9ks8uqm46bajwg9upa-png.png

A box will appear stating which surface resolution has been selected based on the file you are importing. 


At this point, it is recommended that you verify the projection was correct by opening it in Google Earth. 

NOTE: You must have Google Earth Pro installed on your computer to do this.

To export it to Google Earth: 

    > Select the Google Earth icon in the toolbar

        > Enter a name and click OK

            > Compare the elevation map’s location to the satellite imagery. If the projection is correct, it                 should line up pretty well with field boundaries and landmarks.

In the ‘Import elevation surface’ window there are several options:

NOTE: The lower the surface resolution, the longer the import will take to complete.


lkmnk-phgg1op4hh3jf117gqtrtj8zds8hq7a-png.pngOnce you are happy with the above surface and selections, press ‘Import current elevation surface’. A pop up window will appear:


This then imports that surface into the working area of T3RRA Design Plus, while still keeping the ‘importer’ running. You can either close out of the Importer or import more surfaces if required. It will also import the linework and master benchmark (MB) into Guides. These can be included in a .gps export to ensure it has the same reference point.


Importing a Surface from Raw Data Points

By working in the Surface Tab in the Layers Panel, select: Layer > Import > From raw data points (Deere RCD, CSV, etc.):

Examples of Importing a Surface from Raw Data Points

File Type: Multiplane data points (*.txt)

To Import:

    > From the Surface Tab in the Layers Panel, select: Layer > Import > From raw data points (John     Deere RCD, CSV, etc) > Select relevant Multiplane (*.txt) file.

Once you have selected the relevant file to import, the following pop ups will appear:


iPBnmwsnmikrs6mxmmtwzwa-k-ke1mzvb9utq-png.png

Select ‘YES’ if the Multiplane file is in meters or ‘NO’ if it is in feet.





hUI0clm-gqsydi5crcpfauqkitc-yjg3fsrhw-png.png


The next pop-up will be: 


Sometimes the master benchmark has a separate offset, but it is actually the elevation there. 

This is a somewhat unusual variation, so you’re advised to press ‘No’ if you’re not sure. If you will be exporting your design to a Multiplane file, a .gps file or a FieldLevel.xml file, the height mentioned here can be used for your Master Benchmark (MB) in those exports. In that case, import the MB from the same Multiplane file by going to the Guides Tab in the Layers Panel and selecting: Layer > Import > Import benchmarks from Multiplane file. The same pop ups will appear.



Raw point data surface and Import

Continuing on, a new import screen will appear, Raw point data surface and Import. Here there will be many of the same tools which can be found on the standard T3RRA Design Plus screen. These tools include:

To find out more about the above tools go to Navigation Tools

6cxacy-n3joe341jcv1kh81ziam-qebaathjw-png.png


Area surfacing

Z5dgttna0nvtbkhfcigqbd6fzcv24pfs9uzw-png.pngThe search radius (m) is pre populated based on the data set that has been imported. This figure can be changed to to achieve a different surface outcome. 

3k8fzdw9awxochdidvwsh05nu6g6eojn-z3ha-png.png


To surface all points, click this icon


NOTE: Depending on the size of the surface, this can sometimes take some time to process.

9ROh6zem7jhy14gsk2wugn3sajp7cgav3pd-g-png.pngNOTE: If your surface is not complete (i.e. there are areas of white), you will need to ‘remove surface’ by clicking the icon on the right and increasing the search radius.



PZgbfvqoyer1opgka5poopntqe1qnhkzh663q-png.png


Linear Surfacing 



Linear path surfacing is for when you have a single string of survey points. Since it is a single line, this method does not triangulate between nearby points - it sets the elevation of each pixel to the closest survey point. Linear path surfacing is the same as surfacing drains in T3RRA Cutta.


3IXdge4s-dgyzte0rp6y1qhierqhnn6oorqa-png.pngSurface Resolution

This setting allows you to select the pixel size for the surface that you are creating. Smaller pixels are good for precision drainage work, larger pixels are good for wide scale leveling.




Once you’ve surfaced and are happy with the results, click the “Import current elevation surface” (1) button at the bottom of the window (see below). Click OK on the prompt that comes up (2), and then click “Close” (3) to get back to T3RRA Design Plus and work with your new surface.

f8Hjgalrxc0oikem7ghjd8v5o1blie7-g03ha-png.png


File Type: Raw CSV data points (*.csv)

To Import:

    > From the Surface Tab in the Layers Panel, select: Layer > Import > From raw data points (John Deere RCD, CSV, etc) > Select Raw CSV data points (*.csv) > Select the relevant file


uCQakn8ucw8gk8vyrvstbx37hvoxeejdvnwsg-png.pngOnce the relevant file has been selected, this pop up will appear. If you choose yes, points that are very close together are filtered out. This can improve the performance of the next steps when there are many points in the file. If you choose no, all points are imported without any filtering. If you are unsure, press No. 

After selecting either Yes or No, you will be taken to the following screen ‘Import delimited text data’ (partial screen grab shown here). 


This screen is broken into four sections. These are explained in more detail below:

  1. Import options
  2. Coordinate system
  3. Elevation column
  4. Data set



Import Delimited Text Data Screen Explained

  1. Import options: 
    us6rvhhdq-8ypktugjnnfxh8xr5pmuj3aotja-png.pngField delimiter: This should be pre-populated by scanning the selected file. It is the character that separates data fields. CSV means Comma Separated Values, so usually Comma will be selected.
    Decimal separator: This should be pre-populated by scanning the selected file. It is the character that separates the whole number from the fractional part. It is usually Period, however, in other cultures, it is sometimes Comma. When Comma is selected, choose something else for the Field delimiter.
    # Lines to ignore: Some CSV files have extra lines/rows at the top that are not header or data. Increase this number to ignore them.
    Data file has header row: This should be pre-populated by scanning the selected file. If selected, the names from the header row will be used to refer to the columns.

  2. Coordinate system:nmje3dbq7utfyklto-s-zvjfdfsgnczluqkg-png.pngThe coordinate system controls the X and Y placement of your data. Update the fields here to match the data in the import file.

  3. Elevation column:
    H4u48jjpk-z-g8alk9yccsybthgrpg9gejfw-png.pngWhich column contains the elevation data? Click on the column and select the appropriate units. If there is a value that indicates that there is no elevation at a point, enter it into the last text box.

  4. Data set: 
    Extract as an example only. This is a preview of the information in your file. Having this in view can help you choose the right options above.Xevj-3npwzcujzjtqdknxxape7ro6pxitwm8a-png.png


Once you are satisfied with your selections, select ‘OK’. You will then be taken to the Raw point data surface and Import, which is explained in detail here. 


File Type: Raw shapefile data points  (*.shp)

To Import:

    > From the Surface Tab in the Layers Panel, select: Layer > Import > From raw data points (John Deere RCD, CSV, etc) > Select Raw shapefile data points (*.shp).


NOTE: Shapefiles have three required sub-files to import successfully. There needs to be, as a minimum, the following raw elevation points to import:


Once you have selected the relevant file to import, the process will continue as for importing raw CSV data, found here.


Importing Annotations to T3RRA Design Plus

Depending on your available data, there are many annotations which can be imported into your project. These could further help with the accuracy and detail of the design. 

Importing Multiplane Boundaries

Ahxxpobsthe8any9uvoos0rx6cclhkzegxbaw-png.pngA simple way to import Multiplane Boundaries: 

Select ‘Guides’ from the tabs on the right hand side of the screen.

    > Select Layer > Import > Import Multiplane boundary

        Select the required Multiplane.txt file


pgzwrxsihwsxjrtjssnmyrq5xkfhm-mtppbvq-png.png



The following ‘Units please!’ window will appear. If the file is in meters, select Yes. If in feet, select No. 




Bc4djcoorlyfrovzrbcid4rosprdchh5ct7dg-png.png

Continuing on, a ‘MB has non-zero offset’ window will open. Sometimes, a Multiplane.txt file will contain a file elevation offset in the master benchmark. If this is the case, click Yes. Most of the time, click No. If the elevations are not what you expect, then simply re-import and click the other option.


vygzi2azzwiqw-eok2rffet2nsri-tyhlniyg-png.pngThere will now be a new tile in the Guides Tab and the boundary will be present on the project. This can be edited by selecting , in the top menu bar.


Exporting Files from T3RRA Design Plus

There is a lot of flexibility when exporting from T3RRA Design Plus. This includes control files and overlays. Export individual layers or several into a folder. To get started, load a project and click the export button. Alternatively, choose File > Export Data.

Exporting a control file is how you get your design into a tractor or bulldozer with T3RRA Cutta (.tci), or produce a Trimble FMX/TMX compatible file (.gps). You can either create a control file with an individual layer or by combining many layers, such as surfaces, guides, regions and boundaries, etc.

Once the export window is opened, you will be able to select the export type from the left menu. The options include:

After the export file type has been selected, you can remove and add layers to the central column of the export window. To remove layers, click the X button on the right of an item. To add layers, drag them in from the layers panel on the right of the main window.

See also exporting a T3RRA Cutta file, exporting a DXF file, and exporting a Field Level II FMX/TMX file.

Exporting Files - Control File

It is also possible to export a Control File from T3RRA Design Plus. This is how you get your design into a tractor or bulldozer with T3RRA Cutta (.tci), or produce a Trimble FMX/TMX compatible file (.gps). You can either create a control file with an individual layer or by combining many layers, such as surfaces, guides, regions and boundaries, etc. 


To export a control file, simply select the below icon on the menu bar at the top:

dRkdwr3vgqssa9ndf6d6nbclfz1ysodielvxq-png.png


Mnro5-zu-nyqu0szbhtszfxirrtkiat5k9gig-png.png

Once selected, a box will pop up. You will then be able to select from a drop down menu, which file type you are wanting to export. The options are:


After the export file type has been selected, you need to drag layers from the ‘Layer Type Selection Panel’. 

From the Surface Tab, these will (could) include: 

You can also drag in several other layers, like from the Guides Tab, including Drains, Linework, and Labels (e.g. a Master Bench). To remove layers, select them and click ‘Remove Selected’. You can also remove all layers as well. 


NOTE: The ‘Export’ button will remain inactive until you have included the minimum layers needed for that export file type


Exporting a T3RRA Cutta (*.tci) Control File

TTQfzz69jwdqkc8azykninr8gp4aslqyy6x4w-png.pngThis is our preferred control file format. It works very well with T3RRA Cutta, funnily enough.

  1. Open the Control File Export window as described above.
  2. Select T3RRA Cutta (*.tci) from the Export type drop down list.
  3. Drag and drop required design surface layer.
  4. Drag in any drains, linework and markers. When you drag in drains and linework, you can choose whether T3RRA Cutta treats them as just linework or as drains. Treating them as drains will enable profile views for them in T3RRA Cutta.
  5. Select Export.





Exporting a DXF Control File

The DXF file type is a common interchange format used by civil designers.tnbglukmq9fgvmichhjualjavzpmmlocalvow-png.png We support exporting a DXF file of a surface. It may be exported as 3D faces or a grid of points. A 3D faces file contains a collection of triangles that define the surface. To export this type of file:

  1. Open the Control File Export window as described above.
  2. Select DXF 3D faces (*.dxf) from the Export type drop down list.
  3. Drag and drop required design surface layer.
  4. Select Export.
  5. Then a few more options will appear. Choose your export type, file size, and coordinate system. A lower file size is achieved by intelligently simplifying the triangles that are output.
  6. Ensure you record which coordinate system and give this information to whoever will be using the DXF file.
  7. When you have specified each option, click OK.

4z9heg7arr-nnepustzch9xkar4gi1rjuh6va-png.png













Exporting a Field Level II for FMX/TMX (*gps) display

Uz9siyofdclqf49nkp5bn4a0thwflcmz1sogw-png.pngThe .gps file is used in Trimble displays. We support exporting files for these systems with a design surface, a base surface, linework, and markers. To export this type of file:

  1. Open the Control File Export window as described above.
  2. Select Field Level II for FMX/TMX (*.gps) from the Export type drop down list
  3. Drop and drag the design surface, the cut/fill or elevation surface, and other layers. Ensure you include a marker with the name MB that has your master benchmark elevation set.
  4. When you have finished selecting layers, click OK.

NOTE: The older FMX displays require files to be exactly 1010 KB, so you may be prompted to resize the surface.


Exporting a PDF

It is possible to download your design file as a PDF, either to share or to print. 

This is done by secting:

File > Print.pRQ9rv7ewyye0wwc6srj82seothfri9-o00aa-png.png

This will bring up this pop up screen. 

Exporting a T3RRA Cutta (*.tci) control file

This is our preferred control file format. It works very well with T3RRA Cutta, funnily enough.

  1. Open the Export window as described here.
  2. Select T3RRA Cutta (*.tci) from the Export Type list.
  3. Remove any excess surfaces from the list in the center.
  4. For the drains and linework, choose whether T3RRA Cutta treats them as just linework or control lines (i.e. drains). Treating them as drains will enable profile views for them in T3RRA Cutta.
  5. Click the [Export] button and choose a location and file name.

lXQtv8bfubn5jnudmzqnqbl6luyd7rehu2epg-png.png

Exporting a DXF file

The DXF file type is a common interchange format used by civil designers. We support exporting a DXF file of a surface. It may be exported as 3D faces. A 3D faces file contains a collection of triangles that define the surface. To export this type of file:

  1. Open the Export window as described here.
  2. Select DXF 3D faces (Mesh) (*.dxf) from the Export Type list.
  3. Remove all but the desired design surface.
  4. On the right, choose your file size and coordinate system. A lower file size is achieved by intelligently simplifying the triangles that are output.
  5. Ensure you record the chosen coordinate system (ideally in the file name you choose in the next step) and give this information to whoever will be using the DXF file.
  6. Click Export and choose a folder and file name.

Aw30dv5o5z6mg0orghdfwsrcjfqa9390kqpgw-png.png

Exporting a Field Level II for FMX/TMX (*gps) display

The .gps file is used in Trimble displays. We support exporting files for these systems with a design surface, a base surface, linework, and markers. To export this type of file:

  1. Open the Export window as described here.
  2. Select Field Level II FMX or TMX (*.gps) from the Export list.
  3. Remove any excess surfaces and other layers. Ensure you include a marker with the name MB that has your master benchmark elevation set.
  4. When you have finished adding/removing layers, click OK.

NOTE: The older FMX displays require files to be exactly 1010 KB, so you may be prompted to resize the surface.

Exporting T3RRA Control File to JD Ops Center

  1. Open the Export window.
  2. Choose "JD Ops Center: T3RRA Control File(.tci)", choose data to export and select Upload. If this is the first time you have attempted to transfer files to JD Ops Center, you will be prompted to sign in to your MyJohnDeere account.
    dFEyp8azsheobytzldoeqqxbdibiosi-5ypiw-png.png
  3. When prompted, choose your Ops Center organization and hit Upload. Edit the file name if desired.
    ZcNxffvve6ehdi9d-y-iql4rwk9minvlizjxa-png.png
  4. If you want to remove uploaded T3RRA Control File. Select uploaded file in the list and click "Delete" button.
    LIWe28zm6kbun2krnrp-op1efm7ounra9tzra-png.png
  5. You can import uploaded TCI file from import window.

Importing T3RRA Control File from JD Ops Center

  1. Open the Import window and select T3RRA Control File(tci).
    IEW5ghjyz658emrhqql3f3zuedxhi0fj6h3tw-png.png
  2. Clicking 'Pick File' button will open JD Ops Center browser to show projects in JD Ops Center.
  3. Select file you want to import and hit "Load Porject" button.
    AaPbiakhdipokihdn6iqty2c6hkxh4ep15wua-png.png
  4. Once the selected file downloaded, the second import page should appear and show the data in the T3RRA Control File. Choose data you want to import and click "Import selected data" button.
    QmZxjftgqn8k5hrxnnajem6ljariywi5oswq-png.png