Software Guides·

Survey Points Manager - Export Data Guide

Complete guide to exporting survey data from Survey Points Manager. Learn export formats, configuration options, and best practices for data sharing and archiving.

Ahmed Elsayed
By Ahmed Elsayed
8 min readIntermediate

Survey Points Manager - Export Data Guide

Complete Guide to Exporting Survey Data for Professional Use

This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of exporting survey data from Survey Points Manager, including format selection, configuration options, and best practices for data sharing and archiving.

Export Interface OverviewImage Description: Professional surveying equipment on tripod against construction site background, symbolizing the technical precision and professional export capabilities of Survey Points Manager.

Export Formats Overview

Survey Points Manager supports exporting to all major survey and CAD file formats, ensuring compatibility with other software and equipment.

Text-Based Export Formats

CSV (Comma-Separated Values)

  • Universal Compatibility: Works with Excel, databases, and most software
  • Customizable Structure: Configurable column order and delimiters
  • Header Options: Include or exclude column headers
  • Data Selection: Export all points or selected subset
  • Common Use: Data analysis, reporting, software integration

TXT (Text Files)

  • Flexible Formatting: Space, tab, or custom delimited
  • Fixed-Width Options: Fixed-width column formatting
  • Custom Templates: User-defined export templates
  • Legacy Support: Compatible with older survey software
  • Common Use: Total station import, legacy software, custom applications

Text Export FormatsImage Description: Professional surveyor in safety gear using measuring equipment, representing the field data collection that Survey Points Manager exports to various professional formats.

Geographic Export Formats

KML (Keyhole Markup Language)
  • Google Earth: Direct import into Google Earth
  • Geographic Coordinates: Automatic coordinate conversion
  • Visualization: 3D point visualization with descriptions
  • Styling Options: Point symbols and colors
  • Common Use: Site visualization, client presentations, GIS integration

Survey Equipment Formats

SDR (Sokkia Data Recorder)

  • Native Format: Direct import to Sokkia equipment
  • Point Codes: Preserve point codes and descriptions
  • Measurement Data: Include measurement information
  • Quality Control: Maintain data integrity
  • Common Use: Field data transfer, equipment synchronization

IDX (Survey Index Files)

  • Index Format: Standard survey index format
  • Coordinate Data: Point coordinates and descriptions
  • Batch Export: Multiple project export
  • Archive Format: Long-term data storage
  • Common Use: Data archiving, software exchange

GSI (Leica GSI Format)

  • 8-bit GSI: Standard GSI format export
  • 16-bit GSI: Extended GSI format export
  • Equipment Compatibility: Direct import to Leica equipment
  • Complete Data: Coordinates, codes, and attributes
  • Common Use: Leica total stations, survey software integration

Survey Equipment ExportImage Description: Professional surveyor in high-visibility safety gear working with construction equipment, representing the diverse survey equipment formats that Survey Points Manager exports to.

Export Process

Opening Export Interface

  1. Navigate to the Export tab in SPM
  2. Click Open Export Dialog button
  3. The export configuration dialog will appear
  4. Select your desired export format from the dropdown

Export Dialog Components

  • Format Selection: Choose export format
  • Configuration Options: Format-specific settings
  • File Destination: Output file location and name
  • Data Selection: Choose which points to export
  • Preview: Sample of export output

CSV/TXT Export Configuration

Column Selection

  • Point Numbers: Include point identifiers
  • Coordinates: Easting, Northing, Elevation
  • Descriptions: Point descriptions or codes
  • Custom Fields: Additional data fields
  • Column Order: Configurable column arrangement

Formatting Options

  • Delimiter: Comma, semicolon, tab, space, or custom
  • Headers: Include column headers in first row
  • Text Qualifiers: Quote text fields if needed
  • Number Format: Decimal places and notation
  • Coordinate Order: XY or YX coordinate order

KML Export Configuration

  • Source UTM Zone: Current coordinate system
  • Target System: Geographic (WGS84) coordinates
  • Point Symbols: Choose point marker style
  • Visualization Options: 3D height and styling

Export Scope Options

All Points

  • Export complete dataset
  • Include all imported points
  • Maintain original order
  • Full data integrity

Selected Points

  • Export only selected points from grid
  • Use Ctrl+Click or Shift+Click to select
  • Maintain selection order
  • Partial dataset export

Filtered Points

  • Export based on current filter settings
  • Use search and filter tools first
  • Export matching criteria only
  • Dynamic selection based on filters

File Destination and Export

Destination Folder

  • Browse to desired output location
  • Create new folders if needed
  • Consider network vs. local storage
  • Ensure write permissions

File Naming

  • Use descriptive file names
  • Include project or date information
  • Follow naming conventions
  • Avoid special characters

Export Execution

  1. Review all configuration settings
  2. Click Export button to begin
  3. Monitor progress for large datasets
  4. Confirm successful export completion
  5. Verify output file creation

Export Dialog InterfaceImage Description: Screenshot of the export dialog showing format selection dropdown, configuration options panel, file destination settings, and data selection controls. The interface demonstrates the step-by-step export configuration process.

Step 2: Format Configuration

CSV/TXT Export Configuration

Column Selection

  • Point Numbers: Include point identifiers
  • Coordinates: Easting, Northing, Elevation
  • Descriptions: Point descriptions or codes
  • Custom Fields: Additional data fields
  • Column Order: Configurable column arrangement

Formatting Options

  • Delimiter: Comma, semicolon, tab, space, or custom
  • Headers: Include column headers in first row
  • Text Qualifiers: Quote text fields if needed
  • Number Format: Decimal places and notation
  • Coordinate Order: XY or YX coordinate order

CSV Export ConfigurationImage Description: Detailed view of CSV export configuration showing column selection checkboxes, delimiter options, header settings, and formatting controls. The interface includes a preview of how the exported data will appear.

KML Export Configuration

Coordinate System Settings

  • Source UTM Zone: Current coordinate system
  • Target System: Geographic (WGS84) coordinates
  • Hemisphere: North or South hemisphere
  • Datum Transformation: Coordinate system conversion

Visualization Options

  • Point Symbols: Choose point marker style
  • Point Colors: Color coding options
  • Label Display: Show point numbers and descriptions
  • Elevation Display: 3D height visualization
  • Description Format: Point information display

KML Export ConfigurationImage Description: Screenshot of KML export configuration interface showing coordinate system settings, visualization options, and point styling controls. The image includes a preview of how points will appear in Google Earth.

Step 3: Data Selection

Export Scope Options

All Points

  • Export complete dataset
  • Include all imported points
  • Maintain original order
  • Full data integrity

Selected Points

  • Export only selected points from grid
  • Use Ctrl+Click or Shift+Click to select
  • Maintain selection order
  • Partial dataset export

Filtered Points

  • Export based on current filter settings
  • Use search and filter tools first
  • Export matching criteria only
  • Dynamic selection based on filters

Data Selection OptionsImage Description: Interface showing data selection options with radio buttons for All Points, Selected Points, and Filtered Points. The image demonstrates how users can choose which data to include in their export.

Step 4: File Destination and Export

File Naming and Location

Destination Folder

  • Browse to desired output location
  • Create new folders if needed
  • Consider network vs. local storage
  • Ensure write permissions

File Naming

  • Use descriptive file names
  • Include project or date information
  • Follow naming conventions
  • Avoid special characters

File Extension

  • Automatically added based on format
  • Can be customized if needed
  • Ensure compatibility with target software
  • Consider file association settings

Export Execution

  1. Review all configuration settings
  2. Click Export button to begin
  3. Monitor progress for large datasets
  4. Confirm successful export completion
  5. Verify output file creation

Export Execution ProcessImage Description: Screenshot showing the final export step with file destination selection, export button, and progress indicator. The image demonstrates the completion of the export configuration process.

Advanced Export Features

Batch Export

Multiple Format Export

  • Simultaneous Export: Export to multiple formats at once
  • Format Templates: Save configuration templates
  • Batch Processing: Process multiple datasets
  • Automated Workflow: Streamlined export process

Template Management

  • Save Templates: Store frequently used configurations
  • Load Templates: Quick setup with saved settings
  • Share Templates: Export templates for team use
  • Template Library: Organize configuration templates

Batch Export InterfaceImage Description: Interface showing batch export options with multiple format selection, template management controls, and automated processing options.

Data Transformation During Export

Coordinate Transformation

  • Unit Conversion: Convert between meters, feet, etc.
  • Coordinate System: Transform to different systems
  • Offset Application: Apply coordinate offsets
  • Rotation: Apply coordinate rotation

Data Filtering and Processing

  • Point Range: Export specific point number ranges
  • Description Filter: Filter by point descriptions
  • Coordinate Bounds: Export within coordinate limits
  • Quality Filter: Export based on data quality

Custom Export Formats

User-Defined Templates

  • Custom Delimiters: Define custom separator characters
  • Field Arrangement: Custom column order and content
  • Header Customization: Custom header text and format
  • Data Formatting: Custom number and text formatting

Format Validation

  • Output Verification: Validate exported data
  • Format Checking: Ensure format compliance
  • Error Detection: Identify export issues
  • Quality Assurance: Maintain data integrity

Custom Export TemplatesImage Description: Interface for creating custom export templates showing field arrangement options, formatting controls, and template validation features.

Performance Optimization

Large Dataset Export

.NET 8 Version Advantages

  • Memory Efficiency: Optimized memory usage for large exports
  • Processing Speed: 25% faster export processing
  • Background Processing: Non-blocking export operations
  • Progress Feedback: Real-time export progress updates

Legacy Version Considerations

  • File Size Limits: Recommended limits for optimal performance
  • Memory Management: Monitor system resources during export
  • Batch Processing: Split large exports into smaller files
  • System Optimization: Close unnecessary applications

Export Speed Optimization

Data Preparation

  • Filter First: Apply filters before export to reduce data size
  • Select Efficiently: Use selection tools for partial exports
  • Clean Data: Remove unnecessary points before export
  • Organize Points: Sort points for faster processing

System Optimization

  • Available Memory: Ensure sufficient RAM for large exports
  • Disk Space: Verify adequate free space for output files
  • Local Storage: Export to local drives for better performance
  • Background Tasks: Minimize other system activities

Performance OptimizationImage Description: Performance monitoring interface showing memory usage, export progress, and optimization recommendations for large dataset exports.

Quality Control and Validation

Export Verification

Data Integrity Checks

  • Point Count: Verify correct number of points exported
  • Coordinate Accuracy: Check coordinate precision and format
  • Description Preservation: Ensure descriptions exported correctly
  • Format Compliance: Validate output format standards

Post-Export Validation

  • File Size: Verify reasonable file size
  • Format Testing: Test import in target software
  • Data Comparison: Compare exported vs. original data
  • Quality Metrics: Check data quality indicators

Error Handling

Common Export Issues

  • Insufficient Disk Space: Ensure adequate storage
  • File Permission Errors: Check write permissions
  • Format Compatibility: Verify target software compatibility
  • Data Corruption: Validate data integrity

Error Resolution

  • Diagnostic Tools: Use built-in diagnostic features
  • Error Logs: Review detailed error information
  • Support Resources: Access help documentation
  • Technical Support: Contact support for complex issues

Quality Control InterfaceImage Description: Quality control dashboard showing data integrity checks, validation results, and error reporting features for export operations.

Best Practices

Export Planning

Project Organization

  • Consistent Naming: Use standardized file naming conventions
  • Folder Structure: Organize exports by project, date, or format
  • Version Control: Track export versions and changes
  • Documentation: Document export settings and purposes

Data Management

  • Backup Strategy: Maintain backups of exported data
  • Archive Organization: Organize long-term data storage
  • Access Control: Manage file permissions and access
  • Retention Policy: Establish data retention guidelines

Format Selection Guidelines

Choose Based on Use Case

  • CSV: For data analysis, reporting, and general use
  • TXT: For legacy software and custom applications
  • KML: For visualization and GIS integration
  • SDR/GSI: For survey equipment and field work
  • IDX: For data archiving and long-term storage

Compatibility Considerations

  • Target Software: Ensure format compatibility
  • Version Requirements: Check software version support
  • Feature Support: Verify all required features supported
  • Testing: Test imports in target applications

Workflow Integration

Team Collaboration

  • Shared Templates: Use consistent export templates
  • Standard Formats: Establish team format standards
  • Quality Procedures: Implement quality control processes
  • Communication: Document export procedures for team

Client Deliverables

  • Client Requirements: Understand client format needs
  • Quality Standards: Meet professional quality standards
  • Documentation: Provide export documentation
  • Support: Offer technical support for deliverables

Best Practices GuideImage Description: Infographic showing export best practices including project organization, format selection guidelines, and workflow integration recommendations.

Troubleshooting Export Issues

Common Problems and Solutions

Export Fails to Complete

Possible Causes:

  • Insufficient disk space
  • File permission issues
  • Large dataset memory limitations
  • Software conflicts

Solutions:

  1. Check available disk space
  2. Verify file write permissions
  3. Try exporting smaller datasets
  4. Close other applications

Exported Data Appears Incorrect

Possible Causes:

  • Wrong format configuration
  • Incorrect coordinate system settings
  • Data selection issues
  • Format compatibility problems

Solutions:

  1. Review export configuration settings
  2. Verify coordinate system parameters
  3. Check data selection criteria
  4. Test with different export formats

Troubleshooting GuideImage Description: Visual troubleshooting guide showing common export error scenarios and their step-by-step solutions with screenshots and diagnostic information.


Survey Points Manager - Professional data export for all your needs

Ready to convert between formats? Continue with the Data Conversion Guide to learn about format conversion techniques.

Need export assistance? Contact our support team for help with complex export requirements and custom format needs.

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