You can import CAD Layers into the Virtual Surveyor desktop app using an .csv file, then save those layers as a template to be used at any time. This article shows you the process for creating and importing CAD layers, and how to add them to a Virtual Surveyor project. 

Overview

• Create the CSV/Excel File
• Import the Layers into Virtual Surveyor
• Add the CAD Layers to Your Virtual Surveyor Project
• Tips and Tricks

Create the CSV/Excel File

You'll need to create the layers in an Excel sheet or .csv file. You can download the files from another program or create them from scratch. It is important to format the file properly in order for Virtual Surveyor to read the file. 

To format the file:

1. Ensure the Proper File Format. Use .csv or a .txt file to create your document. Excel or any other worksheet program will make this really easy.
2. Set Up Your Columns. You'll need to set the columns up, so they include PXYZD in individual columns and Layers next to them. Use the following letters for each column:
   • P (Points)
   • X (Horizontal X Coordinate)
   • Y (Horizontal Y Coordinate)
   • Z (Elevation)
   • D (Descriptor)
   • Layers
3. Add the Layers. These you can copy and paste into the Layer column (if you have a text file to copy them from) or type them in manually.
4. Add Values to PXYZD. You only need to add a number as a placeholder. Fill as many rows as you need for each of the PXYZD columns.
5. Example Image. Your Excel sheet should look something like this:
   
   
   
6. Save Your File. Ensure you save the file as a .csv (comma delimited) file in a convenient location.
   

Import the Layers into Virtual Surveyor

To import layers into the Virtual Surveyor desktop app:

1. Create a New Virtual Surveyor Project.
   It is easiest to create a new project when importing new layers from a .csv file because it avoids any Project Coordinate System conflicts when Virtual Surveyor assigns a coordinate system to the XYZ coordinates. 
2. Add the Layer file.
   1. Click on Choose Files or Drag and drop the .csv file anywhere into the Virtual Surveyor app. 
3. Layers are imported. 
   Virtual Surveyor imports the layers and includes them in the Project View.
   
   
   
4. Save as a Template.
   After saving your layers as a template to your Virtual Surveyor ID, you can now apply the template to any other project at any time.
   1. Go to File.
   2. Save As Template.
   3. Name your file, and click Confirm.
      

Add CAD Layers to an Existing Project

1. Open an Existing Project.
   Open any Virtual Surveyor project you want to apply your CAD layers to.
2. Select Your CAD Template.
   1. Click on Select Template.
   2. Use the dropdown to find your CAD template.
   3. Click Add.
      

Tips and Tricks

• You can read more about saving the layers as a template; these templates can be accessed anywhere you log in to the Virtual Surveyor app with your Virtual Surveyor ID.
• You can also export the layers and share them outside of your company.