Knowledge Base

Article Number: 27 | VC6 | VC5 | VC4 | VC3 | Post Date: February 3, 2017 | Last Updated: February 3, 2017


Can I export my total station data in PTS file format from Excel? 

In Chapter 16 of the VC3 User’s Guide, we review the export process from a spreadsheet application. All that is required is the data to be exported from your favorite spreadsheet application in an ASCII readable tab separated format (without commas) – for example .txt, then you'll need to change the file extension from .txt to .pts. Below, we walk you through the process.

First, you’ll need to ensure that you can see your file extensions in Windows. If you cannot see your file extensions, please read the following article to enable this Windows feature: http://www.thewindowsclub.com/show-file-extensions-in-windows

Save your total station data spreadsheet in Excel format (.xlsx) as you normally would when working with an Excel spreadsheet. Here we see a copy of our data saved in Excel format.

 Next, go to “Save As” in Excel.



Save the file in the Tab delimited .txt format. 

Next, go to the directory in which you saved your .txt file. Either single left click to make the file name editable, or right click in select “Rename.”

Delete ".txt" in the file name and type ".pts".

You should be able to open your .pts file up in Windows Notepad to view the data. Here you can see we are using a simple 5 column format.

Finally, drag and drop the .pts file into Virtual CRASH to import it, or you can use the Project > Import feature. You can find the instructions for importing data into your Virtual CRASH scene at the following links: (VC5 | VC4 | VC3 | Public Safety).


Tags: PTS, pts, import total station, total station, creating pts file, making .pts file, Excel to .pts, Excel to pts. 


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