Trimble Multiplane support - PIX4Dfields

What is the Trimble Multiplane feature?

Trimble Multiplane is a Format used for field-leveling workflows based on Digital Surface Models. It is designed to help farmers, earthworks contractors, and land managers plan and execute land-leveling projects. 

Inputs needed to be able to export:

1. Digital Surface Model.
2. Boundary of the field.
3. Master Benchmark Point: Surveyed point with known Elevation and Coordinates in DMS format. It should be a point annotation.

What is the master benchmark point?

The master benchmark point in Trimble MultiPlane files serves as a critical reference point for surveying, land leveling, and field design projects. It is essentially the starting point and origin of a grid system used to define and survey a field. 

Purpose of the paster benchmark point

1. A reference point for accuracy: The master benchmark acts as the fixed reference point for all measurements and calculations in a field project. It ensures that all subsequent data points, such as elevation or coordinates, are consistent and accurate relative to this origin.

2. Foundation for field design: Inland leveling or surface drainage projects, the benchmark provides the baseline for creating topographic maps, cut/fill calculations, and implementing designs like MultiPlane layouts.

3. Integration with GPS Systems: When using RTK-corrected GPS systems, the Master Benchmark enables sub-inch accuracy by serving as the anchor point for all geospatial data.

How It Is Used

1. Establishing the benchmark:

   • The benchmark is typically set at a stable and easily identifiable location in the field.

   • It is marked physically (e.g., with a flag or stake) and recorded digitally in the system.

   • All equipment (e.g., Trimble FMX displays or RTK base stations) must be calibrated to this point to ensure uniformity.

2. Exporting and designing:

   • When exporting MultiPlane files, all data points are defined relative to the Master benchmark. This ensures that designs align correctly with real-world coordinates during implementation

3. Implementation in Field Leveling:

   • The benchmark ensures that machinery (e.g., scrapers or blades) operates based on accurate cut/fill maps derived from the design.

   • If the benchmark is incorrectly set or not used consistently, it can lead to alignment errors in field operations.

How to export the Trimble Multiplane file?

1. Access the Export menu in the top-right corner.
2. Click Water management.
3. Select Trimble Multiplane.
4. Select a Digital Surface Model, a Boundary, and a Master Benchmark point. 

How is a Trimble Multiplane file structured?

A MultiPlane file is a .text text file with the following columns.

Column	Description
Index	Line number of the entry.
Value 1	Northing in meter or feet
Value 2	Easting in meter or feet
Value 3	Elevation in meter or feet
Type	MB = Masterbenchmark point B = Boundary point Empty = Surface Model point

Example:

0001   0.000       0.000       -22.181 MB   N26:51:46.05 / W80:37:31.99    0.000

The first row is the master benchmark and marks the origin 0 | 0 of the file. Its real-world geographic coordinates are denoted in DMS format (N26:51:46.05 / W80:37:31.99)

2        252.245  32.6638   0.213    B
3        147.969  -115.633  0.700    B

The next rows represent the field boundary with Northing and Easting in relation to the master benchmark.   

25    152.911     298.197    0.9573
32    152.911     289.818    1.01242

All rows after the boundary rows represent elevation points inside the field boundary also in relation to the master benchmark.