How to Work with Point File Formats in BricsCAD

Quick answer: Civil Points import from ASCII files using a point file format that defines delimiters and column meanings. These formats can be created, edited, and deleted through the Manage Point File Formats dialog, accessible either during import or directly from the Civil Explorer panel.

Note: this source describes importing points from a file via CIVILPOINT‘s “Import points from file” option, while a related page in this hub, covering Civil Points more generally, describes the same task using a separate command, CIVILPOINTSFROMFILE. It isn’t clear from either source whether these are two paths to the same result or genuinely distinct features, worth testing directly if the distinction matters for your workflow.

Importing Civil Points from a File

1. Launch CIVILPOINT.
2. Type I, or choose the “Import points from file” option.
3. In the Import Points From Point File dialog, choose one or multiple point data files.
4. Under “Specify point file format,” select the appropriate format, or click the three dots to open Manage Point File Formats.
5. The preview window updates automatically once the correct format is selected.
6. Turn on “Add points to point group” and choose a group name.
7. Optionally set non-default symbol and label styles.
8. Click Import.

Without a specified filter or point group, points default to the _All points group.

Managing Point File Formats

The Manage Point File Formats dialog lets you create, edit, and delete formats. Reach it either:

• During import, by clicking the three dots beside “Specify point file format.”
• From the Civil Explorer panel’s Settings tab, double-clicking (or right-clicking and choosing Edit on) the Point File Formats section.

Deleting a Point File Format

Either select it in the Manage Point File Formats dialog and click the delete icon, or right-click it directly in the Civil Explorer panel’s Settings tab and choose Delete.

Creating a User-Defined Point File Format

Start by adding a new format, duplicating an existing one, or editing one directly. For a new format, specify:

1. Name (a warning appears if it’s left empty or already exists).
2. File extension of the ASCII file.
3. Delimiter: space, tabulator, comma, dot, semicolon, or a custom one you define.
4. Comment TAG: toggle it on and define the tag if your file uses one.
5. Columns, via the Column Editor: rename a column (choosing from predefined names, <skip>, Easting, Northing, Elevation, Name, Number, Raw Description, Full Description, or a user-defined one), remove a column, or add a new one with the same naming choices.
6. Preview: open the ASCII file to check the data, either in its raw original form or arranged into columns based on your Column Editor settings.
7. Click Save and Close.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don’t specify a point group when importing? The imported points default to the _All points group.

Can I use my own column names instead of the predefined ones? Yes, the Column Editor offers a User defined column name option alongside the predefined list.

How do I check whether my ASCII file matches the point file format I’ve selected? Use the Preview option, it shows the file’s raw data alongside how it’ll be arranged into columns based on your current format settings.

Can I delete a point file format without opening the import dialog? Yes, right-click it directly in the Civil Explorer panel’s Settings tab and choose Delete.