# LandXML string roads

A LandXML string road is a LandXML file that consists of an alignment (the road centerline) with one or more related strings that define the road. All stationing is derived from the alignment.

Source LandXML string road files

LandXML cross section road files are created from various office software packages including Trimble Business Center, Tekla Civil, Trimble Novapoint and Autodesk Civil 3D.

When defining the road in the office software, Trimble recommends that you avoid vertical faces. When one string has the same offset as another, the Roads software can connect the strings in the wrong order when it joins the strings to display the cross sections. To avoid this issue, define one of the strings with a slight offset from the other. For more information, see Export LandXML string roads from your office software.

While the traditional LandXML string format does not include support for side slopes, Trimble has extended the LandXML format to include support for side slopes. LandXML string files exported from Trimble Business Center will have the side slopes defined. You can also use Trimble Access Roads to define or modify side slopes for a LandXML string road created from any office software.

For tips on the best way to export LandXML string roads from your office software, see Export LandXML string roads from your office software.

Add the LandXML string road to the Layer manager

1. In Trimble Access Roads, tap in the Map toolbar to open the Layer manager and select the Map files tab.

2. Tap Add and then select the LandXML string road file from the Trimble Access project folder on the controller, or from Trimble Connect if the project you are working in is a cloud project. Tap Accept.

   By default, the file you have linked to the job is visible in the map, indicated by the check mark next to the file name .

3. If a file has invalid spiral geometry, a message explains that the horizontal alignment has been adjusted using the following rules:

   - For spirals the radii and lengths values in the file are retained but the end coordinates are adjusted to fit.

   - For arcs the radii values in the file are retained but the lengths and coordinates are adjusted to fit.

   Tap OK to dismiss the message.

4. To make items in the file selectable, tap the file name in the Map files tab. A check mark inside a square indicates items in the file are selectable.

5. To close the Layer manager, tap Accept.

Edit the LandXML string road

LandXML string roads are ready to review and stakeout in Trimble Access Roads when you export them from your office software. You can also edit the road to add items to or exclude items from the road in Trimble Access Roads.

To edit the road, tap the LandXML string road in the map to select it and then tap Edit. For more information:

- To exclude strings or to include strings you have previously excluded or that were automatically excluded by the software, see Excluded and included strings in LandXML string roads.
- To convert the outermost left and/or right strings to side slopes, see Convert 3D strings to side slopes.
- To define or edit additional strings, see Define additional strings for LandXML string roads.
- To define or edit additional points, see Define additional points for LandXML string roads.

Review the LandXML string road

To review the road, tap the LandXML string road in the map to select it and then:

- To review the geometric elements that define the horizontal and vertical alignments, tap Edit and then tap Horizontal alignment or Vertical alignment.

- To view the list of the strings that define the road, tap Edit and then tap Strings.

- To specify the station interval for lines and the station interval for arcs and transitions, tap Options. See Stations available for stakeout.

For more information, see Review the road design.

Stake the LandXML string road

To stake out strings or stations that define the road, see Stake the road.