Spectra Precision Survey Pro v3.80 Recon iPAQ User Manual - Manual (Page 49)

Getting Started
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Required Files
Every job that is used with TDS Survey Pro actually consists of at
least two separate files; a job file and a raw data file. Each file
performs a different role within the software.
A job file can be created in the Data collector, or on a PC using TDS
ForeSight DXM (or other PC software) and then transferred to the
Data collector. A raw data file is automatically generated once the
job file is open in Survey Pro. A raw data file cannot be created using
any other method.
There are other optional types of files that can be used with Survey
Pro called control files, description files, and feature files. Job files
and raw data files are explained below. Control files, description
files, and feature files are explained later and include examples to
illustrate their use.
Job Files
A job file is a binary file that has a file name that is the same as the
job name, followed by a *.JOB extension. A job file is similar to the
older TDS-format coordinate file, except in addition to storing point
names and their associated coordinates, a job file also contains all of
the line work as well.
When you specify points to use for any reason within Survey Pro, the
software will read the coordinates for the specified points from the job
file. Whenever you store a new point within Survey Pro, the point is
added to this file.
A job file can be edited on the Survey Pro when using the Edit Points
screen. Since a job file is binary, it requires special software for
editing on a PC, such as TDS Survey Link. It can also be converted to
or from an ASCII file using Survey Link. (Refer to the Survey Link
documentation for this procedure.)
When a job file is converted to an ASCII file, the resulting file is
simply a list of points and coordinates. Each line consists of a point
name, northing or latitude, easting or longitude, elevation or elliptical
height, and a note where each value is separated by a comma.