How do I Import and Export Projects through HCL?

What is a project file?

A project file in HCL is a ".hpl30" file type. This file type saves everything related to a project, including:

1. Project Name
2. Project Description
3. Control Point name, coordinate, and prism data
4. Jobs within the project
5. Layout points and their staked data per job
6. Measured points and their associated jobs and station
7. Cad Files and CAD elements

If an hpl30 file type is exported or imported, the progress, time stamps, and data related to that project transfer as well.

Does HCL automatically backup my projects?

Yes, there is an automatic process in place that regularly saves your project data as you work. It is best practice to save a back up copy of your project on a USB, on a cloud drive, or on the tablet itself when necessary.

How to perform import and export of my projects?

Step 1: Open the project folder

Step 2: Use the import/export arrows

At the top of the screen, you will find the import and export arrows for your convenience:

Simply tap the downward arrow for import, and the upward arrow for export. If exporting, make sure you highlight properly the project you wish to export.

What do I do if I cannot find my project on my tablet anymore?

If your project or job simply won't open, it might simply be an error related to the points. See this article for more information to make sure your points all have unique names and how to reimport your point data.

In the case, however, that a project appears to have vanished or appears to be deleted, it could be because HCL is abruptly shutting down during the back-up process on the tablet. This should rarely happen, but HCL files could become corrupted if HCL is performing a file back up at the same time as:

1. Someone force-pulls the battery out of the tablet
2. Someone long-holds the power button to force the tablet to shut off

Best practice, again, is to simply perform your own back ups when you can and, especially, shut down HCL the normal way: press the power button icon in the top corner of the home screen: