How to Videos & Manuals For Trimble Siteworks Base & Rovers
Welcome! We’ve put together easy-to-follow videos and manuals to help you confidently set up and use your Trimble Base and Rovers. Let’s get started!
How To Import Job Files
This section walks you through which files Trimble Siteworks needs and how to import them properly so your linework, control points, and surfaces display perfectly.
What Kind of Job Files Do You Need?
To ensure a successful setup, it’s important to use the correct file types and formats. If you're unsure, consult your engineer or 3D modeler to prepare the right files. Need help? We also offer 3D modeling services to create or convert your files for you.
Required Job Files:
Below are the file types typically used for each category
Control Points:
- Use a separate CSV file for your control points.
Stakeout/Layout Points:
- Prepare a separate CSV file for your stakeout or layout points. This helps ensure clarity during layout tasks.
Surface Files:
- Supported file type is the .TTM file format for your surface model.
Linework Files:
- Use .DXF to include your linework and design details.
Keeping your control points and layout points in separate files prevents confusion and maintains accuracy during setup.
If you’re new to this process or need additional guidance, refer to our manual for step-by-step instructions on file preparation, equipment setup, and troubleshooting tips:
How to Select and Unselect Layers
Layers let you control what data appears on your screen, keeping your Siteworks map organized while staking or checking grades
What is Layers?
Think of layers like folders or categories that organize all your jobsite data — points, lines, surfaces, and boundaries — so you can turn certain things on or off while you work.
Example:
Let’s say your project includes:
- A finished grade surface
- A subgrade surface
- Curb lines
- Utility points
- Property boundaries
Each of these can be stored on its own layer. If you only want to see or stake the curb line, you can turn off all the other layers — making your map cleaner and easier to read.
Issues Turning Layers On & Off?
If layers aren’t responding when you try to show or hide them:
- Exit out of Siteworks completely and reopen it.
- If the issue continues, restart your tablet and try again.
This usually clears any temporary software or memory glitches that prevent layers from updating properly.
[Download Manual]
How To Setup Your Base & Rover
Setting up your base and rover correctly ensures reliable correction data and precision on every shot.
What Is Base & Rover Setup?
Your Base and Rover work together to give you precise GPS measurements on your jobsite.
The Base stays in one spot and sends correction signals, while the Rover moves around collecting points, staking out, or checking grades.
In Short:
- The base gives the corrections.
- The rover uses them to get accuracy.
Base and rover not getting a fixed position?
Check Radio or Internet Connection
- Make sure your rover is receiving corrections from the base.
- If using radio, confirm both are on the same channel / Network ID.
- If using internet, verify both have a strong connection.
- Try swapping radio antennas
Verify Satellites
Both base and rover should have at least 11 satellites visible.
If satellite count is low, move to a clearer area with fewer obstructions.
Confirm Base Is Broadcasting
- On the base receiver, check that the transmit light is blinking green (for radio).
- In Siteworks, the base should show as Active and transmitting corrections.
Restart Connections
- Exit Siteworks, then power-cycle both the base and rover.
- Reconnect Bluetooth or radio link and recheck your status bar.
Still Not Fixed?
- If it stays in “Float,” your correction data may not be reaching the rover — check antennas, cables, and Network ID again.
Contact support if you continue having issues
How To Do a Site Calibration
A proper calibration ties your GPS data to your jobsite’s local grid so all your design and as-built work lines up correctly.
What is a Site Calibration?
A Site Calibration aligns your GPS coordinates with your local job coordinates.
This process ensures that all your control points, surfaces, and stakeout data line up correctly on your jobsite, so what you see in Siteworks matches real-world ground locations.
Control Points Not Accurate?
When a control point is inaccurate, it will turn red, causing all control points to display as red. This usually indicates one of the following issues:
- The control point being measured is incorrect or slightly moved from its original position.
- You are measuring the wrong control point.
- There are insufficient satellites for the rover to get an accurate reading.
- Unit is not getting strong enough radio signal from the base.
- To resolve this issue, disable the horizontal and vertical coordinates for the problematic control point, check your radio settings on "INFO" and make sure your are getting good radio signal, or check your satellites and make sure you are receiving 11 or more satellites.
[Download Manual]
How to Stakeout Points, Lines, and Surfaces
You’ll learn how to select the right features to stake, apply offsets, and verify correct elevations before recording points.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Points missing? Layer visibility issue.
- Elevation off? Recheck calibration or surface file.
- A quick and often effective fix is restarting the tablet.
[Download Manual]
How to Measure in Points, Lines, & Control Points
This section explains how to measure topo shots, as-built points, and linework in Trimble Siteworks — giving you confidence that what you record in the field matches your design exactly.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Points not recording? Make sure you’re in the correct “Measure” mode and have an active job selected.
- Elevation seems off? Double-check antenna height.
- Line not connecting between shots? Verify you’re measuring in Line mode and that “Continuous” is toggled on.
- Slow measurement or lag? Reduce background layers to improve performance.
- A quick and often effective fix is restarting the tablet.
Contact 4K support if further help needed.
How to Export Measured Data
Learn how to export your collected points, lines, and surfaces from Siteworks in the proper formats for use in reports, as-builts, or machine control.
How to Create Endpoints on a Line
This tutorial shows you how to generate precise end points from existing linework for easier staking and layout.
How to Create a Line Between Two Points
Learn how to create a straight design line between any two measured or imported points for accurate layout and alignment.
[Download Manual]
Trimble Siteworks - Checking Distance Between Two Points
This guide explains how to quickly measure the distance between two points to verify spacing, dimensions, or as-built accuracy.
[Download Manual]
Trimble Siteworks - How to Export Earthworks Machine Files
Learn how to export properly formatted design, linework, and surface files for use in Trimble Earthworks machine control systems.