Using VCL Files for Avoidance Zones

Siteworks supports the use of VCL files for avoidance zones, allowing operators to identify restricted areas within a project and help improve site safety and awareness.

Creating an Avoidance Zone File

To use a VCL file as an avoidance zone file:

1. Create or obtain a VCL file containing the required avoidance zone boundaries.
2. Save the file using the following naming convention:

3. Copy the file into the project's root folder.

   Once the project is opened in Siteworks, the software automatically recognises the file and uses the defined boundaries as avoidance zones.

Supported Avoidance Zone Geometry

Siteworks recognises the following closed shapes within the VCL file:

• Closed circles
• Closed polygons

Any closed circle or polygon contained in the .avoid.VCL file is treated as an avoidance zone.

How Siteworks Interprets VCL Avoidance Zones

Siteworks does not use or recognise embedded avoidance zone boundary types that may have been defined in Trimble Business Center.

Instead, Siteworks applies a simple rule:

Any closed polygon or circle contained within the.avoid.VCL file is treated as an avoidance zone.

This behaviour is consistent regardless of how the boundary was originally classified in the source software.

Compatibility with Existing Workflows

VCL avoidance zone files behave the same way as existing:

• DXF avoidance zone files
• DWG avoidance zone files

This allows organisations already using avoidance zone workflows to transition to VCL-based files without changing how Siteworks interprets the boundaries.

Best Practices

✅ Use clear, closed polygon boundaries when creating avoidance zones.
✅ Confirm all avoidance zone boundaries are fully closed before exporting the VCL file.
✅ Store the.avoid.VCL file in the project root folder.
✅ Review avoidance zones in Siteworks after loading the project to ensure they display correctly.
✅ Maintain separate files for design data, project maps, and avoidance zones to simplify project management.

Key Points

• Avoidance zones can be created using a VCL file.
• The file must be named <file name>.avoid.VCL.
• The file must be placed in the project's root folder.
• Closed circles and polygons are recognised as avoidance zones.
• Siteworks does not support Trimble Business Center avoidance zone classifications embedded within the VCL file.
• Functionality matches the existing DXF and DWG avoidance zone workflow.