Importing points by Comma Separated Values (CSV) is the fastest way to bring large files into your site for visualization and analysis. This saves time and ensures precise location data across surveys, designs, or field-collected data.
Before you start
Before importing, consider creating a custom point template so your points appear styled exactly as you want—color, icon, and label visibility—right from upload. You can also use one of the predefined templates in the Properties panel.
Points and elevation behavior
Every point in Propeller includes elevation data. Whether that elevation follows the surface or uses custom values depends on how your CSV is mapped and whether Snap shape to ground is turned on in your point settings.
- Ticked (snaps to ground): Points automatically match the surface elevation
- Unticked (custom elevation): Points use the elevation values from your CSV or any edits you make later
All point templates support custom elevations. If your CSV includes an elevation (Z) column and it’s mapped during import, Propeller will automatically use those values. If no Z field is mapped, your points will default to the surface elevation.
💡 Tip: You can adjust the Snap shape to ground setting at any time by opening Edit Shape from the three-dot menu in the Properties panel. |
Importing point data
- Click UPLOAD → Points
- Drag and drop your CSV file, or browse to select it
- A preview of your data appears
- From Select measurement template, choose your preferred template (custom or predefined)
ℹ️ Note: There’s a 500 points limit per file. |
Mapping your CSV columns
Match each column in your CSV to the correct field in your table.
If your file includes a header row, tick Use first row as header.
Required fields:
- Point Name: Unique identifier for each point
- Easting / Northing: Coordinate values in your site’s coordinate system
Optional fields:
- Elevation (Z): Import elevation data from your CSV if your table contains elevation values. These values determine how high or low your points sit absolute to the surface
- Description: Import notes or attributes linked to the point. Multiple CSV columns can be mapped into this field
- Custom Description: Use to import any additional columns not matched elsewhere
- Ignore: Skip irrelevant columns
View imported points
After clicking FINISH, a new folder appears in the Measurements panel named after your CSV file. Points are visible on the map by default. Use the eye icon to toggle visibility
ℹ️ Note: Need to customize your points? See Using the measurement tools. |
Common questions
Why are my points clamping to the surface?
If your imported points appear at surface level, the Snap shape to ground setting is likely enabled.
Fix:
- After import, open the Properties panel for a point
- Select Edit Shape from the three-dot menu
- Untick Snap shape to ground to apply or edit your point’s custom elevation
ℹ️ Note: You can’t change the default Snap behavior before import — it’s determined automatically based on whether your CSV includes mapped elevation values. |
Why is the Z field greyed out?
When the Z (elevation) field is locked, it means the point is clamped to the ground.
Fix: Open the Properties panel, click Edit Shape, and untick Snap shape to ground. Once unticked, you can import or manually edit Z values
Why did my Z values disappear after reimporting the CSV?
When you reimport a CSV, Propeller replaces the previous data — including any Z edits made inside the platform.
Fix: If your CSV includes an Elevation (Z) column and it’s mapped correctly, those values will automatically be applied during import. If you previously chose not to map Elevation, the points will default to the surface elevation. To restore your manual edits, reimport your original CSV or record those changes externally before replacing the file.
Can I restore my original CSV elevations after editing points?
No. Propeller doesn’t keep a version history of your original CSV once it’s imported.
Fix: If you need to revert to the original values, reimport the original CSV file.
ℹ️ Note: If your points keep snapping to the ground after import, open the Properties panel and double-check the Snap shape to ground toggle — this is the most common cause. |
I still can't do it!
We wrote these articles to equip you with everything you need to get the job done on your own, but we understand that sometimes this isn't sufficient.
If you're stuck, you can connect with our support team by clicking the question mark button at the top right corner of your user portal.
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