Import DTM into Civil 3d

[sharshbarger]

I've been given 3 dtm surface files that I believe were created in Microstation.  I need to import them into Civil 3d to utilized the legecy surfaces.

I've seen several topics on this accross the net but no real answers.  Is there a way to convert these to a usable xml file format or import these dtm files into a surface or drawing.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Civil 3d 2013

Steven

[jmayo-EE]

Can the data provider or a colleague convert them to xml in microstation for you?

[sharshbarger]

Unfortunatly no.  They were provided by the client and can't go back to the original consultant.

[neilyj666]

can you post an example so someone can take a look?

[antoniovinci]

If those files are .DGN, did you just try to load 'em thru the _MAPIMPORT command..?

[Neilw_05]

I'm quite sure those DTM files are in a proprietary format. You will need to use InRoads to convert them into a useable format.

[sharshbarger]

There's nothing really to post.  They are "data.dtm" and I believe they came from Microstation.  I'll keep searching for a solution.

Thanks for the ideas.

[AllenJessup]

There's a Creating a Surface From a TIN File in Civil 3D. I don't know if it will work on the file you have.

Allen Jessup

[jmayo-EE]

That command is for LDD tin surfaces and will also require a pnt file for the surface points.

[antoniovinci]

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sharshbarger wrote:

There's nothing really to post

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Well, if you wanna be helped, you'd better share that .DTM with us.
You are in the right place among the right people, so trust us, sir.

[tcorey]

That might be a file created by TopoCAD:

http://adtollo.se/en/surveying-mapping/

Maybe you can contact them and ask how to convert the files to LandXML or SHP. The company, I think, is in Sweden.

If you mention your affinity for Marcus Hellner (gold medal in cross country in 2010) or Anja Paerson (six overall medals 2002 -- 2010, including gold in slalom 2006) maybe they'll be more willing to help you.

Tim

[corboto]

I don't know of any way to use DTM files with Civil 3D.  I've looked and looked everywhere and tried everything I can think of.  I'll attach an example microstation DTM file just for those willing to try.  Without Microstation I think these files are unusable.  

[neilyj666]

Yes I think you are right - doesn't seem to be a simple ASCII file and without Microstation, no use

[AllenJessup]

From what I've been able to find out. If it's a "Microstation" DTM file. It was probably created in InRoads or Geopak. You can't import those to Civil 3D. The file format is still proprietary.

If you can't find anyone who has the program and will convert it to LandXML for you. Your best bet is to download an evaluation copy of the programs and try it your self.

Allen Jessup

[mike.barkasi]

DTM is a InRoads Digital Terrain Model. InRoads is a Bentley System Product. Versions of InRoads up to Select Series 2 ran on top of AutoCad or C3D (2012 or 2013 )

Bentley has a product call PowerSurvey which contains a MicroStation based platfom and InRoads survey that would open this file.

Its interesting that bentleys latest Open Roads Technology will import legacy formats from InRoads, GEOPAK and MX while maintaining a live link to these, so if the DTM for instance would be modified it would update the Open Roads Terrain.

If I recall Autodesk left little to no functionality support between there newest technology (Civil 3D) and legacy tech (LDD).

note attached is an example...I did not know units so I would not trust it... but is an example of the conversion

Mike Barkasi

Bentley Civil

[AllenJessup]

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mike.barkasi wrote: 

If I recall Autodesk left little to no functionality support between there newest technology (Civil 3D) and legacy tech (LDD).

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No. You're mistaken on this. Civil 3D will import LDD data individually or as a project. DTM, alignments, point, etc. Points can also be converted in a drawing. So project can be migrated.

Allen Jessup

[sharshbarger]

I appriciate all the ideas, but still don't see a solution.  I did included a link to the DTM file for review.  Hope that helps.

I don't know anyone with Microstation nor can I go back to the original consultants.  If I can't find a solution, I'm SOL on using the data.

Thanks

Steven

http://a360.co/10ngE01

[troma]

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@AllenJessup wrote:

From what I've been able to find out. If it's a "Microstation" DTM file. It was probably created in InRoads or Geopak. You can't import those to Civil 3D. The file format is still proprietary.

If you can't find anyone who has the program and will convert it to LandXML for you. Your best bet is to download an evaluation copy of the programs and try it your self.

Allen Jessup

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Did you try that?  AutoDesk do free 30 day trials, I don't know if you can get the same of a Microstation product, but you may.

[sharshbarger]

I'm going to try that.  I'll post results!

[corboto]

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@mike.barkasi wrote:

note attached is an example...I did not know units so I would not trust it... but is an example of the conversion

Mike Barkasi

Bentley Civil

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Mike:

Thanks so much for converting that DTM for me.  I have been trying to see what's in that for about 3 months.  As I can now look at it, I now have a question about it, and it may apply to all Inroads DTM's.  This converted file that you posted appears to only have point data contained in it.  Is this typical of a DTM?  I would have expected it to contain 3d faces and/or breaklines too.  I ask out of curiousity because the surface in the XML file obviously needs additional data to be more correct (i.e., breaklines).  I was given the DGN files for this project and with that data "rebuilt" the surface the best I could but always wanted to compare it to the DTM that was also given to me.  So basically I'm asking, do all Inroads DTM files only contain points or is that all that was in this file?  Thanks again.