AutoCAD Civil 3D

[#1]

Hi,

I am looking for a step by step guide on how to create a surface in Civil 3D. I have no prior knowledge of using civil 3D therefore I am unlikely to know of any ancormyms or file extentions.

I have previously used MX to carry out all my 3D modelling (road design). However, I'm looking to make the switch to Civil 3D. When using MX I never actually created a surface, I was just given one. Therefore I have no knowledge of creating 3D surfaces in either MX or Civil 3D.

The only information I have is in 3D CAD format. I have 3D survey data that includes point data, 3D polylines and contours etc.. How can I convert this CAD data into a Civil 3D surface?

Thanks in advance

Tom

[#2]

If you have no experience you should start with the tutorials provided with the program. Start with the points tutorial so you know what kind of points your working with. Then try the surface one. You will probably also need to learn about featurelines.

Allen

[#3]

Thanks for that but I have run through all the tutorials. However, in relation to creating a surface, the tutorial simply inputs existing .txt files or .las files etc. Problem is I have no idea how to create these files from my 3D CAD data which was obtained through a LIDAR survey?

Is there no way to simply triangulate the levels of points/polylines etc from my CAD model to create a surface?

Thanks

[#4]

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mcgi5tb2 wrote:

Is there no way to simply triangulate the levels of points/polylines etc from my CAD model to create a surface? 

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I don't know if anything in Civil 3D could be called simple. But. Yes. There are many ways.

If you points are Civil Points you can add them to a point group. Then after you create a blank surface you can add that point group by right clicking on Point Groups under Definition in the Surface on the Prospector tab. Then add the 3D polylines as breaklines in the same manor .

Allen

[#5]

You could also try an internet search on this subject and try to find a video to help you on this matter.  If you have the point file and breaklines, then I would just add them in the defintion portion of the surface creation but you need to know how to get there to do it.  Depending on the format of the points, you will need to import them first and create a point group.  Several ways to do things and hard to explain some times.  I would look into training or a book to assist you, I know this doesn't help your present situation if you are on a time crunch.

[#6]

Welcome to the world of C3D Tom.

If your existing CAD drawing includes 3D polylines then they can be used to create breaklines.  Expand the Definition area of your new surface, and right-click on Breaklines to add data.  If you have contours then you can also add that data using almost the same process.

You also mentioned having points but I'm not sure if you meant C3D point objects or ACad points.  Someone else has described how to add C3D points using a point group.  If you just have ACad points then you can right-click on the Drawing Objects section in the surface definition to add those.

[#7]

Note in the surface definition there is a tool to add Drawing Objects. Drawing objects can be 3D triangles, ACAD points, blocks, polylines and more.