AutoCAD Civil 3D

[#1]

Hey,

I need to import some survey data using google earth for a school project. The project involves reconfiguring an intersection. I've managed to import the contour data, along with an image of the area. 

My first question is, if there a way for me to turn the google earth image off in autocad, leaving just the contours?

My second question is, is there an easy way for me to define the existing road that is in the image? I mean Im going to have to redesign this intersection so I need the existing road to be defined by real lines. The only way I can see to do this would be by physically drawing the road by tracing over the image. Is there an easier, more precise way of doing this?

Any help would be greatly appreciated 

[#2]

1. set up your drawing with real-world coordinates (state plane ft)

2. try the command importgesurface with google zoomed in on the area you want the surface for

2a.  use "coordinate system option"

3.  no way to get edge of road - you'll have to do it the old fashioned way & "earn it"

[#3]

I was once instructed to set the row/column settings for importing from google earth to have a product under 5000 - i.e. "resolution" settings of 70x70 as 'optimal'.  Can anyone confirm if this is true?  I notice the default now is 100x100.

[#4]

Last I tried, anything that resulted in more that 5000 points (70*70=4900) GE Import would hang. C3D2012 SP1. This, I have been made aware of, is a Google limitation, not Autodesk.

[#5]

When I posted yesterday, I'd left the settings at 100x100 and ran the routine.  Took awfully long, but finally came in.  

Since the OP stated they're a student, I didn't mention it earlier, but for anyone looking to interface between c3d or map3d and ge, I'd strongly encourage looking into Plex.Earth:  http://www.plexscape.com/plexearth.aspx

[#6]

I cant get mine to work above 40, 40?