AutoCAD Civil 3D

[#1]

---

Jeff_M wrote:

does he shoot contours, or does he shoot points with elevation?

---

He shoots points with elevation, then he comes back home, and the very first thing he makes is.. contours from those points.

Contours are the base for every serious topographic plan: how did you project before computer era?

Answer: in 2D, on a contour basis, trust me.

If somebody lets me choose between a bunch of 3Dfaces (TIN) or a shape with elevated contours, I go with the second one, without no doubt, dear Jeff.

[#2]

---

antoniovinci wrote:

---

Jeff_M wrote:

does he shoot contours, or does he shoot points with elevation?

---

He shoots points with elevation, then he comes back home, and the very first thing he makes is.. contours from those points.

Contours are the base for every serious topographic plan: how did you project before computer era?

Answer: in 2D, on a contour basis, trust me.

If somebody lets me choose between a bunch of 3Dfaces (TIN) or a shape with elevated contours, I go with the second one, without no doubt, dear Jeff.

---

The first thing that gets done with points are that they are added to a surface in civil 3d from which trianlges are created, from which contours are interpreted. Check out what gets changed when contours are smoothed.

When I carry out a topo survey I measure points (and breaklines) that will create a surface model that will give the best representation in the computer of the actual ground, based on triangles.

Before computers, surfaces were drawn with contours, which were calculated from the points that surveyors measured. The surveyed points were plotted onto paper then measured between to calulate the elevations that were to be drawn as contours. The contour lines would then be drawn smoothly between all the calculated elevations of the same height to give your contour plan. The same process that occurs with a tin surface in computers.

[#3]

Contours are a lie. I would MUCH rather have the triangles of the surface then an approximation of the surface aka contours. If you build a surface from contours, what is happening between the contours? You have absolutely no idea. If you get the triangles, you have the maximum amount of information from that surface. Do you build from contours? No. You build from points. The contours are simply a graphical representation of those points that make it simple for us as humans to see what is going on.

I hate to say it but I disagree with you, Antonio (I'm assuming that's your first name). But hey, that's the great part about this discussion group, people disagreeing with you is a great way to learn.

[#4]

Brian:

The biggest problem that I have here is agreeing with Jeff, ALL THE TIME.  

Oh well, maybe, someday!

Bill

[#5]

I am going to consider this issue resolved for me.  In future I will ask for LandXLM file.  I was actually looking for points.  When I received the .txt file with point information, I imported .txt file and got what I was looking for.  I appreciate all the good answers.  When I called the surveyor, he didn't know anything about a .pnt file. I use him regularly therefore I will just get the .txt file and insert it.

Thanks again,

Mando

[#6]

tell your surveyor to throw away that toy for software he has and get some real software. i always have problem with surveyor that have carlson. i bata tested it when it first came out and even meet with the developer to get him to fix the problems. seems like they still have some of the same problems today.