Grid from DEM contour issues

[tpuck2687]

When I create a grid from our OSIP DEM files the contours come in as a block. I usually do 1' and 5' contours. I would like to break these so that when I select a 1' contour it will show up individually with elevation data still attached. If you select one now, it selects the entire grid. If you explode it, you lose the grid file. Is there a way to do this or will a just have to label the contours so I know where I am at?

[wfberry · Accepted solution]

I do not have a Dem contour file opened at the present but:

1.  Can you not hover over the contour and get the elevation?

or

2. Use the Utilities in the Surface menu and select EXTRACT OBJECTS From SURFACE. You can pull a polyline right out.

Bill

[AllenJessup · Accepted solution]

By "Block" do you mean a Civil 3D Tin Surface? If so, you can extract contours from Surface. As soon as my Computer comes back to life.

Allen Jessup

[tpuck2687]

When I hover over the grid, I get an elevation at that point but I cannot select individual contours. I guess I'm just looking to break them into individual line. It may not even be necessary but for some reason I want it that way.

[tpuck2687]

Thank you Allen, that is exactly what I wanted to do!! You will be seeing me more frequently as I am new to civil3d. I used land development for years and then I have been on Bentley Microstation for the past 5 so this will take some adjustment. BTW this was a grid from DEM not a TIN surface but it did not seem to matter.

[tpuck2687]

Sorry wfBerry as I did not see your option #2. You both had it but the screenshots are very helpful!!

[AllenJessup]

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@tpuck2687 wrote:

 I am new to civil3d.

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Welcome to the club. One thing you're going to need to know is that all of the dynamic Civil 3D objects are a single object. They do behave much like blocks but aren't blocks. In the example of a Surface. How it's displayed depends on the Surface Style that is assigned to it. You might change it from a Style that displays contours to a style that displays triangles and points.. That doesn't change the Surface object. Just how it is displayed.

Allen

[tpuck2687]

That definetly clears some things up and I thank you for your help. Are there any posts or tutorials you could point me toward for watershed or catchment creations?

[Neilw_05]

You don't need to extract the contours. All you need to do is hover over the surface and you should see the elevation shown near your cursor as a tool tip. If you don't see a tool tip, you may need to turn it on in your settings.