import .dtm

[mlbrack]

I have a client .dtm generated by Microstation.

I cannot figure out how to open or import a .dtm into Civil 3D.

Seems like it should be a basic task???

[Anonymous]

It IS a basic task, as long as you get the correct file type. Ask for an
XML file. The .dtm file is likely a MS file that Civil 3d can't understand.
They all shuold understand XML however.

--
Matt Kolberg
Global CADD Systems
www.gcscorp.ca

[mlbrack]

All I have is a .dtm. This is a pretty standard terrain modeling format, no?

[r.moore]

Would it be any easier to import the point file in a situation like this? I've had a little experiance exporting an xml file from LDD and importing it to Civil 3D and found that it was easier and faster to use the original point file. Anybody with more experiance want to comment it I'm on the right track?

[Anonymous]

[This is a pretty standard terrain modeling format, no?]

No. Well, for MS yes. Not for Civil 3D. Youo'll ned to ask for the XML or
a DWG with the TIN lines.

--
Matt Kolberg
Global CADD Systems
www.gcscorp.ca

[Anonymous]

Importing the point file will make lots more work for you than is desired.
You're starting from scratch with the point file. You still have to add
breaklines, add boundaries, edit the TIN lines etc. The XML is finished /
edited surface. It is by far the better way if the surface is already
created. It's very strange that you say it's easier and faster to import
the point file since importing the XML is a quick one step endeavor. Yes,
sometimes exporting from LDT can be slow, but you will not have to start the
surface from scratch and it only takes a few minutes at most, usually.

--
Matt Kolberg
Global CADD Systems
www.gcscorp.ca


wrote in message news:6010022@discussion.autodesk.com...
Would it be any easier to import the point file in a situation like this?
I've had a little experiance exporting an xml file from LDD and importing it
to Civil 3D and found that it was easier and faster to use the original
point file. Anybody with more experiance want to comment it I'm on the
right track?

[Matt.Anderson]

Let's put it this way. As an engineer - if I am recieving a survey from the surveyor - I want the XML file. I don't want to do extra work that the surveyor got paid to develop. Otherwise, my client is getting a bill for those services as well....

[Anonymous]

mlbrack@desert.com wrote:

> I have a client .dtm generated by Microstation. I cannot figure out
> how to open or import a .dtm into Civil 3D. Seems like it should be a
> basic task???

Depends on the file structure. If it's binary like Autodesk's TIN/PNT
and they are not willing to disclose the format (like Autodesk) then you
(the shared owner of the DATA) loses!

If you want, email me the file to dotson [at] dotsoft [dot] com and I'll
see if it can be picked apart.

Terry
--
Never start any job without the right tools!
AutoCAD Add-on Tools at http://www.dotsoft.com

[mike.barkasi]

ALL,

If it is a DTM "coming from Microstation" Microstation doesnt (yet) create a DTM

DTM is the surface file extension for an Inroads DTM.
If you send me the file I will convert to landXML for you (No need to "pick" it apart Terry)

Land XML is a simple import in C3D .
If you want graphics ask for the triangles to be written to a DWG for you (perhaps in the near future you will be able to work in DGN)

Stay away from the points as others suggested.

Regards

Mike Barkasi
Bentley Civil Services

mike dot barkasi at bentley.com

[jdkamerer]

Greetings Mike,

I have been struggling to work with a DOT *.dtm file (I beleive). We are working adjacent to a road improvment in VA and asked for design drawings to ensure our site design ties in to the new road grade. DOT was a little reluctant to provide the drawings and are not willing to provide additional support to convert the files. We have MS with Goepack, however we do not have InRoads. I work primarily in AutoDesk LDD. Is there an any other way that I can convert the files in order to work with?

[mbarkasi]

VA DOT is currently standardized using GEOPAK, look for a .TIN or .DAT file in the information they gave you. I would need to see the files sent as DTM is a generic description format and software other than Inroads uses that extension. If it is a format from our software I will convert to Land XML for you to use in C3D.

You can email me offline at mike dot barkasi at bentley dot com

Mike Barkasi
Bentley Civil

[Anonymous]

jdkamerer wrote:

> I have been struggling to work with a DOT *.dtm file ...

If you drag/drop it onto a Notepad, does it begin with something like this?

DTM €G®ç&@¦àrm

Anyone with .DTM files they can part with, please zip and email them to
dotson [at] dotsoft [dot] com. If I can come up with a reader it will
be sent back free of charge.

Yes there is a need, and the DATA belongs to the user!

Terry

[Anonymous]

Terry W. Dotson wrote:

> Anyone with .DTM files they can part with ...

Especially if anyone has both a .DTM and a conversion of it to another
format, send both!

Terry

[tysonbird]

Mike -

I know this is an old post, but I am having very similar issues. DOT provided .dtm only with no consideration given to conversion to XML. Not sure if C3D has solved this issue since OP, but curious if you know of any way to get compatible with C3D.

Thanks,

Brent Lotridge