I imported a point cloud of survey locations. When I try to make it into a surface there are no options for surface type only "standard." The resulting surface only has the border and no contour lines. All of the tutorials I have looked at recommend changing the surface type but the only option I have is again "standard" no contour distance are in the dropdown menu.
You will need to create a new surface style that has the contours turned on (see the Display tab) and for which you have set the contour intervals (see the Contours tab.)
Optionally, create a new drawing using the Civil 3D Imperial template and then insert/explode this drawing. That will bring in the surface and you can assign one of the styles that are included with the template.
Whatever template was used to create the drawing didn't have much for styles in it.
If you have a custom company template, I'd recommend starting a new dwg using that template so the proper styles are available.
If not then choose one of the "NCS" templates which come with Civil 3D as these have some basic styles for surfaces included.
IMO, It's best to start from scratch with the proper template if all that's been done is shown in your screen shot.
Five forward, three back...