Import Asc file

[rimutaka]

Hi,

I have bathynetric data with file extension ASC.

How do I open it with Autocad civil 3D?

Fyi, I found some posts similarly with my question but don't help much.

Thanks in advance

[MikeEvansUK]

Not sure what data the file contains but have you tried creating a point cloud? Lidar data is usually ASCII format and you can import that using point clouds.

You may be able to import that way, create a surface and export points as XYZ if neesesary otherwise you'll need to convert the file to an .XYZ file (ASCII to XYZ?)

[AllenJessup]

Post a couple of lines from the file so we can see what format it's in.

Allen

[TerryDotson · Accepted solution]

It's likely a ESRI ASCII Surface.  If you drag/drop it into a notepad the first lines should look like this:

ncols 200
nrows 200
xllcorner 119000.00
yllcorner 158000.00
cellsize 5.00
nodata_value -999999

Try creating a surface in Civil3D, then under the Definition, DEM Files, choose Add, the use the button in the upper right.  Under the "Files of Type" you'll find the format.

[rimutaka]

Hi,

Thank you for all replies.

Terry, I tried to follow your suggestion but I still could not open it in civil 3D.

Attched is the bathymetric file after converting to TXT file (it's failed when i sent in ASC format).

FYI, I am using Autocad Civil 3D 2011.

Regards,

[Jeff_M]

Your file imported just fine for me. Followed Terry's instructions exactly, even with the txt extension.

[rimutaka]

Hi Jeff,

Finally it works!!

Regards

[rimutaka]

Hi,

While this thread still open, I have another question.

I have a coastline data in DAT extension. Can I import it in civil 3D? If yes, how?

Thanks in advance.

[TerryDotson]

The DAT extension is used by many applications and isn't a standardized format that I'm aware of.  Post the file as an attachment and we will see if we can make any recommendations.

[rimutaka]

Hi Terry,

Attached is partly of the original file after converting it to text format.

I can't send an original file as it is too large.

Hopefully it helps

Regards

[TerryDotson]

That is an ESRI GEN file and it appears to be in Lat/Long for islands of Maluku.  Here are the options as I see them.

A) Do some fairly significant editing in an ASCII Editor, the first step will take the most time.

1. Change each sequential ID number to PLINE
2. Find/Replace single space to nothing.
3. Find/Replace END to nothing.
4. Save with .SCR extension.
5. Draw with AutoCAD's SCRIPT command.

B) If this is a one time problem, zip the file and email it to me at dotson [at] dotsoft [dot] com, I will send you a DWG file.

C) If this is regular occurance, consider acquiring MapWorks Base, which will read this and numerous other formats.

[rjairath]

I have an *.asc file with 107,000,000 points in teh spacing of 1m by 1m

is there a way to create surface using add DEM data but only sampling every 10th point

Rahul

[Kathy-CAD]

Hi, even when this is a very old discussion, it is still open..

I use AutoCAD Map 3D, but I think the FDO Connecting Tools are the same in Civil..

You can insert *.asc over FDO connecting "Raster image and Surface".

After connecting and insert, you can change Style gray, color, theme..

[nonbeard13]

Q. How can I open an ".ASC" file?

Answer

Use Notepad or TextPad on Windows; TextEdit on Mac OS.

An ASC file is an armored ASCII file used by Pretty Good Privacy (PGP), an encryption program used for secure communication. It contains a digitally signed message and may store plain-text written information, as well as binary information encoded as text.

thank you Google...

good luck 

nonbeard 13