Fastest way to create 3d lines (poly or normal) with offsets from text levels?

[Anonymous]

tl;dr: Fastest way to create lines to the correct manhole levels along the runs? I have positions and text levels....

Hey guys, I'm at work, and I have this network of drains, the objective is to create 3D lines along the runs, then create a 1200mm wide surface at inv level along the runs to use in a machine control file for digging with an excavator. My usual method is to draw 3D polys along the runs, change each vertex to the correct level, then offset the lines 600mm either way and use that to create a surface in LSS. But I feel like there must be a quicker way of doing it? Everything is flat since I converted it from a PDF, thanks in advance for any help!

[BrianBenton]

Are you using AutoCAD or Civil3D? 

[Anonymous]

Sorry I have only just seen your reply, I have access to both but am currently using C3D.

[imadHabash]

Hi,

>> ....but am currently using C3D.

i suggest to post your question here . >> Click <<

Regards,

[Anonymous]

Hey is it possible for a mod to move my question there or do I need to repost?

[imadHabash]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

Hey is it possible for a mod to move my question there or do I need to repost?

Yes .. it could be moved by Discussion_Admin  @natashal84  . 

---

[BrianBenton]

Since you are using Civil3D you have a few options. What you do and how you do it depends on the type of format your data is in. You said that the linework you have comes from a scanned PDF, so I assume the text(levels, elevations) aren't anything that CAD will recognize, so I feel that you will have to manually type in the elevations. 

I suggest creating a feature line, trace the linework, snapping to the endpoints, intersections, etc. and typing in the elevations at each point. From there you can build a pipe network, or an alignment with a profile, or use the feature line as a breakline for a surface. Once you make the feature line you can offset them to either side and raise/lower them to what ever elevation or increment you need. This should give you area at the elevations you need. Or you could use grading tools to create the area you need.