Hi @ecfernandez thanks for responding. The data clip is there because the full site is much larger than stage 1 and the DEM file, which covers the entire site, will be updated throughout the course of the development. Therefore, the data clip speeds up the processing time for rebuilding the surface when the DEM file is replaced by updated drone data. However, a data clip boundary is destructive, so I lose some triangulation along the defined boundary. This creates holes in the greater surface when two adjacent stage surfaces are used beside each other.
I know I can clip the DEM using software such as QGIS, but want to eliminate this step by using the C3D features that are designed to achieve this. I also don't want to rely on others knowing they need to complete the additional QGIS step if updated data becomes available. Much simpler if the only step is to replace the DEM file in the master surface.
Furthermore, I know I can create cropped surfaces from the full site surface, but this too doesn't work on grid surfaces. Assuming it is for the same reason that outer boundaries aren't permitted on grid surfaces due to the retriangulation along the boundary violating the grid spacing properties. Using a TIN master surface and creating cropped surfaces from that results in drawing files that are double that of the grid surface which essentially defeats the purpose of cropping.
Maybe I've missed something in my understanding of the above. If anyone could shed some light on the situation that would be great. Alternatively, I will create a suggestion for C3D to include cropping and non-destructive boundaries on grid surfaces and post the link later.
Thanks
