Civil 3D 2016 repeatedly crashes when trying to import point data from .xyz file

[winstonfoxnelson]

Hi, I'm trying to create a surface from point data, and I'm having difficulties importing the point data into a drawing. I go to Insert > Points from File, add the .xyz file to the selected files box, all boxes unchecked. Do I have to specify the point file format? I'm not sure how that works. The points seem to indicate Northing, Easting, and Point Elevation, as I can see from the Preview box. There is no data shown in the LIDAR classification column or any other column when I select various file formats. The size of the .xyz file is 33.3 mb. I would attach the file in question, but am unable to because it "does not have a valid extension for an attachment and has been removed".

Edit to add: when I begin the import, the little progress bar on the bottom right goes through twice, and then it freezes, and I have to force quit.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

[LeafRiders]

"The points seem to indicate Northing, Easting, and Point Elevation, as I can see from the Preview box."

PNEZD = Point, Northing, Easting, Elevation (Z), Description. - Keep this in mind when making sure your file format matches what you're trying to insert. Also, I normally have this point data as a .txt file or csv file. If you're using excel you cannot have things like sorts empty rows or columns it needs to be clean. In most cases the data is setup this way as it's an export from something that should give your a pre-formatted file to use.

When you select the format for the file that you have selected it should read properly on the preview screen. Hopefully this helps. Open the data file in excel save to csv as a PNEZD or whatever format you prefer, then make sure your Civil 3D settings match. Good Luck!

[Jeff_M]

A 33mb point file is rather large. If all you want is a surface, do not import as points...add the PointFile to the Surface directly. Yes, you will need to specify a PointFileFormat (PFF). if it appears that you have just xyz, then make sure you use a PFF that includes only Easting,Northing,Elevation, create the PFF if need be.

[winstonfoxnelson]

Wow, that actually worked. But... why would it freeze when trying to simply import the points? There are quite a few points in this particular file, I will say.

[Jeff_M]

Cogopoints add overhead to a drawing, after a certain number C3D can no longer function. I don't recall what that number is, but my guess is that 33mb file had at least that many. ☺

[Pointdump]

Winston,

'I would attach the file in question, but am unable to because it "does not have a valid extension for an attachment and has been removed".'

Here's the list as of 06-19-2015:
http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/community-feedback/community-attachment-file-formats/m-p/5525555/highl...

Anytime you want to post a file that gets that message, zip it up first and then you can send anything.

"The points seem to indicate Northing, Easting, and Point Elevation..."

What is the file extension on that big file? CSV, LAS, TXT? If you're bringing in a large CSV file (NEZ), you can "Sample" points to reduce the number:

Dave

[AllenJessup]

In addition to what @Pointdump said. If you ever need to share a file like that just so people can examine the format. Open it and Copy/paste the first 50 or so lines into Notepad and post it as a text file.

The failure could be overloaded memory as @Jeff_M mentioned or if you chose the wrong format the program might not have been able to resolve it.