Combining Topographic Surface Data

[Anonymous]

Hello Everyone,

I have a question about combining topographic contours. Sometimes whenever working with topographic contours, it is beneficial to combine the contours from two different topographic surveys into one contiguous surface. However, creating a composite topographic contour can be difficult since doing so can sometimes create steep slopes near where the two surveys meet. Also, in these areas, the contours can look very strange.

I am reaching out to see what is the standard practice for combining two different topographic survey surfaces. Extracting the contours and modifying them manually can be very time consuming. Also, using swap edge, delete line, etc. to modify the surface can be extremely time consuming as well.

For your reference, I have attached the xml file of the surface in reference and a picture of what I am talking about. Any and all tips and tricks is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dustin

[rl_jackson]

Often the best way to fix that is to create a featureline at the contour elevation in question and add it to the surface as a breakline, this will smooth the contour in that area.

[Joe-Bouza]

Are you familiar with "fits like a dovetail joint."

if surface B is to be combined into Surface A use the outer boundary of B offset set 10 - 20 units as a hide boundary in Surface A then paste B into A. the buffer should allow for a smoother transition

[jmayo-EE]

http://www.civil4d.com/2010/04/blending-surfaces/