Coverting block reference to cogo points

[amamra_tarik]

Hi guys,

I am trying to create a surface from AutoCAD points (block reference).

I tried to use Data extraction and then upload the data I extracted but for each point, civil 3d is extracting 4 points close to each other and sometimes with huge difference in values for the same point.

I noticed when I click on the points I have on civil 3d , 4 rectangles appear near my point that are used to move the point if you want to, so Civil 3d might be extracting the data from these 4 rectangles.

Any Idea how to fix this? I am also open to any other Ideas to create surfaces from block references that doesn't require this much work.

Thanks in advance.

[Pointdump]

Hi Tarik,
You can probably find better elevation data:
https://data.geobasis-bb.de/geobasis/daten/als/laz/
https://www.opengeodata.nrw.de/produkte/geobasis/hm/bdom50_las/bdom50_las/
https://data.geobasis-bb.de/geobasis/daten/dgm/xyz/
Dave

[BrianHailey · Accepted solution]

Your data is a block with attributes. One of those attributes is displaying the elevation of the point (the attribute is named "HOEHE". There is a tool in Civil 3D to move blocks to the elevation of one of the attributes. On the Modify tab of the ribbon, choose "Surface". On the "Surface Tools" panel of the ribbon choose "Move to Surface" and then "Move Blocks to Attribute Elevation". This will assign your blocks the correct elevation. One thing to note with your blocks, the insertion point isn't super close to the elevation label. In the following image, I set the system variable PDMODE to 3 so you can more easily see the point for the block.

Once the points have the correct elevation, we can then add them to a surface. Create a new surface if you haven't done so already. Expand out "Definition", right click on "Drawing Objects" and choose "Add...". 

In the following dialog box choose "Blocks" as the object type, click OK, and then choose all of your points.

Next thing you know, you have a surface.

[amamra_tarik]

Hi Brian,

Thank you so much for your detailed and insightful response. It worked perfectly.

(PS: You truly need a raise lol)

Thanks again for your help!

Best regards

[Pointdump]

Hi Brian,
I knew about "Move Text to Elevation", but I didn't know about "Move Blocks to Attribute Elevation". My learning moment for today. Thank you.
Dave

[BrianHailey]

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@amamra_tarik wrote:

Hi Brian,

Thank you so much for your detailed and insightful response. It worked perfectly.

(PS: You truly need a raise lol)

Thanks again for your help!

Best regards

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I was hoping someone would catch that. 🙂

At a much smaller firm I used to work at, one morning everyone saw this in the AutoCAD: 

For those curious, it's the MODEMACRO system variable.