Editing Surfaces in Object Viewer

[brandon4Q6AC]

Hi all,

I am very new to Civil 3D and am trying to create a foundation plan using data points from a Total Station.  I would like to transfer that foundation plan into Advance Steel so I can draw some handrail.  I was able to create a surface area and add/delete lines to clean it up but I'm getting stuck.  Is there a way to edit surfaces in Object Viewer?  It's much easier to see.  At this point it will not let me add more lines where I need to close certain surfaces, mainly at the end of curbs, and fill in gaps.  I am attempting to add points to connect more lines but have not been very successful yet.  Suggestions?

[v-silvestre]

Hi Brandon, when you asked if you could edit your surface within object viewer, is it because of the display style you see in object viewer?  If so, you can set your model space view to match that by adjusting the view settings at the top left of your model space window:

[brandon4Q6AC]

Ah, yes that is so much better, thank you.  Now I just need help filling in these gaps.

[v-silvestre · Accepted solution]

A couple of things I would suggest, instead of using "Add/Delete line" when editing your surface, you should look into using Feature lines.  I think this is the reason why there are holes in your surface.  Also, one thing to note is that Civil 3d cannot handle vertical faces especially with Feature line.  If 2 feature lines cross they will only have 1 elevation, particularly the last elevation always wins.  

I went ahead and just traced over your surface with features to get the rough outline/shape, doing this I was able to fill in the holes that were previously made.  

[brandon4Q6AC]

Wow, this looks great!  Thank you so much, I will definitely look into feature lines.

[v-silvestre]

Happy to help.  There's still some things that need to be cleaned up, especially at the top landing, but at least it's a good starting point.

[brian.strandberg]

I did a post on the issue with over using edits a while back, you can check it out here: http://c3dk.com/2023/10/05/civil-3d-my-surface-is-ignoring-the-feature-lines/

I see issues often with newer users knowing how to create surfaces but not review them.  Here is a link to part one of that in case it can help: http://c3dk.com/2022/09/06/techniques-for-reviewing-civil-3d-surfaces-part-1/

There are alot of great places including here to learn more about Civil 3d.  Good luck on your journey!