I need to convert shp file points to c3d points

[BayCoPW]

I have seen videos on how to do this but now I cannot find them.

[ChicagoLooper]

So what have you done so far? Are you able to connect to the shapefile and display the points in modelspace? Or no,'I haven't connected using the Data Connect Palette.' Please explain.

Is your point shapefile in a folder: What is contained in the folder? Does it have

• MyPointFile.shp
• MyPointFile.shx
• MyPointFile.dbf
• MyPointFile.prj

The above four files are the minimum you need for a 'valid' shapefile. Do you have those four files? If you do, then generating cogo points is an easy process. You want cogo ooints, right?

If you don't, then you may, or may not, be able to do what you want. It all depends on what files you have and what data is in those files.

[BayCoPW]

I have the files and also imported them into the drawing with all the data..

[ChicagoLooper]

The term IMPORT can mean different things to different AutoCad users. What do you mean when you say import? How did you perform the import? What command or series of commands did you use? Select all the points, then take a screen shots of those points making sure you capture the Properties Palette in that screen shot. Next, select a single point, right-click and select 'Show data table' from the shortcut menu (see image below). Take a screen shot of the Data Table making sure to capture the top row with that contains the column headings. You don't need all rows below the heading, just a good portion or about 15 rows.

For a speedy solution and a step-by-step explanation you must follow to make Civil-type points, upload the shp, shx, dbf and prj.

[BayCoPW]

I used mapimport. Here are some snapshots.

[brian.strandberg]

I would probably use the MAPIMPORT command, any point objects will be imported as AutoCAD Points.

Then use the Convert AutoCAD Points option in the points menu.

[ChicagoLooper]

Excellent! We are making progress. So far you have plain garden-variety AutoCad points. Although your points may have data, they do not have labels, correct?

Do you want cogo points (Civil3D-type points) or do you want regular AutoCad points? Cogo points are typically in PENZD, PNEZD, PNEZ or some other acceptable format understood by Civil 3D. The format can be either comma delimited or space delimited.

Do you have a shapefile for the points? Do you have shp, shx, dbf and prj files? 

[BayCoPW]

They do not have labels. The ones I have converted with the convert autocad points command have elevation 0.00. What I need is to somehow get the attribute "grid_code" shown in the properties.jpg to be an elevation, a Z value. The end result is to create a TIN. Is there a better method to transform a SHP file to a TIN?

[Pointdump]

Allan,
With what you've got you'll probably need to do some Excel Magic. Please post your Shapefile.(Zip together all the files)
Dave

[BayCoPW]

These are the files.

[Joe-Bouza]

Why do you need all those point in a drawing file?  I stopped import after around 63 thousand points. the description in you shp file is DEM ?

are you trying to create a surface? you can do so directly with the shp or some DEM image file

what is your goal

[Joe-Bouza]

I would venture to say if you had 318 thousand cogo point in a drawing file you would never be able to work in it

[ChicagoLooper]

Based on the images you uploaded in post 5 of this thread, this is possible. If it were me, I'd perform a Query and Alter Properties on the points. This is entirely possible because you have object data attached to your points, (1) FeatId,( 2) pointid, and (3) grid_code.

When executed correctly, the Query and Alter Properties operation will accomplish two things:

1. Geospatially place all your points in the correct location.
2. Take the 'grid_code' from the object data and use this as the z-elevation value. 

By placing the points in their correct real world position and by 'raising' each point from zero to its proper elevation, you will have the required 'ingredients' to create your surface.  

The key to this procedure is to perform a Query and Alter Properties operation, which BTW, is not commonly used by the average Civil 3D user despite its intuitive nature of execution.  

And BTW, Query/Alter Properties operation allows you to use only a portion your points, you don't necessarily use all the points. You can easily limit the point selection by using your mouse to choose only those points in your target area so if you can draw a crossing window, you can focus your surface to a specific area and not waste time and effort creating a surface where it's not needed. 

[Pointdump]

Allan,
Thanks for posting your Shapefile.
Like Joe says, turning all 317,854 points into COGO Points will bog down C3D. So you'll want to add those points with "Add Point File" instead of creating COGO Points. You can even decimate your CSV Point File to use less points.
So, to create a CSV I cheated. In QGIS I added a "Northing" and "Easting" column and then saved as a CSV. In Excel I ordered the Columns into NEZ, then saved again. In C3D I added the CSV to a Surface. Looks good. I'm attaching the CSV.

Dave

[Joe-Bouza]

Id create surface from GIS direct. one less step.

[TerryDotson]

While it's not my thread to call the shots on, but I think the @Joe-Bouza post on "Surface from GIS Data" is the best solution.  It's direct and straight from file selection to finished result, you don't need to jump through any hoops.

[Pointdump]

Joe,
I thought I'd try "Create Surface from GIS Data".
First head-scratcher. What means this?

Then I'm assuming(Benny Hill anyone?) because the Column Heading reads "grid_code", a very flat surface is created:

Dave

[Pointdump]

OK, I see now what "Data Mapping" is:

Works pretty good:

Dave

[Joe-Bouza]

I got nervous but then I realized ...Hey I already did it😂

HI Dave, hope all is well. crazy times we have going on

Best to all

[Pointdump]

Crazy times indeed, Joe!

Dave