Increase Surface Point Density Along Curved Design Contours

[Anonymous]

So I'm using polylines with curves as design contours but I'm not getting the resolution I would like along the curved portions. The chords generated along the curve by the TIN surface are just to long. How do I increase the point density (and subsequently, triangle desnity) along curved contours in a surface?

Thanks,

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

You can use the insert PI command and add more vertices. it changes your arcs into line segments, but that would increase the point density

it's located under the MODIFY tab -> Edit Geometry panel (see attached)

Good luck!

Kudos are always welcome

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

A few options are available to you.  Assuming this is a design surface (meaning you're not interpolating existing ground shots which would not be recommended, select the polyline, and in the Modify tab select "Insert PI".  Of the options to use, a  quick way to add points along the polyline would be to select "Increment".  When prompted, specify the incremental distance you would like new points (TIN lines) along your polyline contours.  This should increase your point density along your polylines.

Another options exists within the Surface contextual ribbon.  Select the surface, select Edit Surface, then Smooth Surface.  There are two methods for smoothing the surface available - both of which are heavily discussed online, in videos, and on these forums.  This method will interpolate points between your contours and generate new TIN lines to these interpolated points.  This will increase density of points on your surface to smooth it out - but it takes a little work to get familiar with this method.

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys! the PI method helps...the downside is that the arcs are destroeyed and if I need to revise the design and re-offset my contours, I have to redraft them. I will practice a bit with the smoothing feature when I get the chance.

Thanks again!

[Bill_Myron · Accepted solution]

I would not modify the object by inserting PI's. The less PI's you have the easier it is to control and you dont lose your curve.

When you add the contours to your surface, adjust the Supplementing factors. A very small Mid-ordinate distance will hlep your curve by placing Surface Points along it. This will not affect the original object.

[Joe-Bouza]

No need to change the plines.
When adding contour data make the suplimenting factor a small number, set the mid ordinate to a very small number, and check all the boxes

[Joe-Bouza]

Oops didn't read all the post.