TIN Volume Surface Customization/ Plotting

[b.johnson.4204]

We recently started implementing Civil 3D for site earthwork numbers. I am now trying to fine tune our process and one of the items on my list is a TIN volume surface style that shows the cut/ fill areas throughout the site. I have one created that shows the user where it is throughout the site, however I cannot figure out a way to get it to plot in a way that is presentable if I wanted to print something scaleable to our clients for their reference. I have included a PDF for reference of what I have in CAD vs what happens when it plots. I can choose color schemes in the surface style, but they are limited and I cannot utilize plot transparency or anything under those settings to help show the difference between cut and fill. In a perfect world I would like to assign a true color to each area so it plots in color and can show Is doing something like this possible?

[jmayo-EE]

Your pen assignments (ctb or stb file) seem to be overriding the colors you want plotted. Either use a pen table and colors that plot in color or use true colors. Edit the colors in the surface properties dialog,  analysis tab. Double click one of the color bars to bring up the color dialog.

[samir_rezk · Accepted solution]

Hi @b.johnson.4204 

There is a great video by Jeff Bartels I think will be useful for you. essentially, the Volume Surface needs to be analyzed in addition to applying and Elevation Style! on a side note, to take advantage of Layer Transparency, you need to make sure that the Linetype is set to be ByLayer in the Surface Style! 

Hope this helps,

[Udo_Huebner]

Normally you will receive in PDF format what is shown in the plot preview. Do you use CTB plot style tables?

[Udo_Huebner]

4 answers within the same minute - wow. 🙂

[JRitner]

In addition to all the fine advice above, in case you're unaware...

Layer Transparency settings are herePlot Transparency settings are here

Good luck!