Summary
I would like to propose two related enhancements for Autodesk Civil 3D that would significantly improve workflows for surveyors, civil engineers, and professionals working with photogrammetry and LiDAR data.
1. Display Point Clouds in Section Views
Allow Point Clouds (RCP/RCS) to be displayed directly within Section Views.
This would enable users to:
- Compare the TIN surface against the original point cloud.
- Validate terrain models more efficiently.
- Analyze roads, airports, railways, channels, and earthworks using real survey data.
- Reduce the need to constantly switch between 3D views and Section Views.
2. Edit Surfaces Directly from Section Views
Allow users to edit TIN surfaces directly from a Section View.
Suggested workflow:
- Select a surface vertex or triangulation in the Section View.
- Move or adjust it graphically.
- Civil 3D updates the TIN automatically or provides options such as:
- Move vertex
- Create Breakline
- Create Feature Line
- Smooth local triangulation
All dependent objects (Profiles, Corridors, Volume Surfaces, and Section Views) would update automatically.
Benefits
- Faster surface correction.
- Better quality control for drone photogrammetry and LiDAR projects.
- Improved workflows for highway, railway, airport, and land development projects.
- Easier validation of existing ground against surveyed data.
- More intuitive editing, similar to modern BIM workflows.
Why This Matters
As point clouds become increasingly common in civil engineering, users need tools that allow direct interaction with survey data inside Section Views. These capabilities would modernize Civil 3D and greatly improve productivity for surveying and infrastructure professionals.
Thank you for considering this feature request.
