Create Simple Terrain Model

This function creates a simple terrain model either from a 3D polyline in the drawing or a text file. In cases where there are no digital maps in the project area, you can measure the assumed profile line with a survey instrument (e.g. a total station) and based on such measurement you can create a simple terrain model with three lines. Novapoint cannot generate a length profile from a terrain model that consists of only one line, as the function is based on cross-sections along the profile line. The function will use one line as reference (user-defined) and create a parallel line on each side of this. All three lines are transferred to the terrain model. Such a terrain model will be the foundation necessary to start the project. The text file can be saved as TXT file, and may contain X, Y and Z coordinates. An example text file is shown in the preceding explanation of this function.

Run the function form the following locations:

Toolbar: Not available from the Toolbar

Menu: Novapoint > Terrain Model > Create Simple Terrain Model…
Menu: Water and Sewer > Create Simple Terrain Model…

Command Line: Not available from the command line

The dialog box 'Create simple terrain from 3D Polyline' will pop up.

As mentioned, there are two ways to create simple terrain model. One from an AutoCAD 3D polyline, and the other form a text file having the line data in coordinates form. Once the data in any of these two forms is selected, Novapoint creates the terrain model and stores the data.

1. The button to the right of 'Select 3D polyline' allows you to pick an existing polyline in the drawing.
2. The button to the right of the field 'Coordinates from file' makes it possible to select a text file having the line data. The window shown below displays an example of such a file.

To be able to save information to the terrain model you always have to fill out Group Number and Feature Code. The button to the right of these fields opens the dialog box for Group and Feature Code in the terrain model. In these dialogs the “Insert” button is used to add a new group or Feature Code. Under Feature Code you may also select Feature Codes from the Feature Code Register. More information about group and Feature Code can be found in the help file of the menu Novapoint.

Mark the check box 'Standard offset and extrapolation values'. The fields, Offset Value and Extrapolation will be enabled with default values. You can also define desired values.

After defining all the parameters of the dialog box, click OK to finish. When the function is completed, you can view the database and confirm the three lines. To view or edit the database, run the function View/Edit of the menu Novapoint or the toolbar Terrain Model. For more details on View/Edit function, see the help file of the menu Novapoint. The interface 'Terrain Model View/Edit' (which pop up with the function View/Edit) is shown below.