export surface?

[wrmurphy81]

Is there way to export a surface into another drawing?

 

Thanks!

[sinc]

Multiple options:

 

1) Use LandXML

 

2) Use a Data Reference (Data Shortcut or Vault)

 

3) Copy and paste

 

In most cases, the preferred option would be #2, since that keeps the Surface definition in one drawing, and any changes to the Surface are reflected in all drawings that use the Surface.

[wrmurphy81]

So this is just slightly off topic, but is it possible to export a DTM? I see the option for a DEM, but my client has requested a DTM file. Is this possible? Thank you!

[sinc]

There is no generic format for a "DTM file".

 

There are programs that use DTM files internally. I think InRoads is one of them. But Civil 3D cannot generate such files. Instead, the way to transfer a Surface to other programs is to export it to LandXML.

[BIGAL]

Be careful not every xml reader/writer works properly we have had problems.

 

A safer way if not sure is to convert the surface to 3d faces look under surface utilities.

 

Do both !

[wrmurphy81]

okay, thanks. What about sending a file for a contractor to use with their machine control? I have Trimble link and know how to transfer a surface into a trimble data collector, but what about other manufacturers? i.e. Topcon. Can I export xml for machine control?

[sinc]

Maybe. For some contractors, I've just given them the TIN triangles in plain Autocad format, and let them convert those to a surface using their usual software.

[BIGAL]

Just a bit more had to do just this a couple of days ago and lost export triangles knew it was there a lot of head scratching, answer you must display the triangles as your contour style then triangle export to 3d faces becomes an option.