Review the requirements for data precision and coverage in the final drawings and other project deliverables. Compare these with the resolution of input surface data, especially if it comes from a DEM (digital elevation model) or LIDAR (light detection and ranging) source. Ensure that your project does not contain overly detailed surfaces that require long processing time at every step. You can either purchase a lower resolution file from the vendor, or filter the file on input to reduce data density. For more information, see Filtering Point Files in the Surface Data chapter.
Look for ways to reduce the data density in non-critical regions of the project.
- The project may span a wide geographic area, but the design activity is focused along a few narrow corridors.
- The project contains undeveloped regions, which can use surface data of a lower resolution.
- The project area may include large flat areas with little topographic relief. These areas too could be represented with data of lower resolution.