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Adding Surface Point Data from AutoCAD Drawing Objects

Product Documentation
Intermediate

Use AutoCAD objects such as 3D lines to add surface point data to the surface definition.

The selected AutoCAD objects are interpreted based on their points, and specific point data is created for each object type that you add to the surface definition.

For several object types, you can specify whether to maintain the object edges when adding the object points to AutoCAD Civil 3D.

Note

Drawing objects added to the surface are added as point data. After the point data has been added to the surface there is no relationship between the surface and the original drawing objects.

You can select the following AutoCAD drawing objects to add points to a surface definition:

  • Points. The XYZ coordinates of the object are used to define the surface point.
  • Lines. The XYZ coordinates of the object endpoints are used to define surface points.
  • Blocks. The block insertion point XYZ coordinates are used to define the surface point.
  • Text. The text insertion point XYZ coordinates are used to define the surface point.
  • 3D Faces. The XYZ coordinates of the object endpoints are used to define surface points.
  • Polyfaces. The XYZ coordinates of the object endpoints are used to define surface points.
    Note

    Optionally, when adding lines, 3D faces, and polyfaces, you can maintain the original AutoCAD object edges as surface triangle edges.

Note

To add COGO points to surface data, add point groups. For more information, see Point Groups.

To add points to a surface from AutoCAD objects

  1. In the Toolspace, on the Prospector tab, expand the surface Definition collection, right-click , and click Add.
  2. In the Add Points From Drawing Objects dialog box, select the object type from the Object Type list.
  3. Click Maintain Edges From Objects if you are adding points from lines, 3D faces, or polyfaces, and you want to maintain the AutoCAD object edges. This prevents AutoCAD Civil 3D from optimizing the edges.
  4. In the Description field, enter a description for the object.
  5. Click OK.
  6. Select the object in the drawing or use any of the standard AutoCAD object selection methods.

The objects are added to the surface definition and are displayed in the surface Drawing Objects collection list view with their description and type.

Toolspace Context Menu

Prospector tab: Surfaces <surface-name> Definition right-click Drawing ObjectsAdd

Dialog Box


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