2d CAD topo into a 3d

leedeetee

Hi guys,

I've got a 2d cad topo plan that I'd like to have in 3d so that I can model an embankment where we are putting an elevated walkway onto/into. Unfortunately, the architects have informed me the topo is 2d only.

So, the only way roudn this I can think of is to extrude lines from the spot heights and then triangulate the levels.

Am I missing a trick here? Is there an easier way?

Cheers.

thomthom

Instead of extruding you can just move the lines. Saves you from creating extra geometry, but it's still tedious labor.

(yes - 2d topo plans sucks - cursed be them!)

leedeetee

Thank-you Thom. I thought of moving the spot heights (crosshairs) but though it might make triangualtion even more tedious.

thomthom

?

Is your topo from edges or construction points?

If you have just point, when use a triangulation plugin: http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?t=34232

TIG

If you have the 2d info as a DWG with text for the spot heights - even if 'flat' I do have some AutoLisp stuff I made ages ago to add cpoints at the right heights reading the text as numerals - you can then import those as the cpoints cloud etc to make the surface...
If you PM me a zipped DWG of the site info I'll see what I can do...

leedeetee

TIG, that would be super kind of you and is an amazing gesture. I'll send you a PM now. Thanks so much.

valerostudio

The way I handle this is to cleanup the CAD file with just topo lines. In AutoCAD, have the properties window open and click the line (hopefull a Pline or Spline) and change the Z elevation property of the line. This may take a while on a big site, but without a LISP, its the best way. Then import this file into SU and select all the lines and run the Simplify contours plugin and then run the terrain from contours sandbox tool. Final step - bill the architect for all of those hours spent on the model!

TIG

Done and dusted I hope...

leedeetee

@tig said:

Done and dusted I hope...

Thanks so much TIG, absolutely brilliant of you.

I owe you a pint of Gold Tankard from Wylam (one of my faves and near you by your profile).

thomthom

@leedeetee said:

I owe you a pint of Gold Tankard from Wylam (one of my faves and near you by your profile).

He's got a PayPal donation page.

TIG

Paypal doesn't accept beer!
However, I do
If you ever plan to be in the NE let me know...

leedeetee

@tig said:

Paypal doesn't accept beer!
However, I do

Could you point me to it, please?

@tig said:

If you ever plan to be in the NE let me know...

Love Northumberland, went to Newcastle uni and lived up there for 6 years, on and off, in total. Even proposed on Holy Island. Lot's of happy memories.