Creating DTM using Microstation only

Jon Summers:

I would take a look at mdlMesh_newGrid or mdlMesh_newCoordinateBlock .

These functions are usable only for a regularly gridded data, so there is not possible to triangulate free points. If data is tiangulated, there can be used mdlMesh_newPolyfaceXXX functions.

Arpan...

TIN and DTM files are not madeable using any MicroStation API. Mesh functions just allows you to create or modify mesh elements that are used for terrain models. File formats can be found on internet, but if you don't have experience with creating of them, it all could be hard to understand how and why is where.

Mesh vs. Solids

Arpan:

I tried to go through the Mesh_xxx functions but unable to understand any thing from there.

The Mesh API does look a little daunting at first sight, particularly as there are no examples. Although I'm not an expert with meshes, I would take a look at mdlMesh_newGrid or mdlMesh_newCoordinateBlock .

Arpan:

I checked the mdlKISolid_xxx function family also.....can these be of any help? What is that family for?

The Kernel Independent Solid API provides ways to create, manage, and modify 3D solid objects. It has nothing to do with terrain modelling.

Regards, Jon Summers
LA Solutions

I tried to go through the Mesh_xxx functions but unable to understand any thing from there.

Could not find any direct API which takes the point file or contour file as an input to create a TIN or DTM.

I checked the mdlKISolid_xxx function family also.....can these be of any help?

What is that family for?

Any idea will be highly appreciated.

Thanks and Regards,

Arpan

In Athens there are new functions to triangulate meshes from points. In later versions u need to use own triangulation routines...

"I believe that dialog is using the mdlMesh_xxx functions to facetise the set of points. "

 Thanks for giving a direction to look into Jon. :)

Regards,

Arpan

Mesh API

Arpan:

I want to use MDL for the development purpose. mdl load facet ; facet dialog

I believe that dialog is using the mdlMesh_xxx functions to facetise the set of points. Those mdlMesh_xxx functions are covered in the MDL help documentation. Unfortunately there are no examples that I know of.

Regards, Jon Summers
LA Solutions

Hi Jon,

Thanks for looking into the matter. I want to use MDL for the development purpose.

The Source file could be the point file or the contour file. The problem is i donot want to use Terra Model or Terra Scan API's for this work. I tried to do it manually from Microstation and found solution through this Key In command:

mdl load facet ; facet dialog

Information is here in this link

 http://communities.bentley.com/Communities/Other_Communities/AskInga/w/AskInga/make-dtm-and-drape-an-image-using-only-microstation.aspx

Now i want to accomplish this through the Microstation API but unable to find any. 

All i want to do is to create a DTM from contour file or point file to find the Z value for any point using MDL.

I hope i am little more clear now. Any light in the tunnel will be highly appreciated.

Thanks and  Regards,

Arpan

Arpan:

How can i create a DTM using only microstation's APIs?

It rather depends which API you plan to use: VBA or MDL?

MDL offers a more comprehensive library than VBA. Many people find that VBA is easier to start with than MDL. More information about MicroStation development languages.

The answer also depends on your data and the size of the DTM you expect to generate:

• What form does your source data take?
• How big is the data file?

Arpan:

Is there any direct API function to do this task?

Unsurprisingly, no. There are, however, specialised Bentley products that will perform this task for you, without the need for any development.

Regards, Jon Summers
LA Solutions

How can i create a DTM using only microstation's APIs?

Is there any direct API function to do this task?