I am asking this question here as I have been told it is not correct etiquette to continue old conversations/threads. I do not think that the issue I am facing is specific to the version of Microstation or type of computer I am using.
I have a DTM file that I want to use as the basis for some geometry for use in Microstation. The DTM file contains contour data and our aim is to generate contour lines that can eventually be used to CNC cut a contour map (adding this context in case it is useful!).
I understand that Microstation can open LandXML files (I found a good YouTube video from 2012 on the subject) but apparently I might need Bentley InRoads to convert the DTM to XML, is that correct?
I come from an architecture background and although I've used Microstation on and off for years, I have never used any of the other Bentley software before.
Many thanks.
Chris
Hi Chris
What is the format of your digital terrain model?
Bentley civil products can export data to LandXML (previously InRoads, currently OpenRoads, OpenRail or OpenSite), but if you plan to work with map data a lot, you might be interested in the OpenCities Map:
www.bentley.com/.../opencities-map
Hi Chris,
Chris D said:I have a DTM file
As Gregorz asked too, it does not tell too much, because DTM is general acronym, but also used by some software as file extension. Unfortunately "DTM" does not tell anything about what format your file is.
Chris D said:I understand that Microstation can open LandXML files
Technically, MicroStation is able to import LandXML (but not complete LandXML context, only DTM / surface data). In DGN, it's stored as element type "DTM".
Chris D said:but apparently I might need Bentley InRoads to convert the DTM to XML, is that correct?
As Gregorz wrote, you need any software (not only Bentley), able to produce LandXML.
Alternatively, in Bentley world, the simplest way is to use OpenSite Designer (or to ask somebody who has the license), because it's able to produce DTM and save it as DTM element to DGN file from a numerous of input formats and data (so no LandXML "in a middle" is required).
With regards,
Jan
Bentley Accredited Developer: iTwin Platform - AssociateLabyrinth Technology | dev.notes() | cad.point
Chris D said:I have been told it is not correct etiquette to continue old conversations/threads
It's not a question of etiquette. Rather, it's a recommendation to start a new thread when you have a new question. Often, an old thread discusses an obsolescent version of MicroStation. I'm pleased to see that you followed Jan's advice.
Chris D said: I do not think that the issue I am facing is specific to the version of Microstation
Usually the version is important, even when discussing MicroStation CONNECT. CONNECT is in its sixth year and fifteenth Update. Many changes have been made. Sometimes a question about MicroStation V8 is posted, without mentioning that fact, which leaves us floundering.
Please tell us more, as Grzegorz Cwiek asks! DTM could mean one of several formats. Can you post the DTM file, or a fragment of that file?
Regards, Jon Summers LA Solutions
You can import countours as Mesh element.
Also I have made a VBA macro which generates LandXML triangles from DGN points and imports it as Terrain as VBA doesn't have direct access to Terrain element so this was used as workaround.Maybe some similar approach could be used for DTM format. Also make sure is it Inroads DTM as for example there are multiple different TIN formats with same extension so make sure what kind of DTM it is.
I use a third party application called 'Terra Model' for importing landXML files to my landscape design projects. Bentley Civil projects feel somewhat clumsy for a landscape architect.