[CONNECT] - Importing DTM data into a 3D Microstation file

Hello, all.

Thank you for your responses. There is clearly a strong community of helpful people here. Now that I have asked my first question I think I am much more likely to ask again in future (and will do my best to include much more detail when doing so!).

Since posting my original query I have learnt that the DTM I had access to (which included XML files in formats that Microstation said it couldn't open) actually does not contain the information I was hoping it would. The question about how to import that data into Microstation is therefore moot. I won't be trying any further with that file set.

For that reason, this query can be considered no longer live. My thanks again for your time and help.

Now I'm off to see if I can find the right corner of the internet to ask for advice on finding elevation contour line data (or even paper maps) for western Europe (London to Rome) suitable for use in a 1:1,000,000 scale representation of an ancient walking route. I am realising that my naivete (ignorance!) about such scales of information is extensive! :-)

With gratitude,

Chris

Hello, all.

Thank you for your responses. There is clearly a strong community of helpful people here. Now that I have asked my first question I think I am much more likely to ask again in future (and will do my best to include much more detail when doing so!).

Since posting my original query I have learnt that the DTM I had access to (which included XML files in formats that Microstation said it couldn't open) actually does not contain the information I was hoping it would. The question about how to import that data into Microstation is therefore moot. I won't be trying any further with that file set.

For that reason, this query can be considered no longer live. My thanks again for your time and help.

Now I'm off to see if I can find the right corner of the internet to ask for advice on finding elevation contour line data (or even paper maps) for western Europe (London to Rome) suitable for use in a 1:1,000,000 scale representation of an ancient walking route. I am realising that my naivete (ignorance!) about such scales of information is extensive! :-)

With gratitude,

Chris

Hi Chris,

thanks for your post.

Chris D said:

(which included XML files in formats that Microstation said it couldn't open

If I see right, you did not write what package or software was used to create your DTM set (XML file). Every discussion always start from format, whether it's know, documented, or convertor is available. After answering that, the discussion whether its content is right and can be used, can continue.

Maybe somebody knows the format and have some convertor. DTM data in general has an advantage they are flexible, so e.g. when contours are available, but cannot be read, contours can be converted to vertices (points), which are valid input for software able to generate DTM model (and to produce e.g. format readable by MicroStation).

With regards,

  Jan

Chris D said:

I'm off to see if I can find the right corner of the internet to ask for advice on finding elevation contour line data (or even paper maps) for western Europe (London to Rom)

There is a Forum for each of many particular topics here, including mapping (don't be put off by the name OpenCities).

This is the answer. Great. Having similar problems, I sought help from the community forums to find 11 varying threads of the problem, all with multiple replies concerned about how and where to ask questions, and one confirmed answer that doesn't answer the problem. Top Notch.

Well, that's because the actual answer was never addressed. The DTM data format I'm familiar with comes from InRoads, which cannot be handled through regular Microstation. Several posts do mention the use of OpenRoads or OpenCities (Map) and the like because those can convert that data type into something useable. I know specifically that OpenRoads can import an InRoads DTM to generate an Civil terrain. At that point, the civil terrain can be exported to XML so that it can be imported as a plain MicroStation terrain.

There is no way for plain Microstation to process a DTM.

MaryB said:

There is no way for plain Microstation to process a DTM.

Except this https://communities.bentley.com/products/programming/microstation_programming/f/microstation-programming---forum/177849/creating-a-terrain-model-through-api-mdl-or-net-in-connect/740549#740549