Merge multiple surfaces

Wow - 100 surfaces to merge.  If you are using InRoads 8.11.07 or later then you have access to our Data Acquisition toolset.  You could use these tools to process the ASCII files.  You drag and drop all 100 files at ionce so the comlpete surface would be quick and easy.  You say you also need them as seperate DTMs which complicates things a bit.  I think we could come up with a reaosnable workflow.  Could you post 2 or 3 of your ASCII files?  If you can then either Michael or myself will take a look to see what sort of optimum workflow we might come up with.

Hey Robert

Tank you for your quick answer...

yes about 100 surfaces, its because the site has been divided into one big grid. And the contractor is making one survey pr. grid.

I'm sorry I forgot to say, the project only allows us to work in InRoads 8.9, so the Data Aquisition Toolset is unfortunately not an option :(

At the moment I'm importing them separately with the Text Import Wizard, and of course I tried to save a preference in the Import Wizard, but the xin on this project has locked it self(tried deleteing the LCK file, but it didn't help).

But its the big merging process that's bothering me.

If no tool is available, I guess the fastest way would be to load all DTM's, hit the Update 3-D/Plan Surface Display, select all surfaces, sort by style and then import one style at a time. I guess that's the best solution for the moment, but it could be nice if the merge surface could handle more than two surfaces. I've had cases before where I needed to merge e.g. 4 surfaces together.

If you have a better workflow I'm all ears :)

Best regards

Sami

I use Power Civil (Geopak version) so I don't know if you have the same tools, but in the DTM tools we can extract graphics to a TIN file. If you have that ability, load all the DTM dwgs as References and extract the graphics from them all at once. This will also require that the DTMs are seamless..that is they mesh closely at the edges. If they overlap or are misaligned you might have some problems. In that case you could clip the references back slightly to make a gap before extracting. The TIN will form across the gap to make a seamless surface.

Sammi,

Sounds like they have you really busy there at COWI.. You have your work cut out for you.

Here is a suggestion:

If you have many ascii files then import them using a batch mode in InRoads survey.You should have a license.

Set up a Survey TIW and import using that template. This will create a single DTM. Then you can create a grid and use fences then Copy Portion of Surface into multiple DTM. Still a lot of work.

Or you can import ASCII using a Fence. This is automatic where the fence governs and limits the data imported.

But I agree with you that you may not get as good as a result than if the DTM is one large surface and then cut.

As far as batch loading graphics from ACAD file(s). Use the File > Import Surface > Advance. Set up a rule set and import in DWG mode. I have assisted other users in this process.

It works with some ACAD related exceptions. Some ACAD elements (objects) have non graphic data to describe the elevations of that object. They do not import correctly. This is a bit of a bear to deal with but easily edited when encountered.

HTH

Thomas