Create Terrain from GeoTIFF

A GeoTIFF is a type of raster file that contains georeferencing information, meaning it includes spatial data that allows the image to be accurately mapped to real-world coordinates. GeoTIFFs can contain both orthophotos and digital elevation models (DEMs). 

In this tutorial, we are going to see the steps on how to create a terrain model from a GeoTIFF using Plex-Earth. 

You can either create a dynamic Plex-Earth terrain model or import it directly as a static drawing object (TIN mesh, Contour polylines, points) in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or BricsCAD.

Before You Start

• Prepare your GeoTIFF file (elevation raster) — it must contain valid elevation data.

• Supported outputs include:

  • Contour polylines

  • TIN Mesh

  • Points

  • Civil 3D surface (for Civil 3D users)

Step 1. Select GeoTIFF folder

1. Go to the Plex-Earth ribbon → Contextual Data panel → Create Terrain dropdown menu → Terrain From GeoTIFF.

   

2. Locate and select the GeoTIFF file → Open.

   

   For importing GeoTIFF photos or images into CAD using Plex-Earth, use the Import World File feature instead.

Step 2. Create Terrain

GeoTIFF Editor

After selecting your GeoTIFF file, the GeoTIFF editor opens in the Collection Manager

In this editor, you can adjust the following parameters:

1: Hide/Show Area preview. Using the arrow, you can insert the preview image as a raster.

2: Select Resolution using the bar. You can also see an estimation of the points that will be inserted depending on the resolution used.

3: Select Area. Choose a smaller part of the area the GeoTIFF covers by using a rectangle in the drawing

4: Insert Terrain. As soon as the above parameters are set, you can proceed to create your model using this button.

Select the Area Extents and Resolution

The yellow shaded area shows the full extent covered by the GeoTIFF

1. Select the area you want to insert a surface for using the Select Area button in the GeoTIFF Editor palette.

2. Use the slider to select the resolution.

3. Once done with the above steps, click on Import Terrain.

Select the Surface Type

Choose how you want the imported terrain to be represented in your drawing.

• TIN Mesh: This will create an AutoCAD Object in the form of a TIN Mesh

• Contour Polylines: This will create an AutoCAD Object block containing polylines

• Points: This will create an AutoCAD object block containing points

• Civil 3D Surface: Terrain model recognised from Civil 3D, available only if Civil 3D is used

• Create Terrain Model: This will create a dynamic Plex-Earth terrain, where you can use all our advanced settings (create labels, analyze terrain, snap objects on terrain, create volume between surfaces, etc.) and then insert CAD objects as per the four options above.

In this example, we have inserted the GeoTIFF as a Mesh object. 

Optional: Drape Image onto Terrain

If needed, you can also create a realistic terrain by draping an image on the mesh. For more details, click here.

More GeoTIFF editor tools

On the lower part of the GeoTIFF editor, you can find the following tabs, offering more information and tools:

• Sampling
  On this tab, you can click on Points within the GeoTIFF area to view their elevation and position. Actual points will be created during this process.

  

• Coordinate System
  On this tab, you will see the coordinate system applied to the GeoTIFF folder you are currently using. If no recognised coordinate system is applied, a custom georeference will be applied from Plex-Earth.
  

• Details

  In this tab, more advanced data are provided, like the pixel step and the coordinate system parameters. You can also copy the metadata of the GeoTIFF in use.

  

Notes

• When creating surfaces from GeoTIFFs using PLex-Earth, georeferencing beforehand is not necessary. The recognised coordinate system (or custom georeference) is automatically applied as soon as you proceed with your GeoTIFF folder.

• In a few cases where the applied coordinate system is not recognised, the following message will appear when trying to insert the GeoTIFF. In these cases, you can continue without a coordinate system, or you can choose Cancel → go to Georeference → select Apply a Coordinate System → apply the coordinate system mentioned in the message. If the coordinate system is not included in Plex-Earth's list, you can use CAD tools (i.e., GEO) to georeference your drawing.

  

• All terrain objects created from GeoTIFFs using Plex-Earth, such as those found online, remain subject to the original provider’s terms of use. Plex-Earth acts solely as an intermediary for accessing and importing this data into CAD and does not give additional usage rights.

Suggested GeoTIFF Terrain Data Sources

If you need publicly available elevation datasets in GeoTIFF format, Plex-Earth maintains a list of Custom Terrain Data Sources you can use, including open elevation models and online terrain repositories.

Explore the list here: Custom Terrain Data Sources (GeoTIFF & Elevation Datasets)

This resource includes links to global and regional terrain sources we tested that users can download and use as GeoTIFFs for terrain creation.

FAQs