This article explains how to use Plex-Earth's "Create Terrain from File" feature to generate accurate terrain surfaces in AutoCAD and BricsCAD from elevation data files. The process involves selecting a compatible file with X, Y, Z coordinates, and defining delimiters and boundaries for precise modeling.
Introduction
Use Plex-Earth to generate a terrain surface from survey measurements stored in a CSV, TXT, or XYZ file. This workflow lets you import point-based topographic data collected from field surveys and convert it into contours, mesh, elevation points, or a Civil 3D surface for design, analysis, and visualization in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or BricsCAD.
Before You Start
Ensure the CSV/TXT/XYZ file contains valid survey data with coordinate values (e.g., X, Y, Z).
Your drawing must be georeferenced so the imported points align correctly in real-world space.
Survey point files should follow a consistent format (delimiters such as comma or space).
Step 1: Create Terrain from File command
Go to the Plex-Earth ribbon → Contextual Data panel → Create Terrain dropdown button → Terrain: From File.
Alternatively, type in PXV_TERRAIN_FROMFILE.
Step 2: Select CSV/TXT/XYZ File
In the file dialog, browse and select your CSV/TXT/XYZ survey file. For XYZ files, click on the Files of type dropdown and select All Files so XYZ files will show up, as well.
Click Open.
This feature accepts only X, Y, Z coordinates. Files containing Latitude/Longitude/Elevation will not work. Using the data as-is will produce inaccurate or no results.
If the data is in lat/long, it must be converted to projected X, Y coordinates that match the drawing’s coordinate system before importing.
Step 3: Define Survey Columns and Delimiters
After selecting your file, Plex-Earth prompts you through the command line to define how the survey data should be interpreted.
-
Specify which column number corresponds to the X, Y, and Z values. This tells Plex-Earth how to read the coordinate and elevation data from your file.
Insert the appropriate values by typing them on the command line or dynamic input.
-
Define the delimiter used in the file (for example, comma, space, or other separator). The delimiter must match the format of your survey file so the values are parsed correctly.
Define a boundary area in the drawing, if any. For optimal results, it is recommended to have and specify the exact area our inserted elevation data refers to.
Once these parameters are confirmed, Plex-Earth generates the terrain surface based on the survey measurements.
FAQs
What file formats does this feature support?
Plex-Earth accepts CSV and TXT files. If your file has an XYZ extension, it will also work — just select All Files from the file type dropdown in the file dialog so it appears in the list. If your data is in .laz format, you will need to convert it to CSV or TXT using an online converter before importing.
What do I need to prepare before importing a survey file?
Three things: your CSV/TXT/XYZ file must contain valid X, Y, Z coordinate values; your drawing must be georeferenced so the imported points align correctly in real-world space; and your file should use a consistent delimiter throughout (comma, space, or another separator).
My survey data uses Latitude, Longitude, and Elevation — will that work?
No. This feature only accepts projected X, Y, Z coordinates. Latitude/Longitude values will produce inaccurate results or fail entirely. You must convert the data to projected coordinates that match your drawing's coordinate system before importing.
How do I tell Plex-Earth which column is X, Y, or Z in my file?
After selecting your file, Plex-Earth prompts you via the command line to specify which column number corresponds to X, Y, and Z. Open your file in a text editor or spreadsheet to check the column order, then type the correct column numbers when prompted.
What is a delimiter and how do I know which one my file uses?
A delimiter is the character that separates values in each row of your file — commonly a comma, a space, or a tab. Open your file in a text editor to see what character appears between the coordinate values, then enter that character when Plex-Earth prompts you for the delimiter.
Should I define a boundary area during import?
It is recommended. Specifying a boundary that matches the exact area your survey data covers helps Plex-Earth generate a cleaner, more accurate terrain surface. If your data covers a larger area than your project, defining a boundary also limits the output to the relevant zone.
Related Questions
This article explains how to create terrain in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or BricsCAD from survey point data stored in a CSV, TXT, or XYZ file using Plex-Earth. You may have searched for:
- How do I import a CSV survey file into AutoCAD as terrain?
- How do I create a surface from XYZ point data in Plex-Earth?
- Why is my terrain in the wrong location after importing survey points?
- How do I import survey measurements into Civil 3D with Plex-Earth?
- Can I use latitude and longitude coordinates with Terrain from File?