When working on design projects, having access to terrain elevation data in text format can be highly useful for analysis, calculations, and integration with external software like GIS platforms.
This tutorial will guide you on how to export terrain elevation points into CSV, TXT, or XLSX files using Plex-Earth and the DATAEXTRACTION command of AutoCAD.
Tutorial Guide:
Step 2. Insert the Terrain as Points
Step 3. Explode the Terrain Block
Step 4. Extract the Data with DATAEXTRACTION
Step 1. Create Terrain
If you do not have a terrain surface to work with, you can click here to see how to import a terrain model.
And if you are working with existing survey contours, check this article on how to create a surface from them.
Step 2. Insert the Terrain as Points
Once your dynamic terrain is created, you need to insert it into the drawing as static AutoCAD objects.
In order for the points to be then converted into CSV, TXT, or XLSX files, using the DATAEXTRACTION command of Autocad, we need to Insert them as Points.
This will add a block containing AutoCAD point objects representing the terrain’s elevation grid.
Step 3. Explode the Terrain Block
Use the EXPLODE command to break it down into individual point objects.
This step is essential to allow AutoCAD to recognize the points individually for data extraction.
We now have individual points and each one of them has its geometric properties in x,y,z.
Step 4. Extract the Data with DATAEXTRACTION
Now, you can use AutoCAD's built-in DATAEXTRACTION tool to export point coordinates.
Type DATAEXTRACTION in the command line and press Enter.
Choose Create a New Data Extraction, and save the .dxe file.
Select the drawing or objects containing the exploded points.
Filter by object type (Point).
And select the following properties:
- Position X
- Position Y
- Position Z
Choose an output format:
- CSV (*.csv)
- TXT (*.txt)
- XLSX (*.xls) (if using AutoCAD with Excel integration)
In this example, we exported our terrain data in .txt format, and now they are ready for external use.
Conclusion
You have now found out how you can turn your Plex-Earth terrain models into data files. Whether you’re preparing reports or integrating with other platforms, we can make your life easier with just a few clicks.
We hope that you have found this tutorial about Export Terrain as CSV, TXT, or XLSX file, helpful. Feel free to contact us at support@plexscape.com for any questions you may still have.
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Compatibility includes:
AutoCAD, Civil 3D®, AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD MEP, AutoCAD Plant 3D: 2026 , 2025 , 2024 , 2023 , 2022 , 2021 , 2020
BricsCAD (Pro, Mechanical, BIM, Ultimate): V25 , V24 , V23 , V22 , V21