You can use the Plex-Earth features to create terrain models from free quality data you can find online.
One case of these data is the GeoTIFFs provided from the National Land Survey of Finland, which offer datasets with a resolution of 2m and 10m.
Step 1: Download the Data for your Area of interest
Step 2: Use the GeoTIFF to create a Terrain Model
Do you know any source of terrain data that you are interested in using? Share it with us!
Step 1: Download the Data for your Area of interest
1) Visit the following URL:
https://asiointi.maanmittauslaitos.fi/karttapaikka/tiedostopalvelu?lang=en
You will see a map of Finland.
2) Choose the option "Elevation Model" in the list of geospatial data.
3) Locate and Zoom Your Area of Interest
4) Select Product, File Format, and Tiles
Select the Product you want from the available datasets (elevation model of 2m or elevation model of 10m)
As a file format, select GeoTIFF.
Then select the Tile on the map that includes your area. You can select multiple tiles.
When finished, scroll a bit down and select Add to shopping Cart.
5) Finish the data order
After adding the data to your cart, go to the top right corner and select your cart.
Then select Go to Checkout.
In the next window, you will fill in your details and select Next:
Then you accept the terms and conditions and finalize the order.
Since that data is free to use, this is a zero-order.
In the last screen, you get an order confirmation. In some minutes, you will receive the data in your email address.
6) Download the Data
In your email, you will find a link valid for 30 days to download the elevation data
Click on the TIF folder to download. There is an option to download metadata as well.
Step 2: Use the GeoTIFF to create a Terrain Model
There is already a detailed tutorial on how to create a Terrain model from a GeoTIFF.
Tutorial: Create Terrain from GeoTIFF
Check also the steps below:
1) Start Plex-Earth and apply a coordinate system
According to the metadata of this GeoTIFF, the coordinate system applicable is EUREF-Finland/ TM35FIN.
Open CAD, and start Plex-Earth, then select Assign Georeference and apply Coordinate System. Then find the respective coordinate system.
Tutorial: Apply a Coordinate System
2) Use the command Create Terrain from GeoTIFF
Select the respective command from the Plex-Earth ribbon.
and load the GeoTIFF you downloaded.
3) Select the Area and Resolution, and create a Terrain model
Select the Area of your interest using the preview provided by Plex-Earth and adjust the resolution if needed. After that, select Import Terrain.
4) Select Type of Surface
You have the following options when using terrain data from GeoTIFF:
- Create Terrain Model
- Insert Tin Mesh
- Insert Contour Polylines
- Import Points
For options 2-4, you are directly importing CAD objects, ready to be used in CAD or other software.
With option 1, you create a Plex-Earth terrain model, which can be saved in your dwg and with the help of Plex-Earth, customize the terrain further and insert the data as CAD objects in the future.
If you create a Terrain model, you can adjust it as any other terrain model of Plex-Earth.
Do you know any source of terrain data that you are interested in using?
Click Here and send us the following details:
Link to the Data provider, Data provider, or any other info you might find relevant.
We hope that you have found this tutorial on using the National Land Survey of Finland 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