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 by the USGS, which provides detailed geospatial data for the USA.
USGS offers multiple elevation datasets, among them, elevation datasets of 1m resolution.
This tutorial describes how you can use this data, using the GeoTIFF feature of Plex-Earth, to create a terrain model in your CAD drawing.
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
Visit the following URL, which will help you find the desired data. You will see a map of the US and a bunch of choices on the left.
https://apps.nationalmap.gov/downloader/
2) Locate the 1-meter elevation dataset and check its availability
On the datasets tab, select Elevation Products (3D Elevation Program Products and Services).
As a subcategory, choose only 1 meter DEM and as File Format: IMG, GeoTIFF. Then click on the Show button below the 1-meter DEM, so the availability is displayed on the map on your right screen.
3) Define your area of interest
You can define the area of interest you want the elevation data for, using the website tools.
You can use: extend, polygon, point, coordinates, or you can upload your shape file or KML.
When defined, click on thebutton.
4) Select the proper GeoTIFF
You will see a list with all the available tiffs for your area. You can hover over them to see their limits. You can choose the one you want based on their info - you will choose the most recent, which includes your area, for example.
5) Download your GeoTIFF
Select the Download Link for the file to download. Optionally, you can click on GeoTIFF's metadata as well.
A sample of metadata can be found here.
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 use the command Create Terrain from GeoTIFF
Select the respective command from the Plex-Earth ribbon.
and load the GeoTIFF you downloaded.
2) 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.
3) 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 USGS 1-meter elevation data 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