Use Data for Terrain Model creation
About the Data
Data Provider: United States Geological Survey (USGS)
Link: https://apps.nationalmap.gov/downloader/
Data Type: DEM (Digital Elevation Model)
Resolution: 1 meter
More Info: https://www.usgs.gov/3d-elevation-program/3dep-spatial-metadata
Copyright: Elevation data courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey
Data Download
Visit the following URL: https://apps.nationalmap.gov/downloader/. You will see a map of the US and a bunch of choices on the left.
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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.
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.
Select the proper GeoTIFF: You will see a list of 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.
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Download your GeoTIFF: Select the Download Link for the file to download. Optionally, you can click on GeoTIFF metadata as well.
A sample of metadata can be found here.
Use Data for Terrain Model creation
After downloading the data, you can now proceed with creating a terrain model in CAD.
In AutoCAD or BricsCAD, go to the Plex-Earth ribbon → click on the Create Terrain dropdown box → Terrain from GeoTIFF → load the GeoTIFF downloaded.
In the Import GeoTIFF palette, specify the area by click on the Select Area button then use your mouse cursor to draw a rectangle, and select the desired resolution using the slider.
Click on the Import Terrain button
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Select the Surface Type from the options available:
Contour Polylines
Points
TIN Mesh
Civil 3D Surface
Create Terrain Model
For the first four options, CAD objects are directly imported, ready to be used in CAD or other software.
The last option creates a Plex-Earth terrain model, which can be saved in your DWG, and with the help of Plex-you can Earth, you can customize the terrain further and can also insert the data as CAD objects later on.
Check out the full guide here: Create Terrain from GeoTIFF
ℹ️ NOTE: For this tutorial process, it is not mandatory to apply a coordinate system before working with the GeoTIFF, as Plex-Earth will automatically detect it from the file. The coordinate system applied can be changed using the Change Coordinate System button, if needed.
Here is the result!
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.