You can use Plex-Earth features to create terrain models from free, quality data you can find online.
Use Data for Terrain Model creation
About the Data
Data Provider: multiple agencies under the Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping (ICSM)
Data Project: Elvis - Elevation and Depth - Foundation Spatial Data
Link: https://elevation.fsdf.org.au/
Data Type: NSW Government Spatial Services DEM
Resolution: 1 meter
Copyright: Copyright and disclaimer notice | Geoscience Australia
Data Download
Visit the following URL: https://elevation.fsdf.org.au/
Locate your area of interest on the map: Select Order Data and choose one of the available methods to define your area: Draw, Manual, or Load a File. Then, click on Search.
Select the data you want to download: After searching, a list of other available data will appear on the right palette.
Then, select the data you want - in our case, the 1-meter resolution NSW Spatial Services Digital Elevation Model.
Choose the dataset that includes our area, and is from 2020 (2013 & 2020 are available).
Fill in your details, and the data will be sent to your email. You will receive an email with a download link valid for 48 hours to access the dataset. The limit per request is 15 GB.
Use Data for Terrain Model creation
After downloading the data, you can now proceed with creating a terrain model in CAD.
- Apply a Coordinate System, among GDA2020/49 to 57N, considering the project location.
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 clicking 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
-
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-Earth, customize the terrain further and 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.