Introduction
The availability of accurate elevation data can be a true asset across all stages of the engineering design process. Terrain models offer valuable insights into the morphological characteristics of a project site, and at the same time provide professionals with an efficient way to control the terrain surface and affect its shape in a predictable manner. With Plex-Earth, you can import terrain data into your drawing with a few clicks, as long as your drawing's georeference settings have been defined properly.
But there's more to it. Plex-Earth also grants you the ability to view the primary data utilized to create your terrain models, giving you access to first-hand information regarding the shape of your area of interest. This tutorial will guide you through everything you need to know in order to fully leverage this key feature of our product.
Alternative Method to Access the Altitude Value of any Mesh Vertex
A) Import the Defining Points of your Terrain Mesh
B) Split the Defining Points into Separate Entities
Get your hands on the Z-axis values that give shape to any Terrain model imported with Plex-Earth in a few easy steps
Step 1: Import Terrain
First things first, import a terrain model using the Import Terrain command found on the Terrain panel of Plex-Earth. Click here for more information on how to import terrain models.
NOTE: It is necessary to make sure you are working with a georeferenced drawing for Plex-Earth
to function properly. You can have a look at this tutorial for more information.
Step 2: Perform an Inquiry
Once your terrain has been imported, you can view the z-coordinate of any given point on it by performing a surface inquiry. In order to do so, click the Inquiry button from the Terrain Editor.
Next, you will be asked to specify a point on your terrain model with your cursor:
Pick any point on your terrain model by left-clicking on it, and after it is done, the terrain manager will show all the information about the point specified which includes the Elevation or Altitude Value.
You will also be presented with valuable information in regard to the specified point's position in three-dimensional space, as well as grade and slope.
The elevation value’s unit will be based on the georeference settings. The slope and direction will be in degrees.
In case you would like to pick another point, just deactivate the command history and use your cursor to specify it on your terrain model.
You can copy the information provided simply by clicking on the “Copy” button. You can also clear the information from the palette if you wish to by clicking on the “Clear” button.
A few things to consider:
1) The primary data utilized to create Digital Terrain Models imported with Plex-Earth refers to the vertices of the mesh. Elevation values for any other point stem from linear interpolations performed by the software.
2) Any differences in accuracy between providers regarding elevation values are related to the corresponding available datasets.
3) We generally advise for Plex-Earth to be utilized for preliminary studies and not reports that fall under strict accuracy requirements, as the data provided cannot substitute the accuracy and precision of local surveys.
Alternative Method to Access the Altitude Value of any Mesh Vertex
In case you would like to get your hands on the Z-axis value of any given mesh vertex without having to perform an inquiry, there's a sweet workaround you can use. This may be useful if you need the z-axis values of several points. The process is as follows
A) Import the Defining Points of your Terrain Mesh
This can be easily achieved by inserting points through the Terrain Editor.
Plex-Earth will then import the defining points of your Terrain mesh.
As seen in the screenshot below, the defining points of your Terrain mesh will be imported as a single block:
B) Split the Defining Points into Separate Entities
In order to access the altitude values of your desired vertices, you will need to split your imported defining points into separate entities by utilizing the EXPLODE command of AutoCAD. To do so, just type EXPLODE on the command line, hit the Enter button on your keyboard, and specify the objects you would like to work with using your cursor.
Once done, hit the Enter button once again, and AutoCAD will separate all entities your block consists of. You will then be able to pick any point and access its Z-axis value by going through its properties as shown below.
Keep in mind that the coordinate format depends on the units specified during the Georeferencing process.
With Plex-Earth, it is now easier than ever to have a clear view of your project site's shape and morphology from the comfort of your office.
We hope that you have found this tutorial on how to access the altitude of any given point on a terrain model, helpful. Feel free to contact us at support@plexscape.com for any questions you may still have.
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Compatibility includes:
AutoCAD Version: 2023, 2022 , 2021 , 2020 , 2019 , 2018 , 2017 , 2016
Civil 3D® Version: 2023, 2022 , 2021 , 2020 , 2019 , 2018 , 2017 , 2016
AutoCAD Architecture Version: 2023, 2022 , 2021 , 2020 , 2019 , 2018 , 2017 , 2016
BricsCAD Pro: V22 , V21