Get your hands on the Z-axis values that give shape to any Terrain model imported with Plex-Earth 5D in a few easy steps.
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 5D, 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 5D 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.
Step 1: Import Terrain
First things first, import a Terrain model using the ''Import Terrain'' command found on the Terrain panel of Plex-Earth 5D, as described here.
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, visit the Terrain panel of Plex-Earth 5D, activate the Terrain dropdown menu, click ''Analysis'' and select the ''Inquiry'' command, as seen in the screenshot below:
Once done, you will be prompted to select the Terrain object you would like to work with. You can do so using your cursor:
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, then access the command history by hitting the triangle icon on the right side of the command line:
You will then be presented with valuable information in regard to the specified point's position in three-dimensional space, as well as grade and slope:
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.
A few things to consider:
1) The primary data utilized to create Digital Terrain Models imported with Plex-Earth 5D 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 5D 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. The process is as follows:
Step 1: Import the Defining Points of your Terrain Mesh
This can be easily achieved by utilizing the ''Generate Points'' command found on the ''Generate Contours'' dropdown menu, situated on the Terrain panel of Plex-Earth 5D:
Once done, you will be prompted to select the Terrain object you would like to work with. You can do so using your cursor:
Alternatively, you can select the ''Point objects'' command from the ''Generate Drawing Objects'' dropdown menu, found on the Terrain Manager palette of Plex-Earth 5D:
Plex-Earth 5D will then import the defining points of your Terrain mesh. In order to have a clear view of the imported points, you can select the Terrain mesh using your cursor, and remove it by hitting the ''Delete'' button on your keyboard:
As seen in the screenshot below, the defining points of your Terrain mesh will be imported as a single block:
Step 2: 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 right-clicking on it and selecting ''Properties'', as seen in the screenshot below:
You will then be presented with the ''Properties'' palette, where you will be able to view the Z-axis value of your specified point, along with its X and Y coordinates, as well as general information in regard to the layer it belongs to:
Keep in mind that the coordinate format depends on the units specified during the Georeferencing process.
Conclusion
With Plex-Earth 5D, 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. The best part though, is the fact that this is just one of the many reasons why you are missing out if you haven't tried it out yet. Start your free trial here today, and see for yourselves.
Feel free to contact us at support@plexscape.com for any questions you may have and don’t forget to start your free trial today.