I'm looking for something that can make models from point information. Mostly for bridge work. We have 2009 civil3d, and I use solidworks for 3d modelling as a hobby. After learning solidworks, I realized how poor the 3d features are in civil 3d. What's the best way to make 3d models from conventional survey data?
> What's the best way to make 3d models from conventional survey data?
Point data with z value at true elevation (no zero),
3D breaklines correctly applied
Inclusive / exclusive boundaries properly set
+ good QC procedures
I realized how poor the 3d features are in civil 3d :-S
What's the best way to make 3d models from conventional survey data?
Usually we make 3-D models from engineering plans, are you actually making a 3-D design model for layout/machine control? or just want to view a TIN?
My CAD guy (a Solidworks Guru) has done this for his property.
He started with a grid and measured points along the intersections (probably trivial to do with a TS), then brought them into Solidworks as a DXF.
Then he used the 2D spline tool in a 2D sketch for each line of points. (He reports that if it's just a mass of points, not in a line, you can still use the 3D spline tool.
He then splines together the splines in the other direction and lofts the splines to make a surface.
Finally, after conversion to a solid, you can slice it horizontally with a moveable plane to create your contours for looking at. If you're 3D printing a model, you don't need to do that of course. Depends on whether you want something to look at (and measure, etc.), or touch and feel.
It's really too bad Dassault (who make Solidworks), don't create a version for Surveying/Construction. It would be incredible.
E,
I haven't used Solidworks or 3D Max, so I don't know if they would do what you want.
Have you tried switching your WorkSpace to 3D Modeling?
Dave
I don't use SolidWorks as I use Inventor, but, the concepts are the same when I made my 3D print of our local race track on a phone case. The track was from GPS set at 25 foot intervals and the land was lidar.
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3d modelling in Civil 3d is probably based around DTMs
If you want to make 3d objects with vertical faces, undersides etc; then you can use the 3D modelling commands of AutoCAD. These are being added to and improved in every edition so not sure how "far behind" 2009 is. There is plenty of info in the help files and user reference.
A good way to start is to change the workspace as David has said.
