Add Features tool

Used to add 3D graphical elements (as terrain model features) into a previously created terrain model.

Found on the Civil ribbon in the Terrain Model group.

This Terrain Model Edit tool adds more 3D graphical elements (as terrain model features) into a previously created terrain model. One example is to create the terrain from break lines in the Create From Elements tool, then add points with the Add Features tool. Another example is adding more break lines that were field collected after the original terrain model was developed.

Tool Settings

Setting	Description
Terrain Model	Select an existing terrain model for which additional elements are to be added.
Feature Type	The concept of feature types is used throughout the Terrain Model tools. Spot or Spot Elevation – Points (with X,Y,Z data) that have no functional relationship to any other point. Random survey shots in open terrain would be an example of random spots. Point elements such as cells, circles, and text strings are typical MicroStation elements used to graphically define spot elevations. Lines, line strings, and other longitudinal elements are equally valid. The software creates a spot elevation for each vertex of each longitudinal element. Break Line – Breaks are used to designate linear features such as edges of pavement, ditch bottoms, ridges, etcetera where an abrupt change of slope occurs. Any longitudinal element may be defined as a break line. Triangles will not cross a break line in the terrain model. Soft Break Line – A soft break line is a break line, however, if it crosses a break line, it will not affect the triangulation and is ignored. Contour – Element or set of elements of the same elevation. Contours may be used as source data to generate a terrain model, or may be computed (drawn based on terrain model). Contour interval is the elevation difference between two adjacent contours. Hole – An area defined by a closed shape that demarcates a region where the current terrain is ignored and the underlying terrain is utilized. Boundary – The external boundary of the surface. Drape Boundary – A surface boundary that determines its elevations by draping on the underlying surface. Void – An area defined by a closed shape that demarcates a region of missing data or obscure areas. No point or break data located within the void area is utilized and no triangles are created inside the void areas. The Void coordinates are included in the triangulation and void lines between successive void coordinates are inserted as drape lines on the surface. Therefore, they do not change the slope or elevations of the surface. Drape Void – An area defined by a closed shape that demarcates a region of missing data or obscure areas. No point or break data located within the void area is utilized and no triangles are created inside the void areas. In the drape void, the void coordinates are not included in the triangulation. Voids are inserted post triangulation. The void coordinates and lines are draped on the terrain model surface. Even though a user must provide an elevation for Drape Void vertices, the user elevations are changed to the elevation of the terrain model surface at the XY Drape Void coordinate position. Break Void – An area defined by a closed shape that demarcates a region of missing data or obscure areas. No point or break data located within the void area is utilized and no triangles are created inside the void areas. It differs from Voids and Drape Voids in that it utilizes the vertex elevations of the graphical element, while the void lines between successive void coordinates are inserted as break lines. Therefore, break voids change the slope and elevations of the surface. Island – An area defined by a closed shape that demarcates a region of data wholly within a void. Example, islands in the middle of rivers, lakes, etcetera.

Setting

Description

Terrain Model

Select an existing terrain model for which additional elements are to be added.

Feature Type

The concept of feature types is used throughout the Terrain Model tools.

Spot or Spot Elevation – Points (with X,Y,Z data) that have no functional relationship to any other point. Random survey shots in open terrain would be an example of random spots. Point elements such as cells, circles, and text strings are typical MicroStation elements used to graphically define spot elevations. Lines, line strings, and other longitudinal elements are equally valid. The software creates a spot elevation for each vertex of each longitudinal element.
Break Line – Breaks are used to designate linear features such as edges of pavement, ditch bottoms, ridges, etcetera where an abrupt change of slope occurs. Any longitudinal element may be defined as a break line. Triangles will not cross a break line in the terrain model.
Soft Break Line – A soft break line is a break line, however, if it crosses a break line, it will not affect the triangulation and is ignored.
Contour – Element or set of elements of the same elevation. Contours may be used as source data to generate a terrain model, or may be computed (drawn based on terrain model). Contour interval is the elevation difference between two adjacent contours.
Hole – An area defined by a closed shape that demarcates a region where the current terrain is ignored and the underlying terrain is utilized.
Boundary – The external boundary of the surface.
Drape Boundary – A surface boundary that determines its elevations by draping on the underlying surface.
Void – An area defined by a closed shape that demarcates a region of missing data or obscure areas. No point or break data located within the void area is utilized and no triangles are created inside the void areas. The Void coordinates are included in the triangulation and void lines between successive void coordinates are inserted as drape lines on the surface. Therefore, they do not change the slope or elevations of the surface.
Drape Void – An area defined by a closed shape that demarcates a region of missing data or obscure areas. No point or break data located within the void area is utilized and no triangles are created inside the void areas. In the drape void, the void coordinates are not included in the triangulation. Voids are inserted post triangulation. The void coordinates and lines are draped on the terrain model surface. Even though a user must provide an elevation for Drape Void vertices, the user elevations are changed to the elevation of the terrain model surface at the XY Drape Void coordinate position.
Break Void – An area defined by a closed shape that demarcates a region of missing data or obscure areas. No point or break data located within the void area is utilized and no triangles are created inside the void areas. It differs from Voids and Drape Voids in that it utilizes the vertex elevations of the graphical element, while the void lines between successive void coordinates are inserted as break lines. Therefore, break voids change the slope and elevations of the surface.
Island – An area defined by a closed shape that demarcates a region of data wholly within a void. Example, islands in the middle of rivers, lakes, etcetera.

Key-in: terrainmodel addremove elements