Terrain

Create Edit Analysis Miscellaneous Labeling

Terrain is an element selection and terrain modeling tools. A terrain model is a set of triangles mathematically computed from point data collected from the surface being modeled. They are typically used to model highly irregular surfaces, like the surface of the earth. A terrain model is created from 3D features such as points, breaklines, and contours.

Terrains Models (TM) play a key role in Infrastructure and Mapping workflows. The data collection methods underlying these models are ever increasing in detail and coverage therefore resulting terrains need to be accessible across a variety of Infrastructure and Mapping workflows.

Data in a variety of formats including raw graphical elements 2D and 3D can be provided for consumption into the terrain model. The existing ground terrain model can also be used as the starting point for the creation of a proposed design terrain model using the Corridor Modeling tools.

Figure 1. Terrain ribbon interface

Terrain models are also referred to as digital terrain models (DTMs), triangulated irregular networks (TINs), or triangulated surfaces.

Create



Figure 2. Create

The Terrain Model Create tool group contains tools to create a terrain model from graphical elements, ASCII files, point clouds, LandXML, and importing from various Bentley Civil products. Tools are also supported to merge together two or more models, and to clip models.

Setting Description


From File 		Allows you to import terrain model from file.


From Graphical Filter 		Allows you to create terrain model from graphical filter.


From Elements 		Allows you to create terrain model from elements.


Additional Methods

Allows you create terrain using additional methods.


Topo Import 		Allows you to import terrain from ESRI terrain layer.
From HEC-RAS-Data 		Allows you to import HEC-RAS- Surface Data.

Edit

Figure 3. Edit
Setting Description


Set Active

Set Active - Allows you to set active terrain model.

Clear Active - Clears the active terrain model.



Add Features 		Adds more features into the terrain that was created using the create commands. Example, create the terrain from break lines, then add points.


Remove Features 		Removes elements from a terrain which were added by Add Features or Create from Elements.


Change Feature Type

Allows you to update the existing features.


Edit Model 		Opens tool settings with several simple editing tools; delete, insert and move vertex, delete triangles, and swap lines.


Edit Complex Terrain Model 		Edits a complex terrain by changing the order of merging, change merge or append methods and add or remove component terrain models.


Boundary Options 		Allows you to add or remove boundary.


Transform 		Capable of Translating, Rotating, and Scaling an element. Can do all three modifications on regular or civil elements at once.

Analysis



Figure 4. Analysis

The Civil Terrain Model Analysis tool set contains tools to compute volumes, display coordinates, elevations and other data about points or between points on the model, and analysis of ponds, watersheds.

Setting Description


Points 		Allows you to analyze the points.


Calculated Area 		Allows you to calculate the area of terrain.


Volumes 		Allows you to create, cut, and analyze volume.


Hydraulic 		Allows you to create, cut, and analyze ponds.


Reporting 		Contains tools for reporting conflicting features and reporting source data used to create the terrain model with duplicate points.


Aquaplaning 		Contains tools for evaluating potential for a vehicle to lose control on wet road and adding flow lines.


Slight Visibility 		Analyzes sight distances along an alignment or a corridor's control alignment based on specified design terrain or a corridor's top mesh and an optional existing surface or mesh.

Miscellaneous

Figure 5. Miscellaneous

The Terrain Model Miscellaneous tool group contains some reporting tools, set up for graphical filters, labeling and exporting tools.

Setting Description
Set Contour Elevation 		It allows users to batch-process a set of contours and assign them to the proper elevation. Simply place a line across the contours.

Each intersected contour line will automatically adjust to a calculated elevation value. Ideal for transforming 2D topographic data into 3D landscape.

Please ensure your lines intersect for accurate elevation assignment.



Export to File

Allows you to export the terrain model to file.

The terrain model can be exported to:

  • GEOPAK (TIN)
  • InRoads (DTM)
  • MX (FIL)
  • MX genio (.txt) (.inp)
  • LandXML version 1.2

Labeling



Figure 6. Labeling
Setting Description


Label Terrain Contours 		Place additional labels for elevation on selected contours.


Label Terrain Spots 		Label elevations at specific locations on the terrain model.