Converting a MicroStation DTM to a Surface File in Civil 3D

[envisioncad]

barefootbob, depending what version of MicroStation you have you might have access to the new Data Acquisition tools. This will allow you to import and export multiple surface formats from many platform products.

HTH,
Bob Mecham

[ScribbleJ]

I would also recommend (as you already have stated you might) breaking the surface down to several manageable files. Then use Data Shortcuts to reference to other files.

I tried to import the small xml file you posted and it locked up Civil 3D on my beast of a PC. Check out my PC specs to the right (click on Computer Details) and you will see what I am using. I don't have time to play around with it due to a deadline.

[barefootbob]

I am running the same type of machine with 16G RAM - Either way this is what I have done....

I opened up a new dwg file in Civil 3D. Saved it (back to a 2007 version of ACAD) and opened that dwg IN Microstation V8i. In V8i...

I took the. tin file from the DTM mgr. (Geopak) and loaded independantly/created layers for the points, breaklines, and Hull, esentially creating three different levels/layers in the new .dwg file. This seems to be the biggest issue. But the solution = Create the blank .dwg in Civil FIRST.

sooo..

I Saved the file and reopend the .dwg in C3D. I then created a new surface. In that new surface I used "add objects" to the surface. Since the point files were in txt format I selected each txt elevation as points. Z elevation and using a 1' - 5' diff. (background)- THIS WORKED!! Then I repeated the process by adding the Hull as the boundary and the Braklines and breaklines (polyline/smartlines).

Very tedious and frustrating, nonetheless - but all your suggestions have helped imensely. I have now been able to create the DEM I need to work with Map 3D and Civil 3D as well. WHEW!! - You guys are the best. Thanks again for all you help.

Bob

[ScribbleJ]

Wow! You had your hands full there. Glad to see that you got it figured out. I have had to do similar dances in the past.

Cheers to human ingenuity.