How to Find Volume using Topographic Lines

[DirtyBird]

Hello,

I have a topographic profile of my site in autocad 2013. I need to calculate the volume of a valley on the map. I am looking for a quicker method to do this rather than building cross sections or integrating. Could anyone point me in the right direction to do this?

[Murph_map]

Upgrade to Civil3D, however if you don't know how to use it, it may be quicker with the pencil, paper and calculator.

[Organic]

Average end area method (see http://www.reviewcivilpe.com/average-end-area-method/) and doing it manually is probably going to be the easiest.

[SLW210]

You might give CADTOOLS a try and see if it has what you need.

[ReMark]

Average end area method (see http://www.reviewcivilpe.com/average-end-area-method/) and doing it manually is probably going to be the easiest.

Gadz, do I remember this! Worked on a 'borrow pit' (gravel) that was quite large. Had to survey it right before the pit opened in the spring and again after it closed for the season in the late fall then calculate the amount of material removed and check it against what the company that leased the site from the city said it had removed. Numerous cross-sections finally had me resorting to the use of a planimeter. Only problem was my boss had me calculate each end area five times then take the average. After a while I got to really disliking that job.

[lrm]

Convert the profiles to regions then extrude to make a solid. Union the extrusions to a single solid and subtract from a bounding extrusion. The resulting shape should be the approximate volume of the valley. Use mass properties to get the value.

[spittle]

You might give CADTOOLS a try and see if it has what you need.

These are really good.