Importing a Terrain File

Importing a terrain file consists of creating a terrain 3D part and importing an external file that contains either a cloud of points or a mesh into the created terrain. You can import a terrain file in various formats.

This task shows you how to:

Before you begin:
  • Start a Terrain Preparation session. From the Compass, click Terrain Preparation.
  • Make sure the creation preferences are specified according to your needs. The set attributes at creation check box must be selected so that you can access the 3D part tab of the Terrain creation dialog box.
See Also
About Format Files
Importing a Geolocated Terrain

Create a Terrain Object

Prior to importing a cloud of points or a mesh, you must create a 3D part. By default, when starting Terrain Preparation, a terrain object along with a 3D shape is created to hold a terrain. If you need to add a terrain, follow the procedure below:

  1. In the top bar, select Add > Content in the list (or press CTRL+N).
    The New Content panel appears.
  2. Select Terrain under the Building & Civil Spatial Structure section.
    The Terrain creation dialog box appears.
  3. Select large range in the Design range area.
  4. Open the 3D Part tab.
  5. Select create 3D part check box.
  6. Click OK.
    The Terrain object is created.

Import a Terrain File

You can import a terrain file that is an external file containing a cloud of points or a mesh in a terrain 3D part.

  1. In the top bar, select Add > Import in the list.
  2. Select Terrain File.
    The Import dialog box appears.
  3. Select an import format:
    • GoCad (surfaces), Strm or Stl to import a mesh.
    • ASCII based formats or any other format available in the list to import a cloud of points.
  4. Select the file you want to import.
    1. Click .
      The Object Selection dialog box appears.
    2. In the From File tab, click Import.
    3. Select the file, and click Open.
    4. Click OK in the Engineering document dialog box.
      The Object Selection dialog box is updated.
    5. Click OK.
  5. Click Apply in the Import dialog box.
  6. Click OK.
    The terrain file is imported.

Note: The terrain file can be geolocated or not geolocated. As an example, Strm is a geolocated format.