Terrain Model

Introduction

The "Terrain Model" function allows the creation of terrain around the building. The terrain may have any shape. Required are a hatch in the floor plan and terrain points in DICAM. A volume is extruded above the hatch. A mesh is generated between the terrain points that cuts this volume and thus limits it in height.

The terrain points can come from various sources. They can either be placed in DICAM as individual points or imported from a DWG/DXF drawing. It is also possible to use imported points from a point list of a 3D surveying device.

Further notes as well as tips and tricks for the terrain model are available in the terrain model sample project and the associated tutorial PDF.

Terrain Models

Terrain surface: layer for terrain points:

Points for determining the different elevations. These points must be on their own layer. Multiple layers may be selected, which means that the points for the terrain model can be on several layers. If terrain points are too close to each other (<0.04 m), the lower point will not be used.

Layer for break edges:

Lines for break edges can be placed on additional layers. These break edges retain their elevation and are not exceeded by terrain surfaces. A connection of points through a break edge is not possible. Break edges do not have to be defined, but they can be. Break edges must have a terrain point at the start and end of the line.

Layers with hatches to be extruded into terrain volumes:

In addition, at least one hatch for the base area of the terrain is required. The hatch must be entered on a story that is below the lowest terrain point. Each hatch is extruded upward until the terrain surface is reached. Each hatch creates its own volume. If you want to define paths, lawns, garage forecourts or other areas, define a separate hatch for each area. This way you can assign a different texture to each area later.

Since the generated terrain is a volume, it can be modified with all editing operations — for example, a section cut.

If you change the underlying hatch, you can recalculate the new shape of the terrain by executing the function again. Edits remain when recalculating as long as the new terrain has a hatch with a similar shape and dimensions in the base.

Copy elements to the current layer

This function copies points from DICAM and the floor plan to the current layer. This allows you to add existing auxiliary geometry to the terrain points. The points will then exist on both layers.

Change the elevation of points

The elevation of points from DICAM can be changed. The current elevation of the points is displayed when they are selected. The points can be moved relative to their current elevation or to a new absolute elevation. You can switch between the two input methods by clearing the current input and confirming with Enter.