Import DAT Command

In South Africa surveyors often provide designers with surface data in a .dat format.

When to use this function

Use this function when you need to:

• [Scenario].

Before you begin

1. [Prerequisite or preparation step].

Start the command

Enter Import Civil Designer DAT Command at the Civil 3D command line.

Location on Compact Ribbon:

Location on Extended Ribbon:

Procedure

• 1. Run the command.
  2. Browse for the .dat file:

Data from .dat file imported into Civil 3D as 3D lines.

• 1. Create a new surface in Civil 3D
• 1. In the Prospector, go to the surface Definition, right-click on Drawing objects and select Add:
• 1. For the object type select Lines and tick the check box Maintain edges from objects:
• 1. Click OK and select all the 3D lines imported from the .dat file.

The created surface might have a boundary which extends beyond the original objects:

• 1. To fix the surface boundary, switch off the surface (set the surface style to _No Display):
• 1. Use the Linework Shrinkwrap Command, and select all objects:

This command creates a polyline around all the selected objects:

• 1. Use this polyline as a surface outer boundary. Go to the Prospector – Surfaces – Surface Name – Definition, right-click on Boundaries and select Add from the menu:
• 1. As a type select Outer, tick the None-destructive breakline option, click OK and select the polyline:
• 1. Display the surface boundary or triangles to check if the boundary is correct:

Expected result

[Describe the observable successful outcome.]

Troubleshooting

[Symptom]

[Actionable resolution.]

Related topics

• [Link to a directly relevant topic]