Overview
This lecture covers the steps to import survey point data into Civil 3D, manage point styles and groups, and prepare for building a surface.
Setting Up Your Drawing
- Always start with a Civil 3D template to access required styles and features.
- Check the Settings tab in Toolspace for surface styles to confirm the correct template.
- Toolspace panel can be toggled from the Home tab; verify tabs are visible as needed.
Importing Survey Points
- Use the Insert tab, Import panel, and select "Points from File" to begin import.
- Identify your file format (e.g., comma delimited, PNEZD: Point Number, Northing, Easting, Elevation, Description).
- Choose the correct format in the import dialog to match your file.
- Import points into a new point group, preferably named after the file or survey date.
Managing Point Styles and Labels
- Points with descriptions like "tree" may automatically assign specific styles based on description keys.
- Default points defer style settings from their associated point group.
- Hardcoded styles come from description key sets, which map codes (e.g., "TR*") to styles.
- Description keys are case-sensitive and use wildcards (*) for matching.
Point Groups and Display Control
- Point group properties determine point and label styles for all included points.
- Points can belong to multiple point groups; the display order determines which group's settings apply.
- Creating a "no display" point group with "none" for style and label hides included points without deleting them.
- Override settings in point group properties can force display rules even over hardcoded styles.
Filtering and Organizing Points
- Make custom point groups (e.g., for "Ridge" points) using raw description filters.
- Adjust point group order to control visibility, showing only desired points (e.g., ridge points for break lines).
- The "no display" group is useful for isolating specific points by hiding all others.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Civil 3D Template — A drawing template preloaded with styles and settings specific to Civil 3D.
- Point Group — A collection of points in Civil 3D managed with shared styles and labels.
- Description Key Set — A mapping system that assigns styles to points based on codes found in their descriptions.
- Break Line — A feature used in surfaces to represent abrupt changes in elevation.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review your imported points and adjust point groups as needed.
- Prepare point groups (e.g., for ridge points) for use in creating a surface in the next exercise.