DWG Point markers for terrain data

[SHCanada2]

The survey around here for residential typically only has ASL elevation at certain points on the site.

 

I am trying to convert these to elevation points in terrain, if possible.

 

My first step was to import the DWG into CA. But I noticed that what look to be point markers in the DWG dont actually import in CA (I tried the different options in the import, no luck).

 

Am I missing something or is this a known limitation:

 

DWG with only property line and elevation layer data turned on

 

 

CA with all layers (rotated):

 

 

but even if I could get them in as "X" or something else, I do not see any option to convert to a CA elevation point. Is there a way?

 

My method of last resort will be overlaying the PDF and creating elevation points in CA overtop of the X point markers in the PDF

 

 

 

 

[Joe_Carrick]

Best solution is to use "Elevation Lines" vs "Elevation Points".  The Terrain will look much better.

It might not be real easy to define just a few elevation lines but if you can do that running completely thru the Terrain Boundary you will get the Terrain to be pretty smooth and then you can use additional Terrain Tools to fine-tune.

[SHCanada2]

26 minutes ago, Joe_Carrick said:

Best solution is to use "Elevation Lines" vs "Elevation Points".  The Terrain will look much better.

I was pondering how to do this. The survey is the survey so to speak. any interpolation will be guessing. I was hoping CA's algorithmic guessing plus any tuning would be better than mine.

 

Are you saying just the elevation points will be a nightmare to tune, and I am better off making at least a first pass guess with elevation lines (ensuring the elevation line matches the point in at least the one location and does contradict any another) and tune from there

 

[JiAngelo]

When I import a dwg or dxf file into CA I have to specify the points layer as elevation data.  There has to be an underlying polygon that will either becomes a terrain perimeter automatically or I specify that layer is a terrain.  Without the terrain the points never appear, just the adjacent data.  When that happens I will create a terrain perimeter that encompasses all the data, then copy-paste this terrain to a new blank file.  Now import the dwg/dxf and points will appear.  Post the plan if this doesn't work.

[TeddyB]

What resources are available to access raw elevation data for any given geographic locations?  Downloadable raw data that can be imported into Chief?

 

Ted W. Broussard

Broussard Design

Carencro, LA 

337-356-5636

[SHCanada2]

On 2/23/2025 at 6:21 PM, JiAngelo said:

When that happens I will create a terrain perimeter that encompasses all the data, then copy-paste this terrain to a new blank file.  Now import the dwg/dxf and points will appea

Thanks, This worked although the markers(now CA elevation point markers) are tiny compared to the DXF viewer when I first took a look for them, so they could be overlooked...for future readers of this post.  I then grabbed them all and increased the size.

 

All good.

 

Next related question. After seeing the very uneven terrain that CA concocted from them, I just want them as Xs or point markers as I will probably do what Joe mentioned and try and draw some contour lines.

 

Other than CAD detail from view(which converts the point marker X to 2 lines), are there any other ways to convert the elevation marker back to an X or something else. I dont see anything usefull on the context menu...although replace from llbrary was promising until it filtered by terrain object

 

[JiAngelo]

On 3/18/2025 at 3:46 PM, TeddyB said:

What resources are available to access raw elevation data for any given geographic locations?  Downloadable raw data that can be imported into Chief?

 

Ted W. Broussard

Broussard Design

Carencro, LA 

337-356-5636

Check with your county gis departments.  Ours have downloadable files, others I've had to contact to have them email the data.  Some require you purchase it for a minimal fee.  Another source are surveyors.  The county recorder has the plat on file and there you will find who the surveyor was.

[JiAngelo]

5 hours ago, SHCanada2 said:

Next related question. After seeing the very uneven terrain that CA concocted from them, I just want them as Xs or point markers as I will probably do what Joe mentioned and try and draw some contour lines.

I'm not sure if I have a proper answer. I reread your original post.  I take it the dwg doesn't have contour layers you could specify as elevation data when importing?

 

Don't you already have a file of just points?  And a second file that now has them as elevation points?  Then create the splines in the second and cut-paste them to the first should work.

 

Does the county have a topography layer of the parcel on its gis website that you could use to judge placement of contours better?

 

If the chief terrain is too busy set intervals to 2' or 5' might make it easier to see and trace.  Start at 5' and cut-paste then switch to 2' and repeat if you need finer contours.  You could also copy-paste any of those points you want to keep.

 

I hope this helps.