Generating a Site Model

[shorter]

How many file formats or file types can we use to generate a site model/digital terrain model?

 

Excel

XYZ coordinate file, in csv or xls format

 

DWG
3D points/loci
3D polygons

 

Point Cloud
Extract 3D loci from Point Cloud

 

We have a script to convert 2D text to 3D loci, as a last resort, and there is the rather frustrating 2D polys to 3D source command.

 

I particularly like the 'Modify by Record command' that 'can convert 2D polygons or polylines with attached record elevation data directly to 3D polygons at the proper elevation.'

 

But what about other file formats, like OBJ, or 3DM?

[Benson Shaw]

Ok, I did not try this possible workaround for objects imported from OBJ and 3dm files (but have wondered whether it would work) —-

 

slice em’ with the Contour tool to create, well, contours. These file types import as meshes and therefore would likely create dotted rather than continuous “contours”, but maybe those could be joined via script, or converted to 3d polys or loci which could then be used as source data for DTM. 
 

or, maybe that’s just another stupid idea that won’t work (JASITWW  pronounced “jaZITwuwu”)
 

-B

[shorter]

It would be handy to be able to extract 3D loci from any 3D form.