To create a new road alignment in the Location module, you first need to create an original ground DTM. This is usually done by reading survey data into the Terrain module, and then creating a surface with contours (see Terrain Help for more information). However, it is possible to import DTM surfaces from other applications by using LandXML or DWG (3D faces) file formats.
The Choose Original Ground Surface (Topo) dialog allows you to choose the file upon which the Location design will be based.
Softree documents (Radio Button)
In this section, you can import a Terrain file (which must contain a Surface to represent original ground) and/or Survey/Map Traverse document. If you only select a P-Line Traverse, then it must contain side shots to define original ground topography.
Terrain Surface (check box, Browse button)
Select check box to enable, then press the Browse button to choose a terrain file.
P-Line Traverse (check box, Browse button)
Select check box to enable, then press the Browse button to choose a traverse file.
Other (Radio Button, Browse button)
Select this radio button to choose one of the other file formats acceptable for defining the original ground surface (for example LandXML).
