Using AutoCAD Civil 3D to Import Land Survey Data

Land Surveying has come a long way from the 1700’s era. It is a technique, profession, art and science of determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional positions of points and distances and angles between them. Today there are many software solutions that help import the points collected in the field much easier than the 1700’s, I’m sure!

Autodesk Civil 3D contains a complete set of tools that surveyors, engineers and drafters can use to download and process survey information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the 1700’s, Surveyors used a compass and chain to trace lines. The compass was used to measure the magnetic bearings of the survey lines and the chain was used to measure the lengths of the lines. Today surveyors use global positioning systems (GPS), 3D laser scanning, and UAV’s or drones to make measuring become faster and more accurate. The data collected includes 5 pieces of information: point number, coordinates, elevation and description. These points can now be imported into AutoCAD Civil 3D.

Steps to importing point files:

1. To import a point field, go to the Points Tab, then scroll down to Import/Export Points, then click on Import Points.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Under Selected Files: click the green “+” sign and locate your points file. Once you see the points description in the File Name and you see the green check mark you are good to continue.

In Specify point file format (filtering ON): scroll down and highlight PNEZD (comma delimited) which is the type of format your points are in. Then if you want you can create a group point. Check the Add Points to Point Group and click on the far right box. This will open a tab where you can name your points. Click OK.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You should now see the points group name and Click OK. Points are now in your drawing. If you don’t see your points type the letter “Z” for zoom then “Enter “. Then type the letter “E” for extents or just click on the word Extents in your command line.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Points are a very important part of every construction project. They help locate the exact area of where your project will be built. They also give the elevations which will help determine how the water will flow on the property and how land needs to be moved to create an environment suitable for construction.