3d topo model generation

[Jefferson Grigsby]

I just wanted to know if anyone knew of any resources to have a 3d topo model generated on a quick turnaround schedule. Whether this is done by us, or farmed out, I was curious to as to how anyone else may have dealt with this in the past and If I could benefit from your experience.

 

We basically have about a 40 acre site that is wooded and all I need is either the topo lines in CAD, a completed model, or any other data that is easily available that can be used to generate a relatively accurate mesh.

 

Thanks in Advance!!

Jeff

[Ernest Burden III]

Normally you would get that sort of data from the architect of owner. Nobody is designing buildings without a proper survey, you just need a copy of it. It may be a mess, and hard to work with, but that's where most of us start. Also, the same software that Civil Engineers use to do the topos can output a DXF file of triangles that is the surface, though I've never actually gotten ahold of one, even when I've asked. If you're lucky, the file will have the contours at height. Either way they'll be anotated.

 

A more basic method would be to find the USGS DEM file for your site and use one of the many software apps that can read those (C4D reads them directly) like the affordable and multi-talented AccuTrans. You'll find the files at http://www.topozone.com in either 10 meter resolution or 30 meter. Not great, but you get a surface. One that goes on for mile, though. I would much rather get the surveyor's data.

[Jefferson Grigsby]

thanks Ernest.

 

Just curious, is there data available from a pay site that is better then 10 meters? Is this grey scale data? I have never coordinated a large scale topo, and agree that doing it yourself from survey topo is the only way to be sure. However, I just need asomething quick and painless that is reasonably accurate. In the future however, I would not mind finding an iexpensive way to automate this.

 

thanks again for your help.