Digitizing Points to Profile

I’ve been thinking about the many different ways to profile a “single file” or “in line” survey.  Surveys like this are common for a proposed utility run or cross section survey.  The need is simple, to profile these field points, but the issue is creating a TIN is just too cumbersome for the lack of supplementing point data.

We could add supplementing points manually or copy in parallel, but in this case we will do it without creating a TIN Surface:

1.      Draw 2D Polyline that connects the needed sequence of points

2.      Create Alignment from Polyline.

3.      Create empty Profile View from the Alignment

4.      Draw 3D Polyline connecting the needed sequence of points

5.      Project 3D Polyline to Profile View.

First, start by using the AutoCAD POLYLINE command to connect the needed points.

Second, using the CIVIL 3D command, from the Home Tab, to Create Alignment from Objects.

Once done with selection you will be prompted for alignment direction and choice to reverse.

Then on to the Alignment Creation dialog box, note that the option for Add curves between tangents is left unchecked.

Once command is complete, the Alignment and its Labels will appear.

Third, Select the created Alignment and from the Ribbon pick on the Profile View button to create an EMPTY grid.

From the Create Profile View dialog box, accept the defaults by selecting the Create Profile View button.

When prompted select a point on screen to create the empty Grid (this will be the grids lower left corner).

Forth, similar to before, using the AutoCAD 3D POLYLINE command to connect the needed points.  I found that if I freeze or turn off the display to the previously created Alignment, this will be easier.

Fifth, select any point on the Profile View grid, then from the ribbon select the Project Objects to Profile View button.

Once in the Project Objects to Profile View dialog box, make sure the option to Use Object elevation is set.

This will automatically populate the previously selected Profile View gird with the line.

This projected line work is dynamically tied to the original 3D POLYLINE, if it is edited, stretched, trimmed, etc.., it’s view in the grid will update.