How to manage large surfaces efficiently

Module overview

This content series begins with describing the difference between TIN and Grid type surfaces and their size limitations; and what happens to your project if the limits are exceeded and overflow cached files are created. 

This content series takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. By the end, you should be able to:

• Describe the difference between Grid and TIN surface objects.
• Know the limits of number of points in each surface object type.
• Understand how MMS and GRD files are generated and why they should be avoided.
• Learn which simplification methods are used for road projects.
• See that extreme point reduction and simplification does not destroy surface representation.
• Learn when and why to use surfaces with different LODs.

Prerequisites

This content series requires user-level knowledge of Civil 3D and is focused on best practices and its industry applications. If you don't have experiences with this product, we recommend you to take foundational training using one of the resources below:

• Built-in tutorials, available via in-product Help
• eLearning Partners
• Authorized Training Centers

About the author

This content series was created by Lucy Kuhns, Designated Support Specialist at Autodesk.

Before you start

• Please make sure you have the Civil 3D software loaded.
• If you have technical difficulties, please reach out to product support. 

Module downloads

Module outline

• Introduction
• Surface size limitations and simplification
• Controlling LOD with detail and surrounds surfaces
• How to manage large surfaces efficiently - Quiz
• How to manage large surfaces efficiently - Summary