Surface to Points
COMMAND LICENSING AND DEFAULT MENU LOCATIONS
- The Surface to Points command is part of the RPS Modeling Toolbox.
- The command is located on the Modeling macros menu ribbon.
- The command is located in the Surface / Volumes menu group.
COMMAND DESCRIPTION
Surface models provided by Engineers for Existing Ground are often derived from point clouds. The imported TINs often cover large areas and have extremely dense triangulation. For modeling purposes, the imported TIN and CAD points derived from the TIN are inefficient in TBC. This command provides the ability to convert the TIN back into a point cloud so that it can be handled more easily and efficiently in TBC. It can also be reduced in size and point density for faster volume computations.
COMMAND HISTORY
Latest Updates
Dec 2022:
The command has been updated with Tool Tips for user assistance, Header Bar commands for fast access to related commands, and a File Name selector / browser that allows you to name the file and select the file storage location for the point cloud file being created.
VIDEO DEMONSTRATION
The following video shows how to utilize the Surface to Points command:
SETUP AND CONFIGURATION
Command Interface Description
The Surface to Points command dialog looks as follows:
Surface:
This drop-down menu allows the user to select the surface that they would like to run the command on.
EXECUTE
Boundaries:
Select one or more boundaries to limit the area of the selected surface that will be converted into point data.
File name:
Click the […] button to select a file storage location, or right-click in the name field to select the Project Folder, RPS Settings folder, or open the file browser to select the file storage location. Enter the name for the point cloud file.
Import file?:
This toggle allows the user to choose whether they would like to import the created .xyz point cloud file automatically after the command is executed. When the option is enabled, the file will be imported automatically. When disabled, the command will create the .xyz point cloud file and save it to the project directory.
INPUTS
Surface:
Select the surface model that you wish to convert into point data.
Boundaries:
Select any boundaries that you wish to use with the surface conversion. The provided documentation does not further define how the Boundary selection affects processing.
File Name:
Enter the name and storage location for the .xyz point cloud file that will be created.
Import File?:
Enable this option to automatically import the created .xyz point cloud file into the TBC project after processing. Leave it disabled to create and save the file without importing it.
REPORTS
The command creates an .xyz point cloud file from the selected surface. When Import File? is enabled, the resulting point cloud file is also imported into the TBC project.
HOT KEYS
U = Unlock
Q = Rotate Screen 15 degrees clockwise
E = Rotate Screen 15 Degrees anti clockwise
SHIFT Q = Rotate Screen 30 Degrees clockwise
SHIFT E = Rotate Screen 30 Degrees Anti Clockwise
WASD = Pan Up, Pan Left, Pan Down, Pan Right
SHIFT M = Pop Up Menu
Shift X = Undo Last Click or Pop Up Elevation Entry
X = Start Over
Z = Decrement
C = Increment
Shift Z = Reverse Direction to Downwards / Decrease (and decrease 2x)
Shift C = Reverse Direction to Upwards / Increase (and Increase by 2x)
HEADER BAR COMMANDS
In the Header Bar of the command, you will find command icons that link you to other commands that you may need access to while using this command. In this command, the following commands are linked:
- Help - this document access
- RPS Settings
- Takeoff Lines
- Smart Edit
- Adjust Linestring Elevation
- Change Elevation
- Point Cloud Processor
- Point Cloud Boundary
- Create Point Cloud Region
- Add to Point Cloud Region
- Create Surface
- Add/Remove Surface Members
- Create Surface Breakline
- Add/Remove Surface Boundaries
- Flatten Surface
COMMAND BUTTONS
OK
Executes the command and closes on completion.
Cancel
Closes the command without further execution.
HELP
In the Help area, you will find a shortcut link to this Help document and training video. You can also access this document by pressing F1 on your keyboard.
USE CASE VIDEOS
The following videos show the use of the Surface to Points command in a workflow context:
FEEDBACK AND ENHANCEMENT REQUESTS
If you would like to provide feedback on the use of the Surface to Points command or to request enhancements or improvements to the command, please click Reply below.