Import a Terrain

You can import a terrain in point cloud format in part modeling mode, when the model is still empty. The allowed point cloud formats for import are LAS, LAZ, txt and csv.

  1. Open or create an empty part model or open it for editing from the feature tree. The part can be a local or link part.
  2. Select Import terrain from the context-sensitive menu. Select the file type and point cloud file according to the type.
  3. A dialog box opens, which tells you, among other things, the name and file size of the selected file. The following options are available:

    1. Read all points - All points in the point cloud are read

    2. Read only every n point - The program reads only some of the points from the point cloud. For example, with a value of 100, only every hundredth point is read.

    3. Dimension unit - The unit used in the point cloud. Default is m, but another unit can be selected from the selection list, if it is known.

    4. Thin out points - This option thins out points during the reading phase. The program thins out the read cloud so that the given resolution defines a cube, one side of which is the resolution value. The cloud is divided into those cubes and one point of the point cloud remains inside each cube during the thinning.

    5. Move to origin - The point cloud is moved closer to the origin. Required if the coordinates of the point cloud are far from the origin.

    6. Only inside limits - The part model can be bounded by a cube and points outside the cube are removed during the reading phase. Usually requires importing the point cloud as is at least once to see how the bounding should be done.

    7. Confirm OK
  4. The program opens the Terrain Properties Dialog Box dialog box. Unlike the function Add a Terrain, the program does not list the x, y, z coordinates of the points. Set the Ground thickness, Material to ground and Material to section.
Note: It is advisable to thin out the imported point cloud first by reading, for example, only every 1000 points. The value can be increased little by little and a suitable compromise between accuracy and performance can be found.
Note: When importing terrain points as a LAS/LAZ point cloud, only points that are defined as ground points (=class value 2, Ground according to the LAS format) are read.