CAD tip # 9917:

Question

CAD

% platform category

Cannot create terrain model from attached point cloud in AutoCAD Civil 3D 2015.

The new object type for point clouds from ReCap (RCP/RCS point cloud) which can be attached to your DWG projects with functions of the plain AutoCAD cannot be yet used for terrain modelling in Civil 3D 2015.

Instead of this, load (attach) the point cloud using the standard Civil function, i.e. from the Prospector tree (as in version 2014). This function works with the original formats of indexed point clouds and it is possible to generate a terrain model surface and isolines (DTM/DGM) from these points.

If you already have your point cloud processed in the Autodesk ReCap application, export it from ReCap to the PTS format which is the supported in the Civil point-cloud function.

Another option is to use the tool "Point Cloud Surface Extraction" from the subscription module Civil 3D 2015 Productivity Tools (Subscription Center) - this tool supports ReCap point clouds.

Civil2015

*CAD

18.7.2014 13523×

Comments Tell a friend

Share the tip:

applies to: Civil 3D 2015 ·

See also:
Tip 14496:	Convert scanned point clouds or photos to BIM objects - Scan-to-BIM.
Tip 14472:	Overview of CAD formats supported in Inventor 2026 (import/export/AnyCAD).
Tip 14433:	AR view of 3D model from AutoCAD, Inventor, Revit, Fusion
Tip 14075:	Overview of CAD formats supported in Inventor 2025 (import/export/AnyCAD).
Tip 13021:	Rotating model when hovering above a 3D point cloud. How to disable?

Selected tip: AutoCAD mask not printed properly.

Back All CAD Tips

Text linked with Inventor drawing view. « | » Rotated UCS when stretching objects with grip-editing.

Have we helped you? If you want to support the CAD Forum web service, consider buying one of our CAD applications, or our custom software development offerings, or donating via PayPal (see above). You may also add a link to your web - like this "fan" link:

Text:

FAQ

Featuring:
DwgTextTranslator translates a series of drawings from one language to another using MS Access.
Download a fully functional trial version.

Please use these tips at your own risk.
ARKANCE is not responsible for possible problems that may occur as a result of using any of these tips.

CADforum

Tips, tricks, utilities, help, how-tos and FAQ for AutoCAD, LT, Inventor, Revit, Map, Civil 3D, Fusion, Forma, 3ds Max and other Autodesk software (community support by ARKANCE). See About CADforum.

ARKANCE CZ (CAD Studio) - Autodesk Platinum Partner & Training Center & Consulting Services Partner

CONTACT:
webmaster.cz@arkance.world | tel. +420 910 970 111



Visitors now: 5171