Using numerical text values with a text object at zero elevation to create a surface

Publish date: Apr-12-2006

Applies to:

AutoCAD Civil 3D 2005

AutoCAD Civil 3D 2006

AutoCAD Civil 3D 2009

Issue

You placed AutoCAD text objects in a drawing. These objects are numbers that represent elevations. For example, an AutoCAD text object has a value of 256.4, but the properties of the text object show a Position Z value of zero. You want to move each text object to the elevation provided by its text value in order to create a surface.

Technical Solutions

To move each text object to its text value elevation, follow these steps:

Note: In the original drawing, make sure that the text is alone on one layer. You should also make a note of the layer name.

To attach the drawing

1. Open a New drawing
2. On the Map menu, click Drawings > Define/Modify Drawing Set.
3. In the Define/Modify Drawing Set dialog box, click Attach.
4. In the Attach dialog box, browse to the drawing with the text.
5. Click Add.
6. Click OK to close each dialog box.

To define a query

1. On the Map menu, click Query > Define Query.
2. Click Property.
3. Select the Layer option (you choose the layer to use).
4. Click Values.
5. Select the layer containing the text.
6. Click OK to close each dialog box.
7. Click Property.

8. Select the Object Type option (you choose all text on that layer).
9. Click Values.
10. Select the Text.
11. Click OK to close each dialog box.
12. In the Query Mode area, select the Draw option.
13. In the Options area, select the Alter Properties option.
14. In the Select Property area, select the Elevation option.
15. Click Expression.
16. Expand the Properties folder and select STRING, and then click OK.
17. Click Add, and then click OK.

Execute the Query

1. Click Execute Query.
2. Click OK .
3. Zoom Extents.

Each text object in the drawing now has the physical z value equal to the text value. For example, a text object seen as 254.6 has a Z (height) property of 254.6.

Create a surface from text objects

1. Create a surface with a name.
2. Expand the Definition category.
3. Right-click on Drawing Objects. Click Add.
4. On the Object Type drop-down menu, select Text.
5. Select all the text in the drawing.