Im using aucad 2010 and am finding it abit of a struggle to create a 3d surface from point data. I have added the z value to the points but how do i acheieve a surface from this?
 
any help appreciated  

Do you know anyone who uses AutoCAD Map or Civil 3D?

Here's another option.  It's called CADTools. 
 
CADTOOLS build 635
 
"CadTools (ToolBox) is developed for Civil Engineers using AutoCAD. There are a number of great software on the market supporting the design process of roads, rails etc. For minor design work CadTools can be very useful, it contains more than 50 commands mostly in real 3D to support your work."
 
"With CadTools you can create your own surface models based on objects in the drawing or import triangles from DWG (other civil software). You can create profiles and cross-sections of multiple surfaces, calculate volumes and plot contours."
Link: http://www.glamsen.se/CadTools.htm
You'll have to scroll down to the bottom of the page, below all the graphics, find where it says Download (it is a 7.2MB file).  Last updated 2011-02-14 Build 635
Note: There is a reference manual too available for download.
 
Caveat: I have not used the program.  I don't know if it will do exactly what you want or not.  I don't even know how well it works.  So don't come back here and ask me any questions about it.
 
Good luck.  If you do use it come back and post your comments about it so others, like myself, can learn from your experience.  I have shared with you...you should do likewise.
 
John Connor2011-03-17 11:12:08

Yeah we used to have civil 3D on these machines but it got wiped because it wasn't getting used!... how annoying is that! Nice1 for the link, i'll give it a go and will report back with how it went.

Yes, AutoCAD Map 3D and AutoCAD Civil 3D have this functionality as their standard functions. For a limited usage you can also use our freeware LISP application DTM (digital terrain model).

Www.sitetopo.com is a freeware program for creating TINs and contours, don't recall what type of surface it creates, probably 3dfaces.

Just a quick update to let you know how i got on...
 
I downloaded Cadtool as suggested by John Connor and i have to say its extremely easy to use. its a small controll panel that sits open while AutoCAD is running and although looks abit crowded, its very user friendly once you've worked out what tools do what.
 
I've only really used the 3d surface tools so can't really comment on the others but will have a play and might add to this at a later date

Thanks for returning pizzle and posting your comments re: CadTool.

Hi Pizzle,I am a landscape architect and I use Terrain Tool by LLandSoft. It allows me to create surfaces, contour lines, section lines and a lot more. There is a 30 day full featured trial available. Tony