CAD Output ModelSet CAD Output Model

(This functionality is available with the Input / Output module)

Defines the specifications of contours and triangles which may be passed out to a CAD file via the CAD Output/Output command.

Model dialog box

The exact nature of the dialog box depends on which CAD system has been selected for output in the CAD Output Settings menu (i.e. LISCAD CAD, AutoCAD, or MicroStation).

Item Used to
Model Name Display the current model selected under the model tab option in the Display/Features command.
Contours Toggle the output of contours. The options available are;
  • None - To output no contours.
  • Straight - To output straight contours.
  • Curved - To output contours as splines.
Minor Contours and Major Contours For Layer (Level), Colour and Weight input requirements see CAD Output Parameters.
Interval Select the contour interval for the major and minor contours. The major contour interval should be exactly divisible by the minor contour interval. If minor contours are not required set the major and minor interval to the same value.
Labels Toggle the output of contour labels. The options available are;
  • None - To output no labels.
  • Major - To output labels for major contours only.
  • All - To output contours labels for all contours.
Convention Select the direction convention for drawing of the contour labels.
If Convention is selected, then the labels will be drawn such that the direction heading above the label text is in the up hill direction.
If Convention is not selected, then the labels will be drawn according to view convention, enabling them to all be read when viewed from the bottom right hand corner of the CAD file or plan.
Dist. Select that the contour labels will be generated at the entered distance interval along the contours. Ensure you enter the required interval in the available field.
Cont. If 'Dist' labels is active, use this option to select that the contours will be continuous lines and not be broken at each side of the labels.
Minor Labels and Major Labels Select the output parameters for contour label text.
Contour Line Styles
Positive Display and edit the line style for contours that have a positive value.
Negative Display and edit the line style for contours that have a negative value.
Set Open the Line Style Library dialog.
Curve Factor Select the factor that is to be applied to curved contours. This value ranges between 0 and 100. (0 = straight contours)
A curve factor of 50 is usually appropriate in most cases. If you find that there is a tendency for the curved contours to cross in the CAD file, reduce the curve factor.
Contour Range
Min Set the minimum elevation for which contours will be drawn.
Max Set the maximum elevation for which contours will be drawn.
All Specify that all contours in the model are to be drawn by automatically placing the minimum and maximum elevations of the data base in the Min: and Max: fields.
Triangles Select whether the model triangles are to be drawn in the CAD file.
Numbers Select whether the model triangle numbers are to be drawn in the CAD file.
Aspect Select whether the model triangle aspects are to be drawn in the CAD file.
Grade Select whether the model triangle grades are to be drawn in the CAD file.
Arrow Select whether the model triangle aspect arrows are to be drawn in the CAD file.
Triangle Lines Select the output parameters for triangles lines.
Triangle Numbers Select the output parameters for triangle numbers.
Triangle Aspect Select the output parameters for triangle aspects.
Triangle Grade Select the output parameters for triangle grades.
OK Close the dialog box and save any changes to the settings.
The settings are stored in the CAD Parameter File. (.CPF extension)
Cancel Close the dialog box without saving the changes to the settings.

A model must exist in the data base for contours and triangles to be output. The contours and triangles output will be those associated with the model currently selected from the model tab option in the Display/Features command.