If you need to share engineering data between software packages the best option would be to export your data to LandXML. Then the other application can import the LandXML data. LandXML was launched in January 2000 as a non-proprietary data standard which both Autodesk and Bentley are a part of.
Export Surface to LandXML
- Open the Civil 3D DWG file.
- From the Prospector tab expand the Surface tree.
- Review the surface Definition.
NOTE: It is best to make sure the surface is made up of points, breaklines, and boundaries. This will make certain that the re-triangulation process of another civil application will be as accurate as possible. - Right click the Surface name and select Export to LandXML. The Export to LandXML dialog will appear.
- Check the Surface box that will be exported and verify the version of LandXML for export.
NOTE: The Export and Import versions of the LandXML file need to be compatible in order to get the best results. - Click the OK button. The Export LandXML save dialog will appear.
- Click the Save button. The Export LandXML dialog will close and the file will be saved.
NOTE: If you plan on importing the surface LandXML file into InRoads Surface make sure the boundary is a 3D shape.
Export Alignments to LandXML
- Open the Civil 3D DWG file.
- From the Prospector tab expand the Alignments tree.
- Review the Alignments Profiles.
NOTE: If there will be profiles associated to the centerline alignments it is best to export them out together so that they will be together when imported. - Right click the Centerline Alignments name and select
Export to LandXML. The Export to LandXML dialog will appear. - Check the Mainline and Profile boxes that will be exported and verify the version of LandXML for export.
NOTE: The Export and Import versions of the LandXML file need to be compatible in order to get the best results. - Click the OK button. The Export LandXML save dialog will appear.
- Click the Save button. The Export LandXML dialog will close and the file will be saved.
NOTE: If you plan on importing the LandXML file into InRoads you may need to redefine the starting station if it does not start at 0+00.
Just as a point of clarification:
Your NOTE above under step 7 in Export Alignments to LandXML is slightly misleading. I noticed in your video demo that in showing the steps to importing the LandXML alignments, the user said to select (turn ON) the check box to “Use LandXML stationing” then subsequently had to reset the starting stationing in InRoads. If the user leaves this box unchecked, the starting and ending stationing remains unchanged from the original Civil 3D definition, including any station equations. Best to leave it unchecked in its default state. This is only to be used as a “reset” in the case the user needs to reset it to zero on import.
Thanks for the comment Ken. I will add that to the notes.