Import LandXML File

This command imports project data from the industry standard LandXML file format version 2.0 and earlier. Land development software applications including Carlson Software can exchange project data using LandXML. The project data in LandXML includes survey measurements, coordinates, centerlines, profiles, cross sections, surfaces, lots, plan view linework and pipe networks.

To import a LandXML file, the program first prompts to select a LandXML file to import. Then there is a dialog with import options along with a view of the contents of the LandXML file. You can toggle on which data from the file that you want to import.

LandXML Units: Indicates the Units of Measure associated with the incoming LandXML file (see the Unit Differences item below).

Point Protection: When enabled, you are prompted for a course of action if an existing LandXML file you've selected contains COGO points that have the same number(s) as those that already exist in the drawing. When disabled, existing point data in the project is updated with the values from the LandXML file.

Destination File Method: This option allows you to indicate how the incoming data file(s) are named as they are imported.

Load Surfaces into Surface Manager: When enabled, this option will automatically add surface model (TIN) data into the Surface Manager and graphically represents (draws) the surface model/contours according to the current settings found in the Triangulate & Contour command.

Skip Invisible Triangles: This option skips triangles flagged as invisible when importing a triangulation surface.

Use Old FLT Triangulation File Format to Import Surface Data: When enabled, the older ASCII-based Carlson *.FLT file format will be used in place of the newer and more efficient *.TIN file format.

Save All Existing Ground Profiles from One Centerline to the Same File: When enabled, collections of existing ground profiles associated with a particular centerline are combined into a single *.PRO file.

Draw PlanFeatures to current drawing: When the LandXML contains PlanFeatures, this option will automatically draw this linework. Otherwise, the program stores a .pln file which can be drawn using the File > Import > Polyline File routine.

Save Point Descriptions: For coordinate records, this option controls whether to use the LandXML description or code record for the coordinate file point descriptions.

Add F2F Codes to Points from PlanFeatures: When the LandXML file contains both coordinates and plan features, this option adds Field-to-Finish linework codes to the descriptions of the coordinates. For example, if a plan feature line ends at point 25, then the Field-to-Finish end linework code of END is appended to the description of point 25.

Change Directory: This option allows you to adjust the folder location where the new data files will be written.

Import from LandXML: Enable or disable various entries that should used to produce the data files found within the LandXML file.

Unit Differences: If the Units of Measure specified in the LandXML file are different than those found in Drawing Setup, you will be prompted for a course of action.

Manning's "n": If you are importing sewer data from a LandXML file and if the LandXML file does not carry Manning's "n" values, you will be prompted to specify a default Manning's "n" value for all incoming sewer entities that don't already have a Mannings "n" value.

Import Structures: If you are importing sewer data from a LandXML file and structure values specified in the LandXML file do not exist in the Structure Library, you will be prompted to indicate the structure(s) that should be imported into the Structure Library. Use standard Windows click, shift+click and/or ctrl+click functionality to select multiple structures at the same time.

Skip Invisible Triangles: This option applies to importing TIN surfaces from Civil 3D. When this option is active, triangles marked by Civil 3D as invisible or excluded are not imported.

Note:

• The LandXML initiative is being driven by the land development industry as an acceptable means to share and transfer land data rather than the traditional graphical representation of that data. It also provides an effective means for transferring a variety data (points, centerlines, profiles, surface models, sewer data, etc). Another advantage of LandXML is that the LandXML data structure is CAD and software vendor neutral (meaning you don't have to own or use the CAD or software product used by your data provider).
• Visit http://www.landxml.org for additional information on the uses and acceptance of the LandXML project.

Pulldown Menu Location(s): File > LandXML
Keyboard Command: landxml_import
Prerequisite: A LandXML file to import