The survey tool will allow you to add feature points to the map overlay of your design so that you are able to visualize how a conductor span will look in the real world and perform accurate measurements on it. It also allows you to import elevation data from Google Maps such that you can use accurate heights in your design and analysis.
Types of feature points
When the survey tool is selected from the toolbar, the above tab will appear in the properties section to the right of your design and shows the different feature points that can be placed. The points with ┻ next to them are terrain points and will alter the ground of your model. While the ones with ★ next to them are floating points that are created a specified distance above the ground.
Note that to georeference your map overlay you need to apply the correct EPSG to your design file - this can be done in the map tool forum found here.
You will also notice that you are able to change the map overlay between the three options shown above (CA IMPORT, GOOGLE MAP, NONE) to change the model view.
Placing a feature point
To demonstrate using these feature points, we will place ground points to ensure that our model has the correct elevation. For example, I have the below conductor span and I want to import the real world elevation data
In order to do this, we click the survey tool in the tool bar and see that it opens a new window in the properties tab. In here, we change type to be 'Ground' and after ensuring that the EPSG is correct, we simply click in the desired locations to place ground points. The model will automatically update the terrain in the perspective view and the cross section in the profile view to reflect these ground points.
Interpolate points
Once two survey points have been placed, the terrain between them can be exactly linearly interpolated using the 'Interpolate terrain points' button in the properties tab. This arrangement is targeted at the use case where you may have survey height data along a particular 1-dimensional slice of the terrain. In this case you will know the height and slope of the terrain along the given slice, which you can model using height spec points, but not elsewhere. Elsewhere, the terrain is approximately interpolated based on the distance to nearby terrain points.
In order to use this, simply left click on a terrain point then click the 'Interpolate terrain points' button and then left click on the end point between which you want to interpolate terrain and the model will automatically update.
Import elevation from Google
When survey file data is present in your model, you are able to import ground elevation data for your model. To do this:
- Select the survey tool
- Select ground in the point type (as shown above)
- Place the point(s) in your desired location(s) and then select the 'Import elevation from Google' button as shown below, which will provide an accurate z dimension to your location
