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How to Get Terrain Files (Public Data Example)
How to Get Terrain Files (Public Data Example)

Step-by-step guide on how to prepare and generate terrain files for PVFARM

Kayla Treese avatar
Written by Kayla Treese
Updated over 2 months ago

This demonstrates the import of a terrain file (GeoTiff format) using a public source. For this example, we will use Touchterrain but please note PVFARM is not associated in any way with TouchTerrain and this general method should apply to other data sources.

If you are looking to import topography information from Civil3D, please refer to the plug-in section of our help center for those workflows.

GeoTiff by TouchTerrain service

  1. Use the TouchTerrain service https://touchterrain.geol.iastate.edu/main

  2. Find your location on a map view

    1. NOTE: You may need to adjust the "Data Source" if you do not see terrain information when viewing your project location. The default is for sites with in the USA. If your export fails, please try another source.

  3. Click "Re-center box on Map"

  4. Adjust your polygon using the white dots on the Red shape.

  5. Select GeoTiff as the file format

  6. Copy these manual settings

    • "ntilesx":1,"ntilesy":1,"basethick":0.0,"zscale":1.0,"fileformat":"GeoTiff","unprojected":true,"printres":-1

  7. Did you copy the manual settings above? This is a critical step, don't skip it!

  8. Paste them into the ‘Manual settings’

    • Press ‘Export Selected Area and Download File’

    • Wait as the file exports. You will receive a .zip file for download which contains the compressed .tiff format.

    • Download the zip File

    • Extract GeoTiff file to your device

    • Drag & drop GeoTiff file in the PVFARM 3D model space or use Project -> Import menu

    • Make sure the surface is added to your project


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