Purpose

The Terrain tools are used to create, manage, analyse, and modify terrain surfaces within an Artisan project. Terrain models provide the foundation for site grading, contour generation, level management, earthworks calculations, drainage design, and visualisation.

Standard Workflow

1. Prepare Source Data

Before creating or editing terrain models:

• Open the project drawing.
• Verify survey information has been imported correctly.
• Confirm spot levels, contours, breaklines, and boundaries are accurate.
• Check that all terrain-related information is on the correct layers.
• Ensure project units and coordinates are correctly configured.

2. Create a Terrain Surface

To generate a terrain model:

1. Select the terrain creation function.
2. Choose the source data for the terrain.
3. Define any required terrain settings and boundaries.
4. Generate the terrain surface.
5. Review the resulting model for accuracy.
6. Verify that the terrain reflects the available survey information.

3. Review Terrain Display

After creating the terrain:

• Check the surface representation.
• Verify contour generation.
• Review spot levels and triangulation where displayed.
• Ensure the terrain boundary is correctly defined.
• Confirm the terrain surface displays as expected.

4. Edit Terrain Data

When design development requires changes:

1. Select the terrain surface.
2. Modify source data, levels, breaklines, or boundaries as required.
3. Update the terrain model.
4. Regenerate the surface.
5. Review the updated terrain for accuracy and continuity.

5. Develop Proposed Terrain

For design and grading purposes:

1. Create a proposed terrain surface from the existing model where appropriate.
2. Modify levels to achieve design objectives.
3. Introduce grading changes, embankments, depressions, or other landform adjustments.
4. Validate transitions between existing and proposed terrain.
5. Check compliance with drainage and accessibility requirements.

6. Analyse Terrain Performance

Review the terrain model for:

• Surface continuity.
• Drainage patterns.
• Slopes and gradients.
• High and low points.
• Accessibility requirements.
• Earthworks implications.
• Integration with adjacent site features.

7. Generate Terrain Outputs

For project documentation:

1. Create contour plans.
2. Generate grading drawings.
3. Produce level plans.
4. Generate terrain visualisations if required.
5. Review outputs for completeness and presentation quality.

8. Calculate Earthworks (Where Required)

For grading projects:

1. Compare existing and proposed terrain surfaces.
2. Generate cut-and-fill calculations.
3. Review earthworks quantities.
4. Validate results against the design intent.
5. Include calculations within project documentation where applicable.

9. Validate the Terrain Model

Prior to project issue:

• Verify all survey information has been incorporated correctly.
• Confirm terrain boundaries are accurate.
• Review contour and level outputs.
• Check proposed grading against project requirements.
• Validate earthworks calculations.
• Ensure documentation complies with project standards.

10. Save and Update Project Records

When terrain modelling is complete:

1. Save the drawing.
2. Regenerate dependent outputs if required.
3. Update schedules and reports.
4. Record revisions in accordance with project procedures.
5. Prepare documentation for issue or coordination.

Recommended Standard Practice

1. Import and validate survey data.
2. Create the existing terrain model.
3. Review contour and level outputs.
4. Develop proposed terrain design.
5. Analyse slopes, drainage, and grading.
6. Calculate earthworks where required.
7. Generate project outputs.
8. Perform quality assurance checks.
9. Save and issue project information.

Typical Terrain Tasks

Quality Control Checklist

Before completing work:

✅ Survey data verified
✅ Terrain surface generated successfully
✅ Terrain boundary checked
✅ Contours reviewed
✅ Levels validated
✅ Proposed grading assessed
✅ Drainage patterns confirmed
✅ Earthworks calculations reviewed (if applicable)
✅ Documentation checked for accuracy
✅ Drawing saved successfully

Outcome

Following the Terrain workflow ensures that terrain information is developed and maintained consistently throughout the project lifecycle. Accurate terrain modelling supports grading design, contour generation, earthworks analysis, drainage coordination, and the production of reliable landscape and construction documentation.