Artisan Landscape for AutoCAD & BricsCAD

Purpose

The Terrain Tools functions are used to create, modify, analyse, and manage terrain models within an Artisan project. These tools support the development of existing and proposed ground surfaces, enabling accurate grading, earthworks calculations, and terrain visualisation.

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Standard Workflow

1. Prepare Terrain Data

Before working with terrain models:

2. Create a Terrain Model

To create a new terrain surface:

1. Select the terrain creation tool.
2. Choose the source data (contours, points, breaklines, or survey data).
3. Define the required terrain settings.
4. Generate the terrain model.
5. Review the generated surface for errors or inconsistencies.

3. Edit Terrain Surfaces

When design development requires modifications:

1. Select the terrain model.
2. Apply the appropriate editing tools.
3. Add, remove, or adjust terrain data.
4. Regenerate the surface if required.
5. Verify that changes are reflected correctly throughout the model.

4. Create Proposed Terrain

To develop grading proposals:

1. Copy or derive a proposed surface from existing terrain.
2. Modify levels to achieve the required design intent.
3. Introduce grading elements, contours, and control points.
4. Check transitions, slopes, and level changes.
5. Validate accessibility and drainage requirements.

5. Analyse Terrain

Once the terrain model has been developed:

• Review contour representation.
• Check spot levels.
• Analyse slopes and gradients.
• Identify potential drainage issues.
• Verify grading relationships with adjacent features.
• Review cut-and-fill implications where applicable.

6. Generate Terrain Outputs

For project documentation:

1. Produce contour drawings.
2. Generate level plans.
3. Create grading layouts.
4. Produce earthworks calculations if required.
5. Generate visualisations and model outputs as needed.

7. Validate the Terrain Model

Before project issue:

• Confirm terrain boundaries are correct.
• Verify source survey information has been referenced accurately.
• Check proposed grading achieves design objectives.
• Validate contour intervals and level data.
• Review earthworks quantities where applicable.
• Ensure all outputs match project standards.

8. Save and Update Project Records

Once terrain work is complete:

1. Save the drawing.
2. Update associated project documentation.
3. Regenerate schedules and outputs if required.
4. Record design revisions where applicable.

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Recommended Standard Practice

1. Verify survey and terrain source data.
2. Create the existing terrain model.
3. Develop and refine proposed terrain.
4. Review levels, slopes, and grading.
5. Generate project outputs.
6. Perform quality assurance checks.
7. Save and issue updated project information.

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Typical Terrain Tool Tasks

Task	Purpose
Create Terrain Model	Generate a surface from survey data
Edit Terrain	Modify existing terrain information
Create Proposed Surface	Develop design grading solutions
Analyse Slopes	Assess gradients and terrain performance
Generate Contours	Produce contour-based drawings
Calculate Earthworks	Evaluate cut-and-fill quantities
Produce Outputs	Create grading and terrain documentation

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Quality Control Checklist

Before completing work:

✅ Survey data verified
✅ Terrain model generated successfully
✅ Surface boundaries checked
✅ Proposed grading reviewed
✅ Slopes and drainage validated
✅ Contours display correctly
✅ Earthworks calculations reviewed (if applicable)
✅ Outputs meet project standards
✅ Drawing saved successfully

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Outcome

Following the Terrain Tools workflow ensures that terrain models are created and managed consistently, supporting accurate grading design, surface analysis, earthworks calculations, and production of reliable construction and landscape documentation.

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