Overview

This command is a variant on 2 Point Cross Section and provides a dynamic multi point slice through the 3D model to allow detailed / localised analysis for greater insight into the model.

Finding the command

In the Civil Frontstage main toolbar, open the Section menu and select ‘Multi Point Cross Section’ icon.

 

‘Multi Points Cross-Section’ Selection Tool Settings

You will be prompted to pick points in plan to define a location for the section. Note : this is easier in Top view with the Camera turned off.

The ‘Multi-point Cross Section’ allows for chaining multiple snaps together and creates a multi-segmented ‘section’ made up of multiple ‘2-point Sections’.

Each 2-point section is defined by user input for the nodes, these nodes have grip handlers in the 3D model and these are indicated in the section view by a vertical divider line that can be snapped to for segment measurements. Nodes can be dynamically moved with the section recutting automatically when the node is placed. Cursor tracking is provided in the section view providing segment lengths and running length as a well as elevation and tracking a tracking line is provided in the model view.

XSection View

Once location points are defined a new view will be opened that can be resized when docked (vertically only) or undocked. The view can be pinned open and closed using the icons on the top right of the view frame.

On opening a ‘loading counter’ will display in the top of the view indicating the status of the view as it loads elements and surfaces, for detailed sections with multiple surfaces it may be possible to view the graphics loading.

 

The Xsection view can be zoomed in and out using the mouse wheel and panning is achieved depressing the mouse wheel.

Vertical exaggeration is applied by the view control tool.

The vertical axis view decorators provides the elevation range for the current vertical exaggeration in the current model units.

The horizontal axis view decorators provides the offset range from the reference element / alignment in the current model units.

The cursor in the Xsection view provides dynamic tracking of the cursor and display the eleveation / offset on the respective axis.

Vertical dividers indicate each node at the end of each 2 point section. These vertical dividers can be snapped to for localised measurements from the node and allow spanning over multiple nodes if desired.

Xsection View Options

Provides Linear Geometry cut in the section the ability to have a point weight scale that aids in identification in the view.

 

XSection Location Navigation in Plan

When a section is cut, the plan view shows the cutting plane with grab handles for the points. These allow for dynamic drag for each point that will result in the section being regenerated.

[Note: manipulation in plan is best in Top view mode with Camera off.]

Measurements

All standard section measurements can be applied to the section view for

• Horizontal between anchor points
• Vertically between anchor points
  • These modes require selection of two nodes and the drag placement of the measurement in the view
• 2D Area (requires a closed shape coming from a mesh ie a road pavement
  • The area measurement is placed at the centroid of the area

[Note: Measurements along the multi-point section are possible and are treated as cumulative running measurements along the path. The true / minimum 3D can be measured in the 3D model.  Each segment divider line can be snapped to and used for individual segment length measurements.]

 

Dimensions are temporary to the session and can be cleared from the view by Selecting from the Tool Palette.