Reference Model Creation Workflow

There are several workflows available to begin working with a reference model. The image below shows the recommended workflows, with descriptions for each step in the table that follows.

Method	Step	Description
Create Automatically	This method involves importing 3D vector data as a reference model using a catalogue matching file to map the features and their attributes.
	Create a catalogue matching file	A matching file is used to map acronyms for feature objects and attributes when importing the source data into a reference model. See Create a Catalogue Matching File.
	Open 3D Vector Data Source (e.g.DXF)	3D vector data is feature data that contains elevation attribute values. This data can be opened directly in the application and used to generate a reference model. See Open File.
	New Template from Selection	Automatically create the features of a reference model using the geometry and attributes of existing polygon features. See New Template from Selection.
	Modify Features	Alterations may be needed in the automatically‑generated features. This can be done using any of the following commands: • Modify an Alignment • Modify a Line • Modify a Point • Modify a Surface • Modify a Template • Modify a Vertical Surface
	Verify Model	Verify that the requirements for all features and attributes in the selected reference model have been met. See Verify Model.
Open Existing	This method opens an existing reference model in LandXML format.
	Open Existing LandXML fie	Reference model files in LandXML format can be opened directly in the application. See Open a Reference Model.
	Modify Features	Updates may be needed in the existing reference model features. This can be done using any of the following commands: • Modify an Alignment • Modify a Line • Modify a Point • Modify a Surface • Modify a Template • Modify a Vertical Surface
	Verify Model	Verify that the requirements for all features and attributes in the selected reference model have been met. See Verify Model.
Create Manually	This method uses a vector data line feature as a reference to manually create reference model features that will then be used to generate the remainder of the reference model.
	Open Data Source with Centreline	A vector data source containing a centreline feature can be used as a starting reference for creating a reference model. Vector data can be opened directly in the application. See Open File.
	New Alignment from Selection	With a centreline data source open, that line can be used to create an alignment feature for the new reference model. See New Alignment From Superselection/ Selection.
	New Cross-Section	A cross-section suitable to be applied along the centreline can then be created. See New Cross-section.
	New Template from Cross-Section	The alignment and the cross-section created in the previous steps can then be used to create a new template, which will generate the remaining features for the reference model and populate their properties. See New Template from a Cross-Section.
	Verify Model	Verify that the requirements for all features and attributes in the selected reference model have been met. See Verify Model.

Additionally, the New Model command can be used to create a new empty model. With this method, all features in the model must be created manually and all attributes defined. See New Model for more information on this command.