Exporting DXF/DWG Files for Construction Staking
Updated February 13, 2023
This article applies to:
- RoadEng Civil
- RoadEng Forestry
Exporting DXF/DWG Files for Construction Staking
The DXF format is an Autodesk format and is one of the many formats RoadEng can read and write. DXF is not a survey specific format and does not automatically track staking information. It can generate 2D (or 3D for the DWG format) features that a logger should recognize.
Plan Export Options
File | Save As, select Autocad DXF (*.dxf) or Autocad DWG (*.dwg).
Figure 1: Export Options for Plan (excluding background terrains)
In Civil 3D, the DFX file should look like Figure 2.
Figure 2: Plan Linework in Civil 3D
Cross Section Export Options
Figure 3: Export Options for Sections: 4 rows, 10 columns
In Civil 3D, the DFX file should look like Figure 4.
Figure 4: Sections shown in Civil 3D
Profile Export Options
Figure 5: Profile Export Options
If some linework is not being exported, you will probably need to add Template Codes before saving as DXF). In this example, Template Codes SSL and SSR are added in Profile Options.
Figure 6: Adding Template Codes in Profile
In Civil 3D, the DFX file should look like Figure 7.
Figure 7: Profile Shown in Civil 3D (with SSL and SSR lines)
Multi-Plot Export Options
It is also possible to export the Multi-Plot layout to a single DXF file.
Figure 8: Multi-Plot Export Options
Alternatively, common formats to export for surveying data include:
- ascii coordinate data (just a text file with all the point codes, coordinates and offsets). Use File | Save As.
Figure 9: ASCII Export Options
- LandXML (can include alignment and surfaces info). Its limitation is it will not generate linework connecting each common point codes.