Displaying Terrain

How terrain objects display in 2D and 3D views is determined by the active layer set. See "Layer Sets".

How each layer displays in the active layer set is controlled in the Layer Display Options dialog. See "Layer Display Options Dialog".

Building the Terrain

When terrain is generated, Chief Architect gathers all terrain data that has been added to the model and creates a terrain surface. The program interpolates the data to fill in the gaps.

Contour lines are generated at intervals specified on the Contours tab of the Terrain Specification dialog. If elevation data is added to the model at 24 inch intervals and the contour line interval is set to 12 inches, generating terrain creates one additional contour line between each piece of elevation data. See "Contours Tab".

A terrain perimeter with no additional elevation data generates a terrain that is flat at the elevation 0' - 0".

By default, the terrain is automatically built before a 3D view is generated. This process takes a variable amount of time, depending on the amount of elevation data and number of terrain features. The Building Terrain progress dialog displays as terrain is generated, sometimes only briefly, indicating the progress.

The program automatically rebuilds the terrain when a 3D view is open. To turn off the automatic rebuild, select 3D> 3D Settings... to open the 3D Settings dialog. Clear the Auto Rebuild Terrain check box on the Options tab and click OK. Rebuild the terrain manually by selecting Terrain> Build Terrain .

Many tools are available to help you adjust the angle of your view in 3D. See "Moving a Camera in 3D Views".

Terrain & 3D Drawing Time

Terrain requires many triangles to generate, which has an effect on the drawing time of 3D views. The length of the delay is determined by the quality of the terrain and the number of terrain features present.

The terrain adjusts trees and images to the terrain when a 3D view is created.

Lights and symbols from the Symbol Library can be placed outdoors and included in 3D views when the terrain is generated. When placed outdoors, lights and symbols follow the terrain surface.