Querying survey data in Civil 3D allows you to extract and analyze specific information from survey databases, such as point details, linework, and survey figures. These queries help with quality control, reporting, and ensuring the survey data meets project requirements.
Steps to Query Survey Data in Civil 3D
1. Open the Survey Database
Go to the Toolspace palette and select the Survey tab.
Right-click the Survey Databases node and click New Local Survey Database or select an existing database.
If creating a new database:
Assign a name and specify a location for the database file.
Set units and coordinate systems, if needed.
2. Import Survey Data (if not already loaded)
Right-click on the database and select Import Events.
Choose the survey data file (e.g., TXT, CSV, or Field Book).
Map the data columns to Civil 3D fields (e.g., Point Number, Northing, Easting, Elevation).
Finish the import process to populate the survey database.
3. Access the Query Tool
In the Survey Tab of the Toolspace, expand the desired survey database.
Right-click Queries and choose New Query.
4. Configure the Query
Define Query Type:
Survey Points: Query point attributes such as descriptions, elevations, or coordinates.
Survey Figures: Query linework and figure details (e.g., breaklines, boundaries).
Equipment or Observations: Query metadata related to instruments or measurements.
Set Query Conditions:
Specify filter criteria, such as:
Point Description (e.g., starts with “BM” for benchmarks).
Elevation Range (e.g., 100m–150m).
Date/Time (e.g., collected within a specific time frame).
Station and Offset (if tied to an alignment).
Save the Query:
Assign a meaningful name to the query for future use.
5. Run the Query
Right-click on the saved query and select Execute.
The results will appear in the Survey Query Results panel.
6. Review and Utilize Query Results
View Data:
Inspect queried points, figures, or observations in the results table.
Use the right-click menu to zoom to specific items in the drawing.
Export Results:
Export the query results to a CSV file for external analysis by right-clicking and selecting Export.
Annotate or Label:
Use the results to annotate points or figures in the drawing (e.g., elevations, descriptions).
Query Examples
Query 1: Filter by Description
Objective: Find all survey points labeled "BM" (benchmark).
Query Condition: Description contains "BM"
Query 2: Elevation Range
Objective: Identify points with elevations between 100m and 150m.
Query Condition: Elevation 100 AND Elevation 150
Query 3: Points by Date
Objective: Retrieve points collected after January 1, 2025.
Query Condition: Survey Date "01/01/2025"
Best Practices for Querying Survey Data
Organize Data:
Use consistent point descriptions and codes for easier filtering.
Validate Queries:
Run small test queries to ensure results match expectations.
Save Frequently Used Queries:
Save common queries for quick access in future projects.
Combine Queries:
Use logical operators (AND/OR)
