Drawings and models created using various CAD packages are a core part of measuring and managing work on most sites. CAD linework can be uploaded into the Propeller Platform to visualize existing site conditions against important features and boundaries.
Best practices and tips
- Linework should consist of vector data in DXF, KML, KMZ, or LandXML format.
- Exclude all labels/annotations/grids unless necessary, as these tend to affect the display of linework negatively.
- Linework should only extend up to the survey data on the site.
- Linework files less than 2MB display better.
- Separate linework into multiple files to keep individual file sizes below 20MB.
- 3D linework will reference the file's elevation attribute to display.
Upload a DXF file to your site
Click the UPLOAD button in the top-right corner of the screen and select Designs.
Navigate to or drag and drop your design file into the Import a design window.
Designs can be uploaded in DXF, TTM, KML, KMZ, LandXML (CgPoints and Surfaces only), or IFC format.
Other file types will be added to the OUTPUTS tab, under Files.
Working with DXF files
Supported DXF entities include Arc, Circle, Dimension, Ellipse, Face, Line, LWpolyline, Mesh, MText, Point, Polyline, Solid, Spline, and Text.
Once imported, several features are available to help customize, visualize, and compare your site against the design file. Use the action tools to Fly to Layer, Clamp Layer to Ground, Rename, Apply Vertical Offset, or Archive Layer.
What is Clamping in the Propeller Platform?
Clamping is a feature that allows design linework, such as DXF and KML/KMZ, to be draped over your terrain surface rather than appearing as a flat, floating layer. Think of it like placing a tablecloth over a table—instead of hovering in space at a fixed elevation, the linework conforms to the contours of the terrain, following the highs and lows of the surface.
Why Use Clamping?
Without clamping, linework often appears as flat overlays at a single elevation, making it difficult to interpret how they interact with the site terrain. Clamping improves visibility by ensuring that features like roads, boundaries, or utility lines match the real-world topography, making comparing design plans to existing conditions easier. The design adjusts dynamically, conforming to terrain elevations. View changes in 3D to see how the design integrates with your site.
Additionally, design linework without a Z value assigned will be placed directly at the terrain elevation, effectively "clamping" the data to the topography of that survey. However, if the design layers have a Z value, the data will be displayed at the correct elevation rather than being forced to follow the terrain.
Use Compare to Design to measure the volume between your latest survey data and the design surface.
Enable overlay of terrain against a 3D surface.
Convert your DXF to measurements
Convert the entire DXF surface at once
When you upload a DXF surface we auto-generate a polygon boundary that outlines your DXF surface. To convert this to a measurement, right-click on the dashed yellow line.
Convert single or multiple elements within the DXF file
To convert a single element within the DXF right-click and select CONVERT TO MEASUREMENT.
If you wish to convert multiple elements at once, for example, several cross-sections at stations or chainage positions along your road alignment, hold down the shift key to select them in bulk.
Export a measurement as DXF
Measurements created on your site can also be exported in DXF format:
- Export the outline of a polygon or polyline measurement.
- Extract a section of your surface as a TIN surface model (3DFACE).
Read more about custom exports.
I still can't do it!
We wrote these articles to equip you with everything you need to get the job done on your own, but we understand that sometimes this isn't sufficient.
If you're stuck, you can connect with our support team by clicking the support button on the top right corner of your user portal.
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