How to Import Points and Create a Surface in MDT Aplitop

If you work in topographic surveying, civil engineering, or construction, you’ve likely heard of MDT by Aplitop. This powerful software is widely used for managing survey data, processing points, and generating 3D surfaces with precision.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to import points into MDT Aplitop and create a digital terrain surface, step-by-step. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surveyor, this tutorial will help you streamline your workflow.

What is MDT Aplitop?

MDT (Modelo Digital del Terreno) by Aplitop is a professional CAD application designed for surveying, mapping, and civil engineering projects. It allows you to:

• Import and manage topographic points

• Generate terrain models (TIN surfaces)

• Create contours, profiles, and volumes

• Export data for construction or GIS integration

Step 1: Prepare Your Points File

Before importing, make sure your survey points are:

• Saved in a compatible format (TXT, CSV, or other supported formats)

• Properly structured with Point Number, Easting, Northing, Elevation, and Description

• Using the correct coordinate system

💡 Tip: Always double-check your units (meters or feet) before importing.

Step 2: Import Points into MDT Aplitop

1. Open your MDT project or create a new one.

2. Go to Points → Import Points from the menu.

3. In the Import Dialog:

   • Select your file format (TXT, CSV, etc.)

   • Match the column order to your file (Number, X, Y, Z, Code)

   • Choose the coordinate system if required

4. Click OK to load the points into the drawing.

Once imported, you’ll see the points displayed in your CAD environment, ready for surface creation.

Step 3: Create a Digital Terrain Surface (TIN)

1. Go to Surfaces → Create Surface.

2. Select Points as the source data.

3. Choose TIN (Triangulated Irregular Network) as the surface type.

4. Set any breaklines or boundary limits if needed.

5. Click Generate to create the surface model.

Your TIN surface will now appear, and you can use it to:

• Generate contour lines

• Calculate volumes

• Create profiles and cross-sections

Step 4: Save and Export Your Work

After generating the surface:

• Save your MDT project

• Export the surface as LandXML, DXF, or other formats for use in GIS, CAD, or machine control systems.

Common Issues and Tips

• Incorrect elevation values: Check for wrong column mapping during import.

• Gaps in the surface: Ensure all necessary points and breaklines are included.

• File format errors: Convert your point file to UTF-8 if special characters cause problems.

Final Thoughts

Importing points and creating a surface in MDT Aplitop is a straightforward process once you understand the steps. By preparing your point data correctly and using the software’s built-in tools, you can quickly go from raw survey data to a usable terrain model.

Whether you’re designing roads, analyzing sites, or preparing construction layouts, mastering these features will save you time and improve accuracy.

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