WMS:Convert TINs

The TIN menu in the Terrain Data module provides commands for converting TIN data into other data.

TIN to DEM

A DEM may be created from any TIN using the Convert | TIN→DEM command in the TIN menu. A resolution (x and y spacing) must be defined and then an interpolation method specified (linear is the default) to interpolate DEM elevations from the TIN. Since a DEM must be rectangular, elevations that are outside of the TIN boundary are given a NODATA value of -9999.

TIN to Scatter Points

The Convert | TIN→Scatter Points command creates a 2D scatter point set from the TIN. One data point is created for each of the vertices in the TIN. A dataset is made of each from the elevations of the TIN vertices. This command can be used as part of the process to create smooth contours by subdividing the TIN and then interpolating from the newly created scatter points.

TIN Boundary to Polygon

The Convert | TIN Boundary→Feature command in the TIN menu can be used to create a boundary feature polygon from the vertices on the boundary of the TIN. Such a polygon could then be used to create a grid from a feature polygon using the Create Grid command found in the Feature Objects menu (Map module).

TIN Contours to Feature Objects

The TIN Contours to Feature Objects command (Convert | TIN Contours→Feature) converts the current linear contours from the TIN to a series of feature arcs which could then be exported as a shapefile. Feature arcs carry an elevation attribute and the elevation of the contour is stored in this attribute. When exporting the arcs as a shapefile the elevation attribute field will be saved automatically.

Related Topics

• Interpolation Options
• Scatter Point Sets
• Creating Grids
• Drainage Data to Feature Objects
• Saving a Shapefile
• DEM Contours to Feature Objects