Drawing a slope with a fixed distance to an existing terrain model

Since Pythagoras 2023, you can generate a slope line between a reference line and an existing terrain model (DTM) using a fixed distance. This workflow shows how to create a slope from your design that connects accurately to the existing terrain, and how to merge both terrain models into a single surface.

Step-by-step Workflow

1. Create a terrain model of the existing terrain
Select the surveyed points, contour lines, and boundary polygon.
Use DTM > New Terrain Model to create the base DTM.
This is your existing terrain.

2. Draw your design
Add design elements (e.g. pavements, edges, new elevations, or other infrastructure) at the correct height.

3. Draw the slope reference line
Use Create Polyline to draw the bottom or top edge of the slope.
Select this polyline.

4. Go to DTM > Slope Intercept > Fixed Distance

In the Slope Intercept at a Fixed Distance window

• Select what the slope should connect to   Choose the existing terrain model (DTM).
• Choose the side   Left or right of the line (based on drawing direction).
• Enter the distance   For example: 2.5 meters.
• Click Calculate 

The slope line will be generated and connect to the terrain or fixed elevation.

5. Create a terrain model of design + slope
Select the design lines and slope line.
Go to DTM > New Terrain Model.
This is your design DTM.

6. Make a copy of the existing terrain model
Right-click the existing terrain model > Copy.
Paste with Ctrl+V.
This will become your new terrain DTM.

7. Add the design to the new terrain
Go to DTM > Edit Terrain Model...
Choose the new terrain DTM name and select the option Insert DTM: design.
Click OK.

RESULT

You now have a single terrain model where the design connects seamlessly to the existing terrain using a calculated slope.