Edit a Surface by Adding and Removing Members

Members are objects that are not part of a surface; they are simply used to define the surface. Edit a surface by adding to, and removing from, the set of members. As a result, the surface updates to reflect the changes.

You may want to prepare your data by organizing members by layer before using this command.

Warning: If you add objects on or beyond the outer edge of a surface, the surface is recalculated and all prior edge trimming is lost. Similarly, if you remove objects from a surface edge, all prior trimming is lost.

Prerequisites:

  • 3D points, lines, and/or alignments (with elevations)

To add and remove surface members:

  1. Do one of the following:
    • Select Add/Remove Surface Members in Surfaces > Create.
    • Select a surface, image, surface tie, or line in the Project Explorer, right-click, and select Add/Remove Surface Members.

    The Add/Remove Surface Members command pane displays.

  2. Select a surface to edit in the Surface list, unless you have already selected one.
  3. In a graphic view, pick objects to add to the set of surface members, or click Options and choose a selection method in the context menu. You can also select objects in the Project Explorer.

    Tip: Sometimes it is difficult to pick surface members without picking the surface itself. Here are some ways to make it easier:
    Use the View Filter to control the visibility and selectability of surfaces and their members. To view surfaces more clearly, use a 3D view, and set your view filter to Surfaces. If more than one object is in the pick aperture when you pick, a list of the possible selections appears. Refine your pick by selecting from the list. Use windowing and crossing selection methods to pick only what you need.

  4. Click Add to update the surface based on the selected objects. The surface changes in the 3D view.
  5. In a graphic view, pick surface members to remove, or click Options and choose a selection method in the context menu.
  6. Click Remove to update the surface based on the selected objects.
  7. Click Close.
  8. To see which objects are part of a surface, click Select.

Note: For details on adding a georeferrenced image as a surface member, see Drape an Image on a Surface.

Related topics

Edit a Surface by Creating a Breakline

Edit a Surface by Changing a Point Coordinate

Edit a Surface by Changing Its Properties

Edit a Surface by Trimming Edge Triangles