Data Exchange Standards
The following information supplements PDDM Section 9.6.6.4
Data Exchange Standards
There are numerous software products used in construction. These may have proprietary design formats not universally supported by the CADD software used to prepare the 3D model. The most widely used exchange format is LandXML; however, LandXML is not consistently supported by different software applications, particularly for pipe networks, surfaces and cross sections. The provided construction model should include a combination of 3D data in the data exchange format and in a DGN graphics or i-Model format. When producing LandXML outputs for surfaces, include both triangles and features in the surface definition. If these are excluded, the receiving software will re-triangulate the surface, which may not reflect the design intent.
Data types and acceptable exchange format data types for FLH projects are shown below:
| Data Type | Data Formats | Metadata |
|---|---|---|
| Coordinate Geometry | DGN
ASCII Text
|
Survey metadata embedded in DGN and/or in a Design Narrative/PE Memo in the folder |
| Alignments | LandXML
i Model
ASCII Text Reports
DGN Superelevation Tables
XML Superelevation Report
|
Survey metadata embedded in LandXML or i-Model and/or in a Design Narrative/PE Memo in the folder.
List of file names and description of content, including plan sheets and related surfaces, if applicable.
|
| Original Surfaces | LandXML
i Model or TIN/DTM
DGN Triangle Faces & Boundary
DGN or i Model Points & 3D Line Strings
|
Survey metadata embedded in LandXML or i-Model and/or in a Design Narrative/PE Memo in the folder. |
| Final Surfaces | LandXML
i Model or TIN/DTM
DGN Triangle Faces & Boundary
DGN or i Model Points & 3D Line Strings
|
Survey metadata embedded in LandXML or i-Model and/or in a Design Narrative/PE Memo in the folder.
List of file names and description of content, including related alignments, if applicable.
|
| Interim Surfaces | LandXML
i Model or TIN/DTM
DGN Triangle Faces & Boundary
DGN or i Model Points & 3D Line Strings
|
Survey metadata embedded in LandXML or i-Model and/or in a Design Narrative/PE Memo in the folder.
List of file names and description of content, including related alignments, if applicable.
|
| 3D Line Strings | LandXML (Surface Features)
DGN Graphics (3D Line Strings)
|
Survey metadata embedded LandXML and/or in a Design Narrative/PE Memo in the folder.
List of file names and description of content, including related alignments and surfaces, if applicable
|
| 3D Solid Models | DGN Graphics | Survey metadata embedded in DGN and/or in a Design Narrative/PE Memo in the folder.
List of file names and description of content, including related alignments and surfaces, if applicable
|
| Cross Sections | LandXML
DGN Graphics (2D Lines & Text)
|
Survey metadata embedded in DGN and/or in a Design Narrative/PE Memo in the folder.
List of file names and description of content, including related alignments and surfaces.
|
| Corridor Models | i Model
CAD Graphics (3D solids/components)
|
Survey metadata embedded in i-Model or DGN and/or in a Design Narrative/PE Memo in the folder. |
Submit data with a transmittal letter listing all files as described in Level of Detail and in the Construction Manual. The transmittal letter documents the level of detail for the data provided. Also include a list of any expectations and the intended uses of the data. (e.g. If the data was developed only for the purpose of creating plans, it may not be intended for use in AMG or inspection as it may not have sufficient density to accurately depict the design intent.)
Last updated: Wednesday, March 13, 2024