An InRoads user asked for Mark's help to solve this problem he was having:
Mark,
I have a new question for you. I have been contacted by a GIS guy on the project I am working and he was wondering if I could export x-section data to him. He has provided me with random x-section lines which I was able to cut x-sections for him, but he would like an ASCII file with x,y,z coordinates on each vertex or a 3d polyline for both existing and proposed at each x-section. Is this even doable?
Thanks... Jr.
Here is the Zen Dude's response:
Jr. ... although you created cross sections, it sounds like he wants plan information, not cross sectional information.
- a planimetric 3D polyline for existing
- a planimetric 3D polyline for proposed
- and coordinates at each elevation change or 'key' point (locations where the polyline crosses a break in grade)
That is totally doable. Did the GIS guy give you specific plan lines drawn where he wanted cross sections, or did he give you stations?
Civilly yours,
- zen
He provided me a acad file with the linework. They are not perpendicular to the alignment and they all vary in length. - Jr.
Okay, here are some quick pointers in the direction of a solution: (There are a couple ways to approach this, and I kinda lean slightly toward the second approach.)
One way is directly with the cross sections, and subsequent reporting on them. Once your cross sections are created you can report on that data, and there are a few reports that capture the coordinates (but most don't). Some of the reports will report on the surface line, and some will report on the Features displayed on the cross sections. That means if you are reporting on Features that you may need to make sure that the Styles for your surface features are displaying some sort of tick mark on the cross sections, otherwise that location won't be reported on.
Another alternative is to use the plan view section lines to generate the report.
Import the section lines into a surface, draping them onto the DTMs. Do one for the existing and one for the design, or put them both into one surface and just use a good Feature Name to tell them apart.
Then do a Tools > XML Report > Surface type report.
Right-click on the report data and save it as desired and format as needed.
Keep me posted on your success!
Enjoy!!
Civilly yours,
- zen
His wealth of practical experience in the private sector using the product and his obvious enthusiasm for the subject is a major strength. He's very patient and has helped with problems/files from my office. 
