An InRoads user asked Mark a question about using curves in a Template. You'll find her question and Mark's response below. There is also an attachment to Mark's response that could not be included here. If you want the attachment just let me know and I'll send it to you. Enjoy!!

Hi Mark!!

Is there a way to add curve properties to components/templates? Similar to slope rounding, I'd like to employ a vertical curve on my daylight/slope component, as opposed to straight grading at 4:1. Also, I hear InRoads can incorporate slope rounding, is that what the "Rounding Length" in the Component Properties accomplishes? 

Thanks!

Becca

Here is the Zen Dude's response:

Hi Becca!

Templates / Components cannot contain curves. The template points develop the breaklines and it's the triangulation between the breaklines that create the resulting surface. The Components are just a straight template point to template point to template point shape that is drawn by the software. Templates and Components aren't designed to hold onto or use a radius point in their construction, and curvature in a Component has to be 'simulated' by chording.

The only option you really have for the slope rounding is to 'simulate' a curve, but it will create some additional breaklines in the DTM at the toe of slope / top of slope.

I've attached an ITL with a couple slope rounding components in it, but it's not that complicated.

Before they added that slope rounding option I've known users to create their own EC that would target the ground, back up a certain distance, then target the ground at a slightly flatter slope, back up a certain distance and keep repeating that process to develop better and smoother rounding.

In the current version of InRoads, there is an automatic slope rounding option on the EC Component itself. Take a look at the examples in the attached ITL and it will become clearer. You'll just create the EC Component, and define the Rounding Length as one of the options on the Component Properties, and define its Length. (A zero (0.00) means ignore this option, a value means 'do it' per the value entered.)

 It should Test like this: 

The Rounding Length defines the location of the start of the rounding from the actual ground daylight location, and then subdivides that length into 4 and inserts additional template points to create the parabolic rounding effect. 

I hope this helps and of course, let me know if you have any questions!!

Civilly yours,  

-zen