A common problem faced by ArchiCAD users is the creation and management of 3D terrain models. The ArchiTerra Plug-in was developed to resolve this problem.
To create a realistic setting, designers often need to contextualise their projects within certain surroundings. This allows the environmental impact of the project to be monitored throughout the planning phase. The need for such functionality may also arise for city planning or landscaping purposes, requiring the creation of more or less vast 3D terrain models.

Following the correct installation of ArchiTerra, ArchiCAD users are presented with a new Tool Palette that allows the simple and rapid creation of 3D terrain models that are fully compatible with ArchiCAD. ArchiTerra allows topographic data to be imported directly into the ArchiCAD Worksheet from text files (lists of points) or DXF files, or new terrain can be created using points, constraints, contour lines and land modelling tools to define the information necessary for constructing the 3D model.
ArchiTerra is an indispensable tool for ArchiCAD users who need to manage site modelling or create complex terrain features.

The package includes:

• the ArchiTerra Add-on, which adds the necessary terrain modelling commands to ArchiCAD

• the ArchiTerra 20.LIB library, which contains a set of simple, intelligent objects that can be used as terrain modelling tools

• the ArchiTerra exteriors library, which provides a collection of 3D parametric elements (trees, garden furniture, external light sources, etc.) that can be used to create realistic environments within the terrain models developed with ArchiTerra.

the ArchiTerra Trees Library

With the interactive mode, the user defines the information relative to the morphology of the terrain directly on the ArchiCAD worksheet (perhaps using a scanned in site plan as a guide). Using this method, the operator manually enters the data that describes the terrain. The types of information that can be used to define the terrain’s attributes include Topographic points, Constraints and Contour lines.

• Topographic points: points that define the topography of the terrain are entered using the mouse and require the following information: Coordinates, Code/Description.
• Constraints: constraints force triangulation by “joining" two point according to user-defined specifications, allowing a sequence of points to be defined as an obstacle.
• Contour lines: contour lines are drawn using the tools provided by ArchiCAD (Polylines, Arcs and Splines). The basic idea is to first draw the course of the contour lines using one of the above-mentioned tools. These graphical primitives are then converted into Points and Constraints.

With import mode, ArchiTerra allows ArchiCAD users to read information directly from lists of points (TXT format) or DXF drawings. Using this mode, ArchiTerra handles the automatic positioning of points, contour lines and constraints based on the specifications read in from the imported files.
Once the 3D Mesh has been generated by ArchiTerra, the contour lines can be calculated (primary and secondary) and the terrain can be modelled using levelling, basins, streets and walls of the desired shape and size.

Terrain Tool Settings Dialog Window

Users can supply digging and embankment angles and can calculate the surfaces, perimeters and volumes of the areas of land being modelled.
When the information entered (using either interactive or import mode) is processed, a 3D Mesh is generated that can be edited and modified by the user as desired using the standard ArchiCAD functions. ArchiTerra resolves problems related to modelling and managing terrain simply and efficiently within the ArchiCAD application, eliminating the use of other programs and maintaining the ArchiCAD work philosophy users are familiar with.