# Exporting DTM tiff file to Civil 3D

**URL:** <https://community.pix4d.com/t/exporting-dtm-tiff-file-to-civil-3d/16756>\
**Category:** PIX4D International\
**Created:** [February 22, 2021, 7:48am UTC](https://community.pix4d.com/t/exporting-dtm-tiff-file-to-civil-3d/16756 "2021-02-22T07:48:01Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![akoeng79](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/87869e/32.png) [@akoeng79](https://community.pix4d.com/u/akoeng79)\
**Post date:** [February 22, 2021, 7:48am UTC](https://community.pix4d.com/t/exporting-dtm-tiff-file-to-civil-3d/16756/1 "2021-02-22T07:48:01Z")

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Hello to all,

Whenever exporting DTM in tiff format to Civil3D, it takes too long to convert it to surface! For large area it will be impossible; any solution to this problem please?

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**Author:** ![Blaz](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/pix4d/user_avatar/community.pix4d.com/blaz/32/4344_2.png) [@Blaz](https://community.pix4d.com/u/Blaz)\
**Post date:** [February 24, 2021, 7:13am UTC](https://community.pix4d.com/t/exporting-dtm-tiff-file-to-civil-3d/16756/2 "2021-02-24T07:13:50Z")

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Hi @akoeng79, the easiest way to get the DTM into CAD software is to use the [**Pix4Dsurvey**](https://support.pix4d.com/hc/en-us/sections/360006140671-FAQ).

It can classify point clouds into terrain and non-terrain classes and generate a representation of the ground surface by only using the terrain points. The workflow is the following:

- [Terrain filter](https://support.pix4d.com/hc/en-us/articles/360046340672) to classify selected input point clouds into **terrain** and non-terrain points.
- [Grid of points](https://support.pix4d.com/hc/en-us/articles/360046785091) to automate the creation of spot elevations. Using the **Smart** type creates points only where changes in terrain occur.
- [TIN](https://support.pix4d.com/hc/en-us/articles/360046785131) is a seamless set of triangles that represent a surface. When using only terrain points the generated surface is a **DTM**.

The TIN can be exported as a surface in LandXML file format which is fully compatible with CAD software.

Best,

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**Author:** ![akoeng79](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/87869e/32.png) [@akoeng79](https://community.pix4d.com/u/akoeng79)\
**Post date:** [February 24, 2021, 4:47pm UTC](https://community.pix4d.com/t/exporting-dtm-tiff-file-to-civil-3d/16756/3 "2021-02-24T16:47:59Z")

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Thank you Blaz!

Does Pix4dSurvey produce ortho mosaic? We need both the ortho photo and the DTM.

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**Author:** ![Blaz](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/pix4d/user_avatar/community.pix4d.com/blaz/32/4344_2.png) [@Blaz](https://community.pix4d.com/u/Blaz)\
**Post date:** [February 25, 2021, 8:16am UTC](https://community.pix4d.com/t/exporting-dtm-tiff-file-to-civil-3d/16756/4 "2021-02-25T08:16:35Z")

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Pix4Dsurvey does not generate an orthophoto. You can generate it in [Pix4Dmatic](https://support.pix4d.com/hc/en-us/articles/360048200292-Processing-options-Orthomosaic) or [Pix4Dmapper](https://support.pix4d.com/hc/en-us/articles/202557769-Menu-Process-Processing-Options-3-DSM-Orthomosaic-and-Index-DSM-and-Orthomosaic).

Best,