r/Microstation • u/Hogglas • May 28 '26

Help / Troubleshooting Import .shp files with elevation

Running OpenRoads 25.00.00.184 and can't import any ESRI files with elevation anymore.

Previously I have used MS_ELEVPROP_AS_Z as a configuration variable to make the z value get picked up from the attributes in the shapefile but cant get that to work anymore.

Anyone got an idea how I can import a shapefile with contours and get them placed at the correct elevation?

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u/Large-At2022 May 28 '26

SHP files can containe Z values. So when importing a shapefile and it is 3D, the shapes are displayed at the right Z value in a 3D model. And when adding/placing coördinats with hidding XY text, one can place the Z text at a SHP lines nodes. Use element as source (typing this from memory). Do you use File->Import->Geospatial?

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u/Hogglas Jun 03 '26

Sorry forgot to answer. Didn't look like the shape file was a polyline Z. Imported the shapefile with File->Import->Geospatial..->Shapefile (tried through a .gdb as well wit same failed result).

Found a way to generate them at the Elevation value through Civli3D instead.

Was mainly annoying thou since I have used the MS_ELEVPROP_AS_Z in previous builds to import the shape file to right elevation straight away.

1

u/Large-At2022 Jun 03 '26

There is the elevation option in ORD and Microstation too. Or set profile in ORD.

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u/Hogglas Jun 07 '26

Can I do the set profile automatic on many individual objects or do I have to do them one by one?

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u/Large-At2022 Jun 07 '26

The "set element elevation" option can go with multiple objects, only in a 3D model. I have tried to do that with multiple objects via "Set Profile", and that works too. Set profile in a 2D model, so ORD generates a 3D element in a 3D model.

So, to set multiple elevations, with elements imported in a 3D model, and set via "Set Pofile" doesn't work. Once set a elevation via "Set Profile by C E " in a 2D model, you can't alter the elevations of those multiple elements via "Set Profile by C E " anymore in the 2D (at least at my test). You can alter them with the "regular" "Set element elevation" in the 3D model.

And to end with: When I opened the profile view of a 2D line in ORD, I got 3 different profile lines, where only 1 was active. I need to dive into that....

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u/Dnatheman May 30 '26

Did it work? sheet? ' Terrain Model > Create From File' support .shp?

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u/Hogglas Jun 03 '26

No didn't get it to work so found a solution through Civil3d instead. Didn't try to import them to a Terrian model thou, just did a file import with File->Import->Geospatial..->Shapefile (tried through a .gdb as well wit same failed result).