Export a TIN layer to a CAD file in ArcGIS Pro

Summary

In ArcGIS Pro, a triangular irregular network (TIN) layer can be exported to a CAD file using the Export to CAD tool. This method allows designers to create 3D models of real-world objects for 3D analysis, for example, cut and fill operations. This article involves converting a TIN layer to contour lines to preserve elevation values. These contour lines are then used as the input feature for the Export to CAD tool, as shown in the image below.

Procedure

1. Open the project in ArcGIS Pro.
2. Click the Analysis tab, and click Tools to open the Geoprocessing pane.
3. Convert the TIN layer to raster format using the TIN To Raster tool.

Note:
The TIN To Raster tool requires a 3D Analyst license.

1. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for and open TIN To Raster (3D Analyst Tools).
2. In the TIN To Raster pane, for Input TIN, select the TIN layer from the drop-down list.
3. For Output Raster, click Browse and specify a location and name for the output raster.
4. Click Run.

4. Create contour lines from the raster layer using the Contour tool.

Note:
The Contour tool requires a Spatial Analyst or 3D Analyst license.

1. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for and open Contour (3D Analyst Tools).
2. In the Contour pane, for Input raster, select the raster layer from the drop-down list.
3. For Output feature class, click Browse and specify a location and name for the output feature class.
4. For Contour interval, specify the interval or distance between contour lines.
5. Click Run.

5. Add surface elevation information to the attribute table of the contour feature layer using the Add Surface Information tool.

Note:
The Add Surface Information tool requires a 3D Analyst license.

1. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for and open Add Surface Information (3D Analyst Tools).
2. In the Add Surface Information pane, for Input Features, select the contour feature layer from the drop-down list.
3. For Input Surface, select the TIN layer from the drop-down list.
4. For Output Property, check the preferred surface elevation property check box. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Parameters for more information.
5. Click Run.

6. Export the contour feature layer to a CAD file using the Export to CAD tool.
   1. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for and open Export to CAD (Conversion Tools).
   2. In the Export to CAD pane, for Input Features, select the contour feature layer from the drop-down list.
   3. For Output Type, select the CAD platform and file version from the drop-down list.
   4. For Output File, click Browse and specify a location and name for the output CAD file.
   5. Click Run.

The Catalog pane below shows the exported CAD file from the contour feature layer.