New Video

Tutorial | CAD Import

Our new Kubla Cubed tutorial, available in both video and blog form, will teach you how to accurately import CAD files for earthworks, site modelling and volume calculations.

Whether you’re working with DWG, DXF or TIN surfaces, this step-by-step guide explains how Kubla Cubed interprets CAD geometry and how to achieve the best possible results when importing contour lines, breaklines, and points.  

You’ll learn:

  • How CAD data is structured
  • How to import DWG and DXF files into Kubla Cubed
  • Importing contour lines, breaklines and boundaries
  • Importing survey points from point entities, blocks and text
  • Importing existing TIN (triangulated) surfaces
  • Using filters to identify the correct geometry
  • Cropping and simplifying CAD data for improved performance

Watch the video below, or if you prefer reading check out the blog post here. 👀

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more tutorials and tips!

CAD Import FAQs

Key take aways from the video and article

▼ Can Kubla Cubed import DWG and DXF CAD files?

Yes. Kubla Cubed supports importing both DWG and DXF files as Site Plans.

During the import process, the software interprets CAD geometry and converts it into native Kubla Cubed elements such as contours, breaklines and points, ready for earthworks modelling and cut and fill calculations.

▼ Why isn't my CAD file importing correctly?

Most import issues are caused by the source drawing rather than Kubla Cubed. Common problems include incorrect scale, unreliable insertion units, flattened 2D data, or poorly organised layers.

Checking the drawing scale before importing and creating a well-defined filter usually resolves these issues.

▼ How do filters improve CAD imports?

Filters allow you to import only the data you need instead of the entire drawing. By selecting a representative example, Kubla Cubed automatically identifies similar geometry throughout the file. You can then refine the results using layers, colours or line types to produce a much cleaner terrain model.

▼ Can Kubla Cubed work with CAD files that don't contain 3D elevations?

Yes. If your CAD drawing doesn’t contain embedded elevation data, Kubla Cubed provides several ways to create an accurate terrain model.

For example, you can assign elevations from nearby text labels, manually add spot levels to breaklines, or use “Not Set” placeholder value for 0 or a defined value during the import process.

▼ Should I simplify imported CAD data?

In most cases, yes. Many CAD files contain far more points than are needed for accurate earthworks calculations.

Using the Simplify tool reduces unnecessary points while maintaining the overall terrain shape, resulting in faster performance and easier editing with little or no loss of accuracy.