Feature Surface Element

The feature surface element is used to define a complex surface specified by outlines, contours, break-lines and points. This element is most commonly used for take-offs such as those needed by contractors for bidding purposes.

The properties that are exposed for this element are summarised below.

	Features The Features Edit button will open the take-off window so that you can define the outlines, contours, break-lines and points which define this surface. For more information on the options available in the take-off window see Elements Panel Mode This is used to specify if the surface should have cut, fill or both. Most commonly cut and fill will be specified. Offset The offset option is mostly used to add construction thicknesses by specifying a negative offset. The options are Off, Z or it allows you to offset the entire surface in X,Y and Z. This is useful for accommodating for a construction thickness or finding a balance. Side Batter The Feature Surface boundary is joined to the ground by side slopes. The Side Batters (set as a ratio of vertical to horizontal), dictate the angle of these slopes. You can set the side batter to either External or Internal and specify different side batter angles for side slopes that cut into the ground and for those that fill into it. Turning side batter off will result in the Feature Surface being joined to the ground with vertical sides. Between the Cut and Fill ratios is a double-arrow button which, when depressed, will synchronise Side Batters.

Features
The Features Edit button will open the take-off window so that you can define the outlines, contours, break-lines and points which define this surface. For more information on the options available in the take-off window see Elements Panel
Mode
This is used to specify if the surface should have cut, fill or both. Most commonly cut and fill will be specified.
Offset
The offset option is mostly used to add construction thicknesses by specifying a negative offset. The options are Off, Z or it allows you to offset the entire surface in X,Y and Z. This is useful for accommodating for a construction thickness or finding a balance.
Side Batter
The Feature Surface boundary is joined to the ground by side slopes. The Side Batters (set as a ratio of vertical to horizontal), dictate the angle of these slopes. You can set the side batter to either External or Internal and specify different side batter angles for side slopes that cut into the ground and for those that fill into it. Turning side batter off will result in the Feature Surface being joined to the ground with vertical sides.

Between the Cut and Fill ratios is a double-arrow button which, when depressed, will synchronise Side Batters.

Sometimes called a super element for its ability to produce the results of any other element, the 'Feature Surface' is described in the video Proposed Levels - Feature Surface .