Creating a Pad

A pad is a 3D polygon representing the shape of an element which is to be added to, and normally, modifies, the site model. The proposed site model is modified when the site model is updated. Pads can be drawn with the Site Modifier tool, or by drawing a polyline and then selecting the Objects from Polyline command (see Creating Objects from Polylines).

To create a pad:

1.	Click the Site Modifier tool from the Site Planning tool set.

2.	Draw the pad object. Pads can be drawn closed or open (open pads are sometimes called “break lines”).

If this is the first time the Site Modifier tool has been used, the Object Properties dialog box opens. Accept the defaults and click OK.

3.	In the Object Info palette, select Pad in the Config field.

4.	If the pad is sloping, enter the Slope value (positive for rising, negative for falling), and select the slope definition unit (Angle or Percent in the SlopeDef field).

A slope arrow is automatically drawn on the pad, indicating the direction of the slope. The bull’s-eye at the start of the slope arrow indicates the zero elevation point of the sloping pad. Select the control points of the slope arrow to move either end. Deselect Show Slope Arrow to hide the slope arrow.

 

Parameter	Description
Config	Indicates the type of modifier object
Elevation	Sets the reference elevation of the pad
Slope	Determines the angle of the pad; if the value is zero, the pad has no slope, and the following two parameters are not displayed
SlopeDef	Select Angle or Percent to determine the slope units
Show Slope Arrow	If selected, displays a modifiable slope arrow and the current slope in Top/Plan view; Show Slope Arrow only displays if the slope value is other than zero

The Site Modifier tool generates a 3D pad polygon modifier that is always planar.

5.	Normally, create a control fence around the pad (see Creating a Control Fence).

6.	The proposed DTM requires updating to reflect the pad modification. Select the site model and click Update from the Object Info palette.

For predictable results, pads should not overlap. All pads should be either completely inside or completely outside of all control fences. Pads, including those that may be incorporated into plug-in objects (such as landscape walls) cannot cross outside a control fence.