infrADAC user manualSurface workflows

Flow and Surface Direction

Visualise geometric fall, persist direction XData, compare it with recognised asset direction and clear stale metadata.

Software covered ACADinfrADAC ACADBCADinfrADAC BCAD
Flow and Surface Direction in infrADAC Video walkthroughFlow and Surface DirectionWatch on YouTube

1Overview

Direction tools calculate fall from selected line/polyline geometry. View draws arrows without writing data; Set stores InfrADACDirection XData; Compare distinguishes matching, reversed and source-only direction; Clear removes metadata and previews.

Use this guide when

Checking gravity networks, correcting upstream/downstream order or synchronising direction-derived levels and depths.

2Direction actions

Choose View, Compare, Set or Clear for the current need; only Set writes direction metadata.

01

View or compare direction

Inspect selected linework without writing metadata.

  1. Select supported gravity pipe/line or surface-direction objects.
  2. Choose View to draw fall arrows, or Compare to compare geometry with recognised direction metadata.
  3. Review Matching, Reversed and Source only counts.
View or compare direction in the current infrADAC interface
Image placeholderView or compare directionShow the current infrADAC interface and result for: Inspect selected linework without writing metadata.PLACEHOLDER_IMAGE_URL_FLOW_AND_SURFACE_DIRECTION_STEP_01
View or compare direction shown at this exact stage of the task.
02

Set direction metadata

Persist the intended orientation.

  1. Select the supported linework and confirm arrow orientation.
  2. Choose Set or run ADACDirectionSet.
  3. Review upstream/downstream levels, depths and fall/grade values where available.
Set direction metadata in the current infrADAC interface
Image placeholderSet direction metadataShow the current infrADAC interface and result for: Persist the intended orientation.PLACEHOLDER_IMAGE_URL_FLOW_AND_SURFACE_DIRECTION_STEP_02
Set direction metadata shown at this exact stage of the task.
03

Clear direction metadata

Remove stored direction and preview graphics.

  1. Select the affected linework.
  2. Run ADACDirectionClear or choose Clear.
  3. Confirm the cleared object count.
Clear direction metadata in the current infrADAC interface
Image placeholderClear direction metadataShow the current infrADAC interface and result for: Remove stored direction and preview graphics.PLACEHOLDER_IMAGE_URL_FLOW_AND_SURFACE_DIRECTION_STEP_03
Clear direction metadata shown at this exact stage of the task.

3Direction action comparison

Preview graphics and stored XData are deliberately separate states.

Feature or choiceCurrent behaviour
ViewShows fall-direction arrows and writes no metadata.Safe first check before changing assets.
SetWrites endpoint and direction metadata under InfrADACDirection.Export/audit and dependent fields can use a persistent direction.
CompareReports geometry/recognised direction matches, reversals and source-only cases.Incorrect upstream/downstream orientation is visible.
Level enrichmentCan use nearby matching point surface levels within the clone threshold to derive endpoint surface levels and depths.Network metadata gains useful cover/depth context.

4Before you begin

  • Select supported line or polyline geometry with meaningful endpoint elevations.
  • Use the correct coordinate/elevation units.
  • Activate a ground surface or nearby level sources when surface/depth prefills are expected.

5Product differences

The task is shared where possible, but selection, interface integration and model operations follow the host shown below.

infrADAC ACAD

Uses AutoCAD transient arrows and XData on selected line/polyline entities.

6Troubleshooting

No arrows are displayed

Select supported line or polyline geometry with at least two usable points/elevations.

Compare reports reversed assets

Verify the design's upstream/downstream intent, then use Set or correct/recreate the geometry as appropriate before export.

Surface levels or depths are blank

Define an active ground surface or ensure nearby point assets contain managed SurfaceLevel values within the configured threshold.

7Related guides

Documentation hubinfrADAC User ManualThe complete infrADAC task and command library. ReferenceComplete Command ReferenceSupported infrADAC commands and 12d macros, filtered by product. Surface workflowsLand and Surface ToolsUse the ACAD/BCAD ADACSurface menu to route bulk land, ground-surface and direction operations. Surface workflowsBulk Create Lots and EasementsCreate cadastral Lot and Easement assets from closed polygons with sequential LotNo assignment. Surface workflowsBulk Create Contours, Spot Heights and BreaklinesCreate many surface assets from compatible source geometry with shared attributes and generated unique IDs. Surface workflowsCreate and Manage Ground SurfacesBuild, activate, query and reset ACAD/BCAD infrADAC ground surfaces from TINs, spot heights, contours and breaklines.