Getting Started

In order to create cross sections, earthwork, or 3D models with GEOPAK you must have what is referred to as a .TIN file.   This is an abbreviation for "triangulated irregular network."   The .TIN file is usually made by the Survey section, so rather than get into how to make the .TIN file I will simply say, "Get the .TIN file from Survey."

In order to store horizontal and vertical alignments, you must have a .GPK file.   This is affectionately known to us as the YEE PEE KAY file, (inside joke).   The .GPK file is the data base file that contains all of the geometric information about stored points, curves, lines, chains, profiles etc...

The BASIC flow of a GEOPAK design (as I see it) is as follows:

1. Get the .TIN file and mapping file from our Survey Branch. The mapping file usually has an extension of ".plm" (for planimetrics).
2. Create the 3D file that contains the actual triangles, (to check for "spikes" or bad shots).  We'll get back to this file later...
3. Create a horizontal alignment.   This can be done several ways.
   • Through COORDINATE GEOMETRY
   • Through INTERACTIVE HORIZONTAL DESIGN (2 methods)
4. Display and Annotate the horizontal alignment graphically.
5. Generate the existing ground profile.
6. Display the "existing ground" profile graphically.
   

   --NOW...you can "drive through" the 3D file containing the triangles.--

7. Generate the existing ground cross sections.
8. Create the vertical alignment.   This can be done several ways.
   • Through COORDINATE GEOMETRY
   • Through INTERACTIVE VERTICAL DESIGN (2 methods)
9. Display the "design" profile graphically.
10. Generate the superelevation, (the SHAPES).
11. Design any required/desired widening.
12. Generate the proposed cross sections.
13. Calculate the earthwork.
14. Generate the construction limits for the plan view.
15. Generate the 3D model.   The OLD way.   The NEW way.
16. Generate any miscellaneous staking reports.
17. Create the hard copy cross section sheets.

--THE Knuckleheads Guide LINKS EACH OF THESE STEPS IN ORDER--