Export 3D DXF file from Surfer with X, Y, Z coordinates of contour lines

Exporting contours to a 3D DXF file with X, Y, and Z values in Surfer is highly useful for integrating accurate elevation data into CAD and 3D modeling software. Doing so allow you to visualize terrain in three dimensions, streamline workflows, and maintain data accuracy for engineering, construction, surveying, and geospatial analysis. 
There are two ways in which you can export contours to a 3D DXF file with X, Y, and Z values in Surfer: the Export command, or the Export Contours command.

The Export command:

The Export command exports the contour map with line and fill colors, line styles, labels and any other objects in the plot window. The contour level polylines/polygons have ZLEVEL attributes.

To export contours using the Export command:

  1. Select the Contours layer in the Contents window.
  2. Click File | Export.
  3. Give the file a name, change the Save as type to DXF, check the box next to Selected objects only and click Save.
  4. In the Export Options dialog,
    1. On the Scaling page, set the Scaling source to Map.
    2. On the DXF Options page, customize the export options that you wish to have included with your file.
    3. Click OK.

The Export Contours command:

The Export Contours command only exports the contour lines themselves. No colors, labels or other objects are exported. The contour level polylines/polygons have ZLEVEL attributes.

To export contours using the Export Contours command:

  1. Select the Contours layer in the Contents window.
  2. Click Map Tools | Layer Tools | Export Contours.
  3. In the Save As dialog, change the Save as type to AutoCAD DXF File, give the file a name, and click Save.

 

Surfer_KB-DXFContoursExport.png

Differences between the Export command and the Export Contours command.

 

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