Define a material area with Planimetry command.
Click on Planimetry icon.
Select method Between CS, define the first and last cross section, between which you want to define quantities.
Specify the type of planimetry quantity. Automatic planimetry is divided into two types: surface and length planimetry.
Specify material.
In Settings, specify Planimetry-polygon definition.
Inner point: planimetry polygon is defined by selecting a point inside an area, surrounded by the planimetry polygon.
Between two polylines: planimetry polygon is defined by two polygon lines, bordering a surface. First defined so-called reference polygon line and then a second polygon line.
Confirm with OK to draw completed polygons with hatches in their inner part.
Convert CAD Hatches to TCS Elements
(from Convert Hatches to Planimetry in Plateia, Ferrovia, and Aquaterra on CGS Labs 2026)
The Convert AutoCAD Element to TCS Element command allows you to convert CAD geometry into CGS quantity elements. The functionality supports both AutoCAD® and BricsCAD® environments.
In addition to CAD polylines, the command can also convert hatches. This makes it possible to use hatch areas for:
- Quantity takeoff calculations
- Area and volume calculations
- Planimetry quantities
- 3D model generation
- More complex-shaped quantity elements
Note: The command name refers to AutoCAD elements, but the functionality is also available when working with BricsCAD.
Example
In this example, CAD hatches are created in several cross-sections and then converted into CGS quantity elements.
The resulting quantity elements are used to calculate quantities and generate a 3D solid model.
1. Create the CAD Hatch
Navigate to the required cross-section.
Use the standard HATCH command available in your CAD environment to create a hatch representing the area you want to use as a quantity.
Place the hatch on a dedicated layer.
For example, create the hatch in the first three cross-sections.
Important
If several hatches represent the same quantity, place them on the same layer.
This makes it possible to select all corresponding hatches automatically during the conversion.
You can select the created hatches and assign them to the same layer if necessary.
2. Convert the Hatch to a TCS Element
Go to the Cross-sections tab. Run: Convert AutoCAD Element to TCS Element. The conversion dialog opens.
Define the cross-section range
At the top of the dialog, specify the range of cross-sections in which the conversion should be performed.
Define the TCS name
Enter the name that should be assigned to the new TCS quantity element.
Choose a meaningful name that identifies the quantity.
Select the selection method
Choose how the CAD elements should be selected.
In this example, select:
Select by layer
Because all hatches representing the same quantity are located on the same layer, the software automatically selects the matching hatches.
Click OK to confirm the conversion.
3. Verify the Quantity Element
The selected CAD hatches are now converted into CGS quantity elements. The converted elements can be used in quantity calculations and for generating a 3D model. The original hatch geometry is therefore used as the basis for defining the corresponding quantity.
4. Calculate the Quantities
To calculate the quantities, run the:
Quantity Takeoff
command.
Specify where the quantity results should be inserted in the DWG drawing.
The software calculates the quantities based on the defined CGS quantity elements and displays the results in the drawing.
Depending on the defined geometry, the resulting quantities can be used for area and volume calculations.
5. Generate a 3D Model
Once the planimetry quantities have been defined, they can also be used to create a 3D model.
Run:
Draw 3D Model
Set the required parameters and confirm the command.
The software automatically generates the 3D solid based on the quantity element.
This allows the converted hatch geometry to be used not only for quantity calculations, but also as the basis for 3D model generation.
Result
The Convert AutoCAD Element to TCS Element command can be used with CAD geometry in both supported CAD environments
The command supports:
- CAD polylines
- CAD hatches
- More complex hatch shapes
Once converted to TCS elements, the geometry can be used for quantity takeoff and 3D model generation.
Workflow
Create Hatch → Assign Layer → Convert
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