Exported Contours- Proper Z values, untrue X dimensions

Question

I've been trying to export some contours generated for a 30km square area, from arcMap 10.3 to both AutoCAD and Civil3D, with no success in either DWG or DXF format.

I have followed these, and similar instructions:  http://maps.library.utoronto.ca/docs/Exporting_Contours_from_ArcMap_to_AutoCAD.pdf

I have generated the contours using spatial analyst, with the extension on, and everything works well except that the X-axis data is .000006% of the size of the actual scaled area.  I've tried adjusting the projection settings in Civil3D, to match those in ArcGIS, to no avail

I've attached a screenshot of what happens due to the mismatched scaling, so perhaps someone here might have a tip?

Screenshot (164).png

AubriKinghorn_1-1758037678505.png

MatthewPoot · Answer

right...  well, my area occurs across the boundaries of two UTM tiles.  Indeed, the x-values are in degree units, rather than meters, at least when I'm looking at redifining the area in define-query functions.

I've got to head back to my home computer for the evening, but might you know the best way to make this transformation:?

MatthewPoot · Answer

I would say that it is something in the direction of CAD scaling, but I have set the appropriate coordinate system (LL84), and it just seems like the extents (x-coordinates) are way off, and I cant figure out how to resize the thing accurately.

Currently, my area within AutoCAD is about .25 units squared, with proper elevation, yet in true size it is ~30 km across.

DanPatterson_Retired · Answer

Well, your X,Y coordinates are in decimal degrees... East west somewhere in the range -180 to +180 degrees and 90 to -90 North South.  These data need to be projected to a projected coordinate system appropriate to your area (perhaps a UTM or the like) This will get the XY values in the same coordinate system as the elevation.. which is in meters I hope otherwise you will have the feet versus meters thing to deal with as well