Nonio C is a program for modeling large topographic and cartographic surveys using triangles, contour lines, slope charts, color shading, sections, and three-dimensional views.
Terrain is modeled using a method of triangulation, a valuable alternative to methods based on the generation of an orthogonal grid, which does not often correspond well to real-life conditions. Two surfaces can be modeled simultaneously, allowing the comparison of the original terrain with the modified or of two different project phases.
Points data may be inserted using the keyboard, background images, field survey, or ASCII file.The model is created either automatically or by imposing breaklines interactively with the mouse, recreating as closely as possible a representation of the actual terrain. Contour lines are drawn automatically according to set intervals.
Once the necessary data is entered, the land model may be altered by simulated land movement operations. Values such as areas, volumes, and slope differences are computed automatically by a special calculator.
The model can be viewed from any vantage point through a series of automatically generated images (sections and axons). The images can be drawn in a variety of representational forms (with contour lines, in cross-grid form, or with shadings, hatchings, or color according to slope classes).
All modifications can be seen in real time in a continuously rendered 3D view. It is possible to fly around the terrain or do a “walkthrough” in real time. The rendering can be enhanced using plug-in renderers. Textures may be imported to the QuickDraw 3D view to simulate materials or soils. Movement throughout the model is controlled using the mouse or keyboard.
A land model created with Nonio C may be exported to an architectural program, such as Interstudio’s own Domus.Cad and other CAD programs, where an architectural model may be placed directly on it. The reverse operation may also be performed: an archiectural model can be imported by DomusTerra and placed on the land model.