Terrain Modeling

The difference lies in the condition of the ground before and after construction or landscaping work.

• Natural terrain: may include irregularities (slopes, banks, bumps, depressions) and serves as the reference for project design. Altimetric data are essential to plan earthworks (cut and fill).
• Finished terrain: results from modifications (leveling, filling, creating banks, trenches, platforms) and includes outdoor features (driveways, green spaces, pools, fences). It must meet permitting constraints, especially final elevations and access points.

With Cedreo’s 3D terrain modeling software, you can model the natural terrain, then modify it to produce the finished terrain with accurate house placement. Cedreo’s terrain tools give you full control over slopes and surfaces, and the site plan and cross-sections are automatically rendered with the same precision.

You can model a realistic site using public mapping data or a land survey. Here are 3 straightforward options:

• Use free online datasets (USGS National Map, state/county GIS portals, etc.).
• Hire a surveyor for precise topographic data.
• Order existing topographic datasets.

Then import the DWG, DXF, or PDF files into Cedreo to trace the lot and represent elevation levels to the nearest inch.

Yes. A subdivision plan sits between a site plan (internal organization) and a location plan (context), with a focus on land division and shared facilities. It includes lots, roads and access, common facilities, utilities, margins and distances, and orientation. So yes, you can create a subdivision drawing with Cedreo’s site plan and terrain tools.

House placement depends on key criteria:

• Orientation: maximize natural light and energy performance and consider sun paths and shadows.
• Local planning rules: setbacks, alignment with the road, authorized height, etc.
• Site conditions: slope, access, existing vegetation, plus project needs like garage location, patio exposure, and protected views.

A professional site plan created with Cedreo’s terrain design tools lets you simulate alternatives and adjust placement with complete control before final approval. 

Modeling terrain in Cedreo is fast and simple, even without advanced skills. Follow these steps:

• Import the land registry plan: use it as a layer for lot tracing and altimetry management, or start from scratch.
• Place the house: respect local planning rules such as setback lines.
• Landscape the terrain: add driveways, fences, retaining walls, vegetation, and outdoor furniture. Use Cedreo’s terrain tools to create and modify slopes and surfaces so the environment matches reality.
• Create exterior 3D renderings: present a complete project with visuals of the client’s future garden. Adjust materials and textures to explore different scenes before they’re rendered.

Yes. Cedreo’s 3D terrain modeling tools handle sloped or irregular sites using altimetry controls such as elevation points and elevation lines. You can also manage earth retention with the Retaining Wall and Embankment tools. For driveways, choose how elevations are handled: have them follow the natural terrain or control them point by point to simulate hills and complex geometry.

Cedreo’s terrain tools let you create a believable landscape quickly, so clients see the house, grades, and outdoor features as one rendered environment. You can shape slopes, adjust volumes, and dial in surface textures to the level of detail a professional presentation demands. 

Many users experiment with several design options in one session, then export visuals and files that fit right into your existing workflow. The result? Clear decisions, fewer meetings, and a stronger sense of unity between the building and site.