Adding a Path Grader

The Path Grader object is used to flatten, raise, or lower the terrain. Some uses for the path grader include roads, sloping driveways, pathways, and other complex shapes.

To add a Path Grader:

1.   Click the Add Path Grader button that is found near the top of the screen under the Terrain tab.

2.   Modify the Width property as needed.

3.   Draw the path grader by clicking the left mouse button to add points. Press the Backspace key to remove the last point added, or press the Esc key to cancel. If you would like to input the distance and angle manually, place at least one point and then press the Enter key.

4.   To finish drawing the path grader, right-click to place the last point.

5.   Use the Height taper property to set the desired edge steepness. Use a lower value for a more rounded edge, or a higher value for a steeper edge. Use 100 for a vertical edge.

Unlike the Area Grader, the height of the Path Grader can be adjusted at any point.

To raise and lower points:

1.   Click the path grader in your landscape design to select it.

2.   Click the Edit Heights button, found in the Properties, to enable height editing mode.

3.   Click the point you wish to modify to select it.

4.   Adjust the Height property to raise or lower the path grader at the selected point.

5.   When finished, click the Edit points button again to disable point editing mode.

In the landscape design shown below, a Path Grader was used to level the front yard and driveway.

Tips:

•      Multiple path graders can be used in a single landscape design.

•      Path graders can be any size needed.

•      If a path grader overlaps other terrain sculpting objects, it may be necessary to modify the Terrain Sculpting Order.

See also:

Path Grader Properties
Setting Object Properties
Selecting Objects
Selecting Points
Editing Objects
Adding Slope
Adding a Height Map
Adding a Height Painter
Adding a Height Grid
Adding an Area Grader