Clip by principal plane

You can use this function to clip the data in the active layer using two clipping planes. You can choose to keep the data inside or outside the planes defined. The clipping planes you define will be parallel to either the grid northing, easting or elevation.

To run this function: Choose Edit > Trim > Clip by principal plane, or...

In the Function Chooser, type CLIP BY PLANE, and press ENTER.

Fields on the Clip by Plane form

Field	Description
Layer Name	Display only. The name of the active layer containing the data to clip.
Select the clipping plane	The plane to clip by. Options are: Elevation plane: The clipping planes are parallel to the XY plane and perpendicular to the Z axis. Easting plane: The clipping planes are parallel to the YZ plane and perpendicular to the X axis. Northing plane: The clipping planes are parallel to the ZX plane and perpendicular to the Y axis.
Define the clipping plane extent
Min extent	The minimum extent of the clipping region. You can move the slider or type the value into the field to the right.
Max extent	The maximum extent of the clipping region. You can move the slider or type the value into the field to the right.
Retain inside	Selected: The data between the two planes is retained. Cleared: The data outside the two planes is retained.
Result storage layer name	Selected: Saves the clipped data to a new layer. When you select this check box, the field to the right becomes active and you can enter a name for the layer. Cleared: The clipped data remains in the active layer.
Spot height string range	Selected: Allows you to select a spot height string range. When you select this check box, the field to the right becomes active and you can enter the string range.If you leave the field blank all strings will be treated as spot heights. Cleared: No spot height string is used. This field is not active if the active layer contains only string data.
Contact string	Selected: Allows you to select a number for the string formed at the contact area of the plane and the solid or surface. When you have selected this check box, the field to the right becomes active and you can enter the string number. Cleared: The contact string is not saved. This field is not active if the active layer contains only string data.

Output

If the active layer contains strings, the portion of the strings, either inside or outside the planes, is retained. New points are interpolated where the planes intersect the strings.

If the active layer contains surfaces or solids, the triangles of the data, either inside or outside the planes, are retained. If the solid contained a void, the solid will now be an open geometry.

Troubleshooting

Message	Description
`No data in the current layer to process.`	There is no data loaded into the active layer. You must have data available to be clipped to use this function.
`The clipping planes are too close to define an extent that qualifies for going ahead with the clipping operation. Try again with adjusting the sliders.`	You have entered the same value for the minimum and maximum extents of the clipping planes. These values must be different.
`Validation of field 'layerName' failed A blank value may not be entered`	You have selected the Result storage layer name box but have not entered a name in the field. You must type a name for the layer or clear the box.
`Validation of field 'contactString' failed A blank value may not be entered`	You have selected the Contact string box but have not entered a number for the string. You must type a string number or clear the box.