Infrastructure and construction projects like roads or subdivisions need ditches, narrow channel dug in the ground for drainage purposes. Ditches can easily be created as a v-shaped object in MAGNET Modeler.
The Ditch rule transforms linework into textured drainage areas. For Ditch model creation, MAGNET Modeler supports
- Lines
- Strings
- Polylines
Lines, Strings and Polylines will always be draped onto a surface.
Ditches rule parameters

1. Layer
Layer where elements that define the "Ditches" are.
2. Materials
Click on material to access the Material Library of MAGNET Modeler. Select existing material or insert a new material.
3. Description
Enter a description for the "Ditches" rule. This will change the name of the rule within the Modeler Rules window. In case you have several "Ditches" rules, this helps to easily identify them.
4. Group
Click on group to choose from a list of existing groups / sub groups or manually enter your group structure. Use the "/" character to create additional sub groups. For example: Existing/Office/Parking Lot.
5. Width
Width controls the entire width of the road / road marking from the left edge to the right edge. The Line, String, Polyline acts as the center line.
6. Info text
Info text allows to add additional information, such as material, quality requirements, manufacturer, ... The info text information will be accessible in MAGNET Explorer via the Object Info tool.
7. Info URL
Info URL allows to add hyperlinks such as a link to manufacturers homepage or a design documentation. The info URL link will be accessible in MAGNET Explorer via the Object Info tool.
8. Target_layers
With Target_layers you can choose whether the ditch will only be cut into a certain surface by selecting the surface from the layers list or if all surfaces are affected (*).
9. Generation_priority
Generation_priority lets you determine the display order of overlapping Ditches in the model. (0) - default / layer order, (1) - generates after (0), (-1) - generates before (0).
10. Auto_segmentation_distance
Auto_segmentation_distance densifies the Line / String / Polyline. This parameter is useful for a smoother interaction with a surface when draped.
11. Auto_segmentation_angle
Auto_segmentation_angle divides arcs of a Line / String / Polyline for a smoother interaction with a surface when draped.