How to get the outline of dxf geometries on top view?

[wwj]

How to get the outline of dxf geometries on top view?

- Answer from ChatGPT.

To extract the outline of DXF geometries in the Top View in Rhino, you can use the following steps:
Steps:

Import the DXF File:
Go to File > Import and select your DXF file to bring it into Rhino.
Ensure that the geometries are aligned with the Top View.

Switch to Top View:
Use the command _SetView and choose Top to ensure you're working in the Top View.

Select the Geometry:
Use a selection box or manually select all the geometries you want to outline.

Project to Plane:
Run the _ProjectToCPlane command to project the geometries onto the construction plane (CPlane) of the Top View.
Ensure you check the option Delete input objects=no so the original geometry remains intact if needed.

Outline the Geometry:
Use the _Make2D command to create a 2D outline of the geometry as it appears in the Top View.
In the _Make2D dialog box:
Select Current View (since you're in the Top View).
Check options like Hidden lines if needed.
Specify the output layer for the outline.

Clean Up (Optional):
After running _Make2D, check for overlapping or unnecessary curves and clean them up using tools like _SimplifyCrv or _Join.

Export (Optional):
If needed, export the outlined geometry as a DXF file using File > Export Selected.

Notes:

For complex DXF files with overlapping geometry, you may need to manually clean up duplicates using _SelDup and _Delete.
If you need only the outermost boundary, you can use the _CurveBoolean command on the resulting outlines and click inside the desired boundary.

[wwj]

Use MeshOutline <==== This works!

Command: MeshOutline

Steps:

1. Select your mesh.
2. Run MeshOutline.
3. Rhino creates a curve in the current construction plane (CPlane).

If you’re in Top view, this gives you the projected boundary curve.