When using 12d Model data provided in a 12da file it is often common to have a SuperTin™ as part of the design data which were created in 12d Model.
The SuperTin™ option is designed to create a super triangulation from other triangulations. With Super Tins, existing triangulations can be combined to form the equivalent of a merged object without having to completely re-build a merged model and retriangulating it. This means there are less steps in creating a Super Tin than a proper merged triangulation so a lot less time is required and there is less opportunity for errors. Also, if any of the component tins of the Super Tin are modified, then the Super Tin is also instantly modified. However a Super tin is not a triangulation as there can be vertical walls.
In the past these surfaces have been difficult to use outside of 12d Model software however with recent updates, Trimble Business Center (TBC) now supports importing these SuperTin™ surfaces directly as Composite Surfaces.
Below is an example SuperTin™ in 12d Model.
The same SuperTin™ brought into TBC via a 12da file is turned into a Composite surface.
In TBC a Composite Surface behaves like a standard surface but offers additional flexibility and compatibility across Trimble field and office software. It combines multiple surface definitions—such as design, existing, and calculated surfaces—into a single, unified model. This allows you to manage complex site data more efficiently while maintaining accuracy and consistency across all workflows.
Once created, a Composite Surface can be exported to any Trimble field software or file format that supports surface models (for example, Trimble SiteWorks, Trimble Access, or Trimble Earthworks). This makes it especially useful for transferring detailed surface information from the office to the field, ensuring that machine control systems, survey crews, and project managers are all working from the same up-to-date data.
Composite surfaces are often used for:
Field stakeout and grade checking
Machine control and guidance
Cut/fill volume analysis
Quality assurance and as-built verification
By using a Composite Surface, you can simplify data exchange and reduce the risk of version conflicts between design and construction phases.
For more detailed instructions on creating and managing Composite Surfaces, refer to the Help section in Trimble Business Center or contact your local Trimble dealer for technical support and training.