Terrain data export · QLD · NSW · VIC · SA · ACT · TAS

Contour map and elevation data for your property

Enter an address and get the mapped contours for the lot as files you can draw on: DXF contours, elevation points, a GeoTIFF DEM and a DXF TIN, clipped to the site and in the coordinate system you choose. $15 for a property, or $15 per km² for an area you draw or upload.

Four terrain representationsGDA2020, GDA94 or WGS84Manifest included

Check this for your site

Enter a QLD, NSW, VIC, SA, ACT or TAS address. We will carry it into the export tool and confirm exact availability before purchase.

Terrain datasets currently offered

The cards below come from the same live catalogue used by the export service. Source resolution, capture method and contour interval vary by state and location.

Contours (interval varies by state)

Elevation contour lines, Z embedded on each vertex.

ACTNSWQLDSATASVIC SHPDXFGPKGKMZ

Elevation Points

3D spot heights on a regular grid (5 m on a house lot, wider on large areas), interpolated from the state DEM.

ACTNSWQLDSATASVIC SHPDXFGPKGKMZ

Elevation Raster (GeoTIFF)

Float32 DEM in metres AHD, clipped to the extent.

ACTNSWQLDSATASVIC GEOTIFF

TIN Surface (CAD and 3D mesh formats)

Delaunay triangulated surface over the DEM: DXF 3DFACE entities for CAD, and OBJ/COLLADA meshes shifted to a local origin for SketchUp, Blender and Rhino.

ACTNSWQLDSATASVIC DXFOBJDAE

Choose the terrain output by job

  • DXF contours: readable 3D linework for AutoCAD and Civil 3D base drawings.
  • Elevation points: 3D spot heights on a regular grid, 5 m apart on a house lot and wider on large areas, for point-based surfaces and checks.
  • GeoTIFF DEM: the elevation grid for surfaces, slope, aspect and re-contouring.
  • DXF TIN: a Delaunay surface written as 3DFACE entities for CAD terrain workflows.

What arrives in the ZIP

  • Compatible vector layers organised into dxf/, shp/ and kmz/.
  • A combined GeoPackage when GPKG is selected.
  • The elevation raster as a root-level GeoTIFF.
  • DATASETS.txt and datasets.json recording the result for each selection.
  • COPYRIGHT.txt naming the government sources and licence.
Sample terrain export showing cadastre, contours, roads and the selected project lot

Evidence from the current sample

Inspect the real terrain files

The current Queensland sample contains 14 contour features, 500 elevation points, a GeoTIFF elevation raster and a 2,999-face DXF TIN. It also shows how terrain aligns with cadastre, roads and the project lot.

Download the sample ZIP →

Accuracy and intended use

Terrain mapping is a fast starting surface, not a substitute for verified site levels.

Useful for

  • Desktop terrain review
  • Concept-stage CAD and GIS setup
  • Preliminary drainage and slope understanding
  • Consultant briefing and feasibility mapping

Verify before

  • Detailed design or earthworks quantities
  • Setout and construction
  • Boundary-dependent grading decisions
  • Any work requiring current surveyed ground levels

Only want to see the slope, not draw on it? The Terrain Report shows the same elevation data as a contour map, cross sections and a 3D model in a PDF, for $9.

Elevation quality and vintage depend on the government source available at the selected location. Vegetation, structures, capture date and grid resolution can affect the surface. Check the export attribution and validate against an appropriate survey before detailed design.

Terrain setup guides

What a contour survey costsPublished surveyor prices, and where mapped contours fit before the survey. Contours or GeoTIFF DEM?Choose the right terrain representation for Civil 3D or GIS. Choosing contour intervalsUnderstand interval, resolution and smoothing trade-offs. Coordinate systemsSet GDA2020, GDA94, MGA and AHD correctly.

Common questions

Can I get a contour map of my property without a survey?

Yes. The contours come from government elevation mapping, mostly captured by aircraft (LiDAR), clipped to your lot. They suit a purchase decision, early design and briefing a designer. They are not surveyed levels and a council will not accept them as a survey plan.

What does it cost?

$15 for a property, or $15 per square kilometre for an area you draw or upload. One order carries the contours, elevation points, DEM and TIN together with the boundary, easement and planning layers held for the site.

Can I export contours as DXF for Civil 3D?

Yes. Contours are available in DXF with elevation embedded on the vertices, as well as Shapefile, GeoPackage and KMZ.

Is the elevation raster a GeoTIFF?

Yes. The elevation raster is a clipped float32 GeoTIFF in metres AHD and the coordinate system selected for the export.

Does this replace a survey?

No. Government elevation mapping is useful for desktop review and early design setup, but detailed design and setout require appropriate survey verification.

Check terrain data for your site

Enter the address, choose the terrain outputs and CRS, and generate one site-ready ZIP.

Check an address →