I always use FBX.

I'm not sure what Iome is trying to do, but maybe someone can help me with a real similar issue. Autocad (say 2007) will export into a 3ds format. I use ACAD to get topography files for project sites like subdivisions, import it into 3DS and make a terrain, then import it into Maya and play with it.

I don't know how you would go about making a terrain in Maya. I know you could do a loft between two curves (your topography lines) but that is an extreme pain. 3ds had a terrain modeler that works.

My biggest problem is when you have a site that has say a wall or a curb...a vertical break. 3DS just makes a mess out of those. It doesn't retain the sharpness.

I know what I am doing in ACAD and Land Desktop. Does anyone else work with these issues and have any ideas?

Sorry Iome for jumping into your thread. I think we may be trying to do real similar things. If you're not an I just hijacked your thread, I give you permission to kick me!