The ESRI ASC file format is typically a gridded data model extracted from an ESRI database.
Typically, the files contain millions of points. The two examples I have now (that I am trying to figure out how to import) contain 9 million and 16 million points. Which, in effect, makes them a "point cloud".
With this many points, the best method of display is via the Point Cloud engine.
The thought is this:
The ESRI ASC files are given to use as "existing ground data" for a project.
We need to make an existing ground surface from the data for use in either Civil design or drainage analysis. Bentley Civil products do not have a method (that I am aware of) to import and filter that data.
There is currently a method, using Descartes, to import the data to a "saleable terrain model". This can then be exported to e "terrain model" - but there is no user control on that export.
The Bentley Civil tools do have a method to create a Terrain Model from a Point Cloud. And these are good tools that allow for User control of the area of data that is used AND of thepoint filtering (decimation) method.
So, if the Point Cloud tool can import the ESRI ASC format, then the Civil teams can easily and controllably create a terrain model.
Happy to discuss or answer questions.