### 9.4.3. Data Import Overview

BladeGen deals with all blades using mean-line data sets. Many generic data formats specify blade surface data, either as curves or surfaces. A conversion must be performed to create the data sets that BladeGen requires. The Data Import Wizard is constructed to walk the user through the process of converting the data.

The Data Import Wizard is a tool specifically oriented towards converting data. It is not a generic CAD program. Therefore, the following recommendations are made.

The first rule of data import is to only import what you want. Preprocess data sets in your favorite CAD programs (if required) to minimize the volume of data and improve quality.

The second rule is that although basic surface tools are provided, they are simplistic. It is more reliable to perform the surface intersections in your favorite CAD program and import the resulting curves.

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