I am attempting to generate contour maps from LiDAR data in Microstation V8i Select Series 4. Currently the process being used is to generate a .tin from a contour map downloaded from a DNR server. The problem with this is the maps are in meters and must be converted to feet, which isn't major, but generating the .tin from contours creates significant inaccuracy. I can use the raw LAS files, bare earth points, DEM, or hillshade files directly from the same server, but I do not know how to generate a .tin from these. Once I have the .tin, I know how to effectively generate contours, I just can't find the step from the other files to .tin.
Summary:
How can I get from raw LAS, bare earth points, DEM, or hillshade to .tin?
Which of these file types should I use?