Civil Immersion

Grading: Fun with Feature Lines

In this 30 min session, we walk through some grading examples in Civil 3D using Feature Lines. We will grade a pond, a simple site, and will also show a few grade transitioning examples between feature lines/surfaces.

-Alan

Working with Property Set Data in Civil 3D

In today’s installment of the 30 min workout, we look at several ways that Property Set Data (PSD) can be used in Civil 3D.  We accomplish this by using PSD to solve a problem we were faced with. 

i.e. Merging data collected by an Arborist and Surveyor into a single repository.  (Civil 3D Points)

Along the way, we review the benefits of using Property Set Data over other forms of attribution, show a scenario where PSD tables and data are created automatically, and demonstrate how to add PSD to Civil 3D labels. 

The session concludes with a brief discussion of the SHP Import/Export Utility.  Using this tool, we can export the Property Set Data and Civil 3D Point Objects to a GIS file.

Sound like something that could help you?  Check out the video below to see it in action.

-Jerry

15 Favorite AutoCAD Tips & Tricks!

Many times, “tips and tricks” represent tools and shortcuts discovered over years using an application in production.  Even a small unknown feature has the potential of saving valuable time on every project.  The real trick is finding a way to fast track the discovery process! 

Recently I had an opportunity to present a special edition of the 30 min. Workout series focused on AutoCAD tips and tricks.  During the session I walked through more than fifteen of my favorite tips, tricks & shortcuts.  If you are interested, I’ve shared a recording of the session below.  My hope is that it will provide some discoveries you can use on your next project!  

-Jeff

 

Exploring Civil 3D Code Set Styles

Each Civil 3D corridor represents a single object containing a vast number of dynamically linked components.  Within a corridor you may find assemblies, feature lines, surfaces, hatch patterns, render materials and pay items.  (Not to mention references to alignments, profiles, and targets.)  In fact, there are so many parts associated with corridors that they are stylized using a collective group of styles called a “Code Set Style”.

Since code set styles control so many things, they may seem complicated when first viewed within the Code Set Style editor.  Fortunately, they are much easier to configure and use than you might think!  In today’s installment we’ll explore the many options available within a code set style by tying each item to its respective corridor component.  After reviewing the session, you will have a better understanding of the function and organization of Civil 3D code set styles.  You will also know how to create and edit code set styles when necessary.

For further information on code set styles and their usage, please review the following videos…

“Creating a Code Set Style to Display the Plottable Geometry of a Civil 3D Corridor Model” – https://youtu.be/wZuct0Vy6pk

“Hatching Civil 3D Corridor Models using a Code Set Style” – https://youtu.be/mFW2PtQqbdQ

“Visualizing Corridor Models by Assigning Render Materials to a Civil 3D Code Set Style” – https://youtu.be/aFwdUg8Cvhk

“Civil 3D 2017 New Features - Corridor Solids Extraction” - https://youtu.be/IBSZmpOdzEg

-Jeff

30 min. Workout Sessions Resume April 14th!

Click to Register!

When attending software training, there is never enough time to learn everything that an application has to offer. In many cases, training sessions are only able to focus on “need to know” functionality to accomplish typical workflows.
In our upcoming bi-weekly sessions we plan to explore many of the Civil 3D, InfraWorks and Cloud Collaboration tools, tips, and shortcuts not typically shown during traditional training sessions. Our goal being that adding more tools to your toolbox can help you gain efficiency and get the most value from your Autodesk investment.

New session list below...

• April 14 - Cracking the Code on Civil 3D Code Set Styles - Jeff Bartels
• April 28 - Working with Property Set Data in Civil 3D - Jerry Bartels
• May 12 - Grading: Fun with Feature Lines - Alan Gilbert
• May 26 - Three Line Profiles: How They Stack Up - Angel Espinoza

The sessions are only 30 min. and will be 100% live demonstration - no PowerPoint is allowed. We are also more than happy to answer any questions arising from the material.
We hope you will join us for the next session in our “30 Min Workout” series of webcasts!

Click to Register!

-Jeff

Civil 3D Tips, Tricks & Unnatural Acts – AU2022 Edition

Autodesk University 2022 returns to an in-person event Sept 27-29 in New Orleans!  After being separated for a couple years we are very excited about getting back together and presenting in front of a live audience.

For AU2022 we have proposed a brand new “Civil 3D Tips, Tricks & Unnatural Acts” session! Please visit the link below for more information and a high level description.

It’s important to note that the number of classes submitted for AU is always greater what can be accommodated at the live venue.   If you are planning to attend Autodesk University and would find value in our session, please visit the link below and click the “Recommend” button to make sure the AU Committee is aware of your interest.

https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/conference/proposal/Civil-3D-Tips-Tricks-and-Unnatural-Acts-AU2022-Edition 

We look forward to seeing you there!

-Jeff

Pressure Pipe: Getting Started with Pipe Runs

In this 30 min session, we walk through the new "path based" pressure pipe layout tools available starting with Civil 3D 2021. We take a look at plan and profile layout, while also showing some quantification options.

-Alan

Taking Advantage of Autodesk Docs on Your Next Civil Infrastructure Project

Register Here

Autodesk Docs represents a powerful cloud-based tool for managing design review.  Docs makes it possible to collaborate on plan sets with any stakeholder regardless of their location!  Easily create redline markups and assign tasks that are trackable to completion.  Automatically retain a copy of every document, transferred file, markup, issue, etc. to ensure the entire history of a project is maintained.  When in the field, use the provided mobile app to quickly access and review current plan sheets for ANY project.

Docs also allows Civil 3D surfaces to be shared with Revit while maintaining full fidelity and the ability to update as changes occur.  The best part about Docs is that it’s included with the AEC Collection so if you own an AEC Collection you HAVE Docs!  In our upcoming webinar, we will demonstrate several ways to take advantage of Docs on your next civil infrastructure project.

Register Here - to attend live on March 22 at 11 am PT/2 pm ET.
All who register will get access to the recording!

-Jeff

Grading Optimization Live Sessions on YouTube

Autodesk's product development team is hosting six Ask Me Anything: Grading Optimization Live sessions on YouTube. At the sessions, the team will be demonstrating different topics highlighting key capabilities of Grading Optimization for Civil 3D to automate time-consuming grading tasks.

There are six sessions scheduled, each focused on a different aspect of grading design.  
•  Part 1 – March 16, 2022: The Grading Optimization Workflow
•  Part 2 – March 30, 2022: Site Grading with Grading Optimization
•  Part 3 – May 11, 2022: Pond design with Grading Optimization
•  Part 4 – June 01, 2022: Mass grading with Grading Optimization
•  Part 5 – June 15, 2022: Subdivision grading with Grading Optimization
•  Part 6 – June 29, 2022: Airport grading with Grading Optimization

If you are interested, more information and registration information can be found here...
https://blogs.autodesk.com/infrastructure-reimagined/have-you-tried-grading-optimization-for-civil-3d/ 

-Jeff

Sharing Civil 3D Surfaces with Revit using Autodesk Docs

Did you know that Autodesk Docs can be used as a conduit for sharing Civil 3D surface models with Revit?  Unlike older surface sharing workflows, the surfaces shared through Docs retain the triangulation found in Civil 3D. They are also much easier to update!  In the event a shared surface is modified in Civil 3D, a new version can be published to Docs and then refreshed within the Revit environment. 

In today’s installment, we’ll learn how to make the connection between the two platforms.  Along the way, we’ll explore how the Shared Reference Point feature can be used to align the Civil 3D and Revit environments.

If you are interested, the video below will help you get started...

-Jeff