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

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

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

 

GIS data creation, manipulation, and analysis using Civil 3D

In this 30 min session we look at several ways we can import, analyze, edit and export GIS within Civil 3D.  This includes using GIS geometry / data as DWG objects as well as connecting to GIS files directly.  We even walk through a special form of DWG Attach such that drawing geometry can be queried and included in different files. 

The queried data can even be edited and automatically sent back to the original source DWG!

During the session, we walk through a practical example using a SHP file containing tree data.  Having said this, the same approach can be used with any GIS information.

Click on the link below to check it out.

- Jerry

Civil 3D Cross Section Tips & Tricks!

Cross section views bring together virtually every aspect of a Civil 3D design model.  Survey figures, cogo points, surfaces, corridors, utilities, feature lines, solid models, blocks, etc. all participate in the display of section views. 

Each of these items may carry with it specialized styles and settings for visualization and labeling.  Civil 3D section views also provide plan production functionality.  The sheer number of options and settings involved with cross sections makes them a perfect topic for a tips and tricks discussion!

In today’s installment we’ll explore a multitude of shortcuts related to cross section sizing, stylization, organization, labeling and more.  The content is presented using a shotgun approach, allowing us to cover as many concepts as possible in a quick, focused, easy to consume manner.  If you are interested, the video below will walk you through everything...

If you'd like to take a deeper dive look at these topics (as well as a few others) I’ve included links to additional cross section workflow videos below! 

• Displaying Multiple Civil 3D Section Views Within a Single Grid
  https://youtu.be/fPGA3SLgQN8
  
  
• Civil 3D 2015 Staggered Corridor Cross Section Labels
  https://youtu.be/V8WQXR4Z9fw
  
  
• Civil 3D 2018 New Feature Section View Buffer
  https://youtu.be/6xHV-cMXjZM
  
  
• Placing Civil 3D Section Views in Their Own Drawing
  https://youtu.be/IeSJcbhNeoE
  
  
• Annotating Cross Sectional Volumes using a Dynamic Civil 3D Table Style
  https://youtu.be/w3dDXkyyI20
  
  
• Smoothing the Appearance of Sectioned Civil 3D Pipe Networks using FACETDEV
  https://youtu.be/aSx_mztTRCg
  
  
• Creating "Quick Cross Sections" in AutoCAD Civil 3D
  https://youtu.be/7XROJgUDrgs
  
  
• AutoCAD/Civil 3D Tips and Tricks - Pt. 10 Cross Sections: Section View Direction
  https://youtu.be/PCPlj0P2aZY

-Jeff

30 min. Workout Sessions Resume Feb 10th!

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...

• February 10 - Civil 3D Cross Section Tips & Tricks - Jeff Bartels
• February 24 - GIS data creation, manipulation, and analysis using Civil 3D - Jerry Bartels
• March 10 - Pressure Pipes: Getting Started with Pipe Runs - Alan Gilbert
• Mar 24 - Drawing Maintenance: A Key to Success - 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

Display Civil 3D Property Set Data in ToolTips!

Civil 3D provides a feature called “Property Sets” that allows extended attribution to be applied to ANY object(s).  Typically, Property Set Data is accessed by selecting an object and then reviewing the data from the Extended Data Tab of the Properties Palette.  While this is a nice option, there is a faster way to view extended attribution!

In today’s installment we’ll explore how a feature of the SHP Import/Export Utilities will add Property Set data to the rollover tooltips.  (SHP Import/Export Utilities is an add-on available for Civil 3D 2020 and above.  It can be downloaded and installed using the Autodesk Subscription Site, or the Autodesk Desktop App.)

If you’re interested, I’ve created a quick video below that walks through everything!

If you'd like to learn more about Property Sets, the videos below will help get you started...

Using Civil 3D Property Sets to add extended attribution to ANY object.
https://youtu.be/yQvUXgHW8DA 

Automating the Attachment & Removal of Civil 3D Property Set Data
https://youtu.be/rgC8s1gCkaE

Labeling Property Set Data Using Civil 3D
https://youtu.be/DjUXuw_s8Z4

-Jeff