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

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

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

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

 

Boost Your Efficiency by Automating Repetitive Tasks in Civil 3D

When using Civil 3D (or any AutoCAD based tool) there are multiple ways to automate repetitive tasks.  Today we will be looking at two of them.  These include Script files (.SCR) and simple LISP code (.LSP) 

I chose these before jumping right to Dynamo or the Civil 3D API because Scripts and AutoLISP have been around for decades, there is a TON of information (sample code) online, and they are very easy to learn and use. 

In short, wanted to leave you with something you could literally start experimenting with immediately after reading/watching the video.

In the 30 min presentation recording below, I walk through the creation of both interactive and fully automated tools.  I also explore how these tools can be easily be applied to an entire folder of files using the Civil 3D Batch Save Utility.

You can check out the video here...

-Jerry

15 More Civil 3D Tips & Tricks - Alignments & Profiles

This week I had the rare pleasure of presenting at a Civil 3D user group meeting.  My session focused on time saving best practices when working with alignments and profiles.  In approximately 30 minutes, we managed to explore more than 15 topics ranging from creation, to analysis, to stylization.

In keeping with our 30 min. Workout philosophy, I attempted to choose topics that both provide value and fall outside traditional Civil 3D training courses.  My hope was to demonstrate some workflows the users may not have seen before.  If you are interested, I’ve uploaded a recording of the session below…

Thank you so much to Michelle Hood for inviting me to present at JMT’s Civil 3D User Group Meeting!

-Jeff

Entering Property Descriptions and other Record Data into Civil 3D

In this 30 Minute Workout session, we will walk through a variety of methods for entering property descriptions and other recorded data into Civil 3D.  This includes precise cogo entry, AutoCAD linework using the Transparent Tools, and the Traverse Editor tool.

The example project used for most of the presentation is a highway right of way acquisition scenario.  At the end, I show a bonus example of a boundary survey that is re-located into a published planar coordinate system using the Traverse Editor.

-Alan

Getting the most out of Civil 3D’s tool palettes

Tool palettes are one of the most powerful and versatile features in the Civil 3D / AutoCAD user interface.  Having said this, most folks only use tool palettes for simpler things like quick access to blocks, or inserting content preset to adhere to the company CAD standards. 

Tool palettes can be used for much much more.  This includes organizing commands into workflows, creating a training tool, launching lisp routines, hosting quick access to custom macros, providing an easy gateway to almost anything available in Civil 3D.

To make things even better, they can be created through simple drag and drop operations.  No extensive coding or CUI writing required!

Once defined, there are several ways to share tool palettes amongst users so no one has to "reinvent the wheel".

Click on the video below to check it out.

-Jerry
 

Adding Profile High & Low Points to Civil 3D Alignment Labels

Civil 3D alignments and profiles maintain a dynamic relationship between both geometry and labels.  This relationship allows alignment labels to display geometric information from associated profiles.  Likewise, profile labels may include geometric information from the parent alignment. 

Simply making a quick adjustment to the label set, you can display the additional design data related to any alignment or profile.  In this session we’ll look at how this technique can be used to label an alignment such that it displays the high and low points of an associated profile.  If you are interested, I've created a quick video below that walks through everything...

-Jeff