Civil Immersion

Tool for Tuesday: Creating Custom Linetypes in Civil 3D.

In today's installment we talk about creating some custom content.  Specifically, custom linetypes.  I'm sure we can all agree that Civil 3D contains a lot of default "stuff" we can work with.  I'm sure we would all also agree that there is ALWAYS a need to create more.  :) 

I remember having to create custom content to match a client's CAD standard, a city's CAD standard, an owner's directive and much more.  The ability to quickly create custom content is very important.  After the content is created, the ability to share it with others is even more important. 

Because of this, I put together a brief 20 min recording showing how this can be done specifically with linetypes.

Click on the video below to see it works!

-Jerry

Civil 3D 2017 - Adding Property Set Data to Civil 3D Labels

For several years, Civil 3D has included a well-hidden feature called Property Sets. Property sets allow users to assign custom attribution to ANY object in a Civil 3D drawing.
(If you are interested in learning how to create and apply property set data please visit the following link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQvUXgHW8DA )

Starting in Civil 3D 2017 property set data has become more prominent with its inclusion into the corridor solids extraction tool.  Using Civil 3D 2017, extracted corridor solids can now carry virtually unlimited data about a corridor design.  Civil 3D 2017 is also the first release where it’s possible (through an undocumented workflow) to incorporate property set data into Civil 3D labels.  All you have to do is create custom label codes using the following format…


If you are interested in exploring this technique, I’ve created a quick video that walks through the process!

 

- Jeff

Tool for Tuesday: "RPNCALC"

Ever wish there were an RPN style calculator available within Civil 3D?  I know I do.  Somehow, after learning to use my HP RPN scientific calculator, a standard calculator feels kind of clumsy.

Unfortunately, the only calculator available in Civil 3D is the standard one provided by AutoCAD, right?

Wrong.  Several years back, Civil 3D incorporated an RPN style scientific calculator and it is still one of the best kept secrets.  Doesn’t even show up in any of the documentation or by searching Help. 

A truly undocumented command!

If you would like to try it, type RPNCALC at the command line.

-Jerry

Using Civil 3D Property Sets to add extended attribution to ANY object

Civil 3D does a great job managing the design data associated with each of its objects.  If however, you ask Civil 3D to manage some of YOUR data (i.e. custom attribution) you may find it a little challenging.  Fortunately it doesn’t have to be!

There is an undocumented feature in Civil 3D called Property Sets. (Technically, this feature comes from AutoCAD Architecture which shares some of its code with Civil 3D.) Using Property Sets, you can assign custom attribution to ANY object in a Civil 3D drawing. The metadata that you add is also capable of traveling with the drawing, such that it can be leveraged by other applications such as Navisworks or BIM 360 Glue.

If you are interested, I’ve created a recording showing how to use property set data to maintain the placement accuracy of each component in a utility model. There are many places where extended attribution comes in handy, you are only limited by your imagination!

 

-Jeff