Civil Immersion

Accomplish more in a single command using Civil 3D’s Action Recorder

In today's installment, we look at another technique to help you avoid performing the same task multiple times. 

(Because our time is much better spent on things other than constantly reinventing the wheel. :) ) 

In the past we explored similar tools like writing scripts, creating macros, using simple LISP code, and more. 

Each technique has many Pros.  Unfortunately, they all have the same Con.  Each method requires the user to key in command information manually.

Wouldn't it be so much easier if these macros/automations could be created automatically by just recording us while we work?  The answer is definitely Yes, and fortunately for us, it is possible today using the Action Recorder.

Additionally, these recordings can be easily shared with other users by storing them in a central location where everyone has access.

Check out the video below to see it in action!

-Jerry

 

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

Closure Analysis with the Traverse Adjustment Tool in Civil 3D

In this 30 min session, we walk through some examples of adjusting/balancing record property and/or survey data using the Traverse Adjustment tool in Civil 3D. The first example is a closed loop boundary and the second example is a closed connecting traverse.

-Alan

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

Join us for Brand New 30 Min Workouts!

Register here!

When attending software training, there is never enough time to learn everything an application has to offer. In many cases, training sessions focus on the “need to know” functionality to accomplish typical workflows.

In our upcoming bi-weekly sessions we plan to explore many Civil 3D/InfraWorks/BIM Collaborate Pro tools, tips, and shortcuts not typically shown in traditional training sessions. Our goal being that adding more tools to your toolbox can help you gain efficiency and get the most value out of your Autodesk investment.

Sessions are at 01:30 pm Eastern Time (US and Canada):

• July 8th, 2021 - Making Civil 3D Corridor Targeting more Graphical - Jeff Bartels
• July 22nd, 2021 - Taking Civil 3D Model Navigation to the Next Level - Jerry Bartels
• Aug 5th, 2021 - Surveying the Cloud: Autodesk Document Management for Land Surveyors - Alan Gilbert
• Aug 19th, 2021 - Creating a Surface from your Point Cloud using InfraWorks - 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 can join us for the next session in our “30 Min Workout” series of webcasts!

Register here!

-Jeff

Our Next 30 min. Workout Session is Thursday, Dec. 3rd!

At our next 30 min. Workout session we’ll be walking through a new add-on for Civil 3D called “Project Explorer”.  The Project Explorer represents a single, modeless dialog box where you can (among other things) view, edit and report on content stored within a civil model.  The Project Explorer is included with the 2021 AEC Collection.  That said, the installation media is also compatible with the 2020 version of Civil 3D.

This will be our first 30 min. Workout with a cliff-hanger ending!  The goal on December 3^rd is to demonstrate Project Explorer “basics” such that attendees can start using the tool immediately after the session.  We will then come back on Thursday December 17^th for a deeper dive exploration into what the Project Explorer has to offer!

If you are interested – CLICK HERE – to register.
We look forward to seeing you there!

-Jeff

Using Civil 3D's Inquiry Tools to compute Who, What and Where

During today’s presentation, we explore Civil 3D's Inquiry Tools. 

Using these tools, we can quickly compute things like Elevation, Grade, Slope, Distance, Bearing and more directly from Civil 3D Objects.  These objects include Points, Surfaces, Profile Views, Profiles, Sections, Section Views and Corridors.  Why are these tools really helpful??  Many customers resort to creating labels or annotation to compute what these tools do automatically.

After being introduced (or re-introduced :)) to Civil 3D's Inquiry Tools, they could easily become part of your every day Civil 3D workflows.

Click on the video below to check them out.

- Jerry

Our Next 30 min. Workout Session is this Thursday! (Oct. 29th)

In this session we will be taking a look at Civil 3D's numerous "Inquiry Commands".  If you have not used them before, they can be very helpful in quickly determining things like Distance, Station, Elevation, Grade and so much more. 

In short, they are used to quickly interrogate Autodesk Civil 3D objects. You can then use the information extracted from the design model to aid in design, validation, and analysis.

The live session “30-Minute Workout - Using Civil 3D's inquiry tools to establish Who, What and Where” is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 29th,  at 1:30 PM Eastern Time.  If you are interested in attending, please use the link below to register…

https://autodesk.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ptocx9U-Rk6z61O9GtcPHQ

We look forward to seeing you there!

-Jerry

Our Next 30min. Workout is Thursday Oct 15th!

Object Snaps are arguably the most important feature in the AutoCAD platform.  Their ability to “lock on” to precise coordinates represents the foundation on which all geometry is created, edited, and queried. 

Civil 3D also relies on Object Snaps to model civil infrastructure designs.  In addition, Civil 3D provides its own collection of engineering related snaps called Transparent Commands.  Using Transparent Commands, civil engineers can select from 20+ options including: Northing/Easting, Bearing/Distance, Station/Offset, Profile Station/Elevation, etc.

At our next 30min. Workout, (Thursday October 15^th) we’ll explore Civil 3D’s collection of Transparent Commands as well as a few best practices for their application.  If you’d like to attend the live session, please use the link below to register...

 - REGISTER HERE -

We look forward to seeing you there!

-Jeff

Recycle your .DWG content using the Design Center tool in Civil 3D

During today’s presentation, we explore “Design Center”.  Design Center was originally added to AutoCAD back in the 2000 release.  (Over 20 years ago!)  This officially makes it an “oldy but goody” when it comes to AutoCAD/Civil 3D tools. :)

In short, Design Center helps you recycle/reuse your content in ways you may not have thought possible.  Need to create a new Layout just like the one you worked on in a different project?  Need a custom linetype you saw in a .DWG the other day?  Need to recreate some Layers that were inadvertently purged?  Need to quickly redefine some blocks to match your company standards?  Design Center is here to help you with these tasks and soooo much more.

If you have never used Design Center before, it can easily become one of the top 10 tools you rely on.

Click on the video below to check it out.

-Jerry