The traditional AutoCAD Hatch command provides a “background color” option. Assigning background colors to hatch is a great way to define multiple variations from a single pattern. However, background colors are not allowed when the hatch is applied through a Civil 3D style. In today’s installment, we’ll explore a workflow that simulates a background color when hatching Civil 3D corridors. The example shown references brick pavers, but this technique can apply to any component of any linear design modeled using a corridor. If you are interested, I've created a quick video below that walks thr ..read more

In this 30 Minute Workout session, we walk through the process of controlling superelevation using profiles that are designed with lane cross slope values. How do we link the cross slope values from these profiles to the lane of interest? We create an "output parameter" custom subassembly that connects them. -Alan ..read more

Estimating the overall cost of a civil design requires quantifying all of the components. Fortunately, Civil 3D makes quantity extraction easy using the QTO Manager. The QTO Manager represents a one-stop shop for loading pay items, assigning them to objects, and extracting their quantities into reports.   In today’s installment, we’ll explore Civil 3D’s quantity take-off functionality. Designers can use QTO tools to assign pay items to ANY object, even generic AutoCAD entities. Pay items can also be pre-assigned as part of a Civil 3D template, making quantity extraction a virtually a ..read more

Click to Register! When attending software training, there is never enough time to learn everything 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 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 will help you gain efficiency and get the most value from your Autodesk investment. We hope you can attend ..read more

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 recordi ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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.&n ..read more

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, the ..read more

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 ..read more