The more classes I teach, the more I see constant confusion regarding how Civil 3D objects and styles use AutoCAD layers. What is even more surprising is that it doesn’t seem to matter if I am teaching a basics class or an advanced class.
Thus I have added a link to a document that explains this in more detail. Let me know what you think! 
In the continuing saga that is my 2011 AU class, the next part covers connecting the dots.
Part 1 consisted of a description of the Parcels portion of my class, part 2 is about Points.
Read on to find out more…
My company has recently taken the next step in going 3D by adopting AutoCAD MEP for our process, pump station, and wastewater treatment plant designs.
As we go down the rabbit hole more and more with MEP the similarities and dissimilarities with Civil 3D amaze me. For instance, both Civil 3D and MEP use Parametric Parts (Parts Builder), MVparts, modeled objects that control 2D objects (sections; profiles), etc… What I don’t understand is why Civil 3D doesn’t work more like MEP, knowing MEP was first. Why doesn’t it use Layer Keys; why does it not include the Parametric Part Wizard; why does it not include pressure pipe tools; why doesn’t it allow the use of MVparts as a substitute for Parametric Parts in a pipe network, etc…
Finally, why does it not use Display View Representations to control the display of objects? Well, in a way it does when you Xref AutoCAD MEP drawings into Civil 3D drawings. Learn more after the jump…
A LONG time ago Dana Probert suggested a method to grab styles from one file and quickly add them to the current file (V1.0). Engineered Efficiency created a tool and placed it in their ProPack (V2.0). You can find the post here http://civil3drocks.blogspot.com/2006/07/super-secret-style-getter.html.
Civil 3D 2011 has two new tools. Read on…
