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! 
I’ve found, while working with customers, that one very useful component of profile views has been underutilized since its addition in AutoCAD Civil 3D 2010. This component I’m referring to is the profile view hatch. The initial perception users have of this component is that it is only used to show cut and fill locations between an existing surface and a proposed surface. But, that’s not the only use. When creating multiple proposed surfaces that are based on material (ie. Paving), this component adds an additional dimension to profile views. Reviewers and contractors can now see an added entity that helps in deciphering the vertical scale and location of underground utilities. In this post I’ll share with you an easy way to use this graphic which will add more meaning to your profile views.
See the rest of this post…
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…
