I am currently transitioning to a new position that uses C3D 2021.?ÿ
C3D is overkill for the task at hand which is deed plotting, area calculations, importing points, and review of survey work contracted with vendors. I would say the chances of me ever actually making a finished product with C3D is very low.
However, I must work with the tools that I have been given. I'm looking forward to learning.
Does anyone have tips/tricks for basic commands or drawing setup that you'd be willing to share. Or, an online resource you could point me towards. I have had some success finding similar command line functions, but not too much. I have also found the toolbox tab/misc utilities which are useful.
Thanks.
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We do most of those tasks as well using C3D.?ÿ We've been using it forever so I am not fully up to speed on current training for those tasks.?ÿ I would just start with YouTube with direct searches for your task.?ÿ Your tasks aren't complicated but will require some structure and setup to meet your needs.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=import+survey+points+civil+3d for importing survey points
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=cogo+mapping+civil3d for cogo of deeds
As with most things C3d, there are a few ways to do everything.?ÿ Just use the one that best suits your needs.
As someone that has used both extensively, you have my condolences.
the task at hand which is deed plotting, area calculations, importing points,
C3d does those things very well.?ÿ The trick with C3d is to be working with a template that has all the necessary styles set up.
Thanks for the youtube links and the condolences.
Once I move to my permanent work station, I'll find out if my predecessor has left me anything helpful. Fingers are crossed.
@kjypls?ÿ
Maybe talk to the new place about buying Carlson, the kind you can install on top of C3D.?ÿ That way you can still use some parts of C3D, that you're more comfortable with.
I took a job with a company a few years back, that only had C3D.?ÿ After being there a week, and needing to be productive, but having no one to help me, I bought my own?ÿ Carlson Survey license.?ÿ Yup, a big expenditure, but it made sense, and I don't regret it.
the survey database is definitely something to check out - it may take some time to thoroughly set it up but it's definitely a worthwhile feature for base-mapping preexisting site conditions & building surfaces. survey figures as the same as feature lines essentially too which works nicely for proposed grading features, corridors, pipe networks & profiles
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granted you might not hit the ground running with C3D BUT if you don't mind watching a couple "how to" videos on youtube then you'll start to realize it's true potential. it was set up for engineers & designers first & foremost but they have added on a ton of survey related features in recent years to include almost everything I need (I don't have TBC, Carlson or Starnet and I am able to do most anything required for surveying with a few work arounds). Annual subscription costs are great but nobody can control those anymore
the survey database is definitely something to check out - it may take some time to thoroughly set it up but it's definitely a worthwhile feature for base-mapping preexisting site conditions & building surfaces.
Is there a reason to make more than 1 survey database??ÿ I had always made a new database for every project because I thought I had to.?ÿ But do I really only need 1 database to process linework through for all drawings?
Is there a reason to make more than 1 survey database??ÿ I had always made a new database for every project because I thought I had to.?ÿ But do I really only need 1 database to process linework through for all drawings?
There is. If you import points to your drawing from the SD, instead of vice versa, they become "Survey Points" - as opposed to "Cogo Points". Survey Points can only be edited via the SD. So subsequent users of your drawing and its data (ie/ engineers and architects) cannot edit the points if they don't have the SD.?ÿ Which may be a comfort to the surveyor with certain subsequent users.
I do not choose to take advantage of that feature of the SD. I import points to the drawing as Cogo Points and import points to the SD from there. I make an SD for each project and use it only to run linework. Since I am often juggling several projects I make a new one for each, but I only keep them on on the local hard drive and make no effort to archive them.?ÿ
Ah ha, this is good to know!?ÿ I had heard survey point and cogo point mentioned a couple times over the years and I never actually knew what the difference was-- I suspected it was something to do with survey figures.?ÿ Anyway, I kind of like the idea of having my points locked down, but if I run into a situation where I want to work on one of my drawings from another computer then that might change my attitude about the database import pretty quick.
His channel is good for an introduction to many survey things:
https://www.youtube.com/c/RamiTamimi
(do a search for his Civil 3D tutorials)
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These two guys have a *LOT* of info.?ÿ I frequently referenced them when doing civil engineering work.?ÿ They may be overkill for your purposes.?ÿ Their videos on automatic driveways and retaining walls for corridors saved me a bunch of time, but will not likely be a concern for most.
https://www.youtube.com/c/JeffBartelsCAD
https://www.youtube.com/user/JerryBartels
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Honestly, running through the tutorials for COGO points will get you largely up to speed on the differences for your purposes.?ÿ Point Description Keys, Survey Databases, Surfaces, Feature Lines, etc. can all come later.?ÿ Learning the "fancy" parts of labels sounds like it might help you as well.
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Points
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Labels
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LISP and aliases are something I use routinely, but I would not worry about those until you know the basics of what you want to automate.?ÿ I transitioned out of civil engineering before Dynamo became a thing so I can't offer a hands-on opinion on it.
