I'm learning about Field-to-Finish linework in AutoCAD Civil 3D. Thought I'd share my faultering steps. If I skip an important step or you've got a better way, hit the Reply Button.
I'll start with the Standard Out-Of-The-Box Imperial DWT Template. Everyone got theirs open? Good. Now save this point file as TXT(I named mine "Property_Corners.txt") somewhere you can get to it:
1,10264.7620,7732.2650,918.7200,GLO-1915
2,10301.8670,5021.9880,840.8900,BR CAP-N1/4
3,9552.6600,5680.7390,857.7500,Fd Rebar
4,9549.7210,6307.9400,875.4000,CORNER B/Fd Rebar
5,9201.7260,6306.5010,872.4400,CORNER /Fd Rebar
6,9204.2520,5759.4450,860.9400,CORNER /Set Alcap
7,9552.2850,5760.7380,861.5800,CORNER CLS /Set Alcap
8,9204.6220,5679.4460,858.3600,Fd Rebar
Notice the comment delimiter (/) on points 4-7 and the B (Begin) on point #4 and the CLS (Close) on point #7.
Go to Toolspace, Survey Tab. Set the Working Folder:
Make a New Database:
Name the Database Folder:
Right-Click on Figure Prefix Databases and make a new one. I named it "BeerLeg". Do the same to make a new Linework Code Set.
Right-Click on "BeerLeg" in Figure Prefix Databases. Click the cross and make a Figure called "CORNER":
Import the Text File:
Step through the Wizard:
Specify PNEZD, then grab that TXT file:
Specify Network. "None" is OK. You don't need to create a new network. Set Import Options thusly:
Click "Finish". You should see a 4.37 AC Parcel with a line drawn from corner to corner. The points and lines will reflect whatever styles you have set, which of course you can change to suit.
This party's just getting started. I've got points to automatically draw some retainer walls, a circular slab, driveway aprons, and a driveway.
Dave
Looks like you are well on your way.
The only comment that I might have is to make your descriptor codes a little shorter or else you will spend all day in the field typing. I try to keep my base code to a max of 4 characters. Setting up a set of "standard" descriptors is the first step to making this all work. Everybody doing it the same way on every job is one key to a successful operation.
Example: CORNER /Fd Rebar
This is a good code that you can understand, BUT it could be changed to:
"COR/FIR". Lot less typing at the end of the day.
The use of the KISS SYSTEM is imperitive when you set up any Field To Finish system.
[sarcasm]Glad to see that Civil 3D is just as intuitive as LDD was[/sarcasm].
Cptdent,
Good points. Back when I was an I-Man, the company had 2-digit codes to save us typing, but I had to carry crib sheets with me because I couldn't remember the numbers.
Dave
> .... had to carry crib sheets with me because I couldn't remember the numbers.
Nothing out of the ordinary. Every place I've worked since 1996 has had such sheets, which we have always had laminated and call "code cards". It doesn't take long before the 20-30 codes that get regularly used are memorized.
Looks nice, Dave. Next step is editing an imperfectly coded data set and re-importing.
Thanks, Mark. I've been doing plenty of text editing to see the effect of the Linework Codes and the effect of choosing "By Import Order" or "By Point Number".
Dave
> .. the effect of ....choosing "By Import Order" or "By Point Number".
I had a field crew topo'ing streets miss a shot on the gutter line in a curb return. I sent them back the next day to get the missed shot (I could have also just McGygvered a point). By inserting that out of sequence point into the file in the right place and using "By Import Order", it should draw up right.
Nice job. I really need to look at this for my company. Maybe carlson does it.
Scott,
Thanks. Carlson also does F2F. Several of the Forum members here have been using it for years.
Dave
MAYBE Carlson does it??!! Yes indeed it does, and from the example above, much easier. PLUS there is also the ability to do more than line work (which I'm pretty sure Civil3D also does).
In both systems you can do all of your line work, insert all of your symbols and add labels to trees, inverts and whatever else you want, all on the import. AutoCad does it with a *.fbk file, Carlson does it with the *.crd file.
If you are using Carlson and have not looked at Field To Finish real close, either call your VAR or see if there is a local guru available. Either one should be glad to help you on your way.
All else fails get Jennifer DiBona's book on setting up Field To Finish. You will recoup the cost of that training manual on the first job once you get everything set up the way you want it.
> MAYBE Carlson does it??!! Yes indeed it does.....AutoCad does it with a *.fbk file....
One of the beauties of this C3d system is that you no longer need the fbk file. In fact this "new" (new since 2010) C3d system is very similar to Carlson's in many ways.
Cool!! 2007 was my last version of LDD before switching to Carlson.
Can you now run multiple descriptor files in AutoCad? I want the crews to use ONE code list for all jobs, but I have symbols for regular work and synbols for the same items that the Corps wants to use. I know I can have 2 *.dwt files to handle the layer names and all, but can I run the one set of descriptors through F2F and get my regular blocks, text, etc. and then run the SAME file through and get the Corps symbols, etc. in another drawing? In essence a second descriptor key library?
> Can you now run multiple descriptor files in AutoCad? I want the crews to use ONE code list for all jobs...
I haven't tested it personally, I'm learning along with David, but, yes, you can have multiple descriptor key file, figure prefix databases, and linework code sets.
Cptdent,
Yep. As Mark says, you can have as many Description Key Sets as you want in C3D; several in the same drawing or different sets in each drawing.
Dave
When we initially upgraded to Civil3d we continued to import .fbk files like we did in LDD. However, Civil3d allows input of .txt or .csv files which will still produce all of the linework and breaklines and such but in a much simpler format. Once we shifted to this method we will never go back.
