The most complete resource for learning AutoCAD Civil 3D

Mastering AutoCAD Civil 3D is the ultimate guide to the
new standard in civil engineering software. With combined
experience in both civil engineering and Autodesk Civil 3D, authors
Cyndy Davenport and Ishka Voiculescu guide you through the ins and
outs of the program, from the fundamentals to the little-known
tricks that make a big difference. The book focuses on real-world
applications in professional environments, and presents topics and
ideas not found anywhere else. Lessons begin simply, with an
overview of the software and interface, and then gradually progress
to more complex topics.

AutoCAD Civil 3D is the standard software for civil engineering
and design. From surveying and mapping, to design, to documentation
and analysis, the program offers expanded capabilities and
complementary workflows, allowing easy integration with InfraWorks,
Revit Structure, and more. The ability to complete a project within
a single suite means increased productivity and continuity, which
translates into quicker turnaround, better-designed structures, and
streamlined project management. The savvy civil engineering
professional must be well versed in the program's full
functionality as it expands throughout government agencies and
private companies. This book features in-depth coverage of topics
including:

* Surveying, points, and alignments

* Profiles, corridors, and grading

* LandXML and LDT project transfer

* Visualization, sheets, and project management

The book also features downloadable datasets that enable you to
access the lessons most relevant to your needs, and includes an
objectives map to help you prepare for the Civil 3D certification
exam. For the civil engineering professional hoping to remain
relevant in a changing industry, Mastering AutoCAD Civil 3D
is the ultimate resource.

Cyndy Davenport has been working in the land development
industry for 27 years in the capacity of design, technology
management, implementation, training, and support. Cyndy is a
regular speaker at Autodesk University and blogs at
c3dcougar.typepad.com. Ishka Voiculescu is an engineer at
the City of Austin Public works and has extensive experience using
the Autodesk Suite products for planning, design, and
visualization. He is a member of various engineering groups, an
active forum contributor, and blogs at civildigest.com.

Mastering AutoCAD Civil 3D is the ultimate guide to the new standard in civil engineering software. With combined experience in both civil engineering and Autodesk Civil 3D, authors Cyndy Davenport and Ishka Voiculescu guide you through the ins and outs of the program, from the fundamentals to the little-known tricks that make a big difference. The book focuses on real-world applications in professional environments, and presents topics and ideas not found anywhere else. Lessons begin simply, with an overview of the software and interface, and then gradually progress to more complex topics.

AutoCAD Civil 3D is the standard software for civil engineering and design. From surveying and mapping, to design, to documentation and analysis, the program offers expanded capabilities and complementary workflows, allowing easy integration with InfraWorks, Revit Structure, and more. The ability to complete a project within a single suite means increased productivity and continuity, which translates into quicker turnaround, better-designed structures, and streamlined project management. The savvy civil engineering professional must be well versed in the program's full functionality as it expands throughout government agencies and private companies. This book features in-depth coverage of topics including:

• Surveying, points, and alignments
• Profiles, corridors, and grading
• LandXML and LDT project transfer
• Visualization, sheets, and project management

The book also features downloadable datasets that enable you to access the lessons most relevant to your needs, and includes an objectives map to help you prepare for the Civil 3D certification exam. For the civil engineering professional hoping to remain relevant in a changing industry, Mastering AutoCAD Civil 3D is the ultimate resource.

Chapter 1 • The Basics 1

The Interface 1

Toolspace 7

Panorama 35

Contextual Ribbon Tab 36

Civil 3D Templates 37

Starting New Projects 38

Importing Styles 41

Command Settings 44

Creating Lines 46

COGO Line Commands 46

Direction-Based Line Commands 49

Re-creating a Deed Using Line Tools 54

Creating Curves 55

Standard Curves 56

Best Fit Entities 62

Attach Multiple Entities 64

Adding Line and Curve Labels 65

Using Transparent Commands 66

Standard Transparent Commands 67

Matching Transparent Commands 68

The Bottom Line 69

Chapter 2 • Survey 71

Setting Up the Databases 71

Survey Database Defaults 72

The Equipment Database 75

The Figure Prefi x Database 76

The Linework Code Set Database 78

Configuring Description Keys for Point Import 79

Creating a Description Key Set 82

Creating Description Keys 82

Activating a Description Key Set 86

Understanding the Survey Database 87

Working with Survey Networks 95

Other Methods of Manipulating Survey Data 103

Other Survey Features 106

The Astronomic Direction Calculator 106

The Geodetic Calculator 106

The Mapcheck Report 107

The Coordinate Geometry Editor 108

Using Inquiry Commands 112

The Bottom Line 115

Chapter 3 • Points 117

Anatomy of a Point 117

COGO Points vs Survey Points 118

Creating Basic Points 119

Point Settings 119

Importing Points from a Text File 123

Converting Points from Non-Civil 3D Sources 127

A Closer Look at the Create Points Toolbar 131

Basic Point Editing 139

Graphic Point Edits 139

Panorama and Prospector Point Edits 140

Point Groups: Don't Skip This Section! 141

Changing Point Elevations 147

Point Tables 148

User-Defined Properties 149

The Bottom Line 153

Chapter 4 • Surfaces 155

Understanding Surface Basics 155

Creating Surfaces 157

Creating a Surface with Point Groups 159

Adding Breaklines 160

Adding Boundaries 164

Additional Surface Creation Methods 172

Surface from LandXML Files 172

Surface from DEM Files 175

Surface from GIS Data 179

Surfaces from Polylines 182

Refining and Editing Surfaces 186

Surface Properties 186

Manual Surface Edits 192

Surface Analysis 201

Elevation Banding 201

Slopes and Slope Arrows 206

Visibility Checker 208

Comparing Surfaces 209

TIN Volume Surface 210

Labeling the Surface 214

Contour Labeling 214

Additional Surface Label Types 217

Point Cloud Surfaces 220

Importing a Point Cloud 220

Working with Point Clouds 223

Creating a Point Cloud Surface 224

The Bottom Line 226

Chapter 5 • Parcels 227

Introduction to Sites 227

Think outside of the Lot 227

Creating a New Site 232

Creating a Boundary Parcel 234

Using Parcel Creation Tools 236

Creating a Right-of-Way Parcel 240

Adding a Cul-de-Sac Parcel 242

Creating Subdivision Lot Par…