Wicked Cool Stuff
Dominick Gallegos, Civil 3D Technical Marketing Manager for Autodesk, shares his unique perspective and ideas on the functionality and use of Civil 3D for a range of different project types.
About DominickLatest Post
- posted 09/10/08 by Dominick Gallegos Road Design Basics Using AutoCAD Civil and Civil 3D 2009
- Just a quick heads up! A new white paper entitled Road Design Basics using AutoCAD Civil and Civil 3D has been posted to the civil engineering product center. There is a lot of good information included in this paper and I think it’s great for someone who is new to the civil product line. Also, as you look through the paper you will see that we have included the ENTIRE subassembly catalog as a reference appendix to assist you when you’re looking for the right subassembly to meet your project needs.
The first 10 pages of this paper go through the concepts, terminology, and functionality of how the corridor works. More importantly, it lays out how all of these pieces fit together when modeling roads. There is also a section towards the end of the paper that explains how AutoCAD Civil and Civil 3D respond when modeling projects that require superelevation. Lastly, this paper has a reference appendix that exposes all of the subassemblies in one central location. Each one of these subassemblies include a description of what the subassembly does, some common uses and it also includes the type of functionality each one of the subassemblies respond to. For example, maybe you are looking for a lane that has multiple courses of material but you also need to control the width and elevation of the edge of travel way. The appendix also includes the new subassemblies that were recently released on the subscription center.
This paper is definitely a must read for new users but it’s also a good refresher piece for those that have been using the product for some time. Take a peek, I definitely think it’s worth your time!
Check it out!
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Previous Posts
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AutoCAD Civil / Civil 3D Update_1 Version 2
Posted 08/14/08 by Dominick Gallegos
Yeah, I know I haven’t posted in a really long time and for that I do apologize. Lately, I have had my head down creating content for some of the upcoming events. Still I wanted take a minute to provide some exciting news to our users. At 5pm EST on Friday, Update 1 Version 2 was posted on the Autodesk support site. By now you may be thinking, what the heck is Update 1 Version 2? From this point on Autodesk has decided to shift from the terms “Service Pack” to the term “Updates”. As Autodesk moves forward with additional content and updates, we feel this naming structure will become easier to understand and manage for users! Plus, this naming convention also falls in line with how the AutoCAD team been releasing their latest updates.
So now onto the Update! Besides the name change there is some really cool enhancements/fixes to our core functionality. Shown below is a snippet of the readme file that comes with the update. If you look closely there is some really exciting changes, especially the Navisworks and grading modifications!
By the way, this is not the complete list of changes, so please refer to the readme file that is available when downloading the Update.
General
- The shortcut notification window in a client drawing is now displayed when the source drawing is modified and
saved.
- Object styles persist as expected when you use the Copy and Paste commands on objects. Previously, using
these commands to copy and paste objects would randomly cause some object styles to disappear.
- A temporary drawing object that is created when you use the View/Edit Corridor Section command is now being
deleted when you exit the command.
Alignments
- The start station and end station properties for a fourth spiral in a SCSSCS curve group now display the correct
values in the Alignment Entities panorama vista.
API
- When using the API extension dictionary, objects are now properly propagated across data references for all
object types.
- Performance is improved when you use AeccPoints:: AddMultiple() to add points.
- The AeccPipe:: ConnectToStructure() method now works as expected when you call the Disconnect() method.
- The AeccParcel:: AddSingleSegmentLabel() and AeccParcel:: AddMultipleSegmentLabels() methods now work
as expected.
- The AeccSurveyLandXMLPropertiesRoot:: getitems() method now returns the LandXML extended properties for
the object. Previously, the method returned the LandXML properties for the survey database.
Corridor Design and Subassemblies
- Material volume calculations are now computed correctly for subassemblies that contain structural parts.
Previously, in situations where these subassemblies overlapped it resulted in crossing line segments and
omitted material in the material volume calculations.
- Material volume calculations are now consistent across stations in situations where surface overhang causes
surfaces to join incorrectly in the cross section view.
- Layers now work as expected when you insert a DWG that contains a corridor as an xref. Previously, the layer
settings were ignored.
- The Import Subassembly command now supports a package file that contains multiple localized languages. At
import time the localized language that matches the installation will be extracted.
Cross Section Views
- Cross sections now update consistently and reflect changes that are made to the corridor using the View/Edit
Corridor Section command.
- Sample line label visibility is now determined by the sample line layer. Previously, the visibility was determined
from the sample line group layer.
- The section 1 and section 2 columns are now correctly displayed by default in the Section View Bands dialog
box. Previously, they were hidden by default.
- Corridor sections that are included as xrefs in a drawing are now drawn as expected.
Grading and Feature Lines
- Elevations at grading projection line points can now be edited. Previously, in situations where the start or end of
a grading touched a PI point of the feature line, those elevations could not be edited.
- Creating a feature line from an alignment, with the Weed Points option cleared, now creates the feature line with
correct data. Previously, the feature line would extend beyond the length of the associated profile and it would
ignore the specified elevation values.
- Grading feature lines created from a corridor feature line that contains gaps or breaks are now created in the
correct location.
- Daylight lines are now created correctly for gradings that overlap each other.
- Surfaces are now built correctly from grading groups. Previously, the grading surface did not always respect
the grading results. To ensure correct results when you open a drawing, you should rebuild the surface.
- Several issues involving grading objects and feature lines on locked layers have been resolved and the program
no longer closes unexpectedly when the drawing is saved or the layer is unlocked.
Labels
- The grade in and grade out properties for Profile Geometry Point labels at Profile Start, Profile End, Overall Low
Point, Vertical Curve-Tangent Intersect, Distance to Previous, and Distance to Next now display the correct
values.
- Points that are imported with a scale in the parameters now display labels correctly. Previously, the labels were
offset.
- The Labels Properties dialog box now displays the specified reference text object name.
- The Vertical Reverse Curve Intersect Geometry Point label now has the correct abbreviation, VRC. Previously,
the text displayed as VCC.
Lines Curves
- Using the Curve Calculator after using the Create Curve commands no longer causes the program to close
unexpectedly.
Object Enabler
Important: The Civil Object Enabler is a separate install. You must uninstall and then reinstall the Civil Object Enabler in order for the following changes to take effect. You can download the most recent version of the Object Enabler at: http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=DL11092427
- Opening previous version drawings in the Object Enabler environment no longer causes the program to close
unexpectedly.
- Error messages are no longer displayed when you open a Civil 3D drawing in a localized version of Map 3D
2009 with the Civil Object Enabler installed.
- Autodesk® Impression is now supported with the Civil Object Enabler.
- The following NavisWorks products are now supported with the Civil Object Enabler.
-Autodesk® NavisWorks® Manage 2009
-Autodesk® NavisWorks® Review 2009
-Autodesk® NavisWorks® Simulate 2009
Parcels
- Using grips to edit parcels no longer causes the program to close unexpectedly.
Pipes
- You can now add a part family to a parts list.
- When you lay out pipes, the program now accepts the point that you select on screen as an endpoint.
Previously, the program would randomly ignore the selected point and the command line would continue to
prompt you to select a point.
Plan Production
- Sheet numbers on match lines are now resolved if the Sheet Set Manager .DST file is moved from its original
location to a supported search path location.
- Matchline text is now displayed in sheets that are placed into a new drawing that contains multiple view frame
groups.
Points
- In situations where child overrides exist in point labels, the arrow is now displayed in the Edit Label Styles dialog
box to indicate the override.
- Inserting a drawing that contains points now populates the _All Points group.
- The Geodetic Calculator now applies the correct transformation Grid Scale Factor for ground coordinates.
Profiles and Profile Views
- A corridor is now correctly flagged as 'out of date' when you make edits to the profile.
- Having a blank row in the Profile Editor no longer causes an Invalid Input message when you click OK.
Project Manager
- Project DWFx files are now displayed properly when you use the Preview option on the Toolspace Prospector
tab.
- Dependencies are now displayed as checked out. Previously, when you checked out a drawing from Vault that
contained a dependent drawing the dependent drawing did not display as checked out.
- Vault Explorer now displays "where used" and "used by" for dependencies.
- The Name field is no longer read-only in the New Project dialog box when you access this dialog box by right-
clicking a survey database on the Survey tab and selecting Add To New Vault Project.
- You can migrate Vault-based project XML files to the data shortcut structure
Surfaces
- Surfaces created from DEM .asc files will use the drawing units if no unit is specified in the .asc file.
- Using the Bounded Volumes command now returns the correct volumes.
- Negative contour lines are now displayed correctly. Previously, if surface data that existed in the specified
contour range consisted of a single data point, negative contour lines were not displayed for the surface.
Survey
- On the Survey tab in Toolspace, the previews for Figures, Networks, and Setups now work as expected.
- When the CgPoints option is cleared in the Import Survey LandXML dialog box, associated figures are no longer
created.
- The LandXML Extended Properties are now saved after you close a survey database.
- The Name and Description fields in the item list view for a new Network and for Network Properties are now
displayed when the Preview options are selected.
- The Import Survey LandXML command now imports CgPoints correctly. Previously, some points were skipped
during import.
- LandXML properties are now saved when you close the survey database.
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WisDOT. . . Another great story!
Posted 06/02/08 by Dominick Gallegos
Just a quick thought, for those of you out there that haven’t been keeping up with the latest info about WisDOT. This symbolizes a significant change the winds and how companies and states are looking into what Civil 3D has to offer along with the benefits it can produce. Pretty interesting!
WisDOT. . . . very exciting stuff!!!! -
AU Class Selection. . . . .
Posted 05/07/08 by Dominick Gallegos
This afternoon Nick and I worked on the AU class sections and after looking into all the classes, I can tell you first hand we have a very large class list to go through. Last week we ran a survey and thanks to all of you who voted. By using the survey along with along a complicated selection process we have started to narrow down the class list to those that will benefit end users the most. This year we have had an overwhelming response for classes with over 175 proposals submitted. I'd like to thank EVERYONE for taking the time to come up with all these great classes. If by chance your class does not get selected please keep on trying, there is always next year!
Just to give you a little insight into our complicated selection process , I have posted a couple of photos of the boardroom we were working in. We aren’t quite done selecting but a few proposals have floated to the top, if you think your class deserves to be on top you aren’t too late. Just in case you are wondering what our mailing address is. . . here you go. 100 Commercial St., Manchester, NH 03101. . . Fed Ex would be a good idea since the class submission deadline is quickly approaching!
P.S.
Just in case you are wondering. . . we are joking about the bribe part except when I was at Tech Camp James stopped by and tried bribe me with a copy of Mastering Civil 3D 2009, fortunately I was able to get a dollar for it on E-bay! Thanks James! Just joking!
Dominick
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World Press Day
Posted 02/18/08 by Dominick Gallegos
It’s amazing how much can happen over the course of a week. Last week Autodesk hosted World Press Day in San Francisco, where we invited journalists from all over the world to take part in the role out and highlights of the upcoming 2009-product release. This year the Autodesk Technical Marketing team (which I am part of) put together a unique story, which featured eight different Autodesk products working together on a Brazilian library project. Together these products showed different parts of the design process while analyzing specific elements of each design. I think the part that sticks out the most in my mind is that we did it all using the same data.
The image below shows a Revit model that has been imported into Civil 3D, thus allowing the civil engineer to use part of the Revit model to calculate the roof area. This could help in designing and analyzing the storm sewer network. This is just one example of how Civil 3D can work with multiple platforms, making the job of a civil engineer easier.
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Hydraflow Hydrographs & Express
Posted 01/24/08 by Dominick Gallegos
Those of you out there that have been living under a rock for the past month may still be unaware of the striking new extensions which have been recently released on the Autodesk Subscription site. Hydraflow Storm Sewer Extension, Hydraflow Hydrograph Extension, and Hydraflow Express Extension, while still easy to use, truly extend the Civil 3D functionality by giving users the ability to do all the hydrology and hydraulic functions that their little hearts desire.
View image
While the Storm Sewer Extension has been available for about a month, the Hydrographs and Hydraflow Express have recently been released and are now available for download from the Autodesk subscription site. I would highly encourage you to check out these new extensions so that you can explore the H&H features offered in these products. For all you users who may have been anticipating the introduction of hydraulic functionality into Civil 3D, these programs hold the key to your heart. Remember, if you are unable to login you may need to talk to whoever handles the CAD stuff.
View image
If you are interested in viewing some exciting features of these products, and how they could improve your overall workflow with Civil 3D, join in on the webcast scheduled for Friday, January 25th at 12pm EST. Click on the link below to register, where you will be provided with all the necessary information and a front row seat to see these features in action!
Hydraflow Hydrographs & Express Webcast
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A New Year!!!!
Posted 01/05/08 by Dominick Gallegos
Well I certainly hope everyone had a happy Festivus and if you were a good boy or girl, hopefully you received some good gifts. I was fortunate enough to spend the holidays with my wife’s family in Oklahoma and froze my rear off playing golf. Regardless of what you received, or who you spent the holidays with, it is a New Year. That means we can all begin to look forward to new things.
In regards to new beginnings, January marks my tenth month here at Autodesk. It has been eye opening, challenging, and invigorating; all qualities that a good job should embody. I have found the people here at the “mother ship” believe in the philosophy of work hard and play hard. There is a good balance to the employees, which allows for continuous innovation and creative thinking. In just the brief time in which I have been a team member of the Autodesk family, I can already say that this move was the right one for me. More to the point though, for those of you who are interested in looking forward to new things this coming year, I encourage you to take a look at an opportunity within Autodesk which would allow you to stay on the edge of technology, work with a great team, and see a little bit of the world. If you think your work philosophy and drive meet the requirements of what it takes to be a part of this team then I challenge you to apply. You can find all the details about this opportunity, as well as the qualifications needed, by clicking on the link below. If you have any questions about this position, please do not hesitate to email me directly at dominick.gallegos@autodesk.com.
An Autodesk Opportunity -
Happy Festivus
Posted 12/21/07 by Dominick Gallegos
With the holiday season right around the corner, I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah , or Happy Festivus. For those of you that used to watch Seinfield you will know what festivus is and those of you that didn’t well, you can visit Wikipedia to find out more. Let’s just say that the Airing of Grievances and the Feats of Strength should be done more than once a year. . . . . . not with me but someone in your family.
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Autodesk University Power Track. . .what's it all about!
Posted 10/16/07 by Dominick Gallegos
I often get a lot of requests from people asking what the Power Track is all about, and if it's for them. To be honest I think it gives a great look into the product because if you are a new user it exposes you to the basics such as styles or even points. However, if you are a more experienced user it will also let you see features such as grading or even sewer design. Often when experienced users attend power track classes they are able to pick up on some great tips and tricks that may not have been explained when they learned the product initially.
This year we have some great instructors teaching in the Power Track but we are also allowing attendees to pick and choose which classes they would like to attend in the Power Track. So if you think that the Power Track is simply for new users, you had better think again. While it will expose new users to functionality but it will also give the experienced user something to use when they get back to work using Civil 3D. If you would like to hear more about this exciting event, you can listen to a podcast that will be available on the main Autodesk University site. It goes into a little bit of detail about classes but it will also give an idea of what to expect when you go to AU this year.
Autodesk University 2007-Power Track
PS
Be sure and pay attention to the slaughtering of my name. . . . GUY A GOES. . .phonetically speaking. . :-)
Cheers,
Dominick
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A quick update
Posted 10/08/07 by Nick Zeeben
This one will be short and sweet. The survey extension for Civil 3D posted here was updated today. A minor correction was made and I would encourage all of you to download and install this new version.
Have fun and safe translating for all you survey oriented folks.
Nick -
Multiplicity
Posted 09/06/07 by Nick Zeeben
Hello Again,
After a summer of travelling here there and everywhere I am back in Manchester for an extended stay. I got to spend some time today at the AEC Dev Camp that is going on this week in Wakefield Mass today. Driving down with Peter Funk today we got to talking. I had been out visiting a customer and they had asked for a multiple parcel volume report. It’s a request I had heard a few times before and had even briefly toyed with. As I was at the Developer camp it seemed appropriate I do some developing. I also happened to have one of our Programmers sitting beside me. Between the two of us we made some alterations to the parcel volume report that comes with Civil 3D and I have posted it on the community site here.
Hope you all enjoy, and thanks to John for helping me out.