Web-Based Civil 3D Documentation

I do not know how long this has been available but the entire set of Civil 3D 2010 documentation is available in a web-based version (not as pdf's which are here).

This means that web searches should include this information.

Be Better! ...offer choices.

Web-Based Map 3D Documentation

Previously, we have been able to get to on-line pdf versions of the Map 3D Documentation. just like we can get to on-line pdf versions of the Civil 3D Documentation.

But now we can get to web-based versions of the Map 3D Documentation. For some this may be an easier way to read this information. More importantly, this means that web searches will include this information.

I highly recommend that you specifically look at "GIS Skills for Engineers" (the bottom most book). This documentation set contains animations (the "Show me how to..." links). These can be very helpful.

Do not forget that we can get to two version of the Map ribbons by changing our workspace to either:

1. Tool-based Geospatial
2. Task-based Geospatial

Be Better! ...give options.

Civil Engineering Resource Center is Redesigned

I must say, I like the NEW look, and feel of the Civil Engineering Resource Center. There is a great deal of information like How To's, Webcasts, White Papers, the Ask Lucy sections, and much more.

Some of the information is shown in three industry segments:

1. Transportation
2. Land Development
3. Environmental/Water

It is definitely worth a look.

Be Better! ...be more resourceful.

Tie a Ribbon around Civil 3D 2010 - the new user interface VIDEO

The title of this post is linked to a 25 minute YouTube video about the Civil 3D 2010 NEW ribbon interface. It has some great explanations, tips and answers some anticipated questions.

I highly recommend the viewing of this video!

Be Better! ...learn how things are intended to be used.

Old Styles Are Back Again

A friend just mentioned that...

AutoCAD Land Desktop Style Converter Extension for AutoCAD Civil and Civil 3D 2010

... was now available for download at the Autodesk Subscription Center. 

This extension converts some Land Desktop styles and/or project settings for:

Layers and text styles

Line, curve and spirals

Points

Contours and surfaces

Alignments, profiles and pipes

and creates equivalent Civil 3D styles and settings via a wizard. I recommend that you download this extension and give it a try.

Be Better!  ...learn about the tools you have available.

Which OS Is Best? This OS I Guess.

There has been a great deal of sharing of Civil 3D tips and best practices lately. One that I recently became aware of is "Which operating system is best for Civil 3D 2010"?

As I understand it, the recommendations (in order) are:

1. Windows Vista 64 bit
2. Windows XP 64 bit
3. Windows Vista 32 bit with 3GB switch
4. Window XP 32 bit with 3GB switch
5. Window Vista 32 bit
6. Windows XP 32 bit (my new laptop has this)

I wish that I would have known this one month ago.

Oh, and 8 GB of RAM is suggested for Window Vista 64 bit.

Be Better! ...operate in the best environment.

A Little Birdie Told Me

I apologize for not being able to recall who made the following suggestion, I believe on Twitter (I tried but could not find the tweet), but I found this tip to be a good one.

The first time that I select a ribbon tab other than the "Home" tab, I take a moment and select all of the tabs one by one. The reason for this is that Civil 3D puts the tabs in cached memory the first time that it is used, and it takes a second or three to do that. Once cached the ribbons change very quickly.

This has helped me by preventing any ribbon switching lag at unexpected moments. I control when that happens, and it is usually right at the beginning of a drawing session before I get engrossed with the design.

I hope that some of you find this helpful.

Be Better! ...Plan ahead in order to work faster.

Trimble Link Is Ready For 2010

My co-worker Jerry Bartels sent me the link to download Trimble Link for AutoCAD Civil 3D 2010 and AutoCAD Civil 2010. Click here or on the title to download.

Be Better! ... Work very well with others.

Uncover the Mask

I received an inquiry and a comment today pertaining to Civil 3D 2010 and the new setting possible to only mask the contour line with contour labels.

This breif video explains what is now possible.



Be Better! ...Hide only what should be hidden.

Civil 3D Quantifies

Here is a brief video that shows a couple of portions from the tutorials for Civil 3D 2010's new ability to assign pay list codes to objects and then generate pay item quantity reports.

This can quantify individual objects, linear objects, areas, Corridor components via corridor codes sets, and Pipe Network components via parts lists.

Be Better! ...Learn to keep good track of things.