Increasing InfraWorks Features
Unlike some other Autodesk releases, the 2016 version of AutoCAD® Civil 3D® isn’t loaded with new features and enhancements. Fortunately, users on subscription have been getting updates all along. Several things came out for 2015 in the Subscription Productivity Pack as well as other subscription add-ons. I think you will see this as a common theme from here on out. Those on subscription, whether desktop or maintenance, will get additional add-ons and benefits throughout the year. And I think this works well to get fixes/new items/”apps” immediately instead of having to wait for the big release each year.
Of course, when you have Civil 3D you also have AutoCAD and Map 3D so anything new in those should be brought over to Civil 3D as well. Below are a few findings on what to look forward to in the upcoming release.
Figure 1
Project Management
This new feature targets common data shortcut management issues, including broken data shortcuts. This addresses the following:
- Allow users to report references in a project (broken and valid so people can understand how a model is formed)
- Allow users to re-connect an object to a data shortcut if the reference is broken (e.g., source file no longer exists)
- Allow users to connect a full model object to datashortcut (downgrade the object to a different source)
- Allow the user to change the object that it is referencing (change file and object name)
Coordinate Geometry Editor
With the latest Subscription Productivity Pack for Civil 3D 2015, the COGO Editor tool has undergone a great makeover from past versions. The command is now launched, for the time being, from the Toolbox panel of the Toolspace, under the Subscription Extension Manager. The original method is still available for those that are not on subscription.
Figure 2: COGO Editor interface
The Coordinate Geometry Editor includes features that enable you to enter, edit, and output 2D traverse data. You can create 2D traverses from existing COGO data, load it from a polyline, or manually enter known data. You can save traverses for later modification or generate traverse reports.
BIM / IFC Data
Under the XREF Manager, you now have the ability to attach a “Coordination Model” as it is referred to. Basically this means you can attach a Navisworks file (.nwd or .nwc).
This I think will prove very useful in the ever increasing BIM adoption within the Civil Engineering/Transportation Industry.
IFC is becoming a common model exchange environment for heavy construction. In particular, this is where Civil meets Buildings (civil structures including bridges and retaining walls, site features, etc.).
In Civil 3D 2016, we now have the ability to export to IFC. This will allow users to export basic AutoCAD objects (including C3D Corridor Solids) to IFC.
Commands:
- IFCImport
- IFCExport
Create Surface from Point Clouds
Also for 2015 PP1. This is not the same point cloud surface creation that has been there a while. This works in a much more efficient way and utilizes the power of ReCap.
Point Cloud Surface Extraction extension consists of the following features:
- Create a Civil 3D Surface from the new AutoCAD 2015 point cloud object (using .RCS format files generated in Autodesk ReCap)
- Include one or more point clouds from within the drawing
- Control surface creation boundary by graphical selection or by selection of an existing polygon
- Control “non-ground point filtering” as part of the surface creation process
Create AutoCAD 3D Solids
AutoCAD 3D solids can be used in downstream workflows including 3D printing and projection coordination. Create AutoCAD 3D solids from Civil 3D surfaces by:
- Fixed elevation
- Fixed depth
- Between two Civil 3D surfaces
You can also create AutoCAD 3D solids from Civil 3D gravity or pressure pipe networks.
Data Translator
The Civil Engineering Data Translator provides users with the ability to share project design data (for example, surfaces, alignments, profiles, points) between AutoCAD Civil 3D and legacy civil software environments. This will really help those firms that utilize both the Autodesk and Bentley platforms.
The Data Translator enables users to convert data between the following formats:
- Convert the following Bentley format files into corresponding AutoCAD Civil 3D .DWG files: .DTM, .ALG, .TIN, and .GPK
- Convert Civil 3D objects contained in a Civil 3D .DWG file into corresponding Bentley files: .DTM, .ALG, .TIN, and .GPK
Data Exchange with InfraWorks
This I like…A LOT!! Instead of exporting to IMX from your InfraWorks model, you can now directly connect the two and transform that data much more seamlessly. This enhances the ability for AutoCAD Civil 3D users to directly read Autodesk InfraWorks models for detailed design / production tasks.
Figure 3: InfraWorks options
As you see, you have two options in the pull-down from the Insert tab of the ribbon, either Open or Configure. First you want to look at the Configure settings. This will allow you to transform the data as you want and set some standards upon import. Once that is set, go to Open and bring in the file directly from the InfraWorks SQLite database.
Figure 4: Configure settings
Miscellaneous Additions
LOOP Support in Subassembly Composer – The new Loop element enables a sequence of subassembly geometry to be repeated until a condition is met.
Corridor Targeting – New and improved targeting, including targeting directly from an xref.
Production Drafting – Items that include crossing pipe labeling, section view flip, and several other general drafting enhancements.
Project Kameleon – Project Kameleon is a free technology preview where you can try the new infrastructure model content authoring tools. Go to labs.autodesk.com and take a look. Not sure when/if this will be rolled out.
New InfraWorks Modules
For those looking for the MODEL BUILDER within InfraWorks, that is only available when you upgrade to InfraWorks 360. They call that the “companion” if you have the suite. As many of you know, there are several modules you can add on to InfraWorks 360.
- Bridge module
- Roadway module
- Drainage module (If you haven’t yet tried it, DO IT! I like this for large data analysis.)
Coming soon there “may” be the following changes:
- Road Components for Corridors – Gives you the ability to modify properties similar to a subassembly in Civil 3D
- Traffic simulation
- Energy analysis
- Grading / land area behavior – This will be, in my opinion, the best module so far! Looking forward to testing this site design with some auto-generated grading and volume calcs
What is Autodesk Account?
This isn’t a Civil 3D thing, but it applies to all Autodesk customers, and I think this is a change people will like. As of March 13, 2015, Subscription Center, the online site where Maintenance Subscription customers have historically accessed their Subscription benefits, will be retired and all customers will be directed to Autodesk Account. This is a personalized and easy-to-use portal where customers can track and manage all of their Autodesk products, services, and benefits in one place. The newly enhanced Autodesk Account features fast and easy navigation with in-context instructions and information to help customers quickly find what they need, when they need it. You can access this portal at www.autodesk.com/account and login with your existing username and password.
Figure 5: Autodesk Account
Conclusion
Although there aren’t a ton of new features in Civil 3D 2016 itself, I do think you will find the AutoCAD platform changes and some of the changes I mentioned to be a good addition to your workflows. There are probably several things I failed to mention, and many things within the suite, but the 2016 release of Civil 3D will be the best so far.
