SQOTD: Civil 3D for Beginners - For Real

Hi Lou,

My name is Ricardo*, and I came across your blog by doing a search on the internet for civil 3d help for beginners….My firm has been using LDT 2004 and now we just received civil 3d 2008 and they want me to figure it out….and I really don’t know where to begin….was wondering if you had any suggestions or new of any website that would provide me with a little help. Thanks for any help you may give me and for taking the time to read this.

*Names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Hi Ricardo -

Thanks for writing me. It's nice to know that people are actually reading my material.

So you are looking for some guidance as far as getting started from scratch in Civil 3D, eh? Well, your best bet is to take the standard three-day introductory course from your local reseller. If they don't offer it or the class is not in your budget, there are still resources out there for you. The tutorial can be accessed from the Help menu, or it can be found at C:\Program Files\AutoCAD Civil 3D 2008\Help\Civil_tut.pdf. I also like the Getting Started Guide located in C:\Program Files\AutoCAD Civil 3D 2008\Getting Started Guide\Civil_3D_GSG.pdf. (If you can't find these items, modify the install and make sure they are selected.)

A few things to keep in mind when you are getting going:

1. Civil 3D is a totally different program from your current LDT 2004. If your reseller even suggested that to know one was to know the other, they were misleading you.


2. The #1 hardest thing about learning Civil 3D is getting things to look the way you want. Understand the concept of Styles and what can be changed in the Settings area, and you understand Civil 3D.


3. Templates (DWT's) are king. Units, default stuff and styles should all be part of your template. These replace the concept of the project Prototype in LDT.


4. Try to quit "cold-turkey" on the LDT. Once you have converted a project from LDT to Civil 3D keep it in Civil 3D. It is very cumbersome to mix the data back and forth. You do have the Land Desktop Companion DVD - you may decide to use that until your current projects are put to bed.

I hope this information helps!
Good luck and Happy Learning!!
Lou

P.S. Here are some good websites to check out:

http://civilcommunity.autodesk.com/ check out the free webcasts and discussion forums out there.

http://civil3drocks.blogspot.com/2006/06/lone-wolfs-guide-to-learning-or-trying.html This is very helpful - she gives things to look out for in more depth than I've done here.

www.civil3D.com Information here runs the gammut from basic how-to's to intense work-arounds.

and then as soon as it is available get this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Autodesk-Civil-3D-CD-ROM/dp/0470167408/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_a/102-7553717-8086558