This week Peter begins to explain how to start using Civil 3D for surveying.  Peter explains the point database, figure database, description keys, and the other basics to setting up your template for survey work.

Links…

Autodesk University 2007 ~ CV218-4 AutoCAD Civil 3D: Survey Exposed

Civil 3D Surveying Tools from Edward-James Surveying, Inc.: AutoCAD Utilities

As always, if you have any comments or suggestions, please email us at podcast@cadtimes.com

Podcast:

iTunes: Episode012

Direct Download: Episode012

RSS Feed: CADTIMES Podcast

For example, 1 year pre-paid hosting (500 GB storage, increases weekly by 2 GB, and 5.0 TB bandwidth, increases weekly by 40 GB) is $119.40 - $50 = $69.40

So use “CADTIMES08” and save $50 off any hosting order.

This was a huge let-down.  Nothing is new.  Still same old Civil 3D and Storm Sewer.  Except now, Storm Sewer will correctly read and export to a LandXML file. 

Sample Work Flow: Layout pipe network in Civil 3D -> Export pipe network to LandXML -> Import LandXML into Storm Sewer -> Design Pipe -> Export LandXML out of Storm Sewer -> Import LandXML into Civil 3D.  Change pipe lengths, etc. in Civil 3D -> Repeat above.

Need the hydraulic grade line shown on your profile?  Export profile from Storm Sewer to DXF and overlay that on your Civil 3D pipe network profile.  Change any pipe lengths or sizes?  Just Repeat import/export process between Civil 3D and Storm Sewer, and overlay the dxf profile again. 

My last annoyance, upon import into Civil 3D.  All of your structure and label rotations are reset.  Someone asked about that in the webcast and the response was “you saw how easy it was to re-rotate the structures.”  Uhh….no.  I don’t want to re-rotate and align with curb and gutter any amount of structures and labels.

So to call this an “Extension” is being VERY generous.  If you use Storm Sewer currently to design, you’re probably pretty happy that you can use the LandXML option now.  But otherwise, I wouldn’t waste any time with it until they PROPERLY incorporate it in to Civil 3D.

The website for the new extension will be http://www.autodesk.com/civil3d-stormwater

More later…

Shaan Hurley mention on his blog that if you are a member of the MyFeedback Community, you can enter for a chance to win a free trip to AU 2007.  The deadline for entry is 10/26/07.  You can check out my entry for a free trip to AU.

There are some podcasts available from the AU speakers at the AU BEAT website.  You can get a preview of some of the classes that are available to attend.

Civil 3D Service Pack 2 is out.

Autodesk Labs has released it’s Drawing Cleanup Utility.

Autodesk has bought Intelisolve.  So hopefully, Civil 3D will get some hydraulics and hydrology capabilities.

As always, if you have any comments or suggestions, please email us at podcast@cadtimes.com

Podcast:

iTunes: Episode011

Direct Download: Episode011

RSS Feed: CADTIMES Podcast

In order to be considered, you need to go to the MyFeedback website, and sign up.  When you sign up, you fill out a survey with your Autodesk interests.  In a few days, you should receive an invitation to participate in one of the beta projects.  Once you are a member, you can read Shaan’s post with the directions on how to submit your entry.

My Submission

It was suggested that the entries for the free AU pass, be funny.  However, I’ve been told many times, that I’m not really funny.  So I figured the next best thing to funny, was frightening.  And what could be more scary than someone sitting outside your ranch (aka house) waiting to speak with you, and demanding they give you what you want.  I would like to thank Cindy Sheehan for this bit of inspiration.  My wife suggested that I think this idea through.  When I started thinking about the logistics of waiting to speak to Shaan (my wife called it stalking), it may not be as good of an idea as it sounds.  Here’s why…

First of all, I live in Atlanta.  And we know from some of Shaan’s previous posts, he lives in Utah.  Somewhere in the greater Salt Lake area.  So I would have to fly to the Salt Lake area (approximately $750 if I left 10/7/07).  I would then need a car and supplies.  I figure it will take 2 weeks for Shaan to break down an give me a free ride to AU. 

Plane Ticked: $750

Car Rental: $200

Food (@ $40/day): $560

Folding Chair:  $20

Suncreen: $20 (I’m really pale)

Video Camera: $500 (for proof of tasering)

Bail Bond:  $1,000

Lawyer to fight restraining order:  $5,000

Total:  $8,050

Since it would only cost $1,645 (Early Bird Rate) or $2,145 (Regular Rate), this idea isn’t as good as it initially sounded.  I might not have to pay for AU, but it would cost me $8,050 to go for free.  So paying for AU would give me a savings of at least $5,905.

DISCLAIMER:  This is all in jest.  I am NOT condoning waiting to speak with someone (some people call it stalking).  Shaan, if you have someone sitting out side your ranch (house), it’s not me.  I have witnesses.

Tim’s website is www.happyhourcomics.com.  You can read more about him and his business here as well as email him.

Errata: 

AutoCAD R14 was released in 1997, not 1989

Autodesk had a revenue of $526 million, not profit

Podcast:

iTunes: Episode010

Direct Download: Episode010

RSS Feed: CADTIMES Podcast

Lawsuit Resources:

The Man Who Dared to Sell AutoCAD R14 on eBay

ADSK v ODA

Old copies of AutoCAD

If you have any comments or suggestions, please email us at podcast@cadtimes.com.  Aslo, you can leave comments for Tim Vernor on this site, or email them to us, with the subject “lawsuit”, and they will be forwarded.

Please email us at podcast@cadtimes.com if you have any questions or suggestions.

This week we are joined by Shaan Hurley from Autodesk. He’s the author of Between the Lines (his blog), and runs the MyFeedback Portal (Autodesk Beta Testing). Please check out his blog if you’ve never been there before. It’s updated frequently and has lots of great information. Also, sign up for the beta testing. You get to see some of the new features before anyone else, and you can also give your input on the product.

This week we discuss Shaan’s role at Autodesk, his blog, beta testing, and various other items.

We have had a request to add the podcast’s feed to the list. I sometimes forget people listen using other methods :)

Podcast MP3 RSS: Podcast

Direct Download: Episode008

iTunes: Episode008

iTunes: Episode007