AutoCAD Civil 3D

[#1]

Good Day all. Just wondering with the release of the new service pack are many out there using civil 3d for design purposes. Also is there going to be an official release of new software or is this beta going to evolve into the official software realease.

[#2]

Everyone will have a different view of whether the product is ready for production. We know there are holes in the current product - particularly when compared to a mature product like LDT/Civil Design. Some are big holes like road modeling, pipes, and projects. Others are smaller items that may or may not have a big impact on what you need to consider this a "production" product. I'm assuming that you use LDT/Civil Design (otherwise you wouldn't have access to C3D). Based on that, more than likely you'll want to use Civil 3D in conjunction with your LDT/Civil Design and Survey seat. The 2005 version of LDT (I think it was just annouced the other day on Autodesk.com) includes the ability to convert Civil 3D data (e.g. convert alignment, parcel, etc objects) into LDT project data. That will make it much easier to start a project in LDT/Survey, then create surfaces/conceptual design in Civil 3D, and bring things back into LDT for design of road sections, pipes, etc. The intention is that as the product matures you'll be most efficient staying completely in Civil 3D. The other reality is that there will be a learning curve that you and your users will need to work through. CAD Managers will also want to invest time in building standards that comply to your individual needs. Note - you can skimp on the standards/styles pre-work, but you'll loose on the drafting efficiencies that you get from the new environment. Hope this helps Dave S "Landman" wrote in message news:4050c89e$1_3@newsprd01... > Good Day all. > > Just wondering with the release of the new service pack are many out there > using civil 3d for design purposes. Also is there going to be an official > release of new software or is this beta going to evolve into the official > software realease. > > >

[#3]

We are using 3D in conjunction with LDT4/Civil for a pilot project now. Developing surfaces and alignments in 3D and then transfering them to LDT4 with LandXML. Other than the Profile import problem we experienced, we have had great success. Surfaces are easier to work with in 3D and getting a preliminary alignment is a breeze. We will continue to expand our use of 3d as more projects come up.