Just made the jump to Civil 3D 2013. I have one quick question with several parts.
It is my understanding with 3D osnaps on, lines/polyline are supposed to be drawn in 3 dimnensions.The Z of a polyline drawn with 3D osnaps on appears to be drawn in 2 dimensions. It seems as though the line is drawn in the Z plane of the first point, which is to say it has a constant elevation. Is this correct?
If so, what are the implications of this if I am trying to create standard breaklines from polylines?
In doing general drawing clean-up, with particular reference to unfinished figures, do I have to draw in 3 dimensions for these lines to be useful?
I'm sure as I use the software more these answers will become clear but any help wpuld be greatly appreciated.
"It is my understanding with 3D osnaps on, lines/polyline are supposed to be drawn in 3 dimnensions.The Z of a polyline drawn with 3D osnaps on appears to be drawn in 2 dimensions. It seems as though the line is drawn in the Z plane of the first point, which is to say it has a constant elevation. Is this correct?"
Correct.
A 3dPoly will have a different z value at 3 snapped points A=900, B=905 and C =910
Where a Polyline will carry the first snapped z value through entire length of polyline.
A=900, B=900 and C=900.
"If so, what are the implications of this if I am trying to create standard breaklines from polylines?"
See Here for Standard and Proximity breakline types
"In doing general drawing clean-up, with particular reference to unfinished figures, do I have to draw in 3 dimensions for these lines to be useful?"
Not sure what you mean by "unfinished figures? Survey Figure edits or just general linework in dwg to be used as breaklines?
You'll either define breaklines by Standard or Proximity type, so for example if all you have is polylines (all at zero elevation) you'd use Proximity. breakline vertices elevations get read from the closest surface point in this case.
if your breaklines have actual elevations assigned, 3d lines, 3d poly's Survey Figures etc. Standard is used.
Hope this helps.
If you want to draw polylines in 3D, then you need to use the command 3DPOLY.
Polylines are 2D by nature and will maintain the starting elevation.
"Unfortunately, no one can be told what Civil 3D is. You have to see it for yourself." Pardon the movie reference... 🙂
Kevin
neilyj (No connection with Autodesk other than using the products in the real world)
Did you find this post helpful? Feel free to Like this post.
Did your question get successfully answered? Then click on the ACCEPT SOLUTION button.
I ended up switching the Workspace to 2D which allows me to do the drafting clean up I'm looking for. I'm not sure if or how the Civil 3D Workspace will be affected by this, whith respect to breaklines in particlular, but I guess we'll find out.