topic Creating C3d output compliant with PennDOT's requirements in Civil 3D Forum

Creating C3d output compliant with PennDOT's requirements

aiverlimited — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 01:29:08 GMT

I'm starting a new job with a contractor that works in Pennsylvania, USA.
Does anyone have any experience producing Civil3d output that is compliant with PennDOT's requirements?

I don't live in Pennsylvania and have never worked there. I've been reading their website over the past few days and I see that they provide their Modelling Standards Manual, and Design Manual Part 2. I see also that they favor Bentley ORD as their standard CADD platform. I've never used Bentley ORD. Will learn it if I have to but I'd rather work in Civil3d and just make my output compliant if possible.

If anyone has any relevant experience, please let me know your thoughts or recommendations.

Re: Creating C3d output compliant with PennDOT's requirements

chriscowgill7373 — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 01:40:24 GMT

It might depend on what you are doing. In Michigan, the DOT uses MicroStation, if you do work for them directly, it must be done in MicroStation. However, if you work for local municipalities and they are funded through the state's local agency program, you can use whatever you or the municipality you are working for allows.

I dont know how things are done in Pennsylvania. The contractor you are working for should be able to tell you what is going to be necessary.

Re: Creating C3d output compliant with PennDOT's requirements

aiverlimited — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 01:48:47 GMT

Thank you very much, Chris. Yes, I see from the Penn DOT website that they use MicroStation, too.

It's very early days with the job. I only had the interview on Fri. I don't even know yet exactly what it is they want me to do. Just trying to show up prepared and avoid being overwhelmed. I suppose I'll just have to play it by ear until I get more info from them about whatever it is I'll be working on.

Re: Creating C3d output compliant with PennDOT's requirements

obulesub — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:42:19 GMT

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Re: Creating C3d output compliant with PennDOT's requirements

AllenJessup — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:24:48 GMT

A lot will depend on what the contractor can provide you with as far as standards they may have already created. Contractor can cover a lot of levels of work. I've known some that only push dirt and build infrastructure. I've known others that have employees that can work from existing CAD Drawings. I'm presuming that the contractor will be working from drawings (CAD of paper) that have been prepared by an Engineer and that follow the DOT specs. The hurdle you may face is working with Microstation drawings and data in Civil 3D. Doable but it may take a bit of work. I'd suggest you read up on how to handle that in Civil 3D. It can often depend on the design firms willingness to share things like XML files.

A lot of the work for a contractor may entail creating coordinate points for stakeout or verifying quantities.

Re: Creating C3d output compliant with PennDOT's requirements

aiverlimited — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:21:12 GMT

Thank you for the advice, folks. I agree completely that there are still a lot of unknowns and I need more info from the contractor. For the time being, you've given me some learning avenues to pursue that could help me until I have more info. Much appreciated.

Re: Creating C3d output compliant with PennDOT's requirements

nick.seman — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:28:05 GMT

PennDOT does have a PA State Kit available for Civil 3D. You will need to contact them to get a copy of it. GFT developed it for them.

Nick

Re: Creating C3d output compliant with PennDOT's requirements

aiverlimited — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:33:36 GMT

Thank you, Nick. That's good news. I'll get in touch with them and see if I can get that.