@jeff_rivers is correct.
All of the programs you mention can be useful with Civil 3D.
In addition vehicle tracking is good for parking lots and is only available as a part of the AEC Collection.
Raster design may be useful as well.
Home if you want to work with point clouds, you will need to use Recap, because Autodesk has removed point cloud capabilities form Civil 3D.
*** Begin Rant ***
In my opinion, it is not prudent to for Civil 3D (C3D) users ignore Infraworks (WIX). Autodesk markets IWX as a planning tool good for about 30% design. A couple of years ago, an Autodesker told me it is not Civil 3D or Infraworks; it is Civil 3D and Infraworks. Autodesk appears to be investing heavily in IWK. C3D … … Not so much. My observations over the past few years lead me to believe that Autodesk's vision is Infraworks and Civil 3D.
Be defensive when considering Autodesk's offerings.
I will be switching from Civl 3D to the AEC Collection when my maintenace is up for renewal.
(If you are on a current maintainence plan look into the "switch" program. I do not know if it allows cross grading. It is complicated. Check with Autosesk and a reseller. If the answers do not match, check some more.)
I do not know how many seats of Civil 3D you are considering, but I suggest including at least one seat of AEC collection in the mix. You might want some seats of palin Aucad. The AEC Collection is licensed by user. If user A is assigned AEC he can use C3D and IWX and …; User B, who is assigned C3D can not use IWX, even if user A is not currently using it. It is complicated.
*** End Rant ***
You asked why you would need AutoCAD if you had C3D. You do not need AutoCAD, but there may be times you want ot use it. C3D files carry specific C3D information not in plain DWG files, and thus are larger. In addition, when opened in programs other than C3D, object enablers will be required.
Blocks and details can be created in AutoCAD because they do not use C3D capabilities.
Similarly Cover sheets and note sheets can be created in AutoCAD, by non C3d drafters.
Christopher Stevens
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@Kevin.Spear wrote:
While true, Civil 3D as a package includes the core autocad. … …
I agree that the Civil 3D PROGAM, includes the core AutoCAD functionality. As I understand it, the current Civil 3D subscription offering includes only Civil 3D, not stand alone AutoCAD. As I stated in my previous post, there may be times that AutoCAD is preferable to Civil 3D.
If you need civil engineering tools, then Civil 3D is the choice. If you need vehicle swept path, then you need vehicle tracking. If you need both, then you would get the AEC collection.
I would add Infraworks and Raster Design to the "if you need both list."
Recap Pro, Revit, Navisworks Manage and 3DS Max might make the list as well.
$1,575 AutoCAD
$2,155 Civil 3d
$2,755 AEC Collection
$1,610 Infra Works
$2,250 Revit
$1,505 3dS Max
$ 305 Recap Pro
Raster Design - only available with AutoCAD or AEC Collection
Vehicle Tracking - only available with AutoCAD or AEC Collection
I do not mean to suggest that the value of the Civil 3D is the sum of these prices.
I am just pointing out the reality that AEC is less expensive that C3D plus almost any add on.
The addons could be subscribes to on a short term basis, rather that annually.
Study your options, then choose well. A mix of products may be best. Ignore Infraworks at your peril.
Clear as mud? 🙂
Absolutely! (I'm afraid that I may have made it even less clear.)
Christopher Stevens
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It's a slight change. Before you would "Open Civil 3D as AutoCAD". Now you can just open AutoCAD. I don't use it often. But It's convenient if you just have to do some quick editing of or inspect an entity that isn't from Civil 3D. The drawing will open much faster in plain AutoCAD.
Unfortunately you are now in a time where you can only subscribe to a collection.
Allen Jessup
CAD Manager - Designer
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