Pasting data referenced surface - automatic update issue

[csaundersM4XVL]

I have compiled a very large surface (approx. 215 acres). Since this was too much to manage in one CAD file, I separated the main drainage basins and created individual files (5 files total) with a proposed surface in each. I then data referenced the 5 surfaces into a "combined" file and pasted all 5 into a compiled surface in one CAD file. However, I'm thinking about edits and I'm noticing that if I update in the original surface drawing(s) the changes don't always automatically update in the combined surface file. Does a data referenced surface that has been pasted not change after it has been pasted? Anyone have better ideas on how to work with such a large area. I'm using AutoCAD 2022.

[rl_jackson]

What type of data is being used to create the surface, as I don't see a 215 ac surfaces as being a large surface and have done a combination of UAV Lidar and Conventional Data on 1000 acres without issue.

If you're pasting the surfaces together, they are no longer the same surface as the reference, so they would not update.

[csaundersM4XVL]

Thanks for the input. The existing surface that I'm tying to is Lidar. The proposed surface I'm creating is for a group development including residential lots and concentrated commercial areas and was done via the grading optimization function in CAD  (ie. created via grading objects - building pads, drainage paths, etc. that convert into points and feature lines for all of the individual buildings, roadways, lots, sidewalks, parking areas, etc.) The grading optimization function crashed multiple times with the entire 215 acres, hence why I broke it down to multiple areas so maybe that's the issue. The optimizer adds a lot more elevation points than I would if I were drawing the individual feature lines for each of those objects. Maybe my follow up question would be has anyone had success with the grading optimizer on 200+ acres (probably around 900 grading objects) in one file.  

[Jerry_Barnes]

If you data reference a surface into a separate file, then paste it (and other data referenced files) into a new, combined surface, then any changes to the original surfaces, when saved, should update when synchronized in the new file with the combined surface. I've done this many times, though admittedly nothing as large as 215 acres.