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Mastering AutoCAD Civil 3D

Working with surfaces

4.1 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 50 ratings
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Anthony Cook

This course will improve your existing skills of using AutoCAD Civil 3D and allow you to work more efficiently and productively. It is intended for those already in the civil engineering workforce and those looking to stand out from others and become a specialist civil designer.

The software is very comprehensive and can perform any civil engineering requirement. Yearly updates are released from Autodesk, and there is multiple third party add-ons. You can spend a life time trying to master the software and still have benefit from more training.

Read more

This course will improve your existing skills of using AutoCAD Civil 3D and allow you to work more efficiently and productively. It is intended for those already in the civil engineering workforce and those looking to stand out from others and become a specialist civil designer.

The software is very comprehensive and can perform any civil engineering requirement. Yearly updates are released from Autodesk, and there is multiple third party add-ons. You can spend a life time trying to master the software and still have benefit from more training.

"The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know." - Albert Einstein

There are many training courses available which are excellent for beginners or those wanting to get an overview of a specific workflow such as a designing a road. However, this course takes a step back and looks at a variety of ways of working with Civil 3D surfaces in the initial stages of a project. It focuses on one topic in detail, a resource that is not easily found elsewhere.

Having an accurate and manageable existing base model/surface is an essential step in a design project. It is paramount to ensuring the design is feasible, safe, and able to be priced accurately.

Setting up a design project correctly is an essential skill that you cannot afford not to have.

Note: This course will be done using metric measurement terminology.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Expand existing knowledge of base models (existing ground surfaces)

This lecture has general information about the course structure and it's purpose.

Read more

A fundamental summary of the components of a surface and their uses from an engineering perspective.

A brief lecture summarising the toolspace inside Civil 3D in relation to surfaces.

Explanation on what LiDAR is and where you can get it from. Tips on how to download and pitfalls to watch out for.

This is a short quiz to ensure you picked up the key points from Section 1.

Be sure to download the Section 2.pdf, the 3 Dominion.pdf and the two zip files from this lecture. Don't forget to unzip the files.
This lecture goes over some key points, downloads, and settings to check prior to starting to use the software.

Given some boundary and survey triangulation we will make a Civil 3D surface.

Using the drawing from the previous lecture, we will edit it to fill in gaps between the survey boundary and legal property boundary.

Starting a new drawing, we will import the LiDAR information from the example council website.

We will create another drawing, and setup surface links between them all.

In this lecture we will calculate the average difference in heights between surfaces and make some adjustments.

We will finally combine the data into 1 surface with smooth joining contours.

Final lecture of the section to review the completed project for any areas of improvement.

This quiz is based on Section 2 - setting up an existing surface.

Be sure to download the Section 3.pdf from this lecture.
Lecture 13 summarises various analysis techniques and tools available for surfaces.

By the end of this lecture you will be able to easily illustrate steep areas on a surface. This lecture covers the worked example and two other real world projects, both an as-built surface and a modified design surface.

In this lecture you will learn some methods of defining where a stream invert is, how to locate the banks, and calculate the average gradient of the stream invert.

This lecture will explore the inbuilt Civil 3D tools and their limitations. You will learn how to manually determine the catchment size using engineering judgement.

This lecture will showcase a real world flood example and also a simple interpretation of the ponding behaviour on our case study example.

This brief lecture will show you how to extract user contours at an elevation of your choosing. We will also set up the drawing for Lecture 19.

Carrying on from Lecture 18, you will learn how to use the inbuilt stage storage functions to create a table and a graph that shows the relationship between height and volume of an existing pond in the case study example.

Be sure to download the Section 4.pdf from this lecture.
Summary lecture to recap the course and reinforce key points.

NOTE: There is 2 video recordings for this lecture. View part 1 in the resources section.

This is a sample video of an example design carrying on from the case study project in Section 2 of this course. It shows how easy it is to create finished ground and sub-grade design surfaces including the use of a corridor.
If you liked my teaching style, let me know of any suggested future courses that would interest you.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on Civil 3D surfaces, which are essential for creating accurate base models in civil engineering projects, ensuring designs are feasible and safe
Explores innovative techniques for efficient and productive work with Civil 3D, which can help professionals optimize their workflows and improve project outcomes
Requires existing skills in AutoCAD Civil 3D, suggesting it is designed for those with some familiarity with the software and its applications in civil engineering
Uses metric measurement terminology, which may require users familiar with imperial units to adapt or convert measurements during the course
Teaches how to perform a civil engineering analysis of a surface, which is a core skill for assessing terrain and planning infrastructure projects

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Reviews summary

Specializing in civil 3d surfaces

According to learners, this course offers a deep and practical focus on mastering surfaces within AutoCAD Civil 3D. Students appreciate the real-world examples and workflows provided, which they find directly applicable to their civil engineering work. While the course provides efficient techniques and builds effectively on existing knowledge, it is best suited for those who already have some familiarity with Civil 3D basics, serving as a specialist guide rather than a beginner's introduction. The course uses metric units throughout its examples.
Course examples are presented using metric units.
"All examples and data are presented using metric measurements."
"If you work primarily in Imperial units, be prepared to convert or follow along with the metric system."
"The use of metric units was consistent throughout the course."
"Metric units were used, which aligns with my work, but might require adjustment for others."
Teaches methods for working more efficiently.
"I learned some clever techniques that have significantly improved my efficiency working with surfaces."
"The instructor shared valuable tips for optimizing workflows and saving time."
"Helped me approach surface tasks more productively using Civil 3D's tools."
Utilizes real-world scenarios and project examples.
"The examples used in the lectures are very practical and mirror real-world civil engineering projects."
"I was able to apply the concepts learned using my own project data almost immediately."
"Showed clear, step-by-step workflows for common surface tasks using real data examples."
"Practical demonstrations make the complex tools much easier to understand and implement."
Provides in-depth coverage of Civil 3D surfaces.
"This course provides an in-depth coverage of surfaces, which is crucial for anyone working with Civil 3D."
"Everything I needed to know about working efficiently with surfaces was covered clearly."
"Really helped solidify my understanding of complex surface manipulations in Civil 3D."
"The focus specifically on surfaces was exactly what I was looking for to specialize."
Best for users with existing Civil 3D knowledge.
"This course is definitely not for absolute beginners in Civil 3D; it builds on existing skills."
"You should have a basic understanding of Civil 3D interface and tools before taking this."
"It's an excellent course if you already work with Civil 3D and want to specialize in surfaces."
"Learners should be comfortable with Civil 3D fundamentals before enrolling."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Mastering AutoCAD Civil 3D: Working with surfaces with these activities:
Review Surveying Principles
Reinforce your understanding of surveying principles to better interpret and utilize survey data within Civil 3D.
Browse courses on Surveying
Show steps
  • Review surveying textbooks and notes.
  • Practice basic surveying calculations.
  • Familiarize yourself with common surveying equipment.
Review 'AutoCAD Civil 3D Essentials'
Gain a solid foundation in AutoCAD Civil 3D by reviewing a comprehensive guide.
View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to surfaces and data management.
  • Follow along with the examples provided in the book.
  • Experiment with different tools and settings.
Surface Creation Practice
Improve your surface creation skills by practicing with different data types and scenarios.
Show steps
  • Create surfaces from point clouds.
  • Create surfaces from contour data.
  • Merge multiple surfaces together.
  • Edit surface properties and styles.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Document a Surface Workflow
Solidify your understanding by documenting a specific workflow for creating and analyzing surfaces in Civil 3D.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific surface creation or analysis task.
  • Document each step of the process with screenshots and descriptions.
  • Share your documentation with others for feedback.
Model a Local Topographic Area
Apply your skills by creating a detailed surface model of a real-world topographic area using publicly available data.
Show steps
  • Obtain LiDAR or survey data for a local area.
  • Import the data into Civil 3D.
  • Create a surface model and refine it.
  • Perform a basic engineering analysis.
Review 'Mastering AutoCAD Civil 3D 2020'
Deepen your knowledge of advanced Civil 3D features by studying a comprehensive guide.
View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon
Show steps
  • Focus on chapters related to surface analysis and advanced modeling.
  • Try to replicate the examples provided in the book.
  • Explore the advanced settings and options.
Contribute to Civil 3D Scripts
Enhance your skills by contributing to open-source Civil 3D scripts or tools, improving your understanding of automation and customization.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source Civil 3D project.
  • Identify a bug or feature to work on.
  • Contribute your code or documentation.

Career center

Learners who complete Mastering AutoCAD Civil 3D: Working with surfaces will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Civil Designer
A Civil Designer is responsible for creating detailed engineering plans for infrastructure projects. This role requires proficiency in CAD software and a strong understanding of civil engineering principles. With the course designed to improve existing skills of using AutoCAD Civil 3D and allowing one to work more efficiently and productively, the detailed coverage of surface creation, editing, and analysis in this course directly supports the civil designer's daily tasks. The lectures on LiDAR data integration, surface analysis techniques, and volume calculations are especially relevant. The civil designer should find the course helpful, as it will allow them to stand out from others and become a specialist civil designer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Designer
CAD Technician
A CAD Technician creates technical drawings and models using computer-aided design software. They often work closely with engineers and architects to translate design concepts into detailed plans. This course on mastering AutoCAD Civil 3D, with its focus on surface modeling techniques, directly benefits a CAD technician working on civil engineering projects. The course lectures, such as those on creating surfaces from survey triangulation and LiDAR data, are particularly relevant. The comprehensive exploration of surface editing and joining techniques ensures that the CAD Technician can produce high-quality, accurate models. The course focuses on one topic in detail, a resource that is not easily found elsewhere, so a CAD technician can become very skilled.
See salaries and explore the career path for CAD Technician
Land Development Engineer
A Land Development Engineer designs and oversees the construction of residential, commercial, and industrial developments. This role requires a strong understanding of site grading, drainage, and infrastructure design. This course will improve existing AutoCAD Civil 3D skills and allow one to work more efficiently and productively, and the detailed coverage of surface creation, editing, and analysis techniques directly supports the land development engineer's work. The lectures on LiDAR data integration, volume calculation, and surface analysis are especially relevant. This course focuses on accurately setting up a design project which is an essential skill.
See salaries and explore the career path for Land Development Engineer
Civil Engineering Technician
A Civil Engineering Technician assists civil engineers in the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects. This role often involves using software like AutoCAD Civil 3D to create and modify designs. This course on mastering AutoCAD Civil 3D, specifically focusing on working with surfaces, directly aligns with the technician's need to create accurate and manageable base models. The course focuses on one topic in detail, a resource that is not easily found elsewhere. The course's emphasis on innovative techniques to work efficiently and productively, as well as performing civil engineering analysis of a Civil 3D surface will be very helpful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineering Technician
Surveyor
A Surveyor measures and maps land surfaces, often using data collected from LiDAR and other sources. These measurements are crucial for creating accurate base maps and digital terrain models. This course focuses on how to improve existing skills of using AutoCAD Civil 3D and allows one to work more efficiently and productively. A surveyor might find the lectures on LiDAR data acquisition and importing it into Civil 3D particularly relevant. The course's focus on creating and editing surfaces directly supports the surveyor's need to develop precise representations of existing ground conditions. Understanding the components of a surface and their uses from an engineering perspective could also be valuable.
See salaries and explore the career path for Surveyor
Hydraulic Modeler
A Hydraulic Modeler uses computer simulations to analyze water flow and drainage systems. They create models of rivers, streams, and stormwater networks to predict flooding and optimize designs. This course goes over a variety of ways of working with Civil 3D surfaces in the initial stages of a project. The lectures focusing on surface analysis techniques, stream gradient calculation, and catchment delineation are particularly applicable to the hydraulic modeler's work. This course will explore the inbuilt Civil 3D tools and their limitations and learn how to manually determine the catchment size using engineering judgement. Understanding how to extract contours and analyze pond storage is also essential for creating accurate hydraulic models.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hydraulic Modeler
Geospatial Analyst
A Geospatial Analyst interprets and analyzes geographic data, often using GIS software to create maps and reports. They use spatial data, including surface models, to understand patterns and trends. This course will improve existing skills of using AutoCAD Civil 3D and allow one to work more efficiently and productively. The course's exploration of surface analysis techniques and tools, such as identifying steep areas and calculating stream gradients, aligns with the analyst's need to extract meaningful information from terrain data. Additionally, learning how to determine catchment sizes and analyze ponding behavior can be helpful in hydrological studies. This course's techniques to work efficiently and productively will enhance the geospatial analyst's workflow.
See salaries and explore the career path for Geospatial Analyst
Water Resources Engineer
A Water Resources Engineer plans and designs systems for managing water resources, including irrigation, flood control, and water supply. This course focuses on working with Civil 3D surfaces in the initial stages of a project. The lectures on surface analysis techniques, stream gradient calculation, and catchment delineation are applicable to the water resources engineer's work. In addition, you will learn some methods of defining where a stream invert is, how to locate the banks, and calculate the average gradient of the stream invert. This course may be useful, as it is intended for those already in the civil engineering workforce and those looking to stand out from others and become a specialist civil designer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Engineer
Transportation Planner
A Transportation Planner develops plans for transportation systems, considering factors such as traffic flow, safety, and environmental impact. They use spatial data and modeling tools to evaluate different transportation scenarios. This course, which allows one to work more efficiently and productively, will showcase a real world flood example and also a simple interpretation of the ponding behaviour on our case study example. The lectures on surface analysis, contour extraction, and volume calculation are relevant to the planner's need to understand the terrain and its impact on transportation infrastructure. The ability to create and analyze surfaces in Civil 3D can help the transportation planner visualize and assess the feasibility of different project options. This course focuses on one topic in detail, a resource that is not easily found elsewhere.
See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Planner
Environmental Engineer
An Environmental Engineer develops solutions to environmental problems, such as water pollution and soil contamination. Their work often involves assessing the impact of development projects on the environment. This course focuses on working with Civil 3D surfaces in the initial stages of a project. The lectures on surface analysis techniques, stream gradient calculations, and catchment delineation taught in this course may be useful in assessing environmental impacts related to water resources. Understanding how to calculate stream gradients and catchment areas is essential for evaluating the potential impacts of development on water quality and flow. An environmental engineer will find that a course like this may help them to stand out from others and become a specialist civil designer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer
Geotechnical Engineer
A Geotechnical Engineer investigates subsurface conditions and designs foundations for buildings and other structures. With the goal to improve existing skills of using AutoCAD Civil 3D and allow one to work more efficiently and productively, this course may be useful to the Geotechnical Engineer. While this course focuses on surface modeling, the techniques for analyzing surface slopes, identifying drainage patterns, and visualizing terrain data can indirectly support the geotechnical engineer's site assessment process. The ability to create and manipulate surfaces in Civil 3D can help visualize the relationship between subsurface conditions and surface topography.
See salaries and explore the career path for Geotechnical Engineer
Geographic Information Systems Specialist
A Geographic Information Systems Specialist is someone who creates and manages digital maps and spatial data. Their responsibilities include spatial analysis and data visualization. This course will improve your existing skills of using AutoCAD Civil 3D and allow you to work more efficiently and productively. They will find this course helpful because setting up a design project correctly is an essential skill. This course looks at a variety of ways of working with Civil 3D surfaces in the initial stages of a project and may be helpful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Geographic Information Systems Specialist
Urban Planner
An Urban Planner develops plans and programs for the use of land. They may be involved in creating a community and may be responsible for the appearance of a city. This course will improve existing skills of using AutoCAD Civil 3D and allow one to work more efficiently and productively. This course is intended for those already in the civil engineering workforce and those looking to stand out from others and become a specialist civil designer. This course may be helpful because setting up a design project correctly is an essential skill.
See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans, budgets, oversees and documents all aspects of a project. Project managers deliver the project on time and within budget. This course is designed to improve existing skills of using AutoCAD Civil 3D and allow one to work more efficiently and productively. The lectures will cover how to download LiDAR information from an example council website. The ability to create and manipulate surfaces in Civil 3D can help visualize the relationship between subsurface conditions and surface topography. Overall, this course may prove to be helpful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Construction Manager
A Construction Manager plans, coordinates, budgets and supervises construction projects from start to finish. They are in charge of ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. This course will improve existing skills of using AutoCAD Civil 3D and allow one to work more efficiently and productively. They will find this course helpful because setting up a design project correctly is an essential skill. The lectures focus on LiDAR data acquisition and importing it into Civil 3D particularly relevant. This course may prove to be helpful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Reading list

We've selected one books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Mastering AutoCAD Civil 3D: Working with surfaces.
Cover image
Putting Knowledge to Work
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of AutoCAD Civil 3D, covering essential tools and workflows. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the software's interface and basic functionalities. It is particularly helpful for those new to Civil 3D or those seeking a refresher on fundamental concepts. This book can be used as a textbook at academic institutions.
Putting Knowledge to Work
Paperback
Check
Putting Knowledge to Work
Kindle Edition
Check

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Rating
4.1 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
2.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Anthony Cook
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on Civil 3D surfaces, which are essential for creating accurate base models in civil engineering projects, ensuring designs are feasible and safe
Explores innovative techniques for efficient and productive work with Civil 3D, which can help professionals optimize their workflows and improve project outcomes
Requires existing skills in AutoCAD Civil 3D, suggesting it is designed for those with some familiarity with the software and its applications in civil engineering
Uses metric measurement terminology, which may require users familiar with imperial units to adapt or convert measurements during the course
Teaches how to perform a civil engineering analysis of a surface, which is a core skill for assessing terrain and planning infrastructure projects
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