Mastering AutoCAD® Civil 3D® 2010

Foreword

When we began the development of AutoCAD

®

Civil 3D

®

software we had three key goals in

mind:

◆ Provide automation tools for creating coordinated, reliable design information for a range

of project types including land development, transportation, and environmental.

◆ Enable project teams to use the design information to accurately visualize, simulate, and

analyze the performance of the project to come up with the best solutions.

◆ Facilitate delivery of higher quality construction documentation.

Our approach for achieving these goals was to develop a 3D information model that could

accurately represent the civil engineering workflow and design process. The model, which dynam-

ically connects design and construction documentation, has facilitated new ways of working and

has helped civil engineers complete projects faster and with improved accuracy. Engineers are

able to make design changes quickly and evaluate more alternatives, identify design issues and

conflicts earlier in the process, and deliver higher quality designs faster.

These concepts h ave revolutionized the Civil Engineering process such that the plan produc-

tion phase does not have to wait for the design to be completed. As a result, AutoCAD Civil 3D

provides efficiencies in both the design automation and plan production stages of a typical design.

This is a departure from traditional 2D drafting based design software and it has a great poten-

tial to enhance design productivity and quality of design work. With AutoCAD Civil 3D, the entire

design team can work from one model so that all phases of the project, from survey to construction

documentation, remain coordinated.

The authors of Mastering AutoCAD Civil 3D 2010 have embraced this vision from the start

of its development. As the product has matured, I have had many conversations with James

Wedding and the team at Engineered Efficiency to discuss product decisions and direction. I can

recall conversations where James Wedding and I would discuss the reasons why we designed

the product to work the way it does. As a result, this book contains much more than ‘‘picks and

clicks.’’ It has insightful tips, workflow recommendations, and best practices for using AutoCAD

Civil 3D in a coordinated team environment.

On behalf of the entire AutoCAD Civil 3D product development team, I hope that AutoCAD

Civil 3D enables you to work in ways that allow for creativity and profitability. This book is a

great way to expand your understanding of the product and will help you gain the most out of

the software.

Daniel A. Philbrick

Software Development Manager

Autodesk, Inc.