Mastering AutoCAD® Civil 3D® 2010

THE BOTTOM LINE 711

By placing an older version in the working folder, checking out without pulling the latest ver-

sion from the file store to the working folder, but then checking back in the older version, you’ve

effectively brought a file back from the past. In this case, it was a simple surface, but consider

the sea of changes that sometimes occur when laying out a site. Being able to go back to the first

conceptual design with almost no downtime is an enviable position to be in as a design firm.

The Bottom Line

Describe the differences between using Vault and data shortcuts. The two mechanisms in

Civil 3D for sharing data are similar. Every firm has its nuances, and it’s important to evaluate

both methods of sharing data to see which one would be a better fit for the team’s workflow.

Recognizing the differences will allow you to make these recommendations with confidence.

Master It Describe three major differences between the two data-sharing methods.

Insert Civil 3D data into a vault. Creating a project in Vault requires some care to make sure

all the pieces go in the right place. Using a project template to create organizational structures

similar to what is already in place is a good way to start. Adding individual components to the

vault as they fit into this structure makes for clean data organization and easy integration of

new team members.

Master It Create a new project titled Bailey in the Melinda vault using the Mastering

project template. Add the Bailey’s Run.dwg file to the project in the Engineering folder,

sharing all the data within it.

Create data shortcuts. Creating duplicate data is never good. By creating links to original

data instead of working with copies, you maintain the integrity of the project information.

Using data references instead of XRefs allows you to use the data behind the object instead of

just the picture. This means styling and label changes can be part of the end file and allow team

members to work on separate parts of the job at the same time.

Master It Create a new drawing called Mastering Vault, add it to the Bailey project in the

Engineering folder, and create references to the FG surface and to the Natures Way and

Old Settlers Way alignments. Use a Contours 2



and 10



(Design) style for the surfaces.

Restore a previous version of a design file. One of the major advantages of using a

database-driven system is the ability to track file changes and restore them if necessary. Vault

has a mechanism for moving data in and out of the file store. By using the restoration tools and

checking in the proper files, it’s easy to roll back to a prior version of a file.

Master It Erase the Founders Court alignment from the Bailey’s Run file, and check

it in. Then, use the Vault tools to restore the previous version containing the Founders

Court alignment. What version number of the Bailey’s Run drawing is listed when this is

complete?