802 APPENDIX THE BOTTOM LINE
Chapter 2: Back to Basics: Lines and Curves
Create a series of lines by bearing and distance. By far the most commonly used command
when re-creating a deed is Line by Bearing and Distance.
Master It Open the Mastering Lines and Curves.dwg file, which you can download from
www.sybex.com/masteringcivil3d2010. Start from the Civil 3D point labeled START, and
use any appropriate tool to create lines with the following bearings and distances (note that
the Direction input format for this drawing has been set to DD.MMSSSS):
◆ N57
◦
06
56.75
E; 135.441
◆ S41
◦
57
03.67
E; 118.754
◆ S27
◦
44
41.63
W; 112.426
◆ N50
◦
55
57.00
W; 181.333
Solution
1. On the Draw panel, select Lines Create Lines Line by Bearing.
2. Use the Point Object transparent command to select the point labeled START.
3. On the command line, specify quadrant 1
5
57.065675
5
135.441
5
.
4. Specify quadrant 2
5
41.570367
5
118.754
5
.
5. Specify quadrant 3
5
27.444163
5
112.426
5
.
6. Specify quadrant 4
5
50.555700
5
181.333
5
.
7. Press
5
again to leave the command.
Use the Inquiry commands to confirm that lines are drawn correctly.
Master It Continue working in your drawing. Use any appropriate Inquiry command to
confirm that each line has been drawn correctly.
Solution
1. Change to the Analyze tab and click the Line and Arc Information button o n the Inquiry
panel.
2. Select each line drawn in the previous Master It exercise, and compare to the list at the
beginning of the exercise.
CHAPTER 2: BACK TO BASICS: LINES AND CURVES 803
Create a curve tangent to the end of a line. It’s rare that a property stands alone. Often, you
must create adjacent properties, easements, or alignments from their legal descriptions.
Master It Create a curve tangent to the end of the first line drawn in the first e xercise that
meets the following specifications:
◆ Radius: 200.00
◆ Arc Length: 66.580
Solution
1. Select Lines/Curves Create Curves Curve from End of Object.
2. Select the first line drawn (N 57
◦
06
56.75
E; 135.441
).
3. On the command line, press
5
to confirm the radius.
4. On the command line, type 200.00, and then press
5
.
5. Type L to specify the length, and then press
5
.
6. Type 66.580, and then press
5
.
Create a best-fit line for a series of Civil 3D points. Surveyed point data is rarely perfect.
When you’re creating drawing linework, it’s often necessary to create a best-fit line to make up
for irregular shots.
Master It Locate the Edge of Pavement (EOP) points in the drawing. Use the Create Line
by Best Fit command to create a line using these points.
Solution
1. On the Draw panel, click Create Line by Best Fit.
2. In the dialog, choose From Civil 3D Points, and click OK.
3. Select the EOP point objects, and press
5
.
4. A Panorama window appears. Review the results, and then dismiss the window by
clicking the green check mark. A best fit line is drawn.
Label lines and curves. Although converting linework to parcels or alignments offers you
the most robust labeling and analysis options, basic line- and curve-labeling tools are available
when conversion isn’t appropriate.
Master It Add line and curve labels to each entity created in the exer cises. Choose a label
that specifies the bearing and distance for your lines and length, radius, and delta of your
curve.
Solution
1. Change to the Annotate tab.
2. From the Labels & Tables panel, select Add Labels Line and Curve Add Multiple
Segment Line/Curve Labels.
3. Choose each line and curve. The default label should be acceptable. If not, select a label,
right-click, and choose Label Properties. In the resulting AutoCAD properties box, you
can select an alternative label.
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