DATA MIGRATION IN AUTODESK CIVIL 3D 2006

Autodesk Civil 3D 2006 has made the migration of design data from multiple formats into Civil 3D (C3D) as easy as one, two, three. In the three steps outlined below, any user can safely and thoroughly absorb data created by different programs into their design world.

Step One: Identify the Data and Choose a Command

Design information can come from many sources and C3D has an answer for each format. Here are the most common examples and the corresponding commands in C3D:

• From Land Desktop: Data created in a Land Desktop project environment can be transferred to C3D from the GENERAL pulldown menu, IMPORT DATA FROM LAND DESKTOP… function. This utility will sort through the available data stored for each individual project and return it to C3D in a usable format.



• From LandXML format: LandXML is an emerging non-proprietary data format that enables the user to store and transfer data regardless of which program was used to create the data. LandXML files can be created by Autodesk products as well as Bentley products (Microstation, GeoPak, etc.). LandXML files are imported from the GENERAL pulldown menu, IMPORT LANDXML… For more information on LandXML, visit www.landxml.org.

• Map Images: Many types of Map images are easily inserted into the C3D environment which takes full advantage of the functionality of Autodesk Map 3D 2006. Using the command MAPIINSERT (yes, there are two ‘I’s in there), one can bring in image data easily.



• DXF files created in any version of AutoCAD are simply opened just like any DWG file using the OPEN command from the FILE pulldown menu.


Step Two: Identify the Components to Import

As is the case for Land Desktop and LandXML data, the user can choose which design data to import and which to leave behind saving the user time erasing unneeded objects.

Once the Land Desktop project from which information is needed has been identified, a dialog box appears with a series of check boxes. These boxes should be clicked “on” to bring in the data component and left blank to ignore that data component.



Land Desktop data that can be used includes description keys, surfaces, alignments, profiles and parcels.

LandXML migration has a similar feature. Once the LandXML file is identified, the user can sort through the information to import only that which he or she needs.



Using the LandXML format, the user can import COGO points, point groups, surfaces, parcels, alignments, alignment profiles and pipe networks.

Step Three: Finish the Command

In most cases, finishing the command is as easy as sitting back and watching the result of your migration. In the case of Map imported data, the user will have the opportunity to scale the data, place the data and rotate the data, just like an AutoCAD block.

When the work environment in which you work requires versatility and efficiency, Civil 3D 2006 is right there with you managing your tasks as easy as one, two, three!