This is great stuff. I've used auxiliary surfaces before, but this makes them even more effective than I realized. I've been ignoring "Relative to Surface" for too long, and I wasn't even aware of the style hierarchy in the Site.
If you enjoyed this video there is a newer tool called Auto Grader that we released that drastically improves Site Grading Workflows as well! More information can be found here: ctcsoftware.com/product/cim-project-suite-2021/#autoGrader
As a Photogrammetrist I can tell you breaklines (or feature lines as you call them) are all you need to create a good surface. You can not capture the shape of the ground with points alone.
First and foremost, great video. Like Jeff Bartels, you always make great content. I have one suggestion. Instead of using featurelines for the top face and top back of curb, use custom grading groups. I use custom grading groups to control the top face and top back of curb. If the elevations of the flow flowline change, the top face and back of curb change as well automatically.
James, thanks for the feedback. We used to advocate grading groups as well, but they are just so buggy, so many users won’t rely on them. And while it’s not shown in this video, we’ve actually created a tool call Auto Grader that’s a total game changer with site grading. It utilizes feature lines, but automates the creation and updating of them. Check out this recent webcast on using it in commercial sites: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-YDfdbZwilLU.html Here’s the a link to download a trial as well: www.ctcsoftware.com/product/cim-project-suite-2021/
Good video. However, I don't think it's a good idea making the (Face) Top and Back of Curb elevations +0.50' relative to the "setup surface". I think it's better design to make the (face) Top and Back of Curb elevations 0.50' higher than your gutter (or bottom of face of curb) elevation b/c you will have a slight discrepancy (more than 0.50) between the top and back of curb due to the sloping of the setup-surface and the horizontal distance between the gutter and the top and back of curb lines. You should also set your back of curb elevations 0.00 relative to the (Face) Top of Curb line and the (face) top of curb +0.50' relative to the gutter (flow) line. Kind of like you did later in the video where you edited a gutter elevation and then updated the top and back of curb elevations relative to the gutter elevation. Good tips on many key features of C3D. I wish AD would make parent and child links perpetual rather than a one-time deal.
Hi there. Usually I create my feature lines first and each one in different site and when I tried to do grading, an alert said: this feat line is not belong to this group. So how I can move them to the new group? Thanks
Hi Eirik, If you post your email address either here or in a request email for the working files to marketing@ctcsoftware.com I can get the files to you. Hope that works!
I saw your first 20-minutes or so and somewhat disagree. I partially use the feature lines and other grading tools, but still grade using polylines. I tried using just Civil-3D to grade an entire site, but when it comes to revising one simple grade line, it is much easier to move a polyline manually then trying to remember how I graded the site with Civil-3D tools. Way too complicated and is like trying to push a thumb-tak in the wall with a sledge hammer. Your detention basin grading example is more for an ideal site where you are unconstrained on all sides. Use a real example were you have wetlands (transition areas need tone considered) and are on a side of a hill and you need to use retaining walls. Civil-3D cannot handle it..... Just my opinion. I have been using Civil-3D since it came out and AutoCAD since the early 90's..
I have been finding that I feel much the same way. I am a relatively new engineer, but most of my training has involved using only Feature Lines, Grading Objects, etc. to grade sites, but it often seems to create more stress/headache/extra work.
All kidding aside, I'm happy that feature lines are the primary tool being taught here, it was through frustration, trial and error, and error that I've discovered to do this, and I'm always wondering if I'm missing out big time.
