-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables, and Labels for
Beginning Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D Users Paul Kirkendall MasterGraphics, Inc.
CV5589
Learning Objectives At the end of this class, you will be able to:
Insert points and create point groups
Create sites, boundary parcels, and subdivision lot parcels
Use dynamic object labels in several ways
Use and customize labels and tables that are linked to one another
About the Speaker Paul Kirkendall is an application engineer for MasterGraphics, providing consulting, training,
and support for a variety of infrastructure clients. Paul has put together multiple online training
videos for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and he has presented at the Wisconsin
Society of Land Surveyors Conference, and Autodesk University 2013. Before he joined
MasterGraphics, Paul gained valuable knowledge and experience working with popular
Autodesk, Inc., civil design and mapping software. His duties included installation and
implementation, creation of company standards, training of staff, and extensive infrastructure
design and planning. During this time Paul also worked closely with surveying departments,
and he understands the interaction of workflow and data collection across projects. Paul is an
Autodesk Approved Trainer, AutoCAD and AutoCAD Civil 3D Certified Professional, and
InfraWorks Roads & Highways Workflow Certified Professional.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
2
Points and Point Groups
Importing Points from an ASCI text file
On the Home tab of the ribbon under points, you
will find the Point Creation Tools Icon as shown to
the top right. The Points Creation Tools when
clicked, will open the Create Points toolbar
(below).The import points icon (blue arrow below)
is one of many tools on the toolbar, try out all the
tool drop downs to see what is available. Once we
click on the import points icon, the Import Points
dialog box opens (below right). Another way to get
this dialog box is to go the Insert tab, Import panel
and select Points from File (middle right).
In the Import Points dialog box, click the plus icon
(as shown to the right, blue arrow) and the browse
dialog will open. Select the text file to import. Once
the file is selected, Civil3D will sift through the file
and show what formats are available for import.
For instance, PNEZD is very common for text files
(Point number, Northing, Easting, Elevation and
Description). Be careful to select the correct format
since PENZD looks similar and if selected, will put
your points off in the wrong coordinates. You can
view the format in the window labeled Preview
which specifies the format and shows how the
points are laid out (info wise). Another thing to
keep in mind is if your file is space delimited or
comma delimited. Make sure you select the correct
one if the filter is off.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
3
Adding these points to a point group is a good idea for a few reasons. One big reason is to
separate out the files as they were shot in the field. This makes it easier to adjust or delete those
shots if something was off (i.e. datum, coordinate shift, etc.). Another reason would be to see
what points were shot on what day by changing the style which will be explained later. Typically I
would add them to a specific point group with the name or date specific to that file. I like to do this
to keep the files separate in the drawing so they are the same as the actual files that were shot
in the field. After selecting the file format, we can click ok and the points will be imported into your
DWG. Zoom extends (type Z enter E enter or double click the mouse wheel) should bring the
points front and center.
Point Groups
Point groups are important in many ways. They are used to apply Marker styles, label styles,
exclude unwanted shots, show certain points and not others (i.e. Control points, Property Pins,
etc.). In the past, layers were used for the purpose of point control. While layers can be used still,
they are not needed if styles and groups are used properly. Lets look at some examples.
To create Point Groups, lets go to the Prospector tab under Point Groups (there is a Point Group
automatically created by C3D when the points were imported called _All Points this point group
cannot be deleted and in most cases should not be used). Right click on the Point Groups and
select New. The Point Group Properties dialog opens. On the information tab, under name enter
All Off. Set the point style and point label style to .
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
4
On the Include tab, check Include all points.
On the overrides tab, check style and point label style. This will make sure the All Off point
group will have no styles.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
5
Next, create point groups for points such as Centerline, Control points, etc. It is not necessary to
override the styles unless you want to have a point group look different than the description key
set that they are imported on. When creating point groups, it is possible to use different ways to
include and exclude the points from that point group. If you know the numbers of the points, you
can add them With numbers matching by keying in the numbers or selecting the points in the
drawing. In some cases, you will know the raw discription (what the surveyor keyed in the data
collector when the point was shot).
Important Note: When entering the raw description, the letters or numbers have to match in
order for the point to be added to the point group. For example, if a centerline shot was keyed in
as CL Smiley Drive. Then the With raw description matching field must be the same. However if
an * (AKA: wild card) is added after the cl. Then any cl with a description after it or not will be
added to the point group.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
6
Point groups have a hierarchy that controls the way they are represented (On/Off, Point style and
Label style). Once the point groups are created, they are in a list in the prospector, this list is in
order of highest priority to lowest priority. To change the priority around so the centerline point
group is the only group that is on, the CL point group will have to be on top and the ALL OFF point
group will be just below that. So that all the points after CL will be set to the ALL OFF point group
which is . To change the priority listing, go to the prospector. Right click on Point Groups,
select properties. In the Point Groups dialog box, use the arrows to the right to move the point
groups around so the ALL OFF point group is under the point group that needs to be seen. In the
screen shot below, the CL is on top and ALL OFF is under that. You can see that only the CL
points are visible.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
7
In the screen shot below, the Point group au_2014_Parcel & Plat is on top. It includes all the
points from that file so they are all visible.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
8
Linework
Lines Creating lines with the Create Line tool has many
options to help speed up the process of drafting
after the points have been imported. Although the
line command is limited in its vertex/grip editing
functionality compared to polylines, lines can always
be converted to polylines after the fact. As you can
see in the picture to the right, there are a few
different ways we can draw lines with information we
already have. Create line by point # Range gives
you the option to enter a point number or a range of
points such as 20-24 in which the lines will be drawn
from point 20 to point 24 in succession. Point Object
lets you select the point object from which to draw
the lines in between. Bearing asks for the Quadrant
1=NE, 2=SE, 3=SW and 4=NW, then the bearing
and lastly the distance. The last one we will look at
is from End of Object. For this line, select the end of
a line and enter a distance this will create a line
(extension) of the previous line at a distance
specified.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
9
Tip:
In order for linetypes to show properly and to create objects from objects in design, lines should
be made into polylines at a minimum. Select one line segment and right click. At the bottom of
the right click menu is select similar. Select it, go to the Home tab, modify panel dropdown, and
select the Join command. As shown below, the lines are joined into a polyline. Now, as shown
below, polylines have a grip at the midpoint of each segment that allows for adding additional
vertices and for converting line segments into arcs.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
10
Polylines
Creating Polylines w/ Transparent Commands also provides many options for easy linework
generation. Polylines have extra vertices/grips for editing purposes that lines do not. When
selected, a polyline has a rectangular grip at the midpoint of each segment that allows for
stretching, adding vertex and converting to Arc. Both Polylines and lines can be used with
transparent commands to create linework similar to the line commands. For instance, in order
(left picture below) Angle distance, Bearing Distance, Azimuth Distance and Deflection Distance
then (right picture below) Point Number, Point Name, Point Object and Zoom to Point. These tools
can be used in the same way as the line tools except the polyline, line or arc command has to be
active beforehand. Lets check some out.
On the home tab draw panel, select the polyline command or enter PL in the command line. Now
that a command is active, we can use a Transparent command from the Transparent command
toolbar (view tab, user interface panel, Toolbars dropdown, civil fly out, check Transparent
Commands). Select the Point number transparent command and key in the numbers of points
such as 1-20,1 this will draw a closed polyline from points 1 to 20 then close back at 1.The Point
object Transparent command is for selecting the point objects if for instance the numbers are not
in succession.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
11
Sites
Site Management
Sites are a collection of Parcels, alignments, grading objects & feature lines. Objects that reside
in the same site react to one another. Multiple sites can be used in one drawing for the purpose
of having objects that will not react to other objects. To create sites, lets go to the prospector tab
of toolspace, right click Sites, select new, enter the name under name on the information tab (as
shown in picture below). 3D geometry can be set to default and Numbering tab should start the
parcel numbering at 1s.
Tip:
It is a very good idea to name things logically according to the project. It will maintain a consistency
in projects and so if you fell off of your roof and Joe designer had to finish, he would understand
what was going on in said project.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
12
Parcels
Parcels are created within a site. In most cases, parcels represent real estate parcels, such as
Boundary parcels and subdivision lots. Parcels can also be used for any closed boundaries, such
as soil regions or ponds. Parcels are defined by parcel segments, which can be lines or curves.
Boundary Parcels
Creating a Boundary parcel from objects gives us
the flexibility to choose Lines, Polylines and Arcs
from the drawing. To do this, we will go to the
Parcel drop down on the Create Design panel of
the Home tab (shown below). Select Create Parcel
from Objects, select polyline or lines, click enter
and the Create Parcels From Objects dialog
opens. Set the site to your specified site (i.e. Condo
Plat), set your parcel style which controls the color,
linetype, etc. of your boundary line, layer can be set
to default, label styles should be set for the area
label style and if you check the Automatically add
segment labels the parcel segments will be labeled
automatically.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
13
In the example below, I left that unchecked and checked Erase existing entities, click ok. Now you
can see the parcel boundary has changed color and an area label has been added to the centroid
of the parcel.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
14
Subdivision Parcels
Creating Parcels by Layout allows the user to enter parameters and edit parcels on the fly. In this
example, I will create the boundary parcel by object (same as previous example) and then use
the layout tools to subdivide the parcel.
To subdivide parcels, go to the Parcel drop down on the
Create Design panel of the Home tab. Select Parcel Creation
Tools and the Parcel Layout Tools toolbar opens. Select Add
fixed line two points.
The Create Parcels Layout dialog opens Select the
Site (i.e. Subdivision), change the Parcel style to
Single-Family, and leave the layers to default. Change
the Area Label Style to Name Square Foot & Acres.
Leave the Automatically add segment labels box
unchecked, click ok. Now I can draw my lines from the
points in the middle of the parcel as displayed on the
following page.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
15
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
16
Next, we will subdivide the top parcel into lots using the automatic parcel option in the parcel
creation tools dialog box. To do this, I will go back to the Parcel Creation tools and enter the
parameters shown (picture below left) by clicking the chevron (blue arrow). Then select slide line
create icon (orange bubble) and fill in the Create Parcels- layout dialog as shown in picture below
right. Click ok.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
17
Select the area parcel label, use the endpoint snap to select the top left corner of the parcel. Move
the cursor from left to right as shown in the screen shot below. You will see a yellow line follow
your curser from the start of the frontage line along the top most line of the parcel. Use object
snap endpoint to select the end of the frontage line. Click enter to accept the default angle and a
diagram shows up representing the parameters entered in the previous step. We can except the
result, change some sizing, or select no.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
18
Next, I will subdivide the bottom parcel into lots using the automatic parcel option located in the
parcel creation tools dialog box. To do this, I will go back to the Parcel Creation tools and enter
the parameters shown by clicking the chevron. Then select slide line create icon and fill in the
Create Parcels- layout dialog as shown in picture below right. Click ok.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
19
Select on the area parcel label and select from right to left this time. You will see a yellow line
follow your curser from the start of the frontage line to the end. Click enter to accept the default
angle and a diagram shows up representing the parameters entered in the previous step. Change
the parameters and watch the parcels update.
The results of the subdivided parcel are as shown below.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
20
Renumber/Rename tool
Select the area parcel label. On the contextual ribbon modify drop down, select
Renumber/Rename. The Renumber/Rename Parcels dialog opens, make sure the correct site
appears in the site area and that the Renumber is selected as shown (picture on right). Click ok
and the command line asks for a start point, draw a fence through the parcels in the order you
would like to see renumbered.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
21
Labels
Labels can be added during or after the creation of parcels. Labels can be customized to look like
the current labels used for plans or they can be something new. Civil3D labels are dynamic so
when you move a line that is connected to the parcels the label reflects the change.
Area & Number Labels
An area & number label is placed at the default location in the center of the parcel when a parcel
is created. Area labels can but do not have to include the area. These labels are used for
information and also to edit the parcels. To change an area label, select the label, in the contextual
ribbon on the modify pull down, select Edit Area Selection Label and the Parcel Area Label Style
dialog opens. Click the dropdown to see what styles are available and select something different.
Presto a new label appears!!
To change multiple labels at once, select the label, in the contextual ribbon select Multiple
Parcel Properties, draw a line through the parcels to be updated, hit enter. The dialog box below
will pop up and give options to edit individual or multiple parcels. The diskette icon (orange
bubble below) allows for all selected parcels to be updated.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
22
Segment Labels
Segment labels include bearing, distance, direction, crows feet, arrows, table tag numbering, etc.
To add segment labels, go to the annotation tab and select the top portion of the Add Labels Icon.
When the add labels dialog opens, for feature click
the dropdown and select Parcel. For label type,
select Multiple segment. Line label style, select
Bearing over distance and curve label style select
Distance over Length and Radius. Click add, select
the parcel area label and your segments are labeled.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
23
Editing Labels
Labels will be displayed in the wrong direction at
times. To solve this problem, we will create a new
style that will show correctly in the survey
documentation unlike the label pictured to the right
going right to left.
Lets create a child style of the label
style already being used. On the add
labels dialog box, select the Create
Child of current Selection.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
24
When the Label Style Composer dialog box opens, give the Label style a name on the
Information tab.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
25
Switch to the general tab and change the Plan Readability, Plan Readable to false as shown in
the picture below.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
26
Change the style of the label to the style just created by selecting that label. Right click and select
Label Properties. In the properties change the Line Label Style to Bearing over Distance LR
(below left). This label should now read properly (below right).
Reverse Label & Flip Label
Sometimes labels will display the wrong direction or positions. Remedy this by selecting the label
and on the contextual ribbon select reverse label instead of reading S1423'30.08"E it will read
N1423'30.08"W. To flip the label so the bearing is on top of the line segment verses the bottom,
select the label and on the contextual ribbon select Flip Label.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
27
Tables
Parcel tables consist of four table styles: lines, curves, segments, and areas. Line and curve
tables list line and curve segment geometric values. Segment tables combine both line and curve
segments. Area tables list the parcels areas and its segments. In the following exercise we will
go over segment tables and area tables. When creating parcel tables the label mode changes to
tag, changing to L1, L2 or C1, C2, the tables then list the geometric values for the
corresponding Tags. Civil3D tables can be dynamic so when you move a line segment that
is connected to the parcels the table reflects the change.
Segment and Area Tables
To add a Parcel Segment or Area table, go to the annotation tab. Next to the add labels icon is
the add tables icon. Click the add tables drop down to see the options for tables. Click Parcel and
select Add Segment Tables. (pictured below right)
The Table Creation dialog pops up
(pictured below). Set the Table style and
then you can either select by checking
which Label Style Name you want to add
or by selecting tags picture below. One
thing to be aware of is the Behavior
Reactivity mode. Dynamic must be
selected in order for the table to react to
changes in segments. If static is selected
the table cannot be changed back to
dynamic.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
28
Editing Tables
Tables can be edited and customized in many ways.
Lets dig in and change some things. By default the
tables come in with the parcel numbers all over the
place. (pictured on the right) I like my tables to have
parcel number in ascending order. Select the table
that needs to be changed, right click and select Edit
Table Style (pictured middle left), the Table style
dialog box opens (pictured below). Check the box
Sort Data, make sure the sorting column is set to 1
and the Order is ascending, click ok. Your table
should now look like the table on the following page.
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
29
Tables can be further customized to have names put
in the title. For example, the table to the left has a
title of Parcel Area Table. If that name is not suitable,
it can be changed by going back into the Table style
dialog box (review exercise on previous page) data
properties tab. Double click on the title header
(picture below bottom), and the Text Component
Editor opens. Delete the text and type in the proper
name (picture middle).
-
Parcel and Plat, Linework, Tables and Labels
30