Data Management Practices in Civil 3D

Module overview

Using XREFs allows you to reference AutoCAD drawings into your working drawings for sharing graphics information. With XREFs, you can also add Civil 3D labels without the need to reference the Civil 3D data. Data shortcuts are used in a similar way to reference Civil 3D data within a project. This enables you to split your design data so multiple team members are able to work on different parts of the project at the same time. 

This module takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. By the end of the module, you should be able to:  

• Manage Civil 3D data inside Civil 3D 
• Use external references (XREFs) in Civil 3D 
• Use data shortcuts (DREFs) in Civil 3D 
• Use the Reference Manager and Data Shortcuts Manager tools 
• Understand the available data management applications that work with Civil 3D 

 Module pre-requisites

This module requires user-level knowledge of Civil 3D and is focused on best practices and its industry applications. If you don't have experiences with this product, we recommend you to take foundational training using one of the resources below:

• Built-in tutorials, available via in-product Help
• eLearning Partners
• Authorized Training Centers

 About the author 

This module was created by Raphael Kuntz, Designated Support Specialist. The Try Its, Read Me files, and Knowledge Checks were created by ASCENT. 

Before you start

• Please make sure you have the Civil 3D software loaded.
• If you have technical difficulties, please reach out to product support. 

Module outline

• Introduction and Welcome
• The Big Picture of Data Management Practices
• XREFS in Civil 3D
• Reference Manager in Civil 3D (CE-DM0003)
• Data Shortcuts in Civil 3D
• Read Me - Additional Information on XREFs and DREFs
• Introduction to Data Management Applications
• Data Management Practices in Civil 3D - Quiz