Civil 3D 2010: Custom FBK Codes

We saw the same survey functionality in DCA, Softdesk, Land development Desktop, Land Desktop, and Civil 3D – until now. For years now, add a “B” to a fieldbook description to begin a line. Another option was to note the beginning of a line. Both options are shown below:

Using the B to begin a line
NE SS 4276 6904280.11220 2306994.27780 831.29000 “B TOB17″
NE SS 4277 6904267.55420 2307022.60730 831.11500 “TOB17″
NE SS 4278 6904268.17500 2307035.78000 833.12000 “TOB17″
NE SS 4279 6904280.01510 2307039.82900 831.64700 “TOB17″
NE SS 4280 6904288.30240 2307035.86590 832.97800 “TOB17″
NE SS 4281 6904290.19000 2307023.48410 830.86700 “TOB17″
NE SS 4282 6904298.96990 2306994.13550 830.36800 “TOB17″

Using a note to begin a line
BEG TOB17
NE SS 4276 6904280.11220 2306994.27780 831.29000 “TOB17″
NE SS 4277 6904267.55420 2307022.60730 831.11500 “TOB17″
NE SS 4278 6904268.17500 2307035.78000 833.12000 “TOB17″
NE SS 4279 6904280.01510 2307039.82900 831.64700 “TOB17″
NE SS 4280 6904288.30240 2307035.86590 832.97800 “TOB17″
NE SS 4281 6904290.19000 2307023.48410 830.86700 “TOB17″
NE SS 4282 6904298.96990 2306994.13550 830.36800 “TOB17″
END

But for the first time, and this is an incredible leap forward, you can create your own commands to do just about anything. Civil 3D 2010 has a new database type, the Linework Code Set database:

The codes are fully configurable as shown below:

In the example above, notice I have replaced what would normally have been the “B” to begin a line in the Special Codes section of the dialog with a . (period), but the result is the same – the period will begin a line.

This advancement in coding is a great leap forward for Civil 3D, and the levels of complexity are honestly amazing. For example, the following code will result in a closed figure:

FC1 VA 313 279.571080 61.851 89.414283 “BLDG9 B”
FC1 VA 314 228.405718 51.821 89.381046 “BLDG9 RT 100 50 25 -25 50 25 CLS”

Using out of the box Civil 3D coding methodology and the out of the box linework code set, shot 313, the first shot above will begin the side of a building. Notice in this case the B is allowed after the description for the first time. The next shot on point 314 continues the first side, and then turns right, continues 100 feet, turns another right and continues for a distance of 50 feet, and then right again for a distance of 25 feet. The minus sign is the designator for a negative right turn, but for all practical purposes, signifies a left turn for a distance of 25 feet. This is followed by distances of 50 right, 25 foot right, and finally the CLS code closes the figure. In effect, this is an 8 sided figure completed with 2 shots in the field, saving the field crew 6 shots.

For a more in-depth look at figure commands, click here.

Why am I excited about this? Same reason you will be if you do what are typically referred to as Mortgage Surveys, Spot Surveys, Title Surveys, etc. – those surveys completed in states where an inspection of a parcel must be completed by a land surveyor and offered to a mortgage company as a means of showing it is clear of easement encroachments. Typically a crew can do several in a morning, and the survey is usually accompanied by a drawing with building dimensions – but this is old school. Firms that have embraced technology and take shots on building corners for location can now take just 2 shots, locate a couple monuments to tie the building down, and move on to the next job. They’ll still enjoy a cup of warm coffee when they return to the truck.

We still find firms that don’t complete linework in the field, but those firms are finding it increasingly more difficult to compete. If you’re not embracing this functionality, or you’ve embraced a single software from past generations because of its coding methodologies, you need to take a more serious look at Civil 3D 2010.

You can’t have a discussion about this functionality without thanking people like Tommie (a Registered Professional Land Surveyor in Texas) at Baker-Aicklen and Rob Todd (a Licensed Professional Land Surveyor in New Hampshire) with Autodesk for having the forethought to advance the technology, and the patience to work together and make a difference. And I’ll say it again, Civil 3D 2010 is not “just another release,” it raises the bar for competing products on many levels. We now see hydrology and hydraulics, site design, transportation, infrastructure, land surveying, and a strong GIS presence in a single package. I challenge you to find a single piece of software that wide, and that deep. And keep in mind – I don’t sell the the software – this isn’t a sales pitch, it’s a wake-up call.

Civil 3D Library
Looking for Survey tutorials? Check out The COGO Branch in the Library. These downloads aren’t software demonstrations. They were created for clients using AutoCAD Civil 3D in the real world. Registration is required.