In this topic, we discuss best practices on how to use CAD files with TPC to improve your work flows.
We'll list common workflows here, with links to the help topic for that workflow.
Use the major and minor headings below to narrow down the option you're looking for.
Questions to Ask
For this project,
1....am I just importing or exporting a one-off CAD drawing?
2....when I get a CAD file, do I need the whole file or just some layers or objects?
3....do I expect revisions - updated CAD files?
4....am I required or requested to update an existing CAD file?
5....is Civil3D being use and do I need to use LandXML?
6....do my survey grid and the CAD file grid match?
7....do need to provide a certain version of AutoCAD or Bentley to use?
8....what AutoCAD file types do I need to use - DWG, DXF, DFB?
We'll answer these questions below as we review some of the more common workflows.
Choosing a Workflow
Based on your answers to the questions above, you will choose to
1.Convert the CAD file type
2.Import a one-off CAD file to a TPC drawing
3.Insert a CAD file as an XReference into to a TPC drawing
4.Importing specific objects or layers from a CAD File
5.Converting CAD entities to survey
6.Import Civil3D via LandXML
Using CAD Files that are Sent to You
When you receive one or more CAD files for a project, you can decide how best to use that file in TPC.
Common Workflows
You get project CAD files for any number of reasons. You are asked to do some stakeout, or provide a description for an easement, or find and mark lot corners. The list goes on and on.
So what do you do with that file? Do you import it into a drawing, insert it as an XReference into a drawing, open it in the CAD View.
Those are all great options, but it all depends on how you plan to use that CAD file.
In the CAD View, you can open any CAD file and save it as another CAD type and/or version.
Common Workflows
If you are sending CAD files directly to your data collector, it may be limited to specific CAD files types and versions.
So, if you receive a CAD file for the project, and it is not one of those file types or versions, you can convert it to the proper type and version in the CAD View.
4. Importing Specific Objects or Layers from a CAD File
Beginning with TPC Desktop 2016, you can select entities and layers from a CAD file to send to the Drawing View.
Common Workflows
If you are contracted to locate certain design elements of a large project, it doesn't make sense to bring the entire project into your a TPC drawing. Rather, bring in just the elements you need.
In the CAD View, you can select entities and layers and convert their CAD data to survey points and traverses.
Common Workflows
When you are asked to stake all the project elements on a layer and they are distinct elements, like light poles, this is a very fast way to get survey data for them.
LandXML is a data exchange language created for Civil3D, allowing other programs to share data with Civil3D.
LandXML files function similarly to the way DXF files exchange data with DWG files. They use html code (XML) to present Civil3Ds data for Points, Parcels, Alignments and Surfaces.
Common Workflows
If you are doing contract work for a firm or agency that has adopted Civil3D, TPC may not be able to open their Civil3D files. In this case, request and LandXML file.
