Release 8 Details

Release 8 Specific Detailed Changes for Civil 3D 2023

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Framework Release 8 Details

Current Release 8 Detailed Changes and Updates

Last Update 10/2022

Release 8 changes affect all Framework products delivered for:

Autodesk Civil 3D 2023

Other Framework Release Details Links

Release 8 General Changes

Release 8 2023.2

Release 8 Autodesk Civil 3D 2023.2
All previous AddOns are included.

Misc Jump Kit Style Updates

New Mini-Project Datasets

Spreadsheet Tools 2022

Updated Help On-line for Tools

Release 8 2023.1

Release 8 Autodesk Civil 3D 2023.1
All previous AddOns are included.

Misc Jump Kit Style Updates

New Mini-Project Datasets

Spreadsheet Tools 2022

Updated Help On-line for Tools

Release 8 2023

Release 8 Autodesk Civil 3D 2023
All previous AddOns are included.

Assemblies 2023

Project Datasets 2023

New Mini-Project Datasets

Spreadsheet Tools 2022

Updated Help On-line for Tools

Release 8 Autodesk Civil 3D 2023.2

The Release 8 for 2023.2 is a maintenance release for Framework for Civil 3D Release 8 customers.
By default Release 8 products ships in the NCS 6.0+ Layer scheme and/or the NCS 6.0+ AIA Layer scheme and do include Adaptive Layer and Linetype Standards support.
Jump Kit and Jump Kit AIA library resources from Release 8 can be employed in Civil 3D 2022.2+ and Civil 3D 2021.3+.

All supplied Civil 3D resources are supplied in the new Civil 3D 2023.2 Object Model.

The Framework for Civil 3D Standards documentation was updated to reflect on-going and proposed changes.

All the previously supplied Spreadsheet Tools are included in Jump Kit 8 2023 products.

All previously supplied Label Style Expression Set resources from AddOns are included in Jump Kit 8 2023 products.

Release 8 2023.2 Changes

The Release 8 products include all resources delivered in the NCS 6.0 utility names layer system.
The Release 8 AIA products include all resources delivered in the NCS 6.0 AIA utility names layer system.
The Templates Only and Templates Only AIA trial products include both STB and CTB based templates and basic resources.

The updated Jump Kit and Jump Kit AIA resources include:

Classic Civil 3D Template resources in STB and CTB
Civil 3D Reference (TREF) Template resources in STB and CTB
Jump Kit Style Library Collection resources
Updates to the Assemblies Library resources
Updates and improvements to the Framework for Civil 3D Sandbox Projects for both STB and CTB
Framework for Civil 3D Standards documentation updates

For both consistency and interoperability reasons all the supplied Release 8 Civil 3D Style Tool names, rules, and conventions are maintained.

By default there are no Description Key Sets and/or Point Groups in the basic Reference Template (TREF) .dwg and/or .dwt files supplied.

Compatibility and General Improvement Summary

Release 8 2023 Framework product Style library resources will run in Civil 3D 2022-2020 but will not run in previous Civil 3D releases.
Some Civil 3D program functionality is lost with the use in older Civil 3D 2022-2020 releases.

Jump Kit and Jump Kit AIA library resources from Release 8 can be employed in Civil 3D 2022.2+ and Civil 3D 2021.3+.

The AutoCAD DWG format did not change in 2023 - All resource drawings were updated in the 2018 DWG format.
The Civil 3D object model is specifically new in the Civil 3D 2023.2 Update
All resource drawings are upgraded to the Civil 3D 2023.2 model.

Layer Standards Update

All Layer Standards Updates may be employed in all Release 8 versions for Civil 3D versions 2023-2020.

Layer Standards resource drawings and Layer Standard (dws) files are supplied.

All Layer Standards Spreadsheet Tools file names updated to end in 2023 where appropriate.

Layer Standards updates for NCS 6.0 and NCS AIA 6.0+ improved Rail, Grading Optimization, and Geotechnical integrations are on-going and will be included in a future AddOn.

Grading Optimization for Civil 3D Support

The Release 8 products and resources for Civil 3D 2023.2 support the Grading Optimization for Civil 3D interface and tools.

Layer Standards updates for NCS 6.0 and NCS AIA 6.0+ improved Grading Optimization integration are on-going and will be included in a future AddOn.

Project Explorer for Civil 3D Support

The Release 8 products and resources for Civil 3D 2023.2 support the Project Explorer for Civil 3D interface, tools, templates, and potential resources libraries for the same.

A Project Explorer folder is included in the default ..\00_Resources folder for Project Explorer Reports.

Geotechnical for Civil 3D Support

The Release 8 products and resources for Civil 3D 2023.2 support the Geotechnical for Civil 3D interface and tools.

Layer Standards updates for NCS 6.0 and NCS AIA 6.0+ improved Geotechnical integration are on-going and will be included in a future AddOn.

Subassembly Composer for Civil 3D Support

Added resource file support for the new Subassembly Composer external Codes import and export .CSV file capabilities.
Updated the Subassembly Spreadsheet Tool for Subassembly Composer for 2023.2.

The external Codes resources include all the Codes found in the Autodesk supplied .Net subassemblies.
See the ..\Documentation\Subassembly Codes folder and supplied Readme file for install details.

Templates and Styles 2023

The supplied Templates intentionally do not include Label Style Expression Set Styles included in the Jump Kit product resources.

The update includes the addition of:

Profile View Band Styles to support COGO Points and Alignment Proximity Bands.
New Alignment Cant Information Label Styles

For both consistency and interoperability reasons all the supplied Release 8 Civil 3D Style Tool names, rules, and conventions are maintained.

There are new conventions and new Jump Kit product resouces supplied for new Label Styles.

General Updates

All templates updated to 2023.2 Civil 3D Object Model
Minor fixes and updates to some Styles based on customer feedback

Reference Template Resources

Reference Template Resources are supplied in addition to classic Civil 3D Template resources.
The supplied Templates intentionally do not include Label Style Expression Set Styles.
Supplied examples employ the supplied Design and Survey template resources based on a Shared Resources common setup.

All Reference Template (TREF) resource drawings and templates updated to Civil 3D 2023.2 Object Model
Both STB and CTB detailed example Reference Template resources and templates are supplied

Symbol Set 2023

Complete 2023.2 build of all Civil 3D Point Styles resource drawings.
Symbol blocks supplied in the AutoCAD 2018 DWG format

Jump Kit Styles 2023

Complete 2023.2 build of all Civil 3D Styles.
Resource drawings upgraded to the Civil 3D 2023.2 Object Model.

The update includes the addition of:

Profile View Band Styles to support COGO Points and Alignment Proximity Bands.
A variety of common Proximity Profile View Band Style configurations are supplied.
Jump Kit products include additional Proximity Profile View Band Styles separate from the basic collections supplied in Template resources
New Alignment Cant Information Label Styles

Additions and updates to all Rail related Styles, Sets, and Label Styles are on-going and will be addressed in a future AddOn.

Misc Jump Kit Style Updates

Fixes and corrections were made to a few previously supplied Style Library resources.

Assemblies 2023

The Release 8 for Civil 3D 2023.2 ships with build updates to the Assembly resources.

Complete new 2023.2 build of all Civil 3D Assemblies.
All Subassemblies in all Assemblies were previously updated to the current version of the Civil 3D 2019 dll.

All Subassemblies were previously renamed to employ prefix codes to improve the ease of use with new Civil 3D Targeting tools and filters.
The supplied Assembly resources open and run in Civil 3D 2023, Civil 3D 2022, and Civil 3D 2021.
Resource maintenance script files were updated.

See the Subassembly Composer for Civil 3D Support deatils for improved support and documentation for Subassembly Codes.

Project Datasets 2023

The Release 8 for Civil 3D 2023.2 ships with updates to the Release 8 Project Dataset resources.

Complete 2023.2 new build of project drawings for both the STB and CTB projects.

To fully suuport Windows 10 and Windows 11 compatibility the default Sandbox project location was previously changed to:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\Civil 3D Projects.
All included Reference Template (TREF) and project-based File Dependent References target this default Civil 3D install location by default.

Reference Templates in Projects

The default project-based Reference Templates were updated to include Sandbox Project coordinate systems and proper plot resources.

Projects intentionally employ generic (non-release specific) names for the Reference Template resource
Single file Project-based Reference Templates are employed
The InstantOn Desktop resources include separate examples with multiple Referenece Template drawing resources.
The source Reference Template is in the project's ..\00_Resources\Templates\Reference folder
Both CTB and STB versions of the standard Design and Survey templates are supplied in the ..\00_Resources\Templates\Reference folders

The updated project resources allow users to update all the content with changes to the supplied Reference Template (TREF) resource files.

To update project Reference Template in supplied drawings in the Reference Template Tool remove the existing template Update, Purge Styles, and then the Add a new Reference Template.
Pay careful attention to the source folders of the Reference Template resources in the stack.
The Civil 3D Reference Template Tool currently does not support relative paths.

The contents of STB and CTB Framework Sandbox Projects differ. More project drawings and resources are included in the STB project.

Projects Updates

There were improvements and edits made to drawings, project data, and structures of the supplied Sandbox Projects.

A few dated example drawings were removed and replaced with new drawing content to minimize the Sandbox Project size and maximize usability.

Consistency updates were made to project drawing Layer States, Sheet Set files, and other Sandbox Project data.

Supplied template Description Key Sets and resources were updated, fixed, and improved
All the Subassemblies in all Assemblies in all versions were previously updated to support the curremt stock 2019 dll
All the Subassemblies were updated to support prefix naming conventions
Assemblies were physically relocated and more logically grouped in the drawing
Some Subassembly properties were updated to adjust some potential example Corridor build results for consistent behaviors
Reference Template (TREF) versions of the ExampleCorridors drawing are now supplied for Sandbox Projects
Unnecessary Description Key Sets were deleted from project Reference Templates
Unnecessary Description Key Sets removed from project drawings

The ExampleCorridors Drawing

All supplied versions of the standard example drawing (ExampleCorridors.dwg) were updated for both Templates Only and Jump Kit Sandbox projects.

Data References and Data Shortcuts

Project DREF management plays an important role in Civil 3D production use.
Improvements were made to the Projects to clarify typical DREF usage and current Civil 3D production practices.

Updated appropriate publication and working drawing examples to employ Data Reference (DREF) Corridors
Updated and fixed the Project Folders XML for example Project Data Shortcuts (DREF) folders
Moved most Alignment Data Shortcuts to appropriate Project Folders to reduce Toolspace clutter
Moved most Profile Data Shortcuts to appropriate Project Folders to reduce Toolspace clutter
All the supplied Data Shortcut XML files were updated to reflect the current Project file property details
Added Rail Alignment and Rail Profile sample drawings and project Data Shortcut (DREF) resources

Grading Examples

Supplied an improved version of the commercial Site Plan suitable and set up for use with Grading Opitimization.
The parking lot layouts include Vehicle Tracking parking spaces and/or DWF IREF versions of the same.

Medians Intersection Examples

A set of Medians with Turn Lanes Intersection example drawings are included.
The Corridor Turn Lane design include Horizontal Curve Alignment and Vertical Curve Profile conditions.
Connected Alignments and Profiles are employed to produce the Curb Returns geometries and Corridor Regions.
Supplied Set of Assemblies resources were employed and modified to construct the basics of the Medians Intersection.

See the Turn Lanes and Medians Project Dataset for more in depth Civil 3D project resources.

Pipe and Pressure Pipe Updates

Rebuild and update of the supplied Pipe Network resources
Moved Pipe Network Data Shortcuts to appropriate Project Folders
Rebuild and update of the supplied Pressure Pipe Network resources
All the supplied XML files were updated
Removed dated and/or unnecessary files and folders
Updated appropriate working examples to employ a Data Reference (DREF) Corridor

Rehab Corridors

Three separate Rehab scemarios are supplied - most with ordered process drawings.

The Rehab Corridor examples will intentionally produce minor slope Corridor resolution errors that may be optionally ccrrected.

Renamed all example files to align with the appropriate Project Alignment names
Removed unnecessary Data References and Features from the examples for clarity
Removed a previously supplied Rehab Intersection example

Civil 3D Update Assembly Display Issues

All Subassemblies in all Assemblies were previously updated to the current version of the Civil 3D 2019 dll
Updated the Subassembly names employed in Sandbox Project's Assemblies to employ predicate based naming conventions to improve Corridor Targeting behaviors and filtering.
All Assemblies were updated to Civil 3D default Subassembly Group names and default subassembly names with the new predicates
Unnecessary Assemblies were removed from all examples
Data Reference (DREF) Corridors were employed where appropriate and maximize project consistency

Civil 3D is more particular about resolving Plan view Assemblies in upgraded drawings if upgraded with the Civil 3D Batch Save Utility.
The applied Assemblies all function properly in Corridors and Intersections regardless of this display resolution issue.
To fix failed Assemblies:
Select the Assembly; Go to the Construction tab; Select a subassembly; Right click and pick Rename; Add and remove any text charater to the end of the subassembly name; Click Apply or OK; Civil 3D will update the Plan view display.

Mini-Project Datasets

The Framework for Civil 3D includes additional samller Civil 3D Project Datasets focused on specific Civil 3D workflows and mechanics.
The new Project Datasets are not available for all releases and/or flavors of the Framework. They are available for the default NCS 6.0 in STB at the minimum.

To fully suuport Windows 10 and Windows 11 compatibility the default Sandbox project location is:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\Civil 3D Projects.
All included Reference Template (TREF) and project-based File Dependent References target this install location by default.

Turn Lanes and Medians Project

The Medians Project Dataset explores Civil 3D Project Data Reference (DREF) method and practice to fully support Multiple Baseline Corridor design options.
Multiple design options are supplied including two shared design options and a separate grading Datum surface the employs a separate Set of Assemblies.
The project also explores use of Corridor Frequency Models to help produce faster deliverables annotation in Civil 3D.

The Corridor naming convention employed is documented with a PDF included in the dataset.
The project explores the Corridor creation and construction of a complex 4-way Intersection with Turn Lanes and Medians with lots of nuanced Alignment and Profile design control.
The project explores the use of managed DREF (Data Reference) design control to employ multiple design, region, and assembly options in Multiple Baseline Corridor design and development.

The Medians Project:

Project named Medians-8-<Civil 3D Release>
The project employs a Reference Template (TREF)
The project employs multiple shared Data Reference (DREF) sources for the design control
Includes an inital Intersection with Median and Turn Lane design with Offset Alignment, Slope controlled Offset Profiles, and Curb Return design control and complex targeting
A Grading Corridor produced with Generic Pavement Subassemlies that employs the same design control to resolve a construction Datum surface
A second design option that resolves the same Intersection with a different Baseline Plan and different Set of Assemblies
Multiple example Corridor Frequency Models to resolve output Surfaces, Points and Labels, and validate and adjust the Region design control
Sample DREF Corridors and Feature Line annotative output is employed to produce Label Style Expression Set (LSES) Segment Label annotation for the design
By default, static extracted Corridor Feature Lines are employed to generate the Segment Label locations
Code(s) based Property Set Labels with variable Elevation truncation and optional Height of Curb Labels are employed

See the Civil 3D Turn Lane and Median Corridors post and video series for topics and details related to the Medians Project Dataset.

The dataset is tested and validated with the Autodesk Desktop Connector Reference Explorer tool.

See the Blog Videos page for videos and posts on Turn Lanes and Median Corridor topics and details.

Label Style Expression Sets Project

The Label Style Expression Set (LSES) Project Dataset explores the usage and mechanics of Framework for Civil 3D Labels in multiple grading annotation scenarios.
Included scenarios include typical and atypical Surfaces, multiple design Corridors for Ponds, Roads, and Parking Lot grading projects.

The Dataset explores the use of Framework Label Style Expression Set (LSES) resources with Variable and/or Fixed Truncation combined with Code(s) Property Set Label Style annotation to generate production deliverables annotation from these common Civil 3D grading scenarios.

Label Style Expression Sets Project:

Project named LsEs-8-<Civil 3D Release>
Employs multiple shared Data Reference (DREF) sources
Employs a Reference Template (TREF) and multiple Label Style Reference Templates
Example drawings employ either or both Variable or Fixed Truncated Contour LSES Labels
Current Layer, Variable Truncation, and Code(s) Property Set LSES Labels are typically employed
A Parking Lot example with LSES Labels produced on a live Corridor Model and Dynamic Corridor Feature Lines
A Roadway example with LSES Labels produced on a DREF Corridor Model and Dynamic Corridor Feature Lines
A Pond example with Surface Variable Truncation Spot Elevation and Contour LSES Labels produced on a DREF Corridor Model
A Site Design example with Surface Variable Truncation Spot and Contour LSES Labels produced on a complex DREF Surface Model produced by Grading Optimization

All Label Style Reference Template Styke collections may be easily replaced with other supplied Label Style Expression Set (LSES) Style collection resource drawings.

The Dataset drawings may therefore be employed to develop LSES Label Style resource collections for customer production use.

The dataset is tested and validated with the Autodesk Desktop Connector Reference Explorer tool.

See the Blog Videos page for videos and posts on Label Style Expression Set topics and details.

Spreadsheet Tools 2023

Help and documentation updates for the Spreadsheet Tools and usage is available in the Members section when logged in.

All on-line Spreadsheet Tools help pages were updated to reflect 2023 resource locations and Release 8 AddOn updates.

Improvements and updates to the Description Key Set Spreadsheet Tools include:

NCS and AIA Description Key Set Spreadsheet Tools were updated with additional XML production sheets
See the ..\Documentation\Description Keys folders for updated Spreadsheet Tools
Better sheet documentation and XML production sheets are supplied for existing NCS template DescKeySets
Better sheet documentation and XML production sheets are supplied for existing NCS AIA template DescKeySets
Corrections and fixes for the NCS 6 AIA supplied template DescKeySets

Updated Help On-line for Tools

See on-line help pages for updated Civil 3D Codes Spreadsheet Tool documentation.
Improvement and corrections to Sheet resources and on-line help is supplied.
See on-line help pages for updated Description Key Set Spreadsheet Tools documentation.
A wide array of Sheet resources and on-line help is supplied.
See on-line help pages for updated Figure Db Spreadsheet Tools documentation.
A array of Sheet resources and on-line help is supplied.

Release 8 Autodesk Civil 3D 2023.1

The Release 8 for 2023.1 is an upgrade and maintenance release for Framework for Civil 3D Release 8 customers.
By default Release 8 products ships in the NCS 6.0+ Layer scheme and/or the NCS 6.0+ AIA Layer scheme and do include Adaptive Layer and Linetype Standards support and backwards compatibility to the NCS 5.0+ Layer scheme.
Jump Kit and Jump Kit AIA library resources from Release 8 can be employed in Civil 3D 2022.1+ and Civil 3D 2021.3+.

All supplied Civil 3D resources are supplied in the new Civil 3D 2023.1 Object Model.

All the previously supplied Spreadsheet Tools are included in Jump Kit 8 2023 products.

All previously supplied Label Style Expression Set resources from AddOns are included in Jump Kit 8 2023 products.

Release 8 2023 Changes

The Release 8 products include all resources delivered in the NCS 6.0 utility names layer system.
The Release 8 AIA products include all resources delivered in the NCS 6.0 AIA utility names layer system.

The Templates Only and Templates Only AIA trial products now include STB and CTB based templates and plot resources.

The updated Jump Kit and Jump Kit AIA resources include:

Classic Civil 3D template resources in STB and CTB
Reference (TREF) template resources in STB and CTB
Jump Kit Style Library Collection resources
Updates to the Assemblies Library resources
Updates and improvements to the Framework for Civil 3D Sandbox Projects for both STB and CTB

For both consistency and interoperability reasons all the supplied Release 8 Civil 3D Style Tool names, rules, and conventions are maintained.

There are new naming conventions and new Jump Kit resouces supplied for the previously released and updated Label Style Expression Sets AddOns.

By default there are no Description Key Sets and/or Point Groups in the basic Reference Template (TREF) .dwg and/or .dwt files supplied.

Compatibility and General Improvement Summary

Release 8 2023 Framework product Style library resources will run in Civil 3D 2022-2020 but will not run in previous Civil 3D releases.
Some Civil 3D program functionality is lost with the use in older Civil 3D 2022-2020 releases.

Jump Kit and Jump Kit AIA library resources from Release 8 can be employed in Civil 3D 2022.1+ and Civil 3D 2021.3+.

The AutoCAD DWG does not change in 2023 - All resource drawings were updated in the 2018 DWG format.
The Civil 3D object model is specifically new in 2023
All resource drawings are upgraded to the Civil 3D 2023.1 model.

Layer Standards Update

All Layer Standards Updates may be employed in all Release 8 and Release 7 versions for Civil 3D versions 2023-2020.

All supplied Layer Standards resource drawings and Layer Standard (dws) files were updated.

All Layer Standards Spreadsheet Tools file names updated to end in 2023 where appropriate.

Grading Optimization for Civil 3D Support

The Release 8 products and resources for Civil 3D 2023.1 fully support the Grading Optimization for Civil 3D interface and tools.

Project Explorer for Civil 3D Support

The Release 8 products and resources for Civil 3D 2023.1 fully support the Project Explorer for Civil 3D interface, tools, templates, and potential resources libraries for the same.

A Project Explorer folder was added to the default ..\00_Resources folder for Project Explorer Reports

Templates and Styles 2023

The update includes the addition of new Label Style Expression Set resources for General Segment Labels, Surface Contour Labels, Surface Spots, and Points.
Supplied templates intentionally do not include new Label Style Expression Set Styles.

For both consistency and interoperability reasons all the supplied Release 8 Civil 3D Style Tool names, rules, and conventions are maintained.

There are new or revised naming conventions and new Jump Kit resouces supplied for the previously released Label Style Expression Sets AddOns.

The Templates Only and Templates Only AIA trial products now include STB and CTB based templates and plot resources.

General Updates

All templates updated to 2023.1 Civil 3D Object Model
Minor fixes and updates to some Styles based on customer feedback

Reference Template Resources

Reference Template Resources are supplied in addition to classic Civil 3D Template resources.
Supplied templates intentionally do not include Label Style Expression Set Styles.
Supplied examples employ the supplied Design and Survey template resources based on a Shared Resources common setup.

All Reference Template (TREF) resource drawings and templates updated to Civil 3D 2023.1 Object Model
Both STB and CTB detailed example Reference Template resources and templates are supplied
Updates to the template Object Settings resources
Object Settings resource drawing examples for Sewer and Storm are supplied

Symbol Set 2023

Complete 2023.1 build of all Civil 3D Point Styles.
Symbol blocks upgraded to the latest version of the AutoCAD 2018 DWG format

Jump Kit Styles 2023

Complete 2023.1 build of all Civil 3D Styles.
Resource drawings upgraded to the Civil 3D 2023.1 Object Model.

Misc Jump Kit Style Updates

Fixes and corrections were made to a few previously supplied Style Library resources.

Assemblies 2023

The Release 8 for Civil 3D 2023.1 ships with build updates to the Assembly resources.

Complete 2023.1 build of all Civil 3D Assemblies.
All Subassemblies in all Assemblies were updated to the current version of the Civil 3D 2019 dll.

All Subassemblies were renamed to employ prefix codes to improve the ease of use with new Civil 3D Targeting tools and filters.

The supplied Assembly resources open and run in Civil 3D 2023, Civil 3D 2022, and Civil 3D 2021.

Project Datasets 2023

The Release 8 for Civil 3D 2023.1 ships with major 2023.1 updates to the Release 8 Project Dataset resources.

Complete 2023.1 new build of project drawings for both the STB and CTB projects.

To fully suuport Windows 10 and Windows 11 compatibility the default Sandbox project location has changed to:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\Civil 3D Projects.
All included Reference Template (TREF) and project-based File Dependent References target this default Civil 3D install location by default.

All Framework Sandbox projects were tested, checked, and updated and fixed for all file references with the Reference Explorer tool available in the Autodesk Desktop Connector.

Reference Templates in Projects

The default project-based Reference Templates were updated to include Sandbox Project coordinate systems and proper plot resources.

Projects intentionally employ generic (non-release specific) names for the Reference Template resource
Single file Project-based Reference Templates are employed
The InstantOn Desktop resources include separate examples with multiple Referenece Template drawing resources.
The source Reference Template is in the project's ..\00_Resources\Templates\Reference folder
Both CTB and STB versions of the standard Design and Survey templates are supplied in the ..\00_Resources\Templates\Reference folders

The updated project resources allow users to update all the content with changes to the supplied Reference Template (TREF) resource files.

To update project Reference Template in supplied drawings in the Reference Template Tool remove the existing template Update, Purge Styles, and then the Add a new Reference Template.
Pay careful attention to the source folders of the Reference Template resources in the stack.
The Civil 3D Reference Template Tool currently does not support relative paths.

The contents of STB and CTB Framework Sandbox Projects differ. More project drawings and resources are included in the STB project.

Projects Updates

There were significant improvements and edits made to drawings, project data, and structures of the supplied Sandbox Projects.

A few dated example drawings were removed and replaced with new drawing content to minimize the Sandbox Project size and maximize usability.

Consistency updates were made to project drawing Layer States, Sheet Set files, and other Sandbox Project data.

Supplied template Description Key Sets and resources were updated, fixed, and improved
All the Subassemblies in all Assemblies in all versions were updated to support the curremt stock 2019 dll
All the Subassemblies were updated to support prefix naming conventions
Assemblies were physically relocated and more logically grouped in the drawing
Some Subassembly properties were updated to adjust some potential example Corridor build results for consistent behaviors
Reference Template (TREF) versions of the ExampleCorridors drawing are now supplied for Sandbox Projects
Unnecessary Description Key Sets were deleted from project Reference Templates
Unnecessary Description Key Sets removed from project drawings

The ExampleCorridors Drawing

All supplied versions of the standard example drawing (ExampleCorridors.dwg) were updated for both Templates Only and Jump Kit Sandbox projects.

Data References and Data Shortcuts

Project DREF management plays an important role in Civil 3D production use.
Improvements were made to the Projects to clarify typical DREF usage and current Civil 3D production practices.

Updated appropriate publication and working drawing examples to employ Data Reference (DREF) Corridors
Updated and fixed the Project Folders XML for example Project Data Shortcuts (DREF) folders
Moved most Alignment Data Shortcuts to appropriate Project Folders to reduce Toolspace clutter
Moved most Profile Data Shortcuts to appropriate Project Folders to reduce Toolspace clutter
All the supplied Data Shortcut XML files were updated to reflect the current Project file property details
Added Rail Alignment and Rail Profile sample drawings and project Data Shortcut (DREF) resources

Grading Examples

Supplied an improved version of the commercial Site Plan suitable and set up for use with Grading Opitimization.
The parking lot layouts include Vehicle Tracking parking spaces and/or DWF IREF versions of the same.

Medians Intersection Examples

A set of Medians with Turn Lanes Intersection example drawings are included.
The Corridor Turn Lane design include Horizontal Curve Alignment and Vertical Curve Profile conditions.
Connected Alignments and Profiles are employed to produce the Curb Returns geometries and Corridor Regions.
Supplied Set of Assemblies resources were employed and modified to construct the basics of the Medians Intersection.

See the Turn Lanes and Medians Project Dataset for more in depth Civil 3D project resources.

Pipe and Pressure Pipe Updates

Rebuild and update of the supplied Pipe Network resources
Moved Pipe Network Data Shortcuts to appropriate Project Folders
Rebuild and update of the supplied Pressure Pipe Network resources
All the supplied XML files were updated
Removed dated and/or unnecessary files and folders
Updated appropriate working examples to employ a Data Reference (DREF) Corridor

Rehab Corridors

Three separate Rehab scemarios are supplied - most with ordered process drawings.

The Rehabv Corridor examples will intentionally produce minor slope Corridor resolution errors that may be optionally ccrrected.

Renamed all example files to align with the appropriate Project Alignment names
Removed unnecessary Data References and Features from the examples for clarity
Removed a previously supplied Rehab Intersection example

Civil 3D Update Assembly Display Issues

All Subassemblies in all Assemblies were updated to the current version of the Civil 3D 2019 dll
Updated the Subassembly names employed in Sandbox Project's Assemblies to employ predicate based naming conventions to improve Corridor Targeting behaviors and filtering.
All Assemblies were updated to Civil 3D default Subassembly Group names and default subassembly names with the new predicates
Unnecessary Assemblies were removed from all examples
Data Reference (DREF) Corridors were employed where appropriate and maximize project consistency

Civil 3D is more particular about resolving Plan view Assemblies in upgraded drawings if upgraded with the Civil 3D Batch Save Utility.
The applied Assemblies all function properly in Corridors and Intersections regardless of this display resolution issue.
To fix failed Assemblies:
Select the Assembly; Go to the Construction tab; Select a subassembly; Right click and pick Rename; Add and remove a space charater to the end of the subassembly name; Click Apply or OK; Civil 3D will update the Plan view display.

Mini-Project Datasets

The Framework for Civil 3D now includes additional samller Civil 3D Project Datasets focused on specific Civil 3D workflows and mechanics.
The new Project Datasets are not available for all releases and/or flavors of the Framework. They are available for the default NCS 6.0 in STB at the minimum.

To fully suuport Windows 10 and Windows 11 compatibility the default Sandbox project location is:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\Civil 3D Projects.
All included Reference Template (TREF) and project-based File Dependent References target this install location by default.

Turn Lanes and Medians Project

The Medians Project Dataset explores Civil 3D Project Data Reference (DREF) method and practice to fully support Multiple Baseline Corridor design options.
Multiple design options are supplied including two shared design options and a separate grading Datum surface the employs a separate Set of Assemblies.
The project also explores use of Corridor Frequency Models to help produce faster deliverables annotation in Civil 3D.

The Corridor naming convention employed is documented with a PDF included in the dataset.

The project explores the Corridor creation and construction of a complex 4-way Intersection with Turn Lanes and Medians with lots of nuanced Alignment and Profile design control.

The project explores the use of managed DREF (Data Reference) design control to employ multiple design, region, and assembly options in Multiple Baseline Corridor design and development.

The Medians Project:

Project named Medians-8-<Civil 3D Release>
The project employs a Reference Template (TREF)
The project employs multiple shared Data Reference (DREF) sources for the design control
Includes an inital Intersection with Median and Turn Lane design with Offset Alignment, Slope controlled Offset Profiles, and Curb Return design control and complex targeting
A Grading Corridor produced with Generic Pavement Subassemlies that employs the same design control to resolve a construction Datum surface
A second design option that resolves the same Intersection with a different Baseline Plan and different Set of Assemblies
Multiple example Corridor Frequency Models to resolve output Surfaces, Points and Labels, and validate and adjust the Region design control
Sample DREF Corridors and Feature Line annotative output is employed to produce Label Style Expression Set (LSES) Segment Label annotation for the design
By default, static extracted Corridor Feature Lines are employed to generate the Segment Label locations
Code(s) based Property Set Labels with variable Elevation truncation and optional Height of Curb Labels are employed

See the Civil 3D Turn Lane and Median Corridors post and video series for topics and details related to the Medians Project Dataset.

The dataset is tested and validated with the Autodesk Desktop Connector Reference Explorer tool.

See the Blog Videos page for videos and posts on Turn Lanes and Median Corridor topics and details.

Label Style Expression Sets Project

The Label Style Expression Set (LSES) Project Dataset explores the usage and mechanics of Framework for Civil 3D Labels in multiple grading annotation scenarios.
Included scenarios include typical and atypical Surfaces, multiple design Corridors for Ponds, Roads, and Parking Lot grading projects.

The Dataset explores the use of Framework Label Style Expression Set (LSES) resources with Variable and/or Fixed Truncation combined with Code(s) Property Set Label Style annotation to generate production deliverables annotation from these common Civil 3D grading scenarios.

Label Style Expression Sets Project:

Project named LsEs-8-<Civil 3D Release>
Employs multiple shared Data Reference (DREF) sources
Employs a Reference Template (TREF) and multiple Label Style Reference Templates
Example drawings employ either or both Variable or Fixed Truncated Contour LSES Labels
Current Layer, Variable Truncation, and Code(s) Property Set LSES Labels are typically employed
A Parking Lot example with LSES Labels produced on a live Corridor Model and Dynamic Corridor Feature Lines
A Roadway example with LSES Labels produced on a DREF Corridor Model and Dynamic Corridor Feature Lines
A Pond example with Surface Variable Truncation Spot Elevation and Contour LSES Labels produced on a DREF Corridor Model
A Site Design example with Surface Variable Truncation Spot and Contour LSES Labels produced on a complex DREF Surface Model produced by Grading Optimization

All Label Style Reference Template Styke collections may be easily replaced with other supplied Label Style Expression Set (LSES) Style collection resource drawings.

The Dataset drawings may therefore be employed to develop LSES Label Style resource collections for customer production use.

The dataset is tested and validated with the Autodesk Desktop Connector Reference Explorer tool.

See the Blog Videos page for videos and posts on Label Style Expression Set topics and details.

Spreadsheet Tools 2023

Help and documentation updates for the Spreadsheet Tools and usage is available in the Members section when logged in.

All on-line Spreadsheet Tools help pages were updated to reflect 2023 resource locations and Release 8 AddOn updates.

Improvements and updates to the Description Key Set Spreadsheet Tools include:

NCS and AIA Description Key Set Spreadsheet Tools were updated with additional XML production sheets
See the ..\Documentation\Description Keys folders for updated Spreadsheet Tools
Better sheet documentation and XML production sheets are supplied for existing NCS template DescKeySets
Better sheet documentation and XML production sheets are supplied for existing NCS AIA template DescKeySets
Corrections and fixes for the NCS 6 AIA supplied template DescKeySets

Updated Help On-line for Tools

See on-line help pages for updated Civil 3D Codes Spreadsheet Tool documentation.
Improvement and corrections to Sheet resources and on-line help is supplied.
See on-line help pages for updated Description Key Set Spreadsheet Tools documentation.
A wide array of Sheet resources and on-line help is supplied.
See on-line help pages for updated Figure Db Spreadsheet Tools documentation.
A array of Sheet resources and on-line help is supplied.

Release 8 Autodesk Civil 3D 2023

The Release 8 for 2023 is a significant upgrade and maintenance release for Framework for Civil 3D Release 8 customers.
By default Release 8 products ships in the NCS 6.0+ Layer scheme and/or the NCS 6.0+ AIA Layer scheme and do include Adaptive Layer and Linetype Standards support and backwards compatibility to the NCS 5.0+ Layer scheme.
Jump Kit and Jump Kit AIA library resources from Release 8 can be employed in Civil 3D 2022.1+ and Civil 3D 2021.3+.

All supplied Civil 3D resources are supplied in the new Civil 3D 2023 Object Model.

All the previously supplied Spreadsheet Tools are included in Jump Kit 8 2023 products.

All previously supplied Label Style Expression Set resources from AddOns are included in Jump Kit 8 2023 products.

Release 8 2023 Changes

The Release 8 products include all resources delivered in the NCS 6.0 utility names layer system.
The Release 8 AIA products include all resources delivered in the NCS 6.0 AIA utility names layer system.
The Templates Only and Templates Only AIA trial products include only STB based templates and basic resources.

The updated Jump Kit and Jump Kit AIA resources include:

Classic Civil 3D template resources in STB and CTB
Updates and additions to the Generals and Surface Styles and their Label Style collections
Reference (TREF) template resources in STB and CTB
Updates and additions to the Generals and Surface Styles and their Label Style collections
Jump Kit Style Library Collection resources
Updates and additions to the Generals, Points, and Surface Styles and their Label Style collections
Includes Label Style Expression Set resources for: Generals Segment Labels, Point Label Styles, Surface Contour and Spot Elevation Labels.
Important updates and additions to the Assemblies Library resources
Updates and improvements to the Framework for Civil 3D Sandbox Projects for both STB and CTB

For both consistency and interoperability reasons all the supplied Release 8 Civil 3D Style Tool names, rules, and conventions are maintained.

There are new naming conventions and new Jump Kit resouces supplied for the previously released and updated Label Style Expression Sets AddOns.

By default there are no Description Key Sets and/or Point Groups in the basic Reference Template (TREF) .dwg and/or .dwt files supplied.

Compatibility and General Improvement Summary

Release 8 2023 Framework product Style library resources will run in Civil 3D 2022-2020 but will not run in previous Civil 3D releases.
Some Civil 3D program functionality is lost with the use in older Civil 3D 2022-2020 releases.

Jump Kit and Jump Kit AIA library resources from Release 8 can be employed in Civil 3D 2022.1+ and Civil 3D 2021.3+.

The AutoCAD DWG does not change in 2023 - All resource drawings were updated in the 2018 DWG format.
The Civil 3D object model is specifically new in 2023
Additions were made to the Cant Label Style components.
All resource drawings are upgraded to the Civil 3D 2023 model.
The Release 8 for Civil 3D 2022 changes are focused on added new Style resources, Style fixes, updated product documentation, and support resources.
New upgrades of the supplied Jump Kit Generals Style and Label Style library resources are included.
Major new upgrades of the supplied Jump Kit Label Style Expression Set Library resources for General Segments, Surface Contour and Spot Labels, and Points are included.

Layer Standards Update

All Layer Standards Updates may be employed in all Release 8 and Release 7 versions for Civil 3D versions 2023-2020.

All supplied Layer Standards resource drawings and Layer Standard (dws) files were updated.

All Layer Standards Spreadsheet Tools file names updated to end in 2023 where appropriate.

Project Explorer for Civil 3D Support

The Release 8 products and resources for Civil 3D 2023 fully support the Project Explorer for Civil 3D interface, tools, templates, and potential resources libraries for the same.

A new Project Explorer folder was added to the default ..\00_Resources folder for Project Explorer Reports

Templates and Styles 2023

The update includes the addition of new Label Style Expression Set resources for General Segment Labels, Surface Contour Labels, Surface Spots, and Points.
Supplied templates intentionally do not include new Label Style Expression Set Styles.

For both consistency and interoperability reasons all the supplied Release 8 Civil 3D Style Tool names, rules, and conventions are maintained.

There are new or revised naming conventions and new Jump Kit resouces supplied for the previously released Label Style Expression Sets AddOns.

General Updates

All templates updated to 2023 Civil 3D Object Model
Additions and updates to the Generals Style collection library
Updates and fixes to the template Description Key Set resources for both NCS and AIA flavors
Updates and fixes to the template Object Settings resources
Updates to the Surface Style collection library
Added recent new and updated Label Style Expression Sets AddOn collection libraries
Minor fixes and updates to some Styles based on customer feedback

Reference Template Resources

A rebuild of the supplied Reference Template (TREF) example resources.
Reference Template Resources are supplied in addition to classic Civil 3D Template resources.
Supplied templates intentionally do not include Label Style Expression Set Styles.
Supplied examples employ the supplied Design and Survey template resources based on a Shared Resources common setup.

All Reference Template (TREF) resource drawings and templates updated to 2023 Civil 3D Object Model
Both STB and CTB detailed example Reference Template resources and templates are supplied
Updates and fixes to the template Object Settings resources
Object Settings resource drawing examples for Sewer and Storm are supplied
Extraneous Description Key Sets were removed where appropriate

Generals Style Library Updates

See the Generals Style Library Updates for 2022.1 for more details.

There was a major rebuild of previously supplied Generals Style collections.
New Jump Kit Line and Curve Label Style collections are supplied to make Generals Line and Curve Label Style replacements more adaptive.
There are no naming revisions to previously supplied Styles and Label Styles for consistency.

Added Current Layer and NoPlot Styles for all new and previously supplied Line and Curve Label Styles
Updates to fix Style and Label Style properties as required
Updates to fix or adjust Style and Label Style Descriptions
Updated stock Subassemblies and PKT visualization drawings and removed dated content

The Jump Kit Line and Curve Label Styles are included in supplied classic Template and Reference Template (TREF) resources for consistency.

Segment Labels Expression Set

New and updated Segment Label Style Expression Set resource collections that support Corridor output Feature Lines, Feature Lines, and Lines and Curves.
The Segment Label Style Expression Set Line and Curve Labels include:

Automatic Variable Label Offset by Setting and drawing scale
Variable and Fixed Elevation Truncation support for Label Style collections
Customizable integrated Property Set Code support for single and dual calculated Height of Label Style collections
Separate Start Node and End Node Label Style collections
Both Object and View-based Label Style collections are supplied with 8 levels of rotation

New supplied Styles and Label Styles employ the classic NCS "C-", "V-", and "G-" Discipline Codes for Layer assignments
The supplied Layer Standards resources include potential support for other NCS official Disciplines which may be applicable for these Styles.

See the Members>>Documentation and Help>>Labels in Civil 3D section for details.

See the Segment Label Style AddOn Updates for more details.

Point Truncation Label Style Expression Set

The Point Truncation Label Style Expression Set is a major addition of integrated Label Style Expression Set resources and matched Label Style Library resources for the Framework for Civil 3D.
The Point Truncation Label Style Expression Set supports Point Elevation truncation and multiple forms of scaled Offset Label Style display in the NCS 6 and AIA flavors of the Jump Kit product.

The new large Style Library of resources include:

Variable and Fixed truncation for all Point Elevations in a large number of display formats.
Current Layer, Proposed, Existing, and No Plot publication
8 Levels of integrated Expression Set based offset
8 forms of rotation

New supplied Styles and Label Styles employ the classic NCS "C-", "V-", and "G-" Discipline Codes for Layer assignments
The supplied Layer Standards resources include potential support for other NCS official Disciplines which may be applicable for these Styles.

See the Members>>Documentation and Help>>Labels in Civil 3D section for details.

See the Point Truncation Label Style AddOns for more details.

Point Offset Label Style Expression Set

An updated large library of Label Styles and Expression Set resources are supplied to produce standardized and consistent Offset Point Labels.
Supplied templates intentionally do not include Label Style Expression Set Styles.

The new large library of Resources include:

New integrated Offset Point Label Styles with Truncated Elevation support
Support for standardized and consistently scaled Offset Point Labels
8 separate managed levels of Offset in 8 different rotations
All supplied Offset Label Expression Set Styles employ automatic Annotative Scale adjustment
Current Layer, Proposed, Existing, and No Plot publication in multiple Label Style formats

Supplied Styles and Label Styles employ the classic NCS "C-", "V-", and "G-" Discipline Codes for Layer assignments
The supplied Layer Standards resources include potential support for other NCS official Disciplines which may be applicable for these Styles.

See the Members>>Documentation and Help>>Labels in Civil 3D section for details.

See the Point Offset Label Style AddOns for more details.

Description Key Set Updates

Civil 3D Description Key Set creation, maintenance, and management plays a significant role in Civil 3D production work.
The supplied product Style Library resources include significant Description Key Set capabilities and many customization resources.

Description Key Set resources were added and updated:

Stock Description Key Sets for all templates were updated
AIA Description Key Sets now assign AIA Layers correctly
Minor fixes and updates to NCS Description Key Sets
NCS and AIA Description Key Set Spreadsheet Tools were updated with additional XML production sheets
See the ..\Documentation\Description Keys folders for updated Spreadsheet Tools
Updated and added XML and DWG Description Key Set resources are included
Description Key Set updates to all supplied Civil 3D Project datasets
New version of the Quux Software IMPORTDESCKEY Tool is supplied
See the ..\Documentation folder for the updated Description Key Set Import Tool PDF documentation

Surfaces Style Library Updates

The release includes a rebuild of all previously supplied Surface Styles and new Surface Style additions.

New Screening versions of Surface Styles are supplied to facilitate better and improved publication of Surfaces and Label Annotation
The new Screening Surface Style tools work in both STB and CTB for all types of Civil 3D Surface models that produce Elevation Ranges

See the Surface Style AddOns for included Surface Style improvements and details.

Surface Contour Label Style Expression Set

A large library of Label Styles and Expression Set resources are supplied to produce standardized and consistent Surface Contour Labels.
Supplied templates intentionally do not include Label Style Expression Set Styles.

The updated Contour Label Style Exprssion Set resources include:

Current Layer, Proposed, Existing, and No Plot publication in multiple Label Style formats
All Borders forms are supported
Many NCS Layer Label Style publication options
Updated Expression Set names and Expression Resources
Updated Label Style collection resource drawings and names
Label Style name updates
Fixes and consistency updates to Label Styles

Supplied Styles and Label Styles employ the classic NCS "C-", "V-", and "G-" Discipline Codes for Layer assignments
The supplied Layer Standards resources include potential support for other NCS official Disciplines which may be applicable for these Styles.

See the Members>>Documentation and Help>>Labels in Civil 3D section for details.

See the Contour Label Style AddOn Updates for more details.

Surface Spot Label Style Expression Set

A large library of Label Styles and Expression Set resources are supplied to produce standardized and consistent Surface Spot Elevation Labels.
Supplied templates intentionally do not include Label Style Expression Set Styles.

The updated Spot Label Style Exprssion Set resources now include:

Automatic Variable Label Offset by Setting and drawing scale
Current Layer, Proposed, Existing, and No Plot publication in multiple Label Style formats
View-based Label Style collections are supplied with 8 levels of rotation
Variable and Fixed Elevation Truncation support for Label Style collections
Spot Labels include customizable integrated Property Set Code support for single and dual calculated Height of Label Style collections
Spot Labels include a Reference Surface Label Style collection
Label Style name updates
Fixes and consistency updates to Label Styles

Supplied Styles and Label Styles employ the classic NCS "C-", "V-", and "G-" Discipline Codes for Layer assignments
The supplied Layer Standards resources include potential support for other NCS official Disciplines which may be applicable for these Styles.

See the Members>>Documentation and Help>>Labels in Civil 3D section for details.

See the Surface Spot Label Style AddOns Update for more details.

Symbol Set 2023

Complete 2023 new build of all Civil 3D Point Styles.
Symbol blocks upgraded to the latest version of the AutoCAD 2018 DWG format

Jump Kit Styles 2023

Complete 2023 new build of all Civil 3D Styles.
Resource drawings upgraded to the Civil 3D 2023 Object Model.

InstantOn and Jump Kit Reorganization

The InstantOn and Jump Kit resource folders were renumbered in the supplied collections libraries to continue to match the Civil 3D Toolspace display order.
Folder numbers below the Bridge Projection Style location in the Civil 3D Toolspace tree were updated in 2021+.
Rail resources are intentionally not in the Toolspace order sequence.

A new placeholder folder for Rail Turnouts Styles was added for future support of Rail Turnout Styles when US Turnout data files are available.
No Rail Turnout Styles or Label Styles are currently supplied.

Generals Style and Label Style Updates

See the Generals Style Library Updates for 2022.1 for more details.

There is a major rebuild of previously supplied Generals Style collections.
New Jump Kit Line and Curve Label Style collections are supplied to make Generals Line and Curve Label Style replacements more adaptive.
There are no naming revisions to previously supplied Styles and Label Styles for consistency.

Updates to previously supplied Generals Styles and Label Style content
New added content employs new Style and Label Style names where appropriate
Previously supplied resource drawings, Styles, and Label Style names intentionally remain the same.
Added new NCS 6.0 Boundary (BNDY) and Propery (PROP) Layer resolutions for all Line and Curve Label Styles
Label Style names in each separate Line and Curve collection are the same as the previously supplied resources to facilitate easy Label Style publication replacement.
In other words, template collections or project drawings can be updated by inserting the appropriate resource collection to produce the desired result.
Three separte resource collection drawings of each of the Generals and IOB_Generals collections are supplied for the ANNO, BNDY, and PROP collections
Updates and fixes for the previously supplied NCS General annotative (G-ANNO) Layer resolutions for all Line and Curve Label Styles
Removed all previous references to non-compliant NCS 6.0+ V-ANNO and C-ANNO layers
Added Current Layer and NoPlot Styles for all new and previously supplied Line and Curve Label Styles
Added Current Layer and NoPlot Styles for all new and previously supplied Marker, Link, and Shape Label Styles where appropriate
A (CL) name predicate ie employed for Current Layer Label Styles - Floats to Layer 0
A (Qa)NP name predicate is employed for NOPLOT resolutions - employs a NCS General ANNO-NPLT Layer
Updates to fix Style and Label Style properties as required
Updates to fix or adjust Style and Label Style Descriptions
Updated stock Subassemblies visualization drawings and removed dated content
Supplied Style and Label Style drawings were checked and updated with the AutoCAD Standards Checker to the supplied NCS 6.0 Standards .dws resource drawings.
The supplied resources drawings can be updated any of the supplied Framework for Civil 3D Layer Standards or customized Layer Standard files.

The new General Line, Curve, Marker, Link, and Shape Label Styles are included in supplied classic Template and Reference Template (TREF) resources for consistency.
Customized existing templates and project drawings may be updated from the updated resource drawings by typical Civil 3D Style update tools and methods.

Segment Labels Expression Set

New and updated Segment Label Style Expression Set resource collections that support Corridor output Feature Lines, Feature Lines, and Lines and Curves.
The Segment Label Style Expression Set Line and Curve Labels include:

Automatic Variable Label Offset by Setting and drawing scale
Variable and Fixed Elevation Truncation support for Label Style collections
Customizable integrated Property Set Code support for single and dual calculated Height of Label Style collections
Separate Start Node and End Node Label Style collections
Both Object and View-based Label Style collections are supplied with 8 levels of rotation

New supplied Styles and Label Styles employ the classic NCS "C-", "V-", and "G-" Discipline Codes for Layer assignments
The supplied Layer Standards resources include potential support for other NCS official Disciplines which may be applicable for these Styles.

See the Members>>Documentation and Help>>Labels in Civil 3D section for details.

See the Segment Label Style AddOn Updates for more details.

Point Truncation Label Style Expression Set

The Point Truncation Label Style Expression Set is a major addition of integrated Label Style Expression Set resources and matched Label Style Library resources for the Framework for Civil 3D.
The Point Truncation Label Style Expression Set supports Point Elevation truncation and multiple forms of scaled Offset Label Style display in the NCS 6 and AIA flavors of the Jump Kit product.

The new large Style Library of resources include:

Variable and Fixed truncation for all Point Elevations in a large number of display formats.
Current Layer, Proposed, Existing, and No Plot publication
8 Levels of integrated Expression Set based offset
8 forms of rotation

New supplied Styles and Label Styles employ the classic NCS "C-", "V-", and "G-" Discipline Codes for Layer assignments
The supplied Layer Standards resources include potential support for other NCS official Disciplines which may be applicable for these Styles.

See the Members>>Documentation and Help>>Labels in Civil 3D section for details.

See the Point Truncation Label Style AddOns for more details.

Point Offset Label Style Expression Set

An updated large library of Label Styles and Expression Set resources are supplied to produce standardized and consistent Offset Point Labels.
Supplied templates intentionally do not include Label Style Expression Set Styles.

The new large library of Resources include:

New integrated Offset Point Label Styles with Truncated Elevation support
Support for standardized and consistently scaled Offset Point Labels
8 separate managed levels of Offset in 8 different rotations
All supplied Offset Label Expression Set Styles employ automatic Annotative Scale adjustment
Current Layer, Proposed, Existing, and No Plot publication in multiple Label Style formats

Supplied Styles and Label Styles employ the classic NCS "C-", "V-", and "G-" Discipline Codes for Layer assignments
The supplied Layer Standards resources include potential support for other NCS official Disciplines which may be applicable for these Styles.

See the Members>>Documentation and Help>>Labels in Civil 3D section for details.

See the Point Offset Label Style AddOns for more details.

Description Key Set Updates

Civil 3D Description Key Set creation, maintenance, and management plays a significant role in Civil 3D production work.
The supplied product Style Library resources include significant Description Key Set capabilities and many customization resources.

Description Key Set resources were added and updated:

Stock Description Key Sets for all templates were updated
AUA Description Key Sets now assign AIA Layers correctly
Minor fixes and updates to NCS Description Key Sets
NCS and AIA Description Key Set Spreadsheet Tools were updated with additional XML production sheets
See the ..\Documentation\Description Keys folders for updated Spreadsheet Tools
Updated and added XML and DWG Description Key Set resources are included
Description Key Set updates to all supplied Civil 3D Project datasets
New version of the IMPORTDESCKEY Tool is supplied
See the ..\Documentation folder for the updated Description Key Set Import Tool PDF documentation

Surfaces Style Library Updates

The release includes a rebuild of all previously supplied Surface Styles and new Surface Style additions.

New Screening versions of Surface Styles are supplied to facilitate better and improved publication of Surfaces and Label Annotation
The new Screening Surface Style tools work in both STB and CTB for all types of Civil 3D Surface models that produce Elevation Ranges

Surface Style Collections include:

Rebuild of all previously supplied Surface Styles
Corrections to Style names and Surface Style property fixes and updates
Rebuild of all previously supplied Thematic Surface Styles
Minor consistency corrections to a few Surface Style properties
Updates and fixes to all previously supplied Surface Style Descriptions
A new Screened Surface Style collection of Existing, Proposed, and No Plot Contours at multiple Contour intervals
A new Surface Style is also supplied that only produces Screening of any objects below the surface.
A new Screened Thematic Surface Style collection of Proposed Contours at multiple intervals and as Triangles are supplied
All versions of the previously supplied Surface Thematic Style are supplied with Screening.
Renamed copies of old Surface Style resource files and Style Tool contents are supplied for consistency

Surface Style Collection Details

Screening is produced with a single Elevation Pastel Range and a 0% Screening plotstyle assigned to the NCS Design TINN-VIEW layer.

The supplied Screening Styles when employed in CTB require that an Elevation analysis is run.
Color 240+ should be assigned to the single Range result to conform to and produce screening with the supplied CTB file resources.

The produced screening effect from the Surface is AutoCAD Display Order dependent.

New supplied Styles employ the classic NCS "C-", "V-", and "G-" Discipline Codes for Layer assignments
The supplied Layer Standards resources include potential support for other NCS official Disciplines which may be applicable for these Styles.

See the Surface Style AddOns for included Surface Style improvements and details.

Surface Contour Label Style Expression Set

A large library of Label Styles and Expression Set resources are supplied to produce standardized and consistent Surface Contour Labels.
Supplied templates intentionally do not include Label Style Expression Set Styles.

The updated Contour Label Style Exprssion Set resources include:

Current Layer, Proposed, Existing, and No Plot publication in multiple Label Style formats
All Borders forms are supported
Many NCS Layer Label Style publication options
Updated Expression Set names and Expression Resources
Updated Label Style collection resource drawings and names
Label Style name updates
Fixes and consistency updates to Label Styles

Supplied Styles and Label Styles employ the classic NCS "C-", "V-", and "G-" Discipline Codes for Layer assignments
The supplied Layer Standards resources include potential support for other NCS official Disciplines which may be applicable for these Styles.

See the Members>>Documentation and Help>>Labels in Civil 3D section for details.

See the Contour Label Style AddOn Updates for more details.

Surface Spot Label Style Expression Set

A large library of Label Styles and Expression Set resources are supplied to produce standardized and consistent Surface Spot Elevation Labels.
Supplied templates intentionally do not include Label Style Expression Set Styles.

The updated Spot Label Style Exprssion Set resources now include:

Automatic Variable Label Offset by Setting and drawing scale
Current Layer, Proposed, Existing, and No Plot publication in multiple Label Style formats
View-based Label Style collections are supplied with 8 levels of rotation
Variable and Fixed Elevation Truncation support for Label Style collections
Spot Labels include customizable integrated Property Set Code support for single and dual calculated Height of Label Style collections
Spot Labels include a Reference Surface Label Style collection
Label Style name updates
Fixes and consistency updates to Label Styles

Supplied Styles and Label Styles employ the classic NCS "C-", "V-", and "G-" Discipline Codes for Layer assignments
The supplied Layer Standards resources include potential support for other NCS official Disciplines which may be applicable for these Styles.

See the Members>>Documentation and Help>>Labels in Civil 3D section for details.

See the Surface Spot Label Style AddOns Update for more details.

Misc Jump Kit Style Updates

Fixes and corrections were made to a few previously supplied Style Library resources.

Assemblies 2023

The Release 8 for Civil 3D 2023 ships with major updates to the Assembly resources.

Complete 2023 new build of all Civil 3D Assemblies.
All Subassemblies in all Assemblies were updated to the current version of the Civil 3D 2019 dll.

All Subassemblies were renamed to employ prefix codes to improve the ease of use with new Civil 3D Targeting tools and filters.

The supplied Assembly resources open and run in Civil 3D 2023, Civil 3D 2022, and Civil 3D 2021.

Assembly Updates

The supplied Assembly library of resource drawings were rebuilt from scratch.
The naming convention for the supplied Assembly resources and drawings was not changed for consistency.
All Subassemblies updated to employ prefix codes.

Stock Subassembly replacements and/or property updates may be cascaded to sets of or copies of sets of Assemblies with relative ease.

PKT replacements and/or property updates may also be cascaded to sets of or copies of sets of Assemblies with relative ease.

Updated all supplied Assemblies to employ prefix codes for Subassembly components for improved ease of use with new Civil 3D Targeting tools and filters
Updated all supplied Assemblies with corrected Superelevation assignments where appropriate
Updated all supplied Assemblies properties to current AASHTO Green Book recommendations where appropriate
For example - All 35 Collectors were upgraded from standard 6" curbs to standard 8" Curbs.
For example - All Rural Assemblies were upgraded to standard 6' paved and 6' unpaved or standard 4' paved and 4' unpaved with 5% grades
Based on customer requests and feedback Curb Subgrade extensions were removed for Local and Collector Assemblies
Datum surfaces therefore resolve better
Updated all Curb Fillets Assemblies to include superelevation support
Updated all Shoulder Fillets Assemblies with width and slope standards and to include superelevation support
Updated all Assembly Descriptions to reflect current properties
Removed and/or dated Description content where appropriate

Assembly Additions for Medians

A number of new Assembly Sets and Assemblies are included that produce typical Medians and Turn Lanes.

Added both 35 Rural and 35 Collector sets of Assemmblies for Link Medians - include "_ML" in the Assembly name
The set of Assemblies to construct Link based Medians and Turn Lanes with single Undivided Crown or Undivided Planar roadways with Superelevation
Added both 35 Rural and 35 Collector sets of Assemmblies for Flat Medians - include "_MF" in the Assembly name
The set of Assemblies to construct Flat Medians and Turn Lanes with single Undivided Crown or Undivided Planar roadways with Superelevation
Added both 35 Rural and 35 Collector sets of Assemmblies for Crowned Medians - include "_MC" in the Assembly name
The set of Assemblies to construct Crowned Medians and Turn Lanes with single Undivided Crown or Undivided Planar roadways with Superelevation
Added 35 Rural set of Assemmblies for Curb and Depressed Medians - include "_MD" in the Assembly name
The set of Assemblies to construct Curb and Depressed Medians and Turn Lanes with single Undivided Crown or Undivided Planar roadways with Superelevation

Assembly Additions

A number of new Assemblies and prototype Assemblies are included.

Added Urban prototyle Assemblies with AASHTO Urban minimum 11' Lanes
Added 8" Curb Fillets for AOR and standard Superelevation lanes
Added 4' Shoulder Fillets for AOR and standard Superelevation lanes

New Assembly Collection Resources

New collections of Sets of Assemblies resource drawings are included to facilitate Assembly replacement by insertion into working drawings.
AutoCAD script resources are also supplied to aid in the rapid construction of Sets of Assemblies resource drawings.

Added a new Collections Library of resource drawings
Typical AASHTO speed based Resource drawings include prebuilt collections of Sets of Assemblies for quicker use in Corridor construction.
Supplied Collections include 15, 25, 30, 35, 35 Medians, Curb Fillets, and Shoulder Fillets
Collections include Sets of Assemblies with separate Daylight (DL), No Daylight (ND), Pavement and Curbs (PC), Pavement and Shoulders (PS), and Pavement Only (PO) resource drawings
All new Assembly Collection Library drawings intentionally employ the same Set of Assembly and Subassemly names to facilitate Assembly replacement by insertion into working drawings
Useful example production AutoCAD Script resources to construct additional and/or edited Sets of Assemblies resource drawings are included
A prototype Set of Assemblies script file is supplied

Assembly Plan View Display Resolution

Civil 3D is more particular about resolving Assemblies in Plan view in upgraded drawings if upgraded with the Civil 3D Batch Save Utility.
The applied Assemblies all function properly in Corridors and Intersections regardless of this display resolution issue.
To fix failed Assemblies:
Select the Assembly; Go to the Construction tab; Select a subassembly; Right click and pick Rename; Add and remove a space charater to the end of the subassembly name; Click Apply or OK; Civil 3D will update the Plan view display.

Project Datasets 2023

The Release 8 for Civil 3D 2023 ships with major 2023 updates to the Release 8 Project Dataset resources.

Complete 2023 new build of project drawings for both the STB and CTB projects.

To fully suuport Windows 10 and Windows 11 compatibility the default Sandbox project location has changed to:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\Civil 3D Projects.
All included Reference Template (TREF) and project-based File Dependent References target this default Civil 3D install location by default.

Reference Templates in Projects

The default project-based Reference Templates were updated to include Sandbox Project coordinate systems and proper plot resources.

Projects intentionally employ generic (non-release specific) names for the Reference Template resource
Single file Project-based Reference Templates are employed
The InstantOn Desktop resources include separate examples with multiple Referenece Template drawing resources.
The source Reference Template is in the project's ..\00_Resources\Templates\Reference folder
Both CTB and STB versions of the standard Design and Survey templates are supplied in the ..\00_Resources\Templates\Reference folders

The updated project resources allow users to update all the content with changes to the supplied Reference Template (TREF) resource files.

To update project Reference Template in supplied drawings in the Reference Template Tool remove the existing template Update, Purge Styles, and then the Add a new Reference Template.
Pay careful attention to the source folders of the Reference Template resources in the stack.
The Civil 3D Reference Template Tool currently does not support relative paths.

The contents of STB and CTB Framework Sandbox Projects differ. More project drawings and resources are included in the STB project.

Projects Updates

There were significant improvements and edits made to drawings, project data, and structures of the supplied Sandbox Projects.

A few dated example drawings were removed and replaced with new drawing content to minimize the Sandbox Project size and maximize usability.

Consistency updates were made to project drawing Layer States, Sheet Set files, and other Sandbox Project data.

Supplied template Description Key Sets and resources were updated, fixed, and improved
All the Subassemblies in all Assemblies in all versions were updated to support the curremt stock 2019 dll
All the Subassemblies were updated to support prefix naming conventions
Assemblies were physically relocated and more logically grouped in the drawing
Some Subassembly properties were updated to adjust some potential example Corridor build results for consistent behaviors
Reference Template (TREF) versions of the ExampleCorridors drawing are now supplied for Sandbox Projects
Unnecessary Description Key Sets were deleted from project Reference Templates
Unnecessary Description Key Sets removed from project drawings

The ExampleCorridors Drawing

All supplied versions of the standard example drawing (ExampleCorridors.dwg) were updated for both Templates Only and Jump Kit Sandbox projects.

Data References and Data Shortcuts

Project DREF management plays an important role in Civil 3D production use.
Improvements were made to the Projects to clarify typical DREF usage and current Civil 3D production practices.

Updated appropriate publication and working drawing examples to employ Data Reference (DREF) Corridors
Updated and fixed the Project Folders XML for example Project Data Shortcuts (DREF) folders
Moved most Alignment Data Shortcuts to appropriate Project Folders to reduce Toolspace clutter
Moved most Profile Data Shortcuts to appropriate Project Folders to reduce Toolspace clutter
All the supplied Data Shortcut XML files were updated to reflect the current Project file property details
Added Rail Alignment and Rail Profile sample drawings and project Data Shortcut (DREF) resources

Grading Examples

Supplied a new version of the commercial Site Plan suitable and set up for use with Grading Opitimization.
The parking lot layouts include Vehicle Tracking parking spaces and/or DWF IREF versions of the same.

Medians Intersection Examples

Based on popular requests a set of Medians with Turn Lanes Intersection example drawings are included.
The Corridor Turn Lane design include Horizontal Curve Alignment and Vertical Curve Profile conditions.
Connected Alignments and Profiles are employed to produce the Curb Returns geometries and Corridor Regions.
Supplied Set of Assemblies resources were employed and modified to construct the basics of the Medians Intersection.

See the Turn Lanes and Medians Project Dataset for more in depth Civil 3D project resources.

Pipe and Pressure Pipe Updates

Rebuild and update of the supplied Pipe Network resources
Moved Pipe Network Data Shortcuts to appropriate Project Folders
Rebuild and update of the supplied Pressure Pipe Network resources
All the supplied XML files were updated
Removed dated and/or unnecessary files and folders
Updated appropriate working examples to employ a Data Reference (DREF) Corridor

Rehab Corridors

Three separate Rehab scemarios are supplied - most with ordered process drawings.

The Rehabv Corridor examples will intentionally produce minor slope Corridor resolution errors that may be optionally ccrrected.

Renamed all example files to align with the appropriate Project Alignment names
Removed unnecessary Data References and Features from the examples for clarity
Removed a previously supplied Rehab Intersection example

Civil 3D Update Assembly Display Issues

All Subassemblies in all Assemblies were updated to the current version of the Civil 3D 2019 dll
Updated the Subassembly names employed in Sandbox Project's Assemblies to employ predicate based naming conventions to improve Corridor Targeting behaviors and filtering.
All Assemblies were updated to Civil 3D default Subassembly Group names and default subassembly names with the new predicates
Unnecessary Assemblies were removed from all examples
Data Reference (DREF) Corridors were employed where appropriate and maximize project consistency

Civil 3D is more particular about resolving Plan view Assemblies in upgraded drawings if upgraded with the Civil 3D Batch Save Utility.
The applied Assemblies all function properly in Corridors and Intersections regardless of this display resolution issue.
To fix failed Assemblies:
Select the Assembly; Go to the Construction tab; Select a subassembly; Right click and pick Rename; Add and remove a space charater to the end of the subassembly name; Click Apply or OK; Civil 3D will update the Plan view display.

New Mini-Project Datasets

The Framework for Civil 3D now includes new additional samller Civil 3D Project Datasets focused on specific Civil 3D workflows and mechanics.
The new Project Datasets are not available for all release and/or flavors of the Framework. They are available for the default NCS 6.0 in STB at the minimum.

To fully suuport Windows 10 and Windows 11 compatibility the default Sandbox project location is:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\Civil 3D Projects.
All included Reference Template (TREF) and project-based File Dependent References target this install location by default.

Turn Lanes and Medians Project

The Medians Project Dataset explores Civil 3D Project Data Reference (DREF) method and practice to fully support Multiple Baseline Corridor design options.
Multiple design options are supplied including two shared design options and a separate grading Datum surface the employs a separate Set of Assemblies.
The project also explores use of Corridor Frequency Models to help produce faster deliverables annotation in Civil 3D.

The Corridor naming convention employed is documented with a PDF included in the dataset.

The project explores the Corridor creation and construction of a complex 4-way Intersection with Turn Lanes and Medians with lots of nuanced Alignment and Profile design control.

The project explores the use of managed DREF (Data Reference) design control to employ multiple design, region, and assembly options in Multiple Baseline Corridor design and development.

The Medians Project:

Project named Medians-8-<Civil 3D Release>
The project employs a Reference Template (TREF)
The project employs multiple shared Data Reference (DREF) sources for the design control
Includes an inital Intersection with Median and Turn Lane design with Offset Alignment, Slope controlled Offset Profiles, and Curb Return design control and complex targeting
A Grading Corridor produced with Generic Pavement Subassemlies that employs the same design control to resolve a construction Datum surface
A second design option that resolves the same Intersection with a different Baseline Plan and different Set of Assemblies
Multiple example Corridor Frequency Models to resolve output Surfaces, Points and Labels, and validate and adjust the Region design control
Sample DREF Corridors and Feature Line annotative output is employed to produce Label Style Expression Set (LSES) Segment Label annotation for the design
By default, static extracted Corridor Feature Lines are employed to generate the Segment Label locations
Code(s) based Property Set Labels with variable Elevation truncation and optional Height of Curb Labels are employed

See the Civil 3D Turn Lane and Median Corridors post and video series for topics and details related to the Medians Project Dataset.

The dataset is tested and validated with the Autodesk Desktop Connector Reference Explorer tool.

See the Blog Videos page for videos and posts on Turn Lanes and Median Corridor topics and details.

Label Style Expression Sets Project

The Label Style Expression Set (LSES) Project Dataset explores the usage and mechanics of Framework for Civil 3D Labels in multiple grading annotation scenarios.
Included scenarios include typical and atypical Surfaces, multiple design Corridors for Ponds, Roads, and Parking Lot grading projects.

The Dataset explores the use of Framework Label Style Expression Set (LSES) resources with Variable and/or Fixed Truncation combined with Code(s) Property Set Label Style annotation to generate production deliverables annotation from these common Civil 3D grading scenarios.

Label Style Expression Sets Project:

Project named LsEs-8-<Civil 3D Release>
Employs multiple shared Data Reference (DREF) sources
Employs a Reference Template (TREF) and multiple Label Style Reference Templates
Example drawings employ either or both Variable or Fixed Truncated Contour LSES Labels
Current Layer, Variable Truncation, and Code(s) Property Set LSES Labels are typically employed
A Parking Lot example with LSES Labels produced on a live Corridor Model and Dynamic Corridor Feature Lines
A Roadway example with LSES Labels produced on a DREF Corridor Model and Dynamic Corridor Feature Lines
A Pond example with Surface Variable Truncation Spot Elevation and Contour LSES Labels produced on a DREF Corridor Model
A Site Design example with Surface Variable Truncation Spot and Contour LSES Labels produced on a complex DREF Surface Model produced by Grading Optimization

All Label Style Reference Template Styke collections may be easily replaced with other supplied Label Style Expression Set (LSES) Style collection resource drawings.

The Dataset drawings may therefore be employed to develop LSES Label Style resource collections for customer production use.

The dataset is tested and validated with the Autodesk Desktop Connector Reference Explorer tool.

See the Blog Videos page for videos and posts on Label Style Expression Set topics and details.

Spreadsheet Tools 2023

Detailed and updated help and documentation for the new Spreadsheet Tools and usage is available in the Members section when logged in.

All on-line Spreadsheet Tools help pages were updated to reflect 2023 resource locations and Release 8 AddOn updates.

Improvements and updates to the Description Key Set Spreadsheet Tools include:

NCS and AIA Description Key Set Spreadsheet Tools were updated with additional XML production sheets
See the ..\Documentation\Description Keys folders for updated Spreadsheet Tools
Better sheet documentation and XML production sheets are supplied for existing NCS template DescKeySets
Better sheet documentation and XML production sheets are supplied for existing NCS AIA template DescKeySets
Corrections and fixes for the NCS 6 AIA supplied template DescKeySets

Updated Help On-line for Tools

See on-line help pages for updated Civil 3D Codes Spreadsheet Tool documentation.
Improvement and corrections to Sheet resources and on-line help is supplied.
See on-line help pages for updated Description Key Set Spreadsheet Tools documentation.
A wide array of Sheet resources and on-line help is supplied.
See on-line help pages for updated Figure Db Spreadsheet Tools documentation.
A array of Sheet resources and on-line help is supplied.