Features of Civil 3D

AutoCAD Civil 3D features a range of design and analysis objects within its three-dimensional dynamic engineering model. These objects include points, surfaces, parcels, alignments and gradings. All objects in this model have a hierarchical interaction mechanism with each other. As such, this mechanism ensures that modifications carried out in one object are truly reflected in other objects that are connected to it.

An object is a drawing element that maintains a relationship with other objects. For example, an alignment object is a combination of lines and curves that collectively define the location of a project component, such as the centerline of a road. This alignment can be an individual stand-alone object or parent object of other objects such as profiles and cross-sections. On editing this alignment, there will be a change in the other objects that are related to it.

Apart from alignment objects, AutoCAD Civil 3D has other objects such as points, surfaces, sites, parcels, gradings, corridors, assemblies, and subassemblies. All these objects have a designated hierarchy that can be viewed in an interface component called the Toolspace palette.

AutoCAD Civil 3D also features various object components such as tables, object labels, and various analysis results that are derived from the model. These object components are dynamically associated with the core model, such that if any change is made in a part of the model, these object components are dynamically updated.