I've been out for quite some time due to trainings and on-site supports. Most of the technical supports I get lately is the "Out of Memory" issue of AutoCAD Civil 3D.
Based on what I've seen so far, it is either the hardware has memory issues or the drawing file itself has some complications of sorts. It is easy to pinpoint if the issue is the hardware limitations. Just get the client to see the current RAM or graphics card capacity of the machine, open the Task Manager then patiently explain how their box is utilizing the memory. However, if the machine specs are good and yet the "out of memory" messages still pops up whenever they open, save or do just about simple tasks, it is another story.
I find it really hard to tell end-users how to do-away with unnecessary objects in their drawings to minimize the file size and avoid memory errors. They always point out that it's been their workflow eversince and they can't afford to change it at the moment. Most are pessimistic to changes that can bring permanent benefits in the end. And as an Applications Engineer I get frustrated sometimes.
Anyhow, here are some links I have gathered for those who are open to changes and best practices. Feel free to just read or better yet apply them to reap unending benefits...wink!wink!
Civil 3D 2010 Out of Memory Problem
Enabling 3GB switch on Windows XP or Windows Vista
Disabling autoload of Map 3D files when starting AutoCAD Civil 3D
Harnessing the Power Of AutoCAD Civil 3D
Fatal error when saving a drawing using SAVE or QSAVE
And many more to come! Thanks to all Autodesk experts from where I got all the above links!
11 December 2009
21 October 2009
Microstation woes...
Tomorrow I will be visiting a client who claims that they had some issues with Civil 3D's interoperability with Microstation.
Actually, in Singapore, when you deal with any government projects thru LTA you need to submit all your drawings in DGN format. The history of the said government agency's Microstation usage dates back from many years and Autodesk until now is having a hard time penetrating it.
Statistics has revealed that (I don't have the exact figures...) there are more AutoCAD users in Singapore compared to the competitor. What happens is consulting firms that deal with LTA would still prefer to design and draft using AutoCAD(or any AutoCAD-based software) and in the end EXPORT their DWG to DGN. Another scenario is they import the DWG file in Microstation then apply their final touches to be able to comply with the government's requirements.
This has been the vicious cycle and all we can do is just follow the agency that dictates the norms. Tomorrow, I don't know what will happen. I will be grilled that's for sure. I just hope I can handle it gracefully...
Actually, in Singapore, when you deal with any government projects thru LTA you need to submit all your drawings in DGN format. The history of the said government agency's Microstation usage dates back from many years and Autodesk until now is having a hard time penetrating it.
Statistics has revealed that (I don't have the exact figures...) there are more AutoCAD users in Singapore compared to the competitor. What happens is consulting firms that deal with LTA would still prefer to design and draft using AutoCAD(or any AutoCAD-based software) and in the end EXPORT their DWG to DGN. Another scenario is they import the DWG file in Microstation then apply their final touches to be able to comply with the government's requirements.
This has been the vicious cycle and all we can do is just follow the agency that dictates the norms. Tomorrow, I don't know what will happen. I will be grilled that's for sure. I just hope I can handle it gracefully...
27 September 2009
Wizard-based Style Creation tools for Civil 3D 2010
I always tell those who attend my AutoCAD Civil 3D Essentials class that the bulk of work for those who are new Civil 3D users are setting up their CAD standards in a template file.
Like AutoCAD, Civil 3D is template-based. All styles you need for points, surfaces, alignments, profiles, etc are painstakingly prepared using the Settings Tab of the Prospector. After which it can be saved in an AutoCAD template (.DWT) file. As long as these styles are inside the template, all you need to do is focus on your design.
From my years of experience, honestly, I get mixed responses from this Style Settings of Civil 3D. Some find it really hard to grasp the idea of the template. Some, on the other hand, gladly accepts it as long as we help them set it up. Now, there's even a greater help for those new in Civil 3D. I found this cool entry from Mr. Pete Kelsey's blog The Dirt, Civil 3D Style Creation Wizard. Just click the link and it will guide you through how you can download the zip file and install the wizard which you can call within Civil 3D 2010 by typing AeccXStyleWizard in the command line.
With hopes that you can set-up your organizations' CAD/Civil Standards. Goodluck!
Like AutoCAD, Civil 3D is template-based. All styles you need for points, surfaces, alignments, profiles, etc are painstakingly prepared using the Settings Tab of the Prospector. After which it can be saved in an AutoCAD template (.DWT) file. As long as these styles are inside the template, all you need to do is focus on your design.
From my years of experience, honestly, I get mixed responses from this Style Settings of Civil 3D. Some find it really hard to grasp the idea of the template. Some, on the other hand, gladly accepts it as long as we help them set it up. Now, there's even a greater help for those new in Civil 3D. I found this cool entry from Mr. Pete Kelsey's blog The Dirt, Civil 3D Style Creation Wizard. Just click the link and it will guide you through how you can download the zip file and install the wizard which you can call within Civil 3D 2010 by typing AeccXStyleWizard in the command line.
With hopes that you can set-up your organizations' CAD/Civil Standards. Goodluck!
25 September 2009
Road Ahead for those Looking for New Civil Software
Since I'm very much late with all the updates about the 2010 Autodesk software releases, I want to catch-up by giving you guys the most informative video I've ever seen featuring AutoCAD Civil 3D, The Road Ahead.
It exposes the strengths of Civil 3D in road design compared to other competitor softwares. It showcases the ability of the software to seamlessly integrate with Geospatial/GIS data and it's industry proven Dynamic Civil Model technology.
Hope you enjoy the informative video as much as I do. Here's the link: AutoCAD Civil 3D: The Road Ahead. Too bad though, you wont be able to download it... :)
It exposes the strengths of Civil 3D in road design compared to other competitor softwares. It showcases the ability of the software to seamlessly integrate with Geospatial/GIS data and it's industry proven Dynamic Civil Model technology.
Hope you enjoy the informative video as much as I do. Here's the link: AutoCAD Civil 3D: The Road Ahead. Too bad though, you wont be able to download it... :)
18 September 2009
To Design or to Consult?!
I’m really a Map person. I was a GIS gal first before I became a Civil geek.
It was, I think, mid 2007 that I found myself obliged to learn Civil 3D. My AE friend (the weird gal in the picture with me) found a new job in a design firm and no one was around yet to do the Civil 3D stuffs. With the guidance of Noah Arles, Autodesk ASEAN Civil AE, I pushed myself hard to learn it. It was not a big transition for me basically because my course before I shifted to GE(Geodetic Engg) was Civil Engg. It used to be my first love until my grades were not meeting the standards. Then I shifted to GE to be able to graduate on time. ..and my parents didn’t know about it until my graduation day…(that’s another story).
The rest was history. I’m falling again for my first love. Most of the trainings and demos I have now are for Civil 3D. Although GIS is still my cup of tea, I guess it’s not bad if I sail between two rivers. Both are fairly related to each other and that’s why I love them both. I just hope to really use these applications in the real world soon. Being a consultant, a trainer and a pre/post sales engineer lacks some challenge in a way because for me everything’s a theory. I enjoy my job though, it has some perks but nothing beats seeing your design realized in the field.
It was, I think, mid 2007 that I found myself obliged to learn Civil 3D. My AE friend (the weird gal in the picture with me) found a new job in a design firm and no one was around yet to do the Civil 3D stuffs. With the guidance of Noah Arles, Autodesk ASEAN Civil AE, I pushed myself hard to learn it. It was not a big transition for me basically because my course before I shifted to GE(Geodetic Engg) was Civil Engg. It used to be my first love until my grades were not meeting the standards. Then I shifted to GE to be able to graduate on time. ..and my parents didn’t know about it until my graduation day…(that’s another story).
The rest was history. I’m falling again for my first love. Most of the trainings and demos I have now are for Civil 3D. Although GIS is still my cup of tea, I guess it’s not bad if I sail between two rivers. Both are fairly related to each other and that’s why I love them both. I just hope to really use these applications in the real world soon. Being a consultant, a trainer and a pre/post sales engineer lacks some challenge in a way because for me everything’s a theory. I enjoy my job though, it has some perks but nothing beats seeing your design realized in the field.
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