I’ve been working on a rather sizable project at work over the last couple of months. While I can’t unveil the results of those efforts quite yet, I do look forward to making an announcement in a couple of weeks – so stay tuned. With some time to settle back into the blogging routine, I wanted to share what should be a very exciting tool for AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012 Subscription Customers.
Autodesk just released a Volumes Dashboard for AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012. At first glance, the tool may not seem like much of a formidable improvement over the volume surface tools we’ve had in Civil 3D for some time. After some brief tests, some standout features of this tool include:
One Surface, Multiple Areas
While you do indeed begin with a standard volume surface, the Volumes Dashboard provides the ability to define multiple bounded volumes. In other words, this lets you quickly and easily determine the cut/fill volumes for a single parcel, or just the pond you designed.
Interactive Panorama
Enhanced Panorama analysis tools provide incredibly useful tools to help you make meaningful adjustments while you’re designing. Real-time updates give you always accurate data that’s accompanied by easy-to-read cut/fill graphs of your design.
Simple Reporting Tools
While the Panorama is a great way to receive interactive reporting as you’re designing, there will come a time when you’ll need to communicate that data with your client. With a single click, the Volumes Dashboard will generate a detailed report in your web browser, or even within your DWG.
Stay tuned for a more in-depth review, but in the meantime be sure to visit the Subscription Center (http://subscription.autodesk.com) to download this new extension today!
