CAD Tips: Project Management and Data Sharing with AutoCAD

AutoCAD Civil 3D projects can be subdivided to enable multiple users to work on them simultaneously and to speed up processing in larger projects. Since Civil 3D projects link all parts of a design parametrically, local shortcuts (alignments, profiles, surfaces, pipe networks, and view frames) can be defined to link through a central project folder using Vault or Data Shortcuts.

Data Shortcuts

• Data Shortcuts share design data between drawing files using XML files.

• Using Data Shortcuts is very similar to using Vault, but does not provide the same protection of data or the tracking of versions.

Vault Shortcuts

• Vault Shortcuts share design data between drawing files using a database.

• They help design teams organize and reuse designs by consolidating project information and reducing the need to re-create designs from scratch.

• Users can store and search both CAD data and non-CAD data.

• Autodesk Vault maintains a version history of changes each time you check in a file.

Whether using Vault Shortcuts or Data Shortcuts, the process is very similar. They can both use the same project template, thus setting the folder structure for a project. If a project is started with Data Shortcuts this will simplify the transition to using Vault later. The advantage with Vault is that it helps protect design files through a flexible data management application.

CAD Tips are by ASCENT of Mississauga, Ontario. The company is a leading developer and publisher of professional training products and courseware for engineering software applications. www.ASCENTed.com