2.8 Converting from Civil 3D

Available with the Following Subscriptions: All Subscriptions
Available for the Following Roles: All Roles

This user's guide outlines the best practices for exporting models from Autodesk Civil 3D into a format suitable for cmBuilder. There are two common cases:

• Case 1: Exporting a Civil 3D Surface

• Case 2: Exporting from Contour Lines in Civil 3D

Follow this video tutorial to learn how to import a terrain surface from Civil 3D into cmBuilder.

Case 1: Exporting a Civil 3D Surface

1. Open the 3D DWG file in Navisworks.
2. Export to FBX: 
   • Go to Output > FBX.
   • In the export settings:
     • Uncheck: Textures, Lights, and Cameras.
     • Ensure System Units and Convert Units are set to the same value.
     • Set FBX File Format to Binary.
   • Click OK to export the file.
3. Upload the FBX file to cmBuilder.

Case 2: Exporting from Contour Lines in Civil 3D

1. Create a Surface from Contour Lines:
   • Go to Home > Create Ground Data > Surface > Create a Surface.
   • Enter a name for your new surface.
   • Navigate to Modify > Ground Data > Surface.
   • Click Add Data > Contours and select your contour lines.
2. Create a Boundary:
   • Draw a Polyline to define the exact area to be exported
   • Click Add Data > Boundary and select the boundary polyline.
3. Save the file as a 3D DWG.
4. Open the 3D DWG file in Navisworks.
5. Export to FBX: 
   • Go to Output > FBX.
   • In the export settings:
     • Uncheck: Textures, Lights, and Cameras.
     • Ensure System Units and Convert Units are the same.
     • Set FBX File Format to Binary.
   • Click OK to export the file.
6. Upload the FBX file to cmBuilder.