Xreference vs data shortcut concepts

c3d-intrfc-xref-vs-data-shrtct-01.mp4 4:14

XREFS

• Connects to an entire file, then items can be filtered out by layer

• Intended for items that you cannot data shortcut (acad objects, and a few civil 3d objects, corridors most notably)

Data shortcuts

• Connects to individual objects
• Intelligent data remains intact through connection (example: you can get station offset of an alignment through a data shortcut, but not an xref)

• Styles can be different per connection (you cover this well)

Info: In general, you should use the data connection intended for the object (i.e. use data shortcut for those objects, xref for others). The reverse is also true. You should generally not XREF objects that can have a data shortcut. If you happen to XREF a file that has connections to data shortcut objects, you can either remove the data shortcut or freeze the layer of the data shortcut object in the XREF. Classic example here is XREF topo and there's a DS to an alignment. That alignment will show up static and cannot be styled or queried. It's better to freeze the ali out of the xref and data shortcut it.

Both tools for referencing data in different ways

• Data Shortcuts are more Civil 3D specific.
• XREFs are "generally" more AutoCAD entities.
• Civil 3D Objects will Xref and are usable

Data shortcuts usage

• When you need data from surface, alignment, profile or pipes
• View Frames for plan and profile sheets
• When object interaction is needed
• Alignment (for sample line creation)
• Corridors when using C3D 2018

XREFS usage

• Background information
• Just for labeling, but not for interaction with other objects
• Everything else