Survey database fundamentals

Last updated: 2026-01-06

Total video time: 5:47

srvy-db-fndmntl-01.mp4 1:33

  1. Survey database is a series of files external to any drawing.
  2. Multiple survey jobs can be stored in a single survey database.
  3. A survey database can only have one projection assignment.
  4. There should be one survey database per project with the exception of multiple projections.
  5. Survey data must be inserted into a DWG to see it in Civil 3D.
  6. By default data inserted into a DWG is locked and can only be edited if the source survey database is open for editing.
  7. Survey databases must be created in Civil 3D, but can only be deleted in a Windows file manager.

srvy-db-fndmntl-02.mp4 2:03

  1. Survey point: Virtually identical to Civil 3D point. In the survey database, points have a Description (feature code) that is translated to layer and style information in the DWG.
  2. Survey figure: Very similar to Civil 3D feature line. It is a 3D linear object, but it does support curve definitions. Survey figures do not have Description (feature code). Layer and style information can be set from the figure prefix. Survey figures have their own definition in the DWG.
  3. Network: A traverse. It contains all associated known control points, known directions, setups, and observations. Networks have their own definition in the DWG.
  4. Additional survey database objects: Groups can be built for all of the above objects. Survey databases also have Import Events that track how data came into the survey database.

srvy-db-fndmntl-03.mp4 2:11

Files that interact with the survey database

  1. Equipment databases: Survey equipment data to aid analysis.
  2. Figure prefix database: Manages the linework style and layer.
  3. Linework code set: Field codes that generate figures from points.
  4. DWG file: Contains Point Description key set, point styles to translate description, and survey figure styles to translate the layer prefix.

 

Info: These settings are accessible from the top left button on the Survey tab. WisDOT Civil 3D customization files must be installed prior to changing these settings. If WisDOT settings are not seen in Survey User Settings dialog box, import WisDOT user settings.

Survey interface in Civil 3D

  1. Toolspace > Survey Tab
    1. Survey databases have a working folder. This location can be changed, but only the survey databases in the active working folder can be seen at a time.
    2. Equipment databases: Only needed for working with networks.
    3. Figure prefix database: Use database starting with WisDOT.
    4. Linework code set: Use code set starting with WisDOT.

Important Survey user settings

  1. Toolspace > Survey Tab > Edit Survey User settings button
  2. Survey Database Defaults:
    1. Survey database settings path: C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\C3D 2020\enu\Survey
    2. Survey Database Settings: WisDOT_Survey Database Settings
    3. Extended properties definition path: C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\C3D 2020\enu\Survey
    4. Extended properties definition: WisDOT Survey Extended Properties
  3. Linework Processing Defaults:
    1. Current linework code set: WisDOT
  4. Import Defaults:
    1. Default figure site: Field Survey