WisDOT Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) for I-41 project 2/09/2022

"A cloud is just a computer that someone else owns that you use."

"Right now, we have cloud storage and local compute." Another way to say that is, "If you're not in a browser, you're working on a local file that needs to sync back to the cloud once you're done."

What does this mean for working in Civil 3D on ACC?

1. Everything that happens in Windows still needs to happen (software, resource files, permissions, all that fun stuff).

2. To work in DWG files in Civil 3D, the files need to sync locally.

   1. This includes ALL files that a file is connected to (through XREFs or data shortcuts)
   2. This is managed through a piece of software, Autodesk Desktop Connector (DC)
   3. When sync checks to the cloud happen are important to understand while working in session.
3. Almost all the resource files that Civil 3D 2022 uses for ACC are still local to the computer.
   1. This means the WisDOT custom package needs to be installed and used as it has been for the last few revs.
   2. This also means that functionality that is not embedded in a DWG is not available in browser (plot tables).

4. All the permissions that exist in Windows need to exist in ACC. And if you want to have multiple organizations retain write access to their areas and read access to other orgs areas, that needs to be defined.

Accounts

Autodesk (ADSK) account

Autodesk cloud license levels

1. Autodesk Docs - Let's you access ACC sites directly and sync files locally. Currently bundled in with an AEC Collection license, but only really useful for non-Civil 3D review/markup tasks. Autodesk Docs in the AEC Collection FAQ
2. BIM Collaborate Adds Glue functionality and some other things to Autodesk Docs
3. BIM Collaborate Pro - Allows Civil 3D (and Revit) to completely edit DWGs correctly in software. (i.e. you need this to work in Civil 3D in ACC)

   1. Entitlement added to account which allows access to using Desktop Connector

However you currently license Civil 3D, that stays the same.

Software installs

It is important that everyone working in ACC are using the latest WisDOT deployments of Civil 3D and Autodesk Desktop Connector. The current WisDOT Deployment versions are as follows:

• AutoCAD 2022.1
• Map 3D 2022.0.1
• Civil 3D 2022.1.1
• Autodesk Desktop Connector 15.0.0.1540

• WisDOT custom package for Civil 3D 2022

Generally speaking, WisDOT will be planning to stay as up-to-date on ADSK software updates as possible. Methods keeps a very close eye on ADSK hotfixes and updates.

1. Minor updates - We will only send out communication when we are NOT doing a minor update and why.
2. Major updates - (when the first number changes. Civil 3D 2022 to 2024 for instance). Methods will send out our normal communication when the WisDOT custom package is ready for production.

11306301 Project Files - Autodesk Docs

Adding/removing members to WisDOT account and projects

Submit request to Eric Arneson, WisDOT. Please run all requests through a common contact. Please bundle member requests into groups when possible.

• Name
• Email (used as ADSK account)
• Company
• Internal: Computer H#

Permissions on the I-41

Read/write permissions are divide by "Business" and "Role"

• Everyone should have read everywhere. Write is within each project team's Civil 3D Project.
• Everyone should be able to create subfolders and files within their Civil 3D Projects

• There are a few staff with PM roles that have write everywhere

Folder	Gestra	Gremmer	HNTB	Jacobs	JT Eng	Kapur	KL Eng	OESC	Strand	WisDOT-MDU	WisDOT-NER
Base30					Edit					Manage
Dsgn\11306470		Edit	Edit		Edit					Manage
Dsgn\11306471		Edit	Edit		Edit					Manage
Dsgn\11306472		Edit	Edit		Edit		Edit			Manage
Dsgn\11306570	Edit			Edit	Edit	Edit		Edit		Manage
Dsgn\11306670					Edit				Edit	Manage
Dsgn\11306770					Edit		Edit			Manage	Edit
Dsgn\11306870					Edit		Edit			Manage	Edit
Dsgn\BaseShared					Edit					Manage

Structure

Autodesk Docs Drive

After logging into Desktop Connector, the Autodesk Docs drive will be added to File Explorer.

WisDOT account

This is the main hub for the WisDOT Account and contains all ACCDOCS projects, permissions, and licenses.

ACCDOCS project

It is important to understand the difference between a Civil 3D data shortcut project and an Autodesk/ACC Docs project:

• There is not a 1:1 relationship between a Civil 3D data shortcut project and an Autodesk Docs project.
• For I-41, there are multiple Civil 3D projects inside the ACC project. This allows file sharing between the Civil 3D projects.
• For I-41, there are some corridor-wide files that are shared between the Civil 3D projects that exist outside the Civil 3D projects.

Default project files folder

These folders are always created by default when an ACCDOCS project is created. Project Files is the default folder to contain Civil 3D design files and other project design files.

Working folders

For the I-41 project, these two folders were created to separate the Pre-30% design data from Post 30% Design Segment projects. Dsgn should be set as the Civil 3D Data Shortcut working folder to gain access to the Civil 3D Data Shortcut projects contained within for the Post 30% Design Segments.

If access to the Base30 data shortcut project, Project Files should be set as the working folder.

Civil 3D data shortcut projects

• Civil 3D projects are located in ACCDocs\WisDOT\11306301\Project Files\Dsgn

  • New WisDOT standard folder structure

Definitions

• Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC): Autodesk Docs in the cloud
• Autodesk Docs: Local version of Autodesk Construction Cloud
• Desktop Connector (DC): The Autodesk application that relays information between your Windows operating system/Autodesk Docs and Autodesk Construction Cloud.

Software Setup

Project Invitation

Once invited to a project, a user will receive a Welcome email with a link to the project. Users must log in at least once to the project via the web to “accept” the invitation. To accept the invitation, click Go to Your Project from the invitation email.

Accessing an Autodesk Docs Project from Civil 3D

Before you can use Autodesk Docs with Civil 3D, be sure Desktop Connector is running. A small white will appear in the Windows system tray. After installation, Desktop Connector should automatically launch when Windows is started. If DC is not running, search for Desktop Connector in the Windows start menu.

If not already, sign into Desktop Connector with the authorized Autodesk Account to gain access to project files. Most times, Desktop Connector will prompt for the sign in. If not, right click the DC icon in the system tray.

Autodesk Docs in Civil 3D

Autodesk uses a single sign on experience. If signed into Desktop Connector, the user is also signed in through Civil 3D.

In Civil 3D, examine the Start tab, which has been optimized for Autodesk Docs design workflows. Click Autodesk Docs on the far left of the screen to access project files.

Desktop Connector explained

Desktop Connector is the Autodesk application that relays information between Autodesk Docs and Autodesk Construction Cloud. This is the application that adds the Autodesk Docs shortcut to the Windows Navigation pane and shows the next to Autodesk Docs directories. When desktop connector is running, a small white ‘A’ will appear in the Windows system tray.

The Pending Actions dialog box can be opened by right-clicking the Desktop Connector icon from the Windows system tray.

• Apply Action / Apply All Actions will re-try the selected sync action(s).

• Clear Action / Clear All Actions will cancel the sync. This will prevent you and other users from uploading/receiving the most up-to-date version of the file(s). Only use this if Desktop Connector is not responding; you will need to re-open the affected files and re-close Civil 3D to re-initiate the sync.

Requirement: Prior to opening or creating files, open Desktop Connector > Pending Actions to keep track of the current state of files during opening, saving, and closing. Keep the Pending Actions dialog open on a separate screen throughout the day while working on a design project.

Reference Explorer is a tool that is part of Desktop Connector, available by right-clicking the Desktop Connector icon from the Windows System Tray. Load a file into the Reference Explorer to create a list or tree view of the references that are consumed in a file.

Autodesk Docs explained

Autodesk Docs is the local version of the Autodesk Construction Cloud, accessible through Windows File Explorer. When Desktop Connector is installed and signed in, a drive is created named Autodesk Docs.

While exploring project files through Windows File Explorer and Autodesk Docs, there are various columns available to display different attributes of file. This includes status, lock, modified dates, created dates, etc.

The first time working on a project that has not been accessed previously, best practice is to Sync the entire project prior to opening any files. This will also download all data shortcuts and files associated with the project.

In Windows File Explorer, navigate through Autodesk Docs to the Civil 3D Project. Right Click the Civil 3D Project > Sync.

If a user is done working in a specific drawing or project, the Free Up Space tool will remove all local files in folders or the specific file in question. The files will remain in cloud storage.

Autodesk Construction Cloud explained

Autodesk Construction Cloud is the web version and cloud storage solution of Autodesk Docs. To access your projects visit: https://acc.autodesk.com/projects

From the Project List, click the ACC project you wish to open. This will open the web version of ACC Docs, where design files can be viewed in web form, files can be reviewed, file versions can be accessed, and file status can be reviewed.

Selecting a file name will open the file in the web viewer, making files easily accessible to managers without editing or using Civil 3D.

Autodesk Construction Cloud also allows access to version history of the files stored in Autodesk Docs and uploaded to ACC. All versions are accessible. From the Project Files List, click on the version of a file. From there, users can copy an older version, download it, or make an older version current. All versions are saved, even if an older version is made current.

One last benefit of Autodesk Construction Cloud is that deleted files are easily accessible. If a file is accidentally deleted from either ACC or Autodesk Docs, that file will be available for restoration. To access the deleted files, navigate to the folder that originally held the file. Towards the top right area of the file list, click Deleted Items.

To restore a file, select the checkbox next to the file name and choose Restore.

Editing files

Requirement: Prior to opening or creating files, open Desktop Connector > Pending Actions to keep track of the current state of files during opening, saving, and closing. Keep the Pending Actions dialog open on a separate screen throughout the day while working on a design project.

Open files

The best navigation for opening files is through the Civil 3D Start Tab. Select Autodesk Docs on the left side. If not already selected, choose the correct account and ACC Project.

• Account: WisDOT
• Project: 11306301

Civil 3D Start Tab > Recent

• Allows recent files to be opened and pinned for easy/fast access

  

Civil 3D Start Tab > Open or Application Menu > Open

• Opens the normal Windows Explorer File Open Dialog

  Make sure to access the Autodesk Docs project through the shortcut in the quick access.

  

After selecting a file, it may take a few moments to open.

Desktop Connector is communicating with Autodesk Docs and ACC to verify the file is up to date date locally and not locked by another user. The file and any required references will be downloaded on demand.

Saving files

When saving a new drawing, in the Save Drawing As dialog, select Autodesk Docs from the quick access, then navigate to the desired project folder.

When saving a file to Autodesk Docs for the first time, it will take time for DC to sync to ACC and propagate to all other users. If saved again too soon, a message will indicate that the file is write protected will be displayed.

Tip: Be patient on first time saves to Autodesk Docs and Autodesk Construction Cloud

File locking

When a user opens a DWG, it is locked for editing to all other users. Multiple users can not edit a file at once. Once the file is closed, the file will be unlocked on ACC and Autodesk Docs.

At times a file may remain erroneously locked after it is closed. This could occur if Civil 3D crashes. It is important to pay attention to Pending Actions and Autodesk Docs to make sure a file is unlocked after closing. If a file is erroneously locked, in Autodesk Docs Right Click > Unlock.

Versioning

A new version is created when a file is saved and Civil 3D is closed. All versions of a file are retained and can be restored, copied, or downloaded through ACC on the web interface.

File maintenance

1. Maintain drawing integrity throughout the file/project lifecycle to improve performance (e.g., audit / purge unused block definitions, layers, regapps, etc.).
   1. More detailed information on keeping drawings cleaned: Keeping drawings clean and working
   2. Civil 3D Commands
      1. Purge: Purge unused components (blocks, layers, linetypes, text styles, multileader and dimension styles)
      2. -pu: Command line purge that allows you to purge registered applications, zero length geometry, empty text objects, and orphaned data.
      3. Save: Best to save after purge and before Audit
      4. Audit: Fixes errors in the DWG database.
   3. WisDOT DWG Clean can not be used on Autodesk Docs files.

Sync

When does it occur automatically?

• On file open, Desktop Connector will look at all references (Data References, External References) and sync/download those files prior to file open, to make sure all files locally are up to date.
• File Save: Once saved (while file remains open and on file close), the file will be saved to the local disk and also uploaded via Desktop Connector to the Autodesk Construction Cloud.

• Adding sheets from DWG that is not open to a Batch Plot Sheet List

When should a project be sync'd manually?

• New to a project - may want to sync entire Civil 3D project

Automatic locking

• Automatic locking is supported for all Civil 3D files
• Automatic locking is not supported for certain file types including Microsoft Word and Excel format files. These files should be manually locked/unlocked in Autodesk Docs or ACC when editing. (Example: MQ sheets)

Printing/plotting

• Single file-multiple file-multiple layout Batch Plot

  • Civil 3D Publish > Batch Plot
  • TrueView > Batch Plot
    • Desktop Connector will sync files added to a batch plot when added to a sheet list.
    • When plotting, files are not re-synced from cloud.
  • Sheet Set Manager
    • Do not use Sheet Set Manager as an interface for plotting. A sheet set (*.dst) can only be opened by one user at a time.

• Single Layout Plot

  • Right Click Layout > Plot
  • Output Tab > Plot

Sheet Set Manager

Sheet set manager files (DST) are files that contain a list of AutoCAD files and layouts. They are used as a tool to organize sheets for printing and other important functions.

Currently, working with SSM and Autodesk Docs+Desktop Connector requires care, especially in projects with multiple users. When working with DST files in an Autodesk Docs environment, only one person should have the DST file open for editing at a time. To ensure this occurs, the EnableDSTLock system variable was introduced to Civil 3D 2021.1 (also 2020.4). This setting is stored in the user’s registry.

• When the EnableDSTLock is set to 1 (turned on), sheet set data (DST) files will be automatically locked when they are opened from Autodesk Docs.
• WisDOT will set EnableDSTLock = 1.

• Warning: The EnableDSTLock system variable is set to 0 (turned off) by default. If you do not enable automatic DST locking from within Civil 3D, you must manually lock the DST file before opening it from Autodesk Docs to avoid editing conflicts.

• Set the CloudCollabModifiedOption system variable to 0.

• Unlocking may not work after closing a DST file. You will need to close Civil 3D to unlock.

Supported:

• Automatic Sync of DST Files
  • Uploading a DST file will upload the related drawings in a sheet set

  • Opening a DST from Autodesk Docs will sync the related drawings

Not Supported / Known Issues

• Unlocking may not work after closing a DST file. You will need to close Civil 3D to unlock
• It takes a long time to open a DST file containing a large number of sheets and layouts
• Plotting from a cloud DST may not work as automatic and efficient as the experience of a LAN environment
• When edits are made to the attributes stored within the Sheet Set Manager, those edits are immediately available to all stakeholders working in the project. This process is automatic when working on a LAN. When working in Autodesk Docs however, the update DST file is not always download to other stakeholders' machines. A possible workaround is to close Civil 3D and then manually sync DST files and drawings prior to opening them.

Autodesk is working on a cloud based Sheet Set that will be out in future release. They realize it is a priority.

Tip: Recommendation: Only use Sheet Set Manager to set plan sheet title block naming. To plot, utilize Civil 3D or DWG True View Single or Batch Plot.

Survey database

Currently, Survey Database (SDB) cannot be open for edit by multiple users at the same time on Autodesk Docs.

Autodesk Recommendation: Make edits outside of Autodesk Docs in another file storage location. Then upload the new SDB to the Autodesk Docs (Drag>Drop in File Explorer).

Users looking to access the SDB on Autodesk docs open the SDB as Read Only

Create a file

1. Open Civil 3D 2022 WisDOT from Desktop Shortcut
   1. Opens to Start Tab
2. Open Desktop Connector > Pending Actions Dialog.
3. Start Tab > New
   1. Select desired template. (design-start.dwt, survey-start.dwg, plat-start.dwg)
4. Application menu > Save

   1. When saving a new drawing, in the Save Drawing As dialog, select Autodesk Docs from the quick access, then navigate to the desired project folder.

      

   2. Wait until the DWG syncs to the cloud. (Pending Actions)
      1. Desktop Connector will upload the new file to the cloud and lock it.

Add a data reference and external reference

1. No different than working locally.
2. Data Reference
   1. Set Data Shortcut Project Working Folder
      1. Autodesk Docs\WisDOT\11306301\Project Files\Dsgn
   2. Set Data Shortcut Project
      1. 11306470
      2. 11306471
      3. 11306472
      4. 11306570
      5. 11306670
      6. 11306670
      7. 11306770
      8. 11306870
   3. Data Reference objects as normal
      1. Source files may sync during data shortcut process to make sure current versions is local.
3. External References
   1. Works as expected

   2. WisDOT Tab > Manage Panel > Xref Tools > Load Xref on layer Xref tools - Load Xref on Layer (wi.gov)

      

      1. Navigate to desired External Reference and select to load into the drawing.
      2. File may sync/download and then be referenced.

Save a file. Watch Pending Actions

It is key to keep an eye on Pending Actions while working in Civil 3D and Autodesk Docs. Most of the time, there will be an action created in Pending Actions after every save.

The Autodesk Docs/disk version of the file will be updated and Desktop Connector will upload the latest file to the cloud, while the file remains locked.

Save/Close File. Watch Pending Actions

When a file is closed, Desktop Connector will sync the disk version to the cloud and unlock the file.

Open file that isn't synced

When a file and it's references are not synced, Civil 3D and Desktop Connector will download the file and all references on demand.

Sync project files

The first time working on a project that has not been accessed previously, best practice is to Sync the entire project prior to opening any files. This will also download all data shortcuts and files associated with the project.

In Windows File Explorer, navigate through Autodesk Docs to the Civil 3D Project. Right Click the Civil 3D Project > Sync.

Open a file where you don't have write access

Users with View access to project files still can open that file in Civil 3D. Dialog boxes will display warning the user the file will be opened in read-only mode.

Once opened, the File Tab will also display a lock symbol, noting the file is read only.

When closing the file, make sure to Click No when the dialog box asks to save changes. Review the Pending Actions to make sure there are no tasks that fail. If so, Clear Actions.

Create a file in a folder with view only access

When a file is saved in a folder where a user has only View Access, it may appear that the file is saved locally. But since the user has View Only access, Desktop Connector will not upload the file to the cloud.

1. Desktop Connector > Pending Actions will show errors

   1. Need to clear errors in Pending Actions
      1. Right Click > Clear Pending Action
2. File will not be uploaded. In Autodesk Docs > Right Click > Delete file.

3. If access is needed, contact admin to get access.

   

Attempt to open a file that someone else has open for write

If a file is locked by a user who is editing that file, and another user attempts to open that file, Civil 3D will only allow that file to be opened in Read-Only Mode. Desktop Connector automatically locks files on open, preventing other users from editing those files while they are being edited by another user. Read only mode shows once the file is open in the File Tab and Application Title Bar.

There are many visual clues to see when a file is locked in both the Start Tab within Civil 3D and also File Explorer > Autodesk Docs. Add the Locked By and Date Locked columns to see the lock status.

A file containing references to an open file is edited...

Similar to a network file storage solution, in a multi-user environment where multiple files are edited at one time, files that contain objects that are referenced into other files can be edited when the down stream files are also open. Once the source object file is updated, Civil 3D will notify the user in the consuming file that the object has been updated if it is a Data Reference. The user can choose to synchronize the data reference or reload the external reference, or wait until the next File Open for the references to update.

Multifile batch plot

Batch plotting works similar as it would in a network or local storage situation. The only recommendation at this time is for users to not use Sheet Set Manager to plot sheets as the legacy Sheet Set Manager is not set up to work in a multiuser environment in Autodesk Docs. Autodesk is aware and working towards a solution. See the WisDOT C3DKB for more information on Civil 3D Plotting and DWG True View Plotting.

Civil 3D crashes working in Autodesk Docs, what to do?

The following scenarios typically and often do not happen, but if they do, here are the best practices to avoid any lost work and get back up and running as quickly as possible.

When opening a file in Civil 3D, Desktop Connector automatically locks the dwg locally and on the cloud to prevent others from editing that file. If Civil 3D crashes while editing that file, Desktop Connector will not automatically unlock the file, and will only open read only if attempted to be re-opened. The file must be manually unlocked prior to attempting to re-open.

1. Using File Explorer, navigate to the directory containing the file
   1. Autodesk Docs\WisDOT\

2. Right Click on the file > Unlock

   

3. Open the file through Civil 3D to continue working.

Attempt a file save, but Civil 3D says it is read only

When files become read only, a lock symbol will show in front of the file name as shown below:

If this happens mid-session while you had been editing the file:

1. Make sure Autodesk Desktop Connector (DC) is running. Look for the white Desktop Connector Icon in the system tray. If it appears, DC is running.

   

2. In Civil 3D, Save a copy of the file.
   1. Application Menu > Save As
   2. Save the file as another file name (ie: OrigFileName-Backup)
3. Let Desktop Connector sync the new file to the cloud.
4. In File Explorer>Autodesk Docs, unlock the original File.
5. In Civil 3D, in the backup file, Application Menu > Save As
   1. Overwrite the Original File.
   2. All data connections up and downstream will remain.
6. In File Explorer > Autodesk Docs delete the "backup" file.

Related Data

At this point in time (February 2022), WisDOT is continually working with Autodesk to resolve any function that results in the creation and uploading of a Related Data folder. In the past, these occurred with a select number of different Civil 3D resource files, such as Reference Templates, Pay Items, and Sheet Layout Templates.

As of January 2022, Reference Templates and Pay Item Files are no longer uploaded when using the WisDOT standards configuration. Ongoing communication is occurring to resolve the related data issue with Sheet Layout Templates.

Sheet Layout Templates

Sheet Layout Templates are selected in the Create View Frames Wizard. Desktop Connector sees the templates in the View Frame Group Properties and when the drawing is saved, DC will upload the local resource file (Sheet template) to a Related Data folder along side the plan sheet drawing.

This is nothing to worry about. While DC still behaves this way, if the Related Data folder is deleted, it will return the next time the DWG is saved. The goal is that in a future release of DC, this behavior will go away.