Continuing our focus on some of the Autodesk Civil 3D surface commands, in this post we're exploring the Move Blocks to Surface command.
First, let's dig into the awesome blocks we'll use. Out of the box Multi View Blocks will be placed along the design. There are over 400 blocks shipped with the software and can be found here: C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\C3D 2022\enu\Data\Symbols\Mvblocks
These blocks can also be found neatly organized by opening the Tool Pallets then selecting the Civil 3D Multiview Blocks Palette Group. When selected, by default the group has four (4) tabs:
- Highways
- External Works
- Landscape
- Building Footprints
The advantage that Multiview blocks provide is that they will appear as simple 2D geometry in plan view and when the orientation of the view is changed, they will appear as more complex 3D objects in a model view. See below how the blocks for Building and Trees are shown as simple outlines, and the Vehicle and Swing Set with minimal line work (2D Left). And when view is changed, blocks appear extruded geometry (3D Right).
Now, we can move on to the design example shown below the focus will be the vegetation. Currently the have blocks (trees & shrubs) have a elevation of zero. We are unable to see them above the surface in the right 3D tilted view.
To relocate the vegetation, we will use the Move Blocks Blocks to Surface command. It can be found by selecting Surface > from ribbon Contextual tab > Surface Tools panel > select flyout
Once the command starts it will prompt you to select the block names to move up to the surface
The result is that in this case, is the vegetation is moved up to the select target surface.
Now we can tell a better story, from here images from views can be rendered or flybys videos created.
About the Author
More Content by Leo Lavayen
