In this Blog I wanted to look at Swept Path envelopes using Vehicle Tracking to make it more realistic with a reasonable margin of error, knowing drivers are not going to be perfect. The closer those envelopes are to curbs, signage, or building corners, the smaller the margin of error is for the driver. Creating the buffer or offset will help ensure vehicles can successfully navigate the path. Allowing you to create a better and safer design.

Autodesk Vehicle Tracking

As you can see below, we have a Swept Path of school bus navigating the road. There are some tight areas in the design. What I would like to do is add a buffer so I can make sure to make design updates based off the buffer so there is adequate space for the bus to navigate the turn.

To add the buffer, select Vehicle Tracking tab then the Vehicle Tracking Properties. This will allow you to set an offset for the tracking envelope. On the Properties dialog select Reports and expand Report0001 Clearance Envelope and pick Body Outline, then Edit.

Body Outlines

On the Body Outlines you will want to set the Offset Envelope to “1”. You can set the symbology and distance of the offset that will display within the envelope.

You now have a buffer to aid in a more realistic path design. This will make your design easier to navigate for the drivers and safer design for everyone.

To apply the buffer to all your future envelopes you need to set this at the Report Wizard.

Select the Body Outline like before and apply the same settings as earlier. This buffer offset will be applied to ALL you future Path Analysis.

About the Author

Civil Solutions Application Expert<br><br>Richard is responsible for Training and Services around Infrastructure. He has extensive experience in numerous Autodesk products, including Vault, Civil 3D, InfraWorks and BIM360. He joined IMAGINiT when it acquired Advanced Solutions. His past work experience includes working at Autodesk as a Technical Account Manager.

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