Autodesk Construction Cloud Series: Civil 3D Reference Templates

As shown on a previous post, files can be accessed from ACC location to be used as templates.  Here we will test of the ACC support the use of Civil 3D Management functionality:  Reference Templates.  The Reference Template functionality is a feature added to the Civil 3D 2018 release.  

First, the working drawing (Ref Templates.dwg) is saved on the ACC.  Then, from the Civil 3D ribbon Manage tab > Styles panel > Manage Reference Styles command is used.  From the Attach Reference Template dialog box, a source template on the ACC can be selected:

Once the connection is established to the source Reference file, linked styles will appear with a Paper Clip icon as shown from the TOOLSPACE palette > Settings tab.  The focus here will be changes to the Surface collection, note the shown styles: seven (7) Surface Styles and four (4) Contour Label Styles:

Now, the source reference template can be edited. The file used from ACC is: _Autodesk Civil 3D (Imperial) NCS.dwt.  For testing purposes:  one (1) Surface style is added and one (1) contour label style is added:
     -New Surface Style TEST
     -New Contour Label Style TEST

 
Once the source Reference Template is saved, and we can see how files behave.  

Returning to the working drawing (Ref Templates.dwg).  Again, launch the Manage Reference Styles command is used.  Typically, the source template’s Status field will appear as Out of date with a warning symbol.  To update the file simply click on the OK button.

During testing, the source template’s Status field appear as Not found with a warning symbol.  The fix was to save, close the file out and reopen.

With the listed reference file up-to-date, and edits have been applied.  The Surface category now synced is showing the added styles: a total of eight (8) Surface Styles and five (5) Contour Label Styles:

The Reference Template function has been updated through the years and it is a fundamental CAD Management tool.  The functionality was NOT tested in a production environment, but it appears to be supported by the ACC.

Please visit our other posts testing functionality on the Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC):
     •    Using AutoCAD Live Maps Service (geolocation) on the ACC
     •    Map 3D: Connecting to FDO files on the ACC
     •    Map 3D: working with Images on the ACC
     •    Map 3D: using Web Source Connections
     •    Civil 3D: sharing Pipe Catalogs on the ACC
     •    Civil 3D: sharing Survey Databases on the ACC
     •    Civil 3D: working with Reference Templates on the ACC

About the Author

Civil Applications Expert<br><br>As an Applications Expert, Leo is responsible for supporting, training and implementation of software for survey and civil engineering professionals. He has more than 17 years of experience helping large and small, public and private clients in the eastern United States.

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