MassDOT announced its new CAD Standard at the MALSCE Annual Convention.
Last week I had the opportunity to present at the Massachusetts Association of Land Surveyors and Civil Engineers (MALSCE) Annual Convention, held in Hyannis, MA. I have presented at MALSCE before and have always been welcomed with open arms, courteous hosts, and eager attendees. This convention was no different.
This time I presented on the topic “MassDOT CAD Standard – What does it mean for you?” I have had the great privilege of working as part of the Microdesk team assisting with developing the MassDOT’s new CAD standard. So to be able to present the final product to the local civil community was a great honor.
Alongside me were Michael Chouinard, PE, PLS, Layout Engineer; John Anthony, PLS, Survey Engineer; and Evanson Browne, PLS, Survey Office Engineer from MassDOT, who served as “technical advisors” for attendees with questions regarding the new processes being put into play.
The big announcement was that MassDOT’s standard now requires engineers to submit project deliverables in AutoCAD Civil 3D. This will not only provide a consistent set of documents for MassDOT, but also allows engineers the opportunity to realize some of the major benefits of working with this software. Increased efficiencies and improved workflows between other members of the design team are just a couple.
MassDOT’s move to Civil 3D follows a growing trend we’re seeing from transportation departments across the country – from California to Wisconsin to Alaska – to standardize on a solution that allows the civil disciplines to finally truly engage in the BIM process.
Of course, this is leading civil engineers around the country to ask questions like:
- How will this affect my current work?
- Do I have to upgrade to Civil 3D 2012?
- What changes have been made to the standards?
- How can I do more work with departments of transportation?
- How am I going to pay for all this?
The good news is that agencies like MassDOT are making every effort to provide all the resources necessary to address these questions, help everyone realize the benefits, and make the transition process as painless as possible. So for example, funding sources are being made available for training and software purchases.
I have re-recorded a quick 5-minute version of the presentation here to give you an overview. Check it out and if you have any questions as to how this may affect you, please feel free to contact me.
Also, if you’re interested in learning more about these new trends in transportation design, Microdesk is hosting a series of free webinars and workshops this fall. Sign up for a session near you!
MassDOT CAD Standard from Microdesk on Vimeo.
Hi Rick,
It seems contradictory that different C3D versions will be allowed, given that 3d objects are not downwardly compatible.
I guess that raises the question, does submittal mean “dwg’s” or “dwg’s with alignment/profile/surface objects” or “previous plus corridors”?
Do they require corridors? Any limitations on custom subassemblies?
There are a whole slew of questions that trying to share C3D objects raises, and Autodesk has not made it easy, or even possible sometimes. I know a lot of people wondering about these same issues, as Autodesk advertises Caltrans as doing the same. There is no one Caltrans though, lots of districts like little agencies….thanks for any reply.
James,
All great comments. However, MassDOT has for some time been on 2007 and literally behind the current technology 8-ball. Many of the designers are currently using 2010-2011-2012, and feeling the pinch. The release of this CAD Standard is in anticipation of the 2012 upgrade internally.
The CAD Standard will dictate the use of Civil 3D Objects, thus emphasizing the continuous workflow integrated in Civil 3D.
Hope this helps!
Hi Rick,
I am just starting a MassDot Project at the construction level, and am trying to get up to speed with the Massdot template. Utilizing the standards and template will be very useful going forward once we understand how it works. The question I have for you is do you or Massdot provide any training on the use of the template that I know was many years in the making.
Thanks
Bill Hines