20+ Years of Design, Technology & More
20+ Years of Design, Technology & More
If you’re a student or an educator in civil, structural, transportation, or infrastructure engineering, Bentley Systems offers free educational use licenses. Full professional software. Free – for educational use. Link: Free Engineering Software for Students | Bentley Education What the…
I finally had some time to sit with Autodesk Civil 3D 2026 from Start to Finish, and it’s a solid addition to the Civil 3D bookshelf. Autodesk Civil 3D 2026 from Start to Finish: Learn dynamic, automation-led workflows and intelligent…
The 2026.2 update for drainage design tools enhances workflows with improved rainfall support, catchment controls, and channel features. It integrates Dynamo deeper into Civil 3D, adding automation capabilities. Editing feature lines becomes more efficient, fostering collaboration through cloud sheet sets. Additional updates include Project Explorer enhancements and API growth for custom tools.
The recent CITE User Group meeting highlighted the shift towards open standards in digital delivery, especially regarding DOTs and the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC). Bob Mueser discussed the fading resistance to change and the increasing adoption of IFC 4.3, promoting flexibility and competition. This momentum fosters non-proprietary delivery and enhances long-term data ownership.
This blog post explains how to convert Autodesk Civil 3D drawings for users with basic AutoCAD or older versions. Key methods include using EXPORTC3DDRAWING for simple output, ETRANSMIT for complete project packages, and EXPORTTOAUTOCAD for quick 2D views. These techniques ensure compatibility and prevent issues with missing geometry.
Bend is exploring the construction of a vehicle bridge over the Deschutes River to improve connectivity for southern residents, easing traffic on Reed Market Road. A proposed study will assess potential locations. So, I created a fun playful design for crossing the river like the ramps or a three-tiered roundabout is also suggested, enhancing both functionality and scenic appeal.
MAPCLEAN is a powerful command in AutoCAD Map 3D and Autodesk Civil 3D that addresses common geometry issues like duplicates, overshoots, and bad intersections from various sources. Its simple workflow allows users to select objects and choose specific cleanup actions, ensuring clean geometry for improved design efficiency. Despite its benefits, it's absent in core AutoCAD.
Before a product name is locked in, it usually starts life with a codename. It’s how teams keep projects straight and conversations private while development is still underway. The tradition goes way back at Autodesk, back to the 1980s when…
Design and construction software isn’t cheap. And it shouldn’t be—when it works, it pays for itself.
But measuring value isn’t always straightforward. You’re not just buying features. You’re investing in time saved, risk avoided, and work that flows smoother between teams.
Here’s how to figure out if your software is actually pulling its weight.
The AEC industry isn’t known for moving fast—but that’s changing. In 2025, the pace of tech adoption is picking up, driven by pressure to deliver faster, cheaper, and with fewer people.
Here’s what’s rising to the top this year—tools and workflows that are actually making a difference on real projects, not just trade show demos.