Tag Autodesk

Testing Autodesk Assistant in Civil 3D 2027.1: Drawing Health, DREFs, XREFs, and the Future of Proactive CAD QA and Help

The content discusses the Autodesk Civil 3D 2027.1 update, highlighting the improved AI-driven Assistant in Tech Preview mode. The Assistant helps users identify complex reference issues in Civil 3D drawings, but still requires explicit prompting and verification. Importantly, it moves towards proactive monitoring of drawing health, enhancing workflow efficiency for CAD managers.

What’s New in Autodesk Civil 3D 2027.1: Essential Features & Fixes

Autodesk released the Civil 3D 2027.1 Update on August 4, 2026, featuring a 2.44 GB download with enhancements in drainage design, Data Shortcut management, and the API. Key improvements include a new DREF tab for better reference management and expanded drainage tools. The update aims to simplify troubleshooting and improve user control in project management.

Attend my Autodesk University 2026 Session and Braindates

The session "The Stack Inversion is Real" addresses the evolving role of CAD managers, highlighting how AI transforms workflows. It emphasizes that traditional CAD knowledge is less critical, while decision-making responsibilities grow. The speaker invites participants to discuss crash data and reference loops, fostering a collaborative environment to improve CAD management.

Autodesk University 2026 Thrive Guide – Back to Vegas, Back to The Venetian

The Autodesk University 2026 Thrive Guide by Shaan Hurley offers essential tips for attendees preparing for the event in Las Vegas from September 15-17. The guide includes venue highlights, packing suggestions, and advice on networking and session attendance. It emphasizes the importance of hydration, comfortable footwear, and enjoying the local cuisine and attractions.

The Xref Habit That Follows You Into Civil 3D, and the Curveball Waiting There

The article discusses the differences between the Overlay and Attach methods in AutoCAD and Civil 3D. While Overlay is preferred for managing references, Civil 3D introduces complexities with data shortcuts, creating potential mixed loops that can disrupt project workflows. Users must understand file dependencies to avoid creating loops before referencing drawings.

Podcast Episode: The Accidental Empire – Early Autodesk History

The Autodesk "Flying Founders" From left to right: Rudolf Künzli, Mike Ford, Dan Drake, Mauri Laitinen, Greg Lutz, David Kalish, Lars Moureau, Richard Handyside,Kern Sibbald, Hal Royaltey, Duff Kurland, John Walker, Keith Marcelius

This podcast episode explores Autodesk's unexpected origins, focusing on its evolution from a UNIVAC hacker network to a billion-dollar enterprise. Key themes include the challenges of early software development, strategic decisions that shaped AutoCAD, and the company's growth trajectory. The narrative underscores the significance of primary sources in understanding this tech history.

No Overlord: Why AEC AI Is Heading Toward a Thousand Specialized Tools

AI in AEC is not a technology problem - it's a data problem. Shaan Hurley recaps the AUGICon 2026 Applied AI in AECO panel: what's working, what's amplifying the mess, and why AEC is heading toward specialized tools on shared platforms.