There are many different resources that you utilize to help you learn Civil 3D. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive course, troubleshooting a specific problem, or just looking to get a better understanding of what Civil 3D can do, there are a variety of different resources out there for you. This article summarizes some of the different options available and explains the advantages and disadvantages associated with each. It also provides information about some of the best Civil 3D classes available and how to create a learning plan that will work for you.
What is Civil 3D?
Civil 3D is an Autodesk modeling application that is used to design and document civil engineering projects. It was first released in 2005 and is used for many different types of civil infrastructure projects including land development, rail projects, bridges, water systems, and roads and highways. Civil 3D uses a 3D model-based environment, and it supports Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows. It has specific tools for many different civil engineering features including tools for grading, parcel layout, surfaces, and corridor design. Its automated features let designers streamline many time-consuming tasks.
Civil 3D also facilitates collaboration among team members. This application integrates data from a variety of sources such as survey data and GIS data. It can also exchange information with other Autodesk applications, like AutoCAD and Revit. In addition, it allows team members to work simultaneously on the same project and make real-time updates. With Civil 3D, team members can maintain consistency for data and processes, and respond more quickly to any project changes.
Why Learn Civil 3D?
Fluency in Civil 3D is a fundamental skill required for many professional roles in the field of civil engineering. Working in this field can be lucrative and civil engineering jobs are expected to experience strong growth over the next ten years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS) is a federal agency that collects and analyzes U.S. labor market information. Between 2023 and 2033, it predicts that civil engineering jobs will grow by 6 percent, which is faster than the average U.S. job growth rate of 4 percent. The agency explains, “With continued investment in U.S. infrastructure, civil engineers will be needed to manage projects that meet society's need for upgrading bridges, roads, water systems, buildings, and other structures.” In addition, it says, “Civil engineers also will be needed to oversee renewable-energy projects such as construction of wind farms and solar arrays, as these projects gain approval.” The median pay for a Civil Engineer is almost $96,000 per year, according to the BLS.
Learn Civil 3D
- Nationally accredited
- Create your own portfolio
- Free student software
- Learn at your convenience
- Authorized Autodesk training center
Civil engineering can also be a very fulfilling profession. Civil engineering projects take place within a wide range of different industries including transportation, construction, and energy. That means that when you work in civil engineering, you may get to work on many different types of projects such as roads, airports, dams, pipelines, water systems, tunnels, and bridges. For a blog post on the Institution of Civil Engineers website titled, “7 Top Reasons Why Civil Engineering Is the Best Career, ” the author spoke to a number of people who work in this field and found that the diversity of projects they get to participate in is one of the things that many people enjoy about it. One person commented, “There’s so much variety, ” and another said, “You get to work with a ton of new people on new tasks every day!”
How Can I Learn Civil 3D?
When it comes to learning Civil 3D, you’ll find four main types of classes: in-person, live online (virtual), on-demand, and self-paced. Each format has both advantages and disadvantages. An in-person class takes place face-to-face inside a classroom space that is dedicated to learning. An instructor teaches, answers questions, and provides feedback. You learn as part of a group of students and you’ll have the opportunity to interact and network with those students. Some students prefer in-person instruction because they find it more engaging and also feel like it’s an easier way to learn new skills. However, to learn in-person you have to commute to a classroom. Depending on where you live, this can be stressful or time-consuming. In addition, you’re limited to classes that you can travel to.
Live online classes are a popular alternative to in-person ones. They are designed to be very similar to in-person learning, with real-time interaction, the ability to ask questions and get feedback, and frequent opportunities to interact with classmates. The big difference is that they take place remotely via Zoom or a similar platform. Students attend by simply logging in on their computers. Because this format allows you to attend from any location, you’re likely to find that you have access to more course options. You may also find a more diverse group of classmates. A downside is that you’ll need to supply your own equipment. In addition, this format sometimes comes with technical issues to solve such as internet connection problems or software setup issues.
If you don’t want to be forced to attend class at a specific time, you could try an asynchronous learning option. Asynchronous learning is not live. Instead, when you enroll you’ll be given access to a pre-recorded set of lessons and exercises which you can work through at your own pace. This format not only allows you to set your own learning schedule, but allows you to learn at a pace that works best for you. For instance, you can pause, rewind, or even fast-forward the content. An on-demand class is one asynchronous learning option and is typically the cheapest. With an on-demand class, you’ll get access to the material, but instructor feedback is usually minimal.
If you want the freedom of an asynchronous class, but you’d prefer more instructor involvement, another option is a self-paced class. Like on-demand classes, self-paced classes are pre-recorded and allow you to progress through the material at your own pace. However, many self-paced classes come with regular instructor advice and feedback on your work. In addition, you’ll interact with classmates such as through online discussion forums. A downside to this learning format is that because you get so much control over your learning, you may need to make more of an effort to stay motivated and on track.
Advantages and Limitations of Online Resources
While in-person learning used to be the most common way to learn a new skill, online resources have become a popular alternative in recent years. One thing that makes these classes so appealing is their flexibility. In-person learning takes place in a specific location at a specific time, and students are forced to all learn at the same pace. In contrast, when you learn online, you can learn from anywhere that you want, and you can follow a schedule that meets your unique learning needs. There are both live and self-paced options, and you can create a learning plan that works for your schedule and learning preferences.
Another advantage of online learning is that it opens up a much larger range of learning options. You’re not limited to courses that you can commute to; instead, you can take a class in a different city or even a different state. All you need is a computer and an internet connection. Many people like the fact that classes often contain students from all over the country because they feel like it exposes them to a much more diverse range of viewpoints.
However, there are also disadvantages to learning online. Some people find this format less engaging. Others say that it can be more difficult to grasp a new concept in an online setting. Some teachers also say that with this format, they find it more challenging to understand when students are in need of additional help. Another potential disadvantage is that, depending on where you learn from, you may encounter more distractions when you learn online. For example, learning from home can come with the distractions of pets, family members, or household chores.
Advantages and Limitations of Self-Paced Resources
If you want a flexible learning experience, then a self-paced course can be a great option. With this type of resource you’ll get the ability to learn at your own pace, but you’ll have a structured and comprehensive curriculum to follow. In addition, many self-paced courses include interaction with your instructor and with your fellow students, which can enhance the learning process. For instance, you’re likely to get instructor feedback on your submissions and projects, which can help you improve, and you may get to participate in regular discussions with classmates, which can add a diversity of perspectives to your education and serve as a valuable source of support.
A downside to self-paced learning is that since you have so much control over your learning, you may need to work harder to stay on track. Some students say that when they learn in a self-paced format, they find it easier to get distracted by other demands such as work or friends and family, which can cause them to get behind in their coursework.
Advantages and Limitations of On-Demand Resources
On-demand classes are usually the cheapest type of learning resource and they offer a high level of flexibility. These types of classes are offered by websites such as Coursera and Udemy and they consist of pre-recorded material. When you take an on-demand class you learn at your own pace and according to your own schedule. You can spread the course out and make sure you completely understand everything. You can also go back into the content whenever you want to such as when you have a question about something that you covered.
However, on-demand resources generally offer the least personalization in the learning process. You won’t get regular instructor interaction and you may not get any peer interaction either. In many cases, the on-demand learning process is a matter of you progressing through a series of lessons alone. Some students find this format too isolating.
Advantages and Limitations of Free Resources
Free resources can be a good way to start getting a feel for Civil 3D. For instance, you can gain a better understanding of how this application is used and some of the different types of tools it offers. Many people use free resources to help them decide whether or not they are ready for a formal class, and what type of class to take. Free resources can also be a good place to turn if you’re troubleshooting a particular issue or if there’s one specific skill that you’re trying to learn in Civil 3D.
If you’re trying to gain a comprehensive Civil 3D education that prepares you to use this application in a professional context, however, free resources are unlikely to be enough. Not only are most not very comprehensive, but some are outdated or even contain incorrect information. Most people who are serious about learning Civil 3D end up enrolling in a paid course where they can follow an up-to-date curriculum under the guidance of an expert.
What Supplemental Resources Are Available?
If you are looking to gain a few basic skills by using supplemental resources, you’ll find some different sources online. Autodesk, which owns Civil 3D, offers many free short Civil 3D tutorials on its website. There are tutorials that cover the user interface and basic tools, and also many that are focused on specific topics such as surfaces, alignments, corridors, and grading. Autodesk also provides a number of other learning resources including a Best Practices Guide and a section titled “Have You Tried, ” which suggests useful features that you may not have tried yet. YouTube also contains free Civil 3D tutorials posted by a wide variety of experts. Other places to find free information about Civil 3D or to look for answers to specific questions include professional networks and publications, and also online forums, where experts are often happy to share advice about this application. Finally, some school websites contain free information, which is offered to help prospective students gain a better understanding of this application before they choose a class.
How to Choose Your Ideal Learning Plan
The ideal learning plan is different for everyone. Fortunately, many different learning options exist, so you can craft a plan that works for you. If you’re not sure where to start, you could begin by thinking about your learning goals. This means considering why you want to learn Civil 3D and what you plan to do with your skills. If you just need to learn a few basic skills then a shorter course may be best, while if you want to master this application, a comprehensive training program is likely to be a better option. It’s also a good idea to think about your learning style and needs, which can help you decide what type of class format might be ideal. For instance, if you thrive off face-to-face interaction then an in-person class might be a good choice, while if you find yourself intimidated in this type of setting then you might want to opt for an online course. Other things to consider include your scheduling needs (which can dictate whether an in-person on self-paced course is better(, your budget, whether you want to learn full-time or part-time, and whether you have any training options located nearby.
Learn Civil 3D with Hands-on Training at VDCI
The Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) offers a variety of Civil 3D training options. This school is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). Its online, self-paced classes allow you to create a personalized learning schedule that fits your needs. You’ll also be able to get advice and feedback on your submissions and projects and interact with peers in discussion forums. VDCI classes are approved by Autodesk, Adobe, Trimble, and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for e-learning.
One VDCI option is the Civil 3D Certificate Program, a comprehensive course that takes seven months to complete. This program will equip you with skills in civil engineering, site development, and infrastructure planning. Covered topics include working on digital terrain models, designing roadways and utility networks, and applying civil engineering principles to real-world scenarios. You’ll also learn how to collaborate on large-scale civil projects using FTP, MILCON, and government databases. The program includes courses in both Civil 3D and AutoCAD. In addition, you’ll take elective courses in AutoCAD, Revit, or SketchUp Pro, and work on a capstone project. The Civil 3D Certificate Program comes with six live one-on-one mentoring sessions.
VDCI also offers a Civil 3D Certification Training Bundle which will help you prepare for the Autodesk Civil 3D certification exam. This multi-week course covers beginner through intermediate concepts. You’ll take three Civil 3D classes where you’ll learn to use this application for surveying and mapping, transportation design, and land development. You’ll also get a voucher for the Civil 3D exam, and you’ll get a free exam retake if you need it. To take this class you should have intermediate-level AutoCAD experience.
VDCI also runs shorter Civil 3D classes that take a few weeks to complete. In Intermediate Civil 3D: Surveying and Mapping, you’ll learn about the surveying and mapping elements and commands in Civil 3D. Covered topics include survey and COGO points, point marker and label styles, point groups, linework code sets, figure prefix databases, survey imports, parcels, sites, parcel labels, TIN surfaces, surface labels, and surface analysis. Intermediate Civil 3D: Transportation Design is focused on the transportation design elements and commands in Civil 3D. Instructors cover alignments, surface profiles, design profiles, and view windows, assemblies, corridors, intersections, sample lines, cross sections, and 3D visualization. The third VDCI option is Intermediate Civil 3D: Land Development. This course covers land development design elements and commands such as drawing template files, data shortcuts, feature lines, and grading groups.
Another VDCI offering, which is likely to be useful in any Civil 3D role, is the Construction Soft Skills Course. This bundle is a great way to improve your communication, teamwork, collaboration, and self-management skills, all of which are essential in the field of civil engineering. Three classes are included. In Communication and Connection, you’ll learn a variety of communication skills including negotiation and conflict management. You’ll also work on your emotional intelligence and learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Self-Management Skills covers skills such as prioritizing, improving efficiency, focusing on ethics and integrity, and setting goals. Finally, in Teamwork, Collaboration & Leadership, you’ll learn to build collaboration, conduct meetings effectively, inspire other people, and make decisions as a group.