There are a number of different ways to learn Civil 3D. In recent years, the online training format has become very popular for its flexibility and easy access. This article contains more information about the various types of online training that are available. It provides an in-depth look at the advantages and disadvantages associated with each type of training and lists a number of excellent online training options for Civil 3D.
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
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- Free student software
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- 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!”
Why Learn Civil 3D Online?
There are many reasons that you might want to learn Civil 3D online. An online class can be a great way to gain new skills and advance in your career. You’ll have access to a diverse number of course options and can pick one that fits your unique needs. In addition, the flexibility of this format will make it easier to fit learning into your schedule, for instance, you can take an online class without your regular job being affected. Finally, online learning is often a cost-effective way to learn compared to in-person classes.
Another reason to consider learning online is that there is evidence that the online format itself is associated with a number of benefits. When you learn online you typically have to take a lot more responsibility for your learning and this can be beneficial. For instance, because you’ll be managing your own schedule, you’re likely to gain better time management skills. Researchers have also observed that online learners may take more ownership in the learning process and thus learn better.
Online learning can also help prepare you for a workforce where many daily tasks are taking place online. According to a Forbes article titled, “Top Remote Work Statistics And Trends, ” one in five people already work remotely and 16 percent of companies are fully remote. These numbers are expected to increase in the future.
Different Kinds of Online Training
When it comes to learning Civil 3D online, you’ll find three main types of classes: live online (virtual), on-demand, and self-paced. Each format has both advantages and disadvantages. Live online classes are designed to be very similar to in-person learning. An instructor teaches live, answers questions, and provides feedback. There are also frequent opportunities for classmates to interact with one another. This type of learning takes 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.
What Are the Advantages and Limitations of Online Training?
Online training has both benefits and limitations. One major advantage is the convenience of this format. You don’t have to deal with the stress and inconvenience of a commute. Instead, you can simply sit down at your computer and learn from home, work, your favorite coffee shop, or anywhere with an internet connection.
In addition to allowing you to learn from any location, online learning also provides a lot of flexibility in the learning process itself. Rather than having to follow along at the same pace as a class full of students, you’ll be able to learn at your own pace. If you take a self-paced online class you can stop and start whenever you need to, and you’ll have the ability to pause, rewind, or even fast-forward through content to make sure that you get enough time to understand new skills and aren’t forced to spend time on concepts that you’ve already mastered.
However, there are also limitations to online learning. If you take a self-paced class, you won’t have access to a live instructor. In most self-paced classes, you will get instructor review and feedback on your work, however, you might have to wait a day or two. Another limitation to this format is that because there is so much flexibility you might need to be more disciplined so that you keep up with the course and don’t get distracted by other obligations.
Who Will Benefit the Most from Online Training?
Students who have a busy schedule and need learning flexibility will benefit from online training. This format eliminates time spent traveling to class, allowing you more time to focus on learning. In addition, if you take an on-demand or self-paced course you’ll be able to create a learning schedule that fits in with the rest of your life. If you have other demands such as work or family obligations, online learning can make it a lot easier to balance everything.
This training format is also beneficial for students who don’t have access to in-person training options. For instance, in-person Civil 3D courses generally run in larger metropolitan areas, so if you live in a smaller town you may not have a lot of in-person options. Additionally, even in a populated area, there might not be a lot of options. In contrast, online learning allows you to choose from courses all over the country, which you can attend via computer.
Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, and Cost to Learn Civil 3D
Civil 3D is a technical application with many complex tools and can be relatively difficult to learn at first. You may find the learning process easier if you already know how to use AutoCAD. Civil 3D and AutoCAD are both computer-aided drafting (CAD) applications, and they have many similarities in their user interface and the tools offered. A background in design can also be helpful. However, almost anyone can master this application. Most people find the guidance and feedback offered in a formal Civil 3D class to be very helpful in the learning process. Regular practice can also help mastering Civil 3D seem less difficult.
If you take a Civil 3D class that is designed for beginners, there are unlikely to be any prerequisites. However, you’re likely to learn more quickly and easily if you do have some related experience. Since Civil 3D is designed for civil engineering projects, users need an understanding of basic civil engineering concepts like surveying and infrastructure design. An understanding of 3D modeling is also helpful, but not required. While 2D modeling involves creating a flat representation of something, 3D modeling adds a third dimension and requires different spatial reasoning skills. It can be challenging to learn at first.
Civil 3D is an Autodesk application. You can get a free 30-day trial, and after that, the application is available by subscription. Autodesk offers both monthly and yearly subscription plans. It also offers a pay-as-you-go plan called Flex, where you can buy tokens that can be used to access Civil 3D for 24 hours at a time. Students and educators can get free access to Civil 3D which is valid for a year and is renewable if they remain eligible. In addition to the cost of the application, there is the cost associated with taking a Civil 3D class. Class prices vary widely, from several hundred dollars for a basic course, to several thousand for a comprehensive program. In many cases, you’ll receive free access to Civil 3D while you are taking a class.
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.