Controlling the transition of parameters within corridor models is not as easy as it could be in Civil 3D.

• Width can be controlled with Offset alignments/3d Polylines
• Elevation can be controlled with profiles
• Superelevation can be controlled with the superelevation tools
• But slopes and grades don’t really have a specific tool that they can be controlled with.

In fact I don’t see a clear and “simple” method for managing the transition of a daylight slope at all? Although there are methods that I discuss in this post here. They are still convoluted and cumbersome to setup.

So how does one create this sort of daylight transition in Civil 3D? vvv

Well I have a very simple idea. “Parameter Views” and “Parameter Targets” which can control everything!

So basically a “parameter view” can be placed directly above or below a profile view and “parameter profiles” can be drawn on this view that represent the desired values or grade,width,slope etc.. This process is very similar to the management of superelevation, except parameter views can control everything!

The other change to make this a lot simpler is to upgrade all the generic subassemblies to have the ability to have its parameters overridden in a relative fashion. Although it’s possible to do this in the assembly properties, it is cumbersome and not straightforward as discussed in my post here. (additional links have to created, crazy profile views where elevation = slope or grade etc etc..)

I am aware that this can be achieved using Custom Subassemblies. But such a simple change would make life a lot easier for even the basic user. Plus custom subassemblies don’t travel inside the dwg!!

Particularly useful as parameters get more complex and difficult to visualise!