Civil infrastructure design is experiencing a dynamic shift, from 3D-printed homes to sustainably sourced building materials. However, the true game-changers in this sphere are those who are harnessing the power of software technology to quietly revolutionize how engineers shape our world.
Experts in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry are leveraging the power of Building Information Modeling (BIM), a potent collaborative tool. Fueled by machine learning, BIM is driving automation in the digital design process for civil infrastructure projects. This cloud-based competency of BIM is making collaboration seamless, connecting the diverse skills of AEC professionals required to bring a plan to life.
Autodesk®, the creator of Civil 3D®–a leading software program for designing and developing civil engineering ventures–has recently built on the application’s BIM platform to improve functionality.
Simultaneously, CTC Software has launched its Nexus Suite, a content management system tailored to data stored in the Autodesk universe. The niche Civil Informational Modeling (CIM) add-ins developed by CTC Software complements Nexus and brings Autodesk to the next level.
Advancements in Design with Autodesk Civil 3D 2025
Broad-stroke improvements in Civil 3D 2025 focus on program performance, especially the speed at which large projects with complex data can be manipulated. These updates reflect faster processing for corridor-model regeneration and pipe-network edits, with some processes that once took almost a minute now being executed in less than 10 seconds.
The following aspects of Civil 3D 2025 have specifically been improved: (1) coordinate system modernization; (2) multi-baseline corridor setup; (3) MMS file saving; and, (4) the Autodesk-Esri alliance for ArcGIS® basemaps.
Coordinate System Modernization and Multi-Baseline Corridor Setup
Coordinate system modernization is imperative for civil infrastructure designs demanding spatial data precision. Architects and engineers must comply with national performance standards for global positioning systems. So, updates in Civil 3D 2025 have boosted the speed at which users can launch coordinate systems and have introduced a more intuitive user interface, allowing engineers to import coordinate systems explicitly requested by clients.
Similarly, Civil 3D 2025’s user interface for multi-base corridor setup has been revamped so users can establish models with various baselines in a single click.
MMS File Saving
As for MMS file saving, Civil 3D 2025 does not save MMS files unless a surface is altered. In the past, each time a surface was stored in a binary format native to Autodesk (i.e., a DWG file), a twin MMS file–rich in media content that decreases storage space–was produced. Limiting automatic MMS-file creation conserves Civil 3D’s cloud processing power, thus expediting design progress.
Autodesk-Esri Alliance
Autodesk’s partnership with the Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri) has led to integrating five Esri ArcGIS base maps into Civil 3D 2025. These base maps are extremely detailed, delivering spatial visualization enhanced by Esri’s high-resolution satellite imagery.
CTC Software’s Nexus Suite for Management in Civil Infrastructure Design
Nexus Suite™ is a CTC Software Suite embodying powerful add-ins applicable to Autodesk Civil 3D and Revit that effectively manage civil infrastructure design processes and production. Three components of Nexus facilitate successful design management, including its content management system (CMS), project activity logger (PAL), and Ally, a Revit ruleset enforcer.
The industry-leading CMS provided by CTC Software’s Nexus Suite is customized for AEC assignments. This system empowers AEC firms to manage workflows by controlling content accessibility and currentness, even when contributors work remotely within Autodesk.
Nexus’ Project Activity Logger (PAL) and Ally features operate as enforcers for Autodesk Revit, the architectural modeling program that must interact with Civil 3D to successfully complete a civil infrastructure design project.
PAL monitors Revit activity, ensuring all contributors are on track and integrating to craft a cohesive digital model. Targeted activity can be visualized with PAL and compiled into customizable reports.
Ally governs the overarching rulesets that Revit users observe. Imposing these rulesets guarantees that standards and best practices are followed, making a final design sound and feasible.
Ever-Evolving Civil Infrastructure Design Is CTC Software’s Passion Project
Potent add-ins, such as those offered in the Nexus Suite, reflect CTC Software’s greater purpose. That purpose is developing AEC software that seamlessly merges with Autodesk Civil 3D and Revit to support the designers who sculpt our reality.
For more insight into how CTC Software can improve your civil infrastructure design workflows and save you needless expenses, browse Nexus Suite (along with our CIM Suites), and try our ROI calculator.
