Civil 3D Survey Imports: My Clean & Reliable CAD Process

CAD Construction Survey - Data Processing For Civil Engineering Design

Ever wonder why some projects flow smoothly from survey to design while others feel like a fight the whole way through?

Over the years, I’ve refined a process for importing survey data into Civil 3D that keeps everything clean, predictable, and ready for design almost immediately. A lot of it comes from field experience, trial/error, and learning from pros like Jeff Bartels who emphasize clarity and structure right from the start when it comes to using CAD.

Here’s the workflow I follow on most of my projects:

1. Start With a Clean CAD Template (MMCD by Default)

Unless a client provides their own standards or custom templates, I always begin with a drawing setup based on MMCD layer and style standards. This gives me: Predictable layers, consistent lineweights, reliable point/figure styles and naming conventions engineers expect.

This alone prevents a ton of downstream confusion.

2. Review the CSV File and Point Groups Before Bringing Anything In

Before I even load the data in CAD, I like to open the CSV in Excel or Google Sheets to quickly understand:

• The file format (PNEZD, PENZD, etc.)

• Whether descriptions are clean

• If there are any obvious typos

• The general distribution and variety of collected points

• Any points that look out of place

This gives me an early “sense” of the dataset before Civil 3D touches it.

Once in Civil 3D, I confirm:

• Coordinates system is set properly 

• No duplicated points

• Proper point descriptions

• Elevation accuracy

• Coding structure

A clean CSV + a clean point group = a clean surface.

3. Import Survey Data Through the Survey Database

Never through “Insert.”

Using the Survey Database ensures:

• Proper linework creation

• Automated point/figure styling

• Correct handling of coordinate systems

• No stray blocks or rogue layers

It keeps everything structured and audit-friendly.

4. Build Figures Using Intelligent Codes

Once figures generate, I review:

• Breaklines

• Edges of pavement

• Top/base of banks

• Lot and ROW lines

• Utilities

A few early coding tweaks can save hours of cleanup. (And yes — Jeff Bartels has drilled this mindset into most of us.)

5. Build the Surface Only After Everything Checks Out

I add breaklines last, rebuild the surface, and run a quick QA for:

• Spikes

• Flat spots

• Connectivity gaps

• Incorrectly coded points

A reliable surface early on makes the rest of the project flow smoothly.

6. Deliver a Drawing That’s Truly “Ready for Design”

When I hand off a base plan, it’s: MMCD-compliant (unless client standards override), fully organized, properly styled, consistent layer standards, surface-ready and no cleanup required.

Engineers appreciate starting with something clean and dependable.