There are several ways you can create pipe networks.
For example, you can create a pipe network using the Network Layout Tools toolbar, or you can select an existing polyline or feature line in a drawing and create a pipe network from it. You can also use import features to import existing pipe networks into your drawing.
You can also create a new network by splitting an existing pipe network into two.
Importing Pipe Data
The following table describes the import features available for pipe networks.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| Import Data From Land Desktop | You can use the Import Data From Land Desktop command (ImportLDTData) to import pipe run data from AutoCAD Land Desktop into Autodesk Civil 3D. When you import pipe data, each continuous pipe run in AutoCAD Land Desktop is imported as a new, single pipe network object in Autodesk Civil 3D. |
| LandXML Import | You can export pipe run data from AutoCAD Land Desktop using the LandXML Export command (LandXMLOut) and then import it into Autodesk Civil 3D using the LandXML Import command (LandXMLIn). |
| Import Storm Sewers | Using this command, you can create Autodesk Civil 3D pipe networks by importing pipe networks that were created in the Storm Sewers Extension from an .stm file. |
| Import GIS Data | You can create Autodesk Civil 3D pipe networks by importing pipe and structure data from a SHP file. |
Before importing Land Desktop pipe run data, make sure the Parts List you associate with the pipe network has part sizes that make sense for the pipe run you will be importing.
Managing, Displaying, and Customizing Pipe Networks
All pipe networks, once created, are managed in the same way, regardless of the method used to create them. All pipe networks are listed in the Pipe Networks
Networks collection in the Prospector tree.
Before creating a pipe network, it can be useful to first create the underlying data used by the pipe network, such as surfaces, alignments, profiles, section views, and your own custom parts lists. However, you do not have to have these components in place to create a pipe network.
When you create a pipe network, the default settings come from the selections you make in the Create Pipe Network dialog box, and from the part definitions specified in the part catalog. After the pipe and structure objects are in your drawing, you can change many of the settings for any new parts created in the network.
