Autodesk Vault is the recommended project management option for large design teams working with AutoCAD Civil 3D.
The main database resides on a designated server, such as a file server on the network, and client software is installed on each computer that requires access to the database.
Using Vault, you can share surfaces, alignments, profiles, pipe networks, points, view frame groups, and survey data.
There are paid and free versions of Autodesk Vault:
- The free version of Vault, which is commonly known as either Autodesk Vault Basic or simply Vault, is a standalone application. It must be launched independently of AutoCAD Civil 3D, and does not use the Prospector interface that is described in this document. Autodesk Vault Basic interfaces with AutoCAD Civil 3D in the same way that it does with other Autodesk products. For more information about Autodesk Vault Basic, see the help system that is shipped with it.
- Paid versions of Vault, which include Autodesk Vault Workgroup, Autodesk Vault Collaboration, and Autodesk Vault Professional, are closely integrated with the AutoCAD Civil 3D interface. In these versions, you manage project objects using the Prospector interface that is described in this document.
For more information, see Using Vault.