Autodesk Vault is a project management solution that can be used with AutoCAD Civil 3D in a collaborative environment involving multiple design teams. Based on the client-server networking model, the main Vault database resides on a designated server and can be accessed from client computers of project participants. Vault allows you to share and manage not only DWG files, but all of your engineering and related data, such as hydraulic designs, analyses, and data generated from Microsoft Office applications or other design software.
AutoCAD Civil 3D does not include the Autodesk Vault installation on the install media. You can obtain the Vault 2013 client and server applications as downloads from the Subscription Center.
There are paid and free versions of Autodesk Vault:
- The free version of Vault, which is commonly known as either Base Vault 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 the AutoCAD Civil 3D Help system. Base Vault interfaces with AutoCAD Civil 3D in the same way that it does with other Autodesk products. For more information about Base Vault, see the Help system that is shipped with it.
- Paid versions of Vault, which include Vault Workgroup, Vault Collaboration, and 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 the AutoCAD Civil 3D Help system.