You are most likely familiar with the OFFSET command in AutoCAD and have probably used it thousands of times or more. It is a great way to create parallel copies of an object. But when you need a true buffer this may not be the best solution. This is where the OFFSETGAPTYPE system variable comes to the rescue. By setting the OFFSETGAPTYPE to 1 you get a true buffer when you use the OFFSET command.
Give it a try for yourself. If you need to create a buffer for project boundaries, wetlands, impact areas or anything else, this might save you a lot of time.
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Rick Ellis, president of CADapult Software Solutions, Inc, has worked with and taught Autodesk Civil 3D, along with Map 3D and other Autodesk products since the mid-90s. He is the Author of several critically acclaimed books on Autodesk Civil 3D, AutoCAD Map 3D, Land Desktop and Carlson Software; including the Practical Guide series.
Rick continues to use Autodesk Civil 3D on projects in a production environment, in addition to teaching classes to organizations both large and small around the country, helping them get the most out of their design software investment.
This practical background and approach has made him an award winning speaker at Autodesk University and a sought after instructor by organizations around the world.
NIce feature, i didnt know.
Is there something that same with grading?
Hi Alex,
If we are talking about Civil 3D, grading corners are automatically rounded. But call or message me through the contact form on this site and I’d be happy to discuss what you are trying to do and some options that might help.
Thanks,
Rick