Datasheet

The inTerface
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17
Panorama
The Panorama window is Civil 3D’s feedback and tabular editing mechanism. It’s designed to be
a common interface for a number of different Civil 3D–related tasks, and you can use it to pro-
vide information about the creation of profile views, to edit pipe or structure information, or to
run basic volume analysis between two surfaces. For an example of Panorama in action, change
to the View tab, and then select Palettes  Event Viewer. You’ll explore and use Panorama more
during this book’s discussion of specific objects and tasks.
Running Out of Screen Real Estate?
It’s a good idea to turn on Panorama using this technique and then drag it to the side so you always
see any new information. Although it’s possible to turn it off, doing so isn’t recommended—you
won’t know when Civil 3D is trying to tell you something! Place Panorama on your second monitor
(now you see why you need to have a second monitor, don’t you?), and you’ll always be up-to-date
with your Civil 3D model.
And in case you missed it, you were using Panorama when you added the sample VBA macro in
the previous exercise.
Ribbon
As with AutoCAD, the Ribbon is the primary interface for accessing Civil 3D commands and
features. When you select an AutoCAD Civil 3D object, the Ribbon displays commands and
features related to that object. If several object types are selected, the Multiple contextual tab is
displayed. Use the following procedure to familiarize yourself with the Ribbon:
1. Open the BasicSite.dwg, which you will find at www.sybex.com/go/
masteringcivil3d2012.
2. Select one of the parcel labels (the labels in the middle of the lot areas).
3. Notice that the Labels & Tables, General Tools, Modify, and Launch Pad tabs are dis-
played, as shown in Figure 1.14.
4. Select a parcel line and notice the display of the Multiple contextual tab.
5. Use the Esc key to cancel all selections.
6. Reselect a parcel line. Select the down arrow next to the Modify panel. Using the pin at
the bottom-left corner of the panel, pin the panel open.
7. Select the Properties command in the General Tools panel to open the AutoCAD
Properties palette. Notice that the Modify panel remains opened and pinned.
Styles and More Styles
Civil 3D uses styles to change the look and feel of objects and labels. Throughout this book, you will
see many styles. For a better look at styles, refer to Chapter 19.
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