Do I need to know Python before this course?

No. We start with a 6-hour Python Foundations module using PyCharm to cover the essentials. Your prior AutoCAD/Civil 3D knowledge is enough.

Which tools will we use?

PyCharm IDE, Python, pywin32/COM (AutoCAD/Civil 3D), ezdxf for DXF, and ChatGPT for code generation, refactoring, and documentation.

Is this course certified by Autodesk?

Yes. ETC is an Autodesk Authorized Training Center and issues international certificates from Autodesk upon completion.

What practical outputs will I build?

Layer QC reports, block schedules, batch plotting to PDF, COGO-like points DXF from CSV, station–offset tables, and quick cut/fill estimates.

How are public courses scheduled?

Evening classes are typically Monday–Wednesday or Tuesday–Thursday from 6:30–8:30 PM. Morning and Saturday sessions are also offered based on demand.

AI + Python for AutoCAD Civil 3D

Start with a focused 6-hour Python Foundations in PyCharm, then automate Civil 3D using pywin32/COM and ezdxf, with ChatGPT as your coding partner. Build QC reports, batch plotting, COGO-like points from CSV, station–offset tables, and quick cut/fill estimates.

Duration: ~18–20 hours

Teaching Methodology: Hands-on, project-based

Course Schedule: Schedule

Fees $1200

Course Mode: Blended — Face-to-face or online via Zoom

OVERVIEW

This course turns Civil 3D users into automation pros. After a practical Python introduction, you will control Civil 3D via COM and DXF pipelines, with ChatGPT helping you draft, refactor, and test your scripts.

AUDIENCE

Civil engineers, surveyors, CAD/BIM technicians, and infrastructure design teams.

PREREQUISITES

Completion of Civil 3D Essentials. No prior coding required. Python 1 is helpful but not mandatory.

CERTIFICATION

ETC is an Autodesk Authorized Training Center. International certificates from Autodesk are issued upon completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Python experience?
No. We begin with a 6-hour Python Foundations module using PyCharm.

Can I automate my existing drawings?
Yes. You’ll build batch plotting, QC reports, station–offset tables, and more—targeting your own DWGs/DXFs.

COURSE CONTENTS

01 — Python Foundations (6 hrs)

Install Python & PyCharm, create a virtual environment
Python basics: variables, data types, I/O, operators
Control flow: if/else, loops
Functions, parameters, return values
Working with files (CSV/TXT), intro to libraries (math, pandas, numpy, ezdxf)
Error handling (try/except), clean code & docstrings
Mini Project: Read survey points (CSV), compute average elevation, export results

02 — Setup & Foundations (1.5 hrs)

Virtual environments & packages (requirements.txt)
Connect Python ↔ AutoCAD/Civil 3D (pywin32/COM)
Safe automation patterns (backups, test drawings)

03 — Data Pipelines for Civil Engineers (2 hrs)

Read/write CSV, Excel, JSON
Create DXF with ezdxf and open in Civil 3D
Station–Offset calculations from a centerline
Quick cut/fill volume estimation from grid CSVs
Exercises: COGO-like points DXF; station–offset table export

04 — AutoCAD & Civil 3D Automation (COM) (2 hrs)

Launch/attach to AutoCAD, control layouts & blocks
Batch plot layouts to PDF
Layer QC reports, drawing audits
Bind & clean Xrefs
Exercises: Batch plotting; layer report; block schedule CSV

05 — Dynamo + Python in Civil 3D (Optional, 1.5 hrs)

Intro to Dynamo in Civil 3D; Python node patterns
Access .NET API for Alignments, Surfaces
Station–elevation sampling every 10 m

06 — AI Workflow with ChatGPT (1.5 hrs)

Prompt templates for COM/DXF tasks
AI-assisted code drafting, refactoring, tests
Converting natural language tasks into scripts

07 — Capstone Projects (3–4 hrs)

Survey Workflow: Points → Surface Grid → Volume Report
Corridor Workflow: Alignment → Station/Offset Report
QC Pack: Batch PDFs + Layer QC + Block Schedule

08 — Wrap-Up & Next Steps

Review of key concepts
Extending automation with AI tools
Resources & further learning