Setting up D&C Manager

I would recommend that you do a Save As and create your own ddb file.  That way you can always "go back" to the original.   Take note of things such as Attributes and Compute Quantities that may be set.   Another option is finding a copy of a DOT's ddb file that may be close or exactly what you want.   Most DOT's that have standardized on Geopak provide these to their consultants.

We don't do DOT work so their standards would not be of any use. My main concern is not knowing what tools are preconfigured to work with the D&C Manager DDB that comes with the software. I have not worked with the drainage, survey, sewer & Water tools tools to any extent so I don't know if they are set up to look for DDB settings in the default DDB. Is there any easy way to find out?

Neil

Drainage, Water and Sewer can all use the DDB file but it is not mandatory.  All three can define symbology from the basic settings and preferences.  But if you use the DDB file the settings are a little more automatic and most importantly, D&C can then be used to compute quantities.

I would pass along 2 tips:

1. It is best to make sure that items in the DDB file have unique names.  For example, you might have a 6" PVC pipe for sewer and a 6" PVC pipe for water.  If they must be tabulated and paid seperately or if they will have different symbology (probably do) then make 2 different entries with unique names.  For exampe, 6PVC-Water and 6PVC-Sewer.
2. Make sure the attributes defined for each item are unique, if you use them.  Attributes are not manatory but helpful.

Survey does not use the DDB.  It uses an SMD file which serves similar function of control symbology.  But is also controls DTM attribute and does not compute quantities.

Neil

Drainage, Water and Sewer can all use the DDB file but it is not mandatory.  All three can define symbology from the basic settings and preferences.  But if you use the DDB file the settings are a little more automatic and most importantly, D&C can then be used to compute quantities.

I would pass along 2 tips:

1. It is best to make sure that items in the DDB file have unique names.  For example, you might have a 6" PVC pipe for sewer and a 6" PVC pipe for water.  If they must be tabulated and paid seperately or if they will have different symbology (probably do) then make 2 different entries with unique names.  For exampe, 6PVC-Water and 6PVC-Sewer.
2. Make sure the attributes defined for each item are unique, if you use them.  Attributes are not manatory but helpful.

Survey does not use the DDB.  It uses an SMD file which serves similar function of control symbology.  But is also controls DTM attribute and does not compute quantities.