Civil3D DWG to OpenRoads DGN - Best Conversion Method?

Question

I am frequently converting between dwg and dgn. I am curious what folks believe is the best way to go about converting dwg to dgn? I have been opening the dwg in openroads and exporting to dgn. I have also been opening a seed file or another related dgn and referencing the dwg, then merging to master. Are there any examples where it would be better to export a dgn in Civil3D? From what I've heard, that isnt the best option but I am curious if its ever the preferred method, in certain circumstances. I am operating OpenRoads 2020 release 3 (10.9) and Civil3D 2020 Imperial. 
 Much Appreciated! 
 Neil

Mark Shamoun · Answer

Hi Neil, 
 
 Probably not what you are asking, but you can use LandXML for Alignments and Surfaces/Terrains and have a dynamic link between them to keep interoperability as least labor intensive as possible. 
 
 If you export your Alignments and Surfaces from c3d and import these into ORD, the ORD model will be linked to the LandXMLs and any future export from c3d to the same LandXML files can be updated in ORD by clicking the "Update Terrain from Source" button for Terrains or reimporting the Geometry. It wont recreate the elements, but resync them (and maintain any links or relationships in your model, but update them accordingly). 
 
 Regarding DGN support in AutoCAD/Civil 3D, we've found this to be quite poor, so i'd suggest convertions in the OpenRoads/Microstatiopn environment.

Civil3D DWG to OpenRoads DGN - Best Conversion Method?

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