AutoCAD Course Structure (Beginner → Industry-Ready)

Module 1 — CAD Foundations
• AutoCAD use in architecture, surveying, and construction
• 2D vs 3D workflows and when not to use AutoCAD
• Interface, command line, model vs paper space
• Units, precision, coordinates, and shortcuts

Module 2 — Core Drawing Tools
• Lines vs polylines
• Basic geometry tools
• Object snaps and precision aids
• Ortho, polar tracking, and selection methods

Module 3 — Modify Commands
• Move, copy, rotate, scale
• Offset, trim, extend
• Fillet and chamfer
• Stretch vs scale and cleanup tools

Module 4 — Layers and Standards
• Layer organization and naming
• Color, linetype, lineweight control
• Properties palette and Match Properties

Module 5 — Annotation
• Text and dimension styles
• Industry-standard dimensions
• Leaders, hatching, and tables

Module 6 — Blocks and XREFs
• Creating and editing blocks
• Dynamic and attribute blocks
• External references (XREFs)

Module 7 — Layouts and Plotting
• Model vs paper space
• Viewports and scaling
• Title blocks and templates
• Plot styles and PDF output

Module 8 — Real-World Application
• Floor plans and site drawings
• Full sheet sets and revisions
• Time-based drafting challenges

Civil 3D Course Structure (Surveying & Civil Design)


Module 1 — Civil 3D Fundamentals
• Civil 3D vs AutoCAD (object-based design)
• Toolspace: Prospector, Settings, Survey
• Object styles and drawing control
• Units, coordinate systems, and georeferencing

Module 2 — Survey Data & Points
• Point files and formats (CSV, TXT)
• Point groups and descriptions
• Survey database basics
• Surface points vs survey points
• Field-to-finish overview

Module 3 — Surfaces (Core Skill)
• Creating TIN surfaces
• Surface styles and contours
• Breaklines, boundaries, and edits
• Surface analysis and labels

Module 4 — Alignments & Profiles
• Horizontal alignments and geometry
• Profiles from surfaces
• Profile views and labeling
• Vertical design fundamentals

Module 5 — Grading & Earthwork
• Feature lines
• Grading objects and criteria
• Pad and site grading
• Cut/fill concepts and volumes

Module 6 — Parcels & Lot Design
• Parcel creation tools
• Parcel styles and labels
• Lot layout workflows
• Right-of-way concepts

Module 7 — Pipe Networks (Introduction)
• Storm and sanitary systems
• Pipe and structure catalogs
• Pipe network layout
• Basic labeling and profiles

Module 8 — Sheets & Plotting
• Plan and profile sheets
• View frame groups
• Sheet Set Manager
• Plot styles and PDF deliverables

Module 9 — Civil 3D Projects
• Topographic surface project
• Road alignment and profile
• Site grading project
• Full civil sheet set
• Redline revisions

Module 10 — Productivity & Standards
• Style and template management
• Data shortcuts
• File referencing workflows
• Working with surveyors and engineers

Module 11 — Career & Industry Readiness
• Surveying vs civil design roles
• Junior civil drafter responsibilities
• Portfolio development
• AutoCAD to Civil 3D transition