Using Object Layers with No Objection

A difficult area of adoption in Civil 3D is the productive application of object layers. Since it is typical in our industry to layer every entity we draw, it becomes a challenge to retrofit a standard layer list that has been around for a decade to Civil 3D's object layer list. There are 3 basic approaches you can take in implementing object layers.

Object Zero Approach
Set all object layers to layer 0 (zero) and make sure that the Immediate and Independant Layer On/Off Control check box is filled. By using this method, you can skip configuring object layers and use the style component as the sole tool for controlling object display. Keep in mind that all object insertion layers will be layer 0; therefore freezing layer 0 will cause all objects to disappear. This method allows for quick adoption of Civil 3D since existing layer lists are usually suitable for style component configuration. And if you haven't decided how you stand on object layers, you can always configure them at a later date.

Component Zero Approach
This method is for the Civil 3D purest. Configure a suitable object layer for each object type. Leave all style components set to layer 0. The properties of your object layers will control the appearance of your objects. If there is a component of an object that needs to bear a different color, linetype, or lineweight, don't create a layer for it unless you want to have the ability to isolate it; instead, override the desired property in the style. This method allows you to utilize the least amount of layers in your drawing.

If this method suits you, then you may also want to consider using object layer modifiers. This enables you to create layers for each of your objects using the properties of the parent object layers. Each alignment, surface, profile, pipe network, etc will be generated in its own layer. To keep crazy layer names down to a minimum, it would be advantagious to adopt an object naming standard which can be applied to name formats in the template. Modifiers enable you to add the object name to the beginning or end of the object layer.

All or Nothing Approach
This is the more complex approach. Come up with a set of object layer names. Come up with a set component layer names. Configure everything. You will end up with a longer layer list. In the end, you will have more control over display of objects. You can use component layers to isolate features. You can use the object layers to control display of objects via external references or viewports.