I'm attempting my first project on Civil 3D. This is what I've tried to do so far...

1. Create a surface from survey data (DWG)

2. Draw a polyline, convert it to an alignment.

3. Create a profile view.

4. Create best fit profile (this has not worked)

5. Draw a polyline, convert it to a feature line (building footprint)

My observations, problems and questions.

When I turn on the layer 'triangles' it looks like I've created a surface, especially when I view 'shades of gray'. Under the Prospector I have a surface called NS.

My profile view does not show any surfaces, which makes me think I have done it wrong. Under Prospector>Surfaces>NS>Definition>Point Groups, I have all 3 point groups assigned, however each group has zero number of points. Is this a problem?

I can see the alignment on plan, when I select and choose properties, it comes up as an alignment, yet it in the Prospector, it is not shown directly under Alignments, but under Sites>Site1>Alignments. I can also see profiles that I have tried to draw under this category... >Centerline Alignments>First Road>Profiles. So how do I relate this to the natural surface, and apply battered slopes?

The feature line (building footprint) I've created is at the correct elevation. How do I get this to grade back to the natural surface?

I'm praying there are some easy answers or references you can provide. The tutorials and help files to date have not solved my issues. A big pre-thanks to all that can offer advice.

Curly.