Eric Chappell has been working, teaching, writing, and consulting in the world of civil engineering software for more than 20 years, and he is a recognized expert in the world of Autodesk® AutoCAD Civil 3D® software. Eric joined the Autodesk family in September 2013 as a Premium Services Specialist. In the 12 years prior to that, he wrote training materials and performed training for end users, trainers, and Autodesk employees around the globe. For several years, he has worked with Autodesk in authoring and developing two Autodesk certification exams. He also served as design systems manager for Timmons Group, a civil engineering and surveying firm based in Richmond, Virginia, where he managed software, standards, and training for more than 200 users. Eric is also a highly rated instructor at Autodesk University, where he has taught for the past 10 years.
Prior to writing and consulting, Eric spent nearly 10 years in the civil engineering and surveying fields while working for the H.F. Lenz Company in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. During his time at H.F. Lenz, he gained considerable practical experience as a survey crewman, designer, engineer, and CAD supervisor. Eric also holds a BS degree in Civil Engineering Technology from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and is certified in Pennsylvania as an EIT.
Eric is originally from southwestern Pennsylvania, but he has lived in the Richmond, Virginia, area for the past 13 years with his wife and four children. He enjoys being outdoors and spending time with his family. He can sometimes be seen playing drums for the band Sons of Zebedee, which plays at a variety of events in the Central Virginia area.
Eric is also authoring a new series of Wiley/Sybex titles this year for Autodesk InfraWorks and InfraWorks 360. Be sure to check out Autodesk InfraWorks® and InfraWorks 360® Essentials along with Roadway Design for Autodesk InfraWorks 360®. Other titles may also be available throughout the year based on the release of more InfraWorks 360 modules.
If you would like to contact the author regarding comments or suggestions, please email CivilEssentials@gmail.com. You’re also welcome to visit Eric’s blog at http://ericchappell.blogspot.com.