Creating a Description Key Set and Description Keys in Civil 3D
A Description Key Set in Civil 3D automates the styling, labeling, and categorization of survey points based on their descriptions. This is especially useful for ensuring consistency and efficiency when importing and displaying survey data.

Steps to Create a Description Key Set and Description Keys
1. Open the Settings Tab
Go to the Toolspace palette.
Click the Settings Tab.
Expand the Point node Description Key Sets.
2. Create a New Description Key Set
Right-Click "Description Key Sets":
Select New to create a new description key set.
Name the Key Set:
Enter a name, such as "Survey Points" or "Field Data Keys."
Set Defaults (optional):
In the Description Key Set Properties, define default point styles or layers for keys that don’t match any specific description.
3. Add Description Keys
Open the Key Set:

Expand your newly created key set in the Settings Tab.
Right-click it and select Edit Keys to open the Description Key Editor.
Add Keys:

In the Description Key Editor, click Create New Key or use the "+" button to add a new key.
Configure Each Key:

Code: Enter the description code (e.g., "IP" for iron pin, "CL" for centerline).
Description: Add a full description (optional).
Point Style: Choose a point style to control how the point appears in the drawing.
Point Label Style: Select a label style for point annotations (e.g., elevation, number, description).
Layer: Assign a layer to the points matching this key.
Use Wildcards:

You can use wildcards in codes for flexibility:
Example: Use "TREE*" to match any description starting with "TREE" (e.g., TREE1, TREE2).
4. Apply Description Key Set
Set the Key Set for a Point Group:

In the Toolspace, go to the Prospector Tab.
Right-click a point group (e.g., All Points) Properties.
Under the Overrides Tab, assign your new description key set.
Apply During Point Import:

When importing points, select the description key set in the Import Points Wizard to automatically apply styles and labels.
5. Test and Verify
Import Points:
Use the Insert Tab Points Create Points from File to import a survey data file (e.g., CSV or TXT).
Ensure the descriptions in the point file match the codes in your description key set.
Check Styles:
Verify that points are displayed and labeled as expected based on your description keys.
Example Key Configuration
Code Description Point Style Label Style Layer
IP Iron Pin Marker_X Number & Elevation C-TOPO-POINTS
CL Centerline Circle None C-ROAD-CENTERLINE
TREE* Tree (Any Type) Tree_Symbol Full Description Only C-TREE
6. Best Practices
Standardize Naming: Use consistent and logical codes for easy understanding (e.g., "MH" for manhole, "PP" for power pole).
Group Codes: Organize keys logically (e.g., utility points, vegetation, boundary points).
Test Before Final Import: Run test imports to ensure your description keys work correctly.
Backup Key Sets: Save and back up your key sets for reuse across projects.