Civil 3D Reminders

Importing Excel Data

2012-01-24T11:19:00.001-08:00

With all of the new features that come out, sometimes it’s hard to catch what you may have missed in the past. In this video I’ll cover how copy and paste data from Excel into AutoCAD to get a table that prints nicely. Other methods such as printing to PDF or using an OLE image can come out blurry and not print well on the plans. this method alleviates this problem and provides a way to show the data using an AutoCAD table.

That works great for single use, but what if you want a link between Excel and AutoCAD. Well That’s where Data Links come in handy. The video below goes through the steps.

Now that I can possibly make some revenue through videos on YouTube, you might see some more content presented in this fashion.

Cosmic Shelf

2012-01-23T15:52:00.001-08:00

This weekend I attended StartUp Weekend SLO, held at Cal Poly, SLO. It was a great event where you pitch business ideas and then create teams for the most popular ideas. The teams then create a business based on those ideas. Some ideas pivot, or change into other ideas, some die and some stay until the end.

The team I joined was Cosmic Bookshelf. The concept is a way to interact with your virtual books in a bookshelf. I joined because it seemed the most not a web only application. My expertise was having read some blog post on the Kinect by Kean Walmsley at Through the Interface on using the Kinect as a input tool. The interaction with the bookshelf was to be with the Kinect.

It was a great experience and I learned a whole bunch. I learned how to work with the Kinect as well as putting some JavaScript into action. I haven’t done any JavaScript work before, and I was surprised how easy it was to pick up. Reading the first part of a book and my previous experience helped out. At the end of the weekend the startup was presented to the other attendees and judges. The presentation is below.

After all of the presentations, the judges tallied up their scores. The startup I worked on won honorable mention for innovative use of technology, well we tied with another startup called MisHeard.me. It was a great event and I’d definitely do it again.

Subassembly Composer Links

2012-01-16T18:21:00.001-08:00

I’m presenting this Wednesday (January 18) at the North Bay Civil Users Group (Northern California) on Subassembly Composer. If you are in the area stop by and say hi.

Here are some links for information regarding Subassembly Composer.

SAC Wiki Help

Autodesk University Classes:

Music for Your Brain: Advanced Lessons in the Subassembly Composer

Create Subassemblies That Think Outside the Box with Subassembly Composer for AutoCAD® Civil 3D®

You Tube Video by Dana Probert

Autodesk Subassembly Composer Support Pack for AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 & 2012

Have any other links? Please leave them in the comments.

Vicinity Maps

2012-01-03T17:37:00.001-08:00

Using Map makes it easy to create vicinity maps. Not quite sure how everyone else is doing it, but this is the way that I’m doing it now on when there is GIS data available.

The first step is to download the street data from where the County where the project is located. For the County of Los Angeles it is available as a Shape File. Next change the workspace to Map’s. It’s got a code name of Planning and Analysis, so it makes it obvious that it contains the Map commands.

I import the shape file into a drawing, but one could also use FDO. I then save the file with a catchy name like LAConfidential.dwg. That way I can follow Autodesk’s lead of giving it a code name so it’s contents are obvious.

When I need to create a vicinity map I attach the LAConfidential drawing using the Map Task Pane and the Map Explorer tab. To open the Task Pane type MAPWSPACE at the command line. I then assign the correct Coordinate System to the drawing. If the survey is using State Plane Coordinates, them I’m set with knowing where the project is located at in the real world. If not, I have to find the coordinates of the site. To do this I use Google Earth or Maps to find the lat. and long. of the site and then use the Coordinate Track to find the location in the drawing.

Next I create a rectangle delineating the area I want the vicinity map for. Now I create a query to get the streets from the drawing file.

Here are the roads imported into the drawing. I imported all of the streets, but you can limit the import to major streets if the GIS data contains those classifications.

Now I’m able to label the streets using Annotation.

Then I detach the drawing from Map Explorer. I now have a vicinity map and I don’t have to trace anything or approximate anything or type any of the street names. I do have to adjust the labels or delete any of the local roads I don’t want in the drawing. I could also import the various streets based on their classifications and put them on their own layers.

Map 3D and You

2011-12-23T08:29:00.001-08:00

If you aren’t using the Map capabilities in Civil 3D then you should be. Especially if you are required to show vicinity maps on your plans. By using queries to data it makes it easy to create and label the streets. If you need to create maps showing zoning, sewer lines, and other information then Map 3D is something you should look into.

If you are looking to learn Map 3D you might want to take a class or purchase a book. One such book, I received from Cadapult Software Solutions, Inc. (for free), is A Practical Guide to AutoCAD Map 3D 2012.

I just happened to have projects to perform a sewer studies. As part of the study I needed to determine the flow of sewer flowing in the existing sewer lines in front of the projects. A great source of data was provided free (and some at a low cost) from the County of Los Angeles. I used the book as a reference guide to display the relevant information in order to perform the analysis for the sewer flow calculations.

The book covers both using Object Data and an FDO connection, which I used on this project. It covers the basics to allow me to label both types of data and explains the difference between the two ways to access the data. By using the book I was able to perform the basic tasks I needed to do to display the data. Once I had the data displayed I was able to determine the zoning type of the parcels that discharge into the sewer system allowing me to determine if the sewer has adequate capacity.

The book breaks possible tasks into Chapters with each having a similar structure of Introduction, Key Concepts, Objectives, and then a discussion of topic at hand. This makes it easy to pick up anywhere in the book for the concept you are to learning. The book covers the basic, so if you are looking for the book to hold your hand through every conceivable task, then you might be disappointed. Since Map 3D’s user interface is quite daunting I would think a book that was able to do that would be hard to find.

The book is large in size and has a spiral binding to lay flat. I usually dislike spiral binding since it’s hard to spot the title of the book on a book shelf (for you printers out there please develop a way to print the name of the book and the end of the pages of the book to fix this problem). But for using the book in a coffee shop while traveling it made it easy to take advantage of the sometimes small space available. I thought the book could use an expanded index, but the table of contents helped find topics if the word I was looking for wasn’t in the index. Overall I thought the book was great.

If you are looking to have a sewer study completed in the State of California or need a workflow developed to create vicinity maps utilizing Civil 3D or Map 3D. Then Email me for more information.

Mass MLeader Renumber

2011-12-20T15:34:00.001-08:00

I wrote this code a while back that changes all of the MLeaders found in a drawing’s model space from an existing number to a new one. I’m just putting it here for a reminder later for when I may need it.

Sub ChangeMLeaderNumber()
 
    Dim oAcadObject As AcadObject
    Dim sOriginalNumber As String
    Dim sChangedNumber As String
    Dim oMLeader As AcadMLeader
    Dim oAttDef As AcadAttribute
   
    sOriginalNumber = ThisDrawing.Utility.GetString(1, "Enter existing MLeader Number to change: ")
    sChangedNumber = ThisDrawing.Utility.GetString(1, "Enter new MLeader Number: ")
    
    For Each oAcadObject In ThisDrawing.ModelSpace
       
        If (TypeOf oAcadObject Is AcadMLeader) Then
            Set oMLeader = oAcadObject
           
            Dim sBlock As String
            sBlock = oMLeader.ContentBlockName
           
            Dim oEnt As AcadEntity
            For Each oEnt In ThisDrawing.Blocks(sBlock)
                If oEnt.ObjectName = "AcDbAttributeDefinition" Then
                    Set oAttDef = oEnt
                    If oAttDef.TagString = "CIRCLE" And oAttDef.TextString = sOriginalNumber Then
                        oMLeader.SetBlockAttributeValue oAttDef.ObjectID, sChangedNumber
                    End If
                End If
            Next
        End If
    Next
 
End Sub

The code was set up for the MLeader I was working with at the time. It would need to be changed to match the block you are using.

Synchro–Explore Options. Manage Solutions

2011-12-13T16:42:00.001-08:00

A while back I participated in a demonstration of a software product called Synchro. Synchro is a lot like Navisworks, but built from a scheduling perspective rather than an approach of bringing together different models. From my initial impressions of the product this makes it much more powerful then Navisworks.

By having the schedule be the driver, rather then the models, it makes it easier to assign the objects to the schedule. The product is able to import the most common scheduling formats as well as provide a direct link between them. From talking to the representatives they are actively adding the scheduling formats they don’t have. The schedule items then can be assigned to the objects in the model. For different tasks such as placing forms, rebar, pouring, etc. different colors may be assigned to the objects as they are done. You can even split up the objects to schedule your pours.

From a modeling perspective they are focusing on using solids to bring the models together. Since Civil 3D doesn’t really have a solid model to share, you are able to use their modeling tools inside the product to create a model that would represent the design. While not a perfect solution, it does provide a method to schedule the work. Synchro also provides the ability to split up the model for scheduling purposes. So if you only want to do 250 feet of lane 2 in the first phase you can split it out for scheduling purposes.

If you are worried about the costs of the project, you can assign the costs of the project to the schedule. This would enable you to see what your costs are going to be across the project lifespan. You can determine how much money is expected to be needed. This way you can optimize the schedule to reduce carrying costs.

The product is more focused on the construction industry rather than the design industry, I could see a use for it for designers involved in design-build projects. By using this tool in the proposal process it could be possible to provide savings for the owner by scheduling the project in an efficient manner for cash flow purposes.

If you want to learn more about the product and how it’s being used, Synchro is having an Inaugural User Conference in Orlando, Florida on January 25, 2012. Unfortunately I probably won’t be able to attend, but if you want to see what forward thinking contractor’s are doing I’d check it out.

Retirement of the Civil 3D Reminders Pack

2011-12-03T19:19:00.001-08:00

Today Civil Reminders is announcing the cessation of development of the Civil 3D Reminders Pack. For the past 3 years the Civil 3D Reminders Pack has been provided free to whoever choose to download it. Many of the ideas for the commands contained in the pack came from readers of the blog, questions from the Civil 3D discussion groups, and solving issues to make me more productive.

In the future the commands will be improved with better user interfaces, error catching, and adding more capabilities and incorporated into the SincPac-C3D. The SincPac-C3D is developed by Quux Software. Currently the SincPac-C3D contains the following Civil 3D Reminders Pack commands:

CorridorExtractPolylines - Extract multiple polylines from a Corridor, even through an XREF.

DLLabels - Dynamically link Profile View labels to Profiles and Pipes.

SSMRenumber - Renumbers pages in a Sheet Set.

SwapPipeNetworkParts - Swap multiple network parts at once.

The Swap Parts lets you swap multiple pipes and structures at one time instead of individually as Civil 3D now requires. The swap Pipe Network Parts now includes an option to determine the match point of the swap for pipes. Previously in the Civil 3D Reminders Pack the match point was the center of the pipe.

I’ve been working on the DLLabels command for quite a long time and it’s finally available. It allows you to link a profile view label to a pipe or a profile. No longer do you have to manually adjust your crossing pipe labels or labels callout out finish grade or existing grade (you still have to verify the label doesn’t overlap other labels or objects). As an added application for this command you can show the crossing pipe as a block in the profile view label to show a more rounded pipe rather than a tall crossing pipe that may look like like a fat line when printed out. Here’s a short video showing the command updating a profile linked profile view label.

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The CorridorExtractPolylines has an added dialog box to allow you to select which feature lines to extract as 3DPolylines from the corridor. This is an added improvement for the command, previously the feature line codes needed to be typed in. The command lets you extract feature lines from a corridor in the drawing or through an Xref.

In future versions a dynamic sewer lateral linking command will be included. If you want to adjust pipe laterals to a main line pipe try using the undocumented command DLSewerLaterals in the SincPac. The command is still in development, but will adjust the laterals in one pipe network to the main line pipes in another network. Although it currently won’t dynamically update to changes in the main line pipe. Here’s a short video showing a more complete version in action. Got suggestions for this command? Send me an email at Christopher@Civil3DReminders.com.

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The SincPac starts out at a reasonable price of $175 for a module and $350 for a full edition. Volume pricing is also available.

A BIM-less Design

2011-12-03T18:34:00.001-08:00

I’m back from Autodesk University (AU) and starting on my first project in my return. It’s preparing a model for incorporation into a bid for survey work for a landfill project. To my delight the plans were prepared utilizing Civil 3D, unfortunately the model is rubbish for extracting the information I’m interested. Essentially the model is just for the showing the top layer of the landfill.

There’s no modeling for the various layers that will make up the impervious layer of the landfill. No swale object to determine the length required to construct and no easy way to determine the differentiation between the perforated pipe and non-perforated pipes. Definitely not a BIM model.

During AU I was fed a constant stream of quotes regarding innovation and disruptive technology. Here are some of the quotes:

Jeff Kowalski, Chief Technology Officer, Autodesk

“The sea of complexity has waves of disruption. We can ride even the biggest wave if we have the right mind set and toolset.”

Carl Bass, President and Chief Executive Officer, Autodesk

“Tools are what amplify our ability.”

“Use infinite computing to achieve optimal designs.”

“Our tools allow you to translate your ideas into a computable model so that you can test how your design reacts and interacts with the environment.”

I think my problem is that I’ve bought into all of the quotes. I want to ride the wave of disruption. I want my computer tools to amplify my ability to design and construct and I want to put my ideas into a computable model. Unfortunately the tools Autodesk have provided for the Civil industry have failed to deliver on the marketing. I can’t ride the wave, since the wave sets aren’t coming in.

While some Land Desktop (LDD) users have been reluctant to move to Civil 3D, they are missing out on a better version of Land Desktop. Essentially Civil 3D is just a better version of LDD. The alignments are editable, there are tools to do our labeling better. Unfortunately the output of our designs are the same. For instance for surfaces, the surface contours are still the main design interaction of designers rather than modeling the project and extracting the contours from the model. The surface is made up of feature lines instead of a clay layer, impervious manmade liner and gravel around the perforated pipes.

During AU I was a lab instructor for Navisworks for executive level users of the product. The architectural models that were being used looked awesome, a far cry from the Civil 3D models I’ve created in the past. A non-corridor based model comes in as on big green blob. It’s hard to differentiate between the pavement, curb and gutter, landscaping and the like. In the project from above not even the rip rap protection at the bottom of the downslope is modeled. Mainly because it’s hard to model. The tools just aren’t in Civil 3D.

Maybe I should start a company to develop such a product. I have the ideas, but I guess I’m lacking the capital to take the ideas from concept to reality. Until then I’ll be working on improving my experience with the product through customization.

3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Pro

2011-11-29T12:00:00.000-08:00

Today 3Dconnexion announce a new product called SpaceMouse Pro. The product fits in the same class of 3D mouse as the SpaceExplorer with some added improvements in ergonomics. The hand rest is full size and soft coated for comfort. The buttons for zoom have been rearranged and the keyboard keys for Esc, Shift, Enter and Ctrl have been made larger and at an easier reach to the hand on the 3D mouse. This should make it so you don’t have to use the keyboard as often with your left hand.

There are four buttons on the top are context sensitive to the open program (although I’m hoping they can be context sensitive to objects in Civil 3D). It also puts what the numbers do up on the monitor, so you know what each button does without looking down at the mouse. This lets you keep your eyes on the monitor while you design. The mouse still has the 3D Navigation with six degree of freedoms to allow easy navigation through a model. Another added benefit is new drivers with a virtual number pad. This allows you to keep your hands on your mice and enter numbers using the regular mouse.

For more information take a look at their website http://www.3dconnexion.com/products/spacemousepro.html, if you are at Autodesk University this year stop by their booth to test drive it in person.

Insert Drawing as Block

2011-11-23T09:27:00.001-08:00

The way I’ve found to insert a drawing into another drawing as a block takes a surprisingly lot of code. This function I’ve created takes a file name, inserts a block and returns the ObjectId of the newly inserted block.

    Private Function InsertDwgAsBlock(ByVal fileName As String) As ObjectId
        Dim doc As Document = Application.DocumentManager.MdiActiveDocument
        Dim db As Database = doc.Database

        Using tr As Transaction = db.TransactionManager.StartTransaction
            Dim blkTable As BlockTable = tr.GetObject(db.BlockTableId, OpenMode.ForRead)

            Dim blkTblRec As BlockTableRecord = blkTable(BlockTableRecord.ModelSpace).GetObject(OpenMode.ForWrite)
            Dim blkObjId As ObjectId
            Using dbInsert As New Database(False, True)
                dbInsert.ReadDwgFile(fileName, IO.FileShare.Read, True, "")
                blkObjId = db.Insert(Path.GetFileNameWithoutExtension(fileName), dbInsert, True)
            End Using

            Dim blkRef As New BlockReference(New Point3d(0, 0, 0), blkObjId)

            blkTblRec.AppendEntity(blkRef)
            tr.AddNewlyCreatedDBObject(blkRef, True)
            tr.Commit()
            Return blkRef.ObjectId
        End Using
    End Function

The code doesn’t show how to get the filename, but there are plenty of examples on the internet to accomplish the task.

Civil 3D Wish List

2011-11-16T14:06:00.001-08:00

Want to have a voice on what wishes Autodesk should work on in future versions of Civil 3D? Then check out the AUGI Wish list for Civil 3D. Let your voice be heard.

http://www.augi.com/wishlist

2d to 3d Polyline

2011-11-14T09:13:00.001-08:00

If you’ve ever received contours from a third party source you may find them without elevation. Civil 3D does have a tool to add elevations to them, unfortunately it only lets you select one polyline at a time and then type in the elevation. If you download, or install the UKIE Country Kit, the command is located in the Toolbox of the kit after you install it. The command lets you use a fence to assign the elevations for a range of contours.

You can download the country kit from this link: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=16538092&linkID=9240698

There are also third party programs available if you don’t want to download the UKIE country kit.

Corridor Compute Materials

2011-11-09T06:12:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I’ve found I’m working on a project using sections and find that the section I need hasn’t been created. I get confused because the drawing has the needed surface in it, but the section isn’t showing up in the list when I go to try to compute the materials. It usually happens when I deleted an old surface and then come want to use a new one. To sample the missing surface go into the Toolspace and right click on the Sample Line and choose the properties. Then go into the Sections Tab and press the Sample more sources… button. From the Selection Sources dialog box choose the available source and press the Add button. You can also remove all of the section from this dialog also.

SAVE

2011-11-08T09:36:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been working on a drawing and wanted to save it at the current point in time and still work in the current drawing? Well you can perform this task by copying the file using Windows Explorer, but it seems it would be a bit of work that isn’t needed if you knew about the SAVE command.

SAVE – Saves the current drawing in the same manner as Save As, but you are left in the original copy.

QSAVE – Quick save, saves the current drawing.

Now it seems a bit counterintuitive to use the SAVE command to create a copy of the current drawing, but that’s the way it works and I imagine it made sense at the time for the software developers. The QSAVE is the command used to simply save the current drawing.

Autodesk University 2011

2011-11-07T10:11:00.001-08:00

After Thanksgiving I’m heading to Autodesk University. At the event I’ll be wearing a bunch of hats.

One of the ways I’ll be participating at Autodesk University (AU) will be as a speaker. I’ve got two sessions of Sanitary Musings, both on Wednesday. “In this unconference session, we will discuss sanitary sewer design using AutoCAD® Civil 3D®. We will evaluate the success of pipe rules; are they effective? We will talk about the best workflow for utility conflict resolution and share Label tips for communicating design intent. We will also talk about what to do when the proposed ends and the new begins. Finally, we will discuss how Boss StormNET® fits into the process.” There should be space available in one or both of the sessions. Now the session won’t be me presenting a lecture, but the audience members doing most of the talking with me facilitating the discussions. If you are planning on attending the session? Let me know I need some help from someone to take notes.

Another way I’ll be participating is as an Exhibitor. Come by and meet during nearly all of the exhibit hours (I’ll be missing an hour due to a conflict with my Unconference sessions). Learn about all of the great services I can provide.

During AU I’ll also be checking out the media events and I’m sure a few meeting with other exhibitors. Some of the meetings may even end up as blog posts.

If you are also heading to Autodesk University stop by and say hi.

Select All Blocks in a Drawing

2011-11-07T08:48:00.001-08:00

Occasionally I might want to get all of the blocks in a drawing using .NET. The way I accomplished this was to use the Selection Set sample code provided by Autodesk and then use the Typed value of “INSERT”. The insert is the start portion of the DxfCode for blocks.

    Private Sub GetBlockIdsBySelection()
        '' Get the current document editor
        Dim acDocEd As Editor = Application.DocumentManager.MdiActiveDocument.Editor
        '' Create a TypedValue array to define the filter criteria
        Dim acTypValAr(0) As TypedValue
        acTypValAr.SetValue(New TypedValue(DxfCode.Start, "INSERT"), 0)
        '' Assign the filter criteria to a SelectionFilter object
        Dim acSelFtr As SelectionFilter = New SelectionFilter(acTypValAr)
        '' Request for objects to be selected in the drawing area
        Dim acSSPrompt As PromptSelectionResult
        acSSPrompt = acDocEd.GetSelection(acSelFtr)
        '' If the prompt status is OK, objects were selected
        If acSSPrompt.Status = PromptStatus.OK Then
            Dim acSSet As SelectionSet = acSSPrompt.Value
            'Application.ShowAlertDialog("Number of objects selected: " & _
            '                                  acSSet.Count.ToString())
            For Each objId As ObjectId In acSSet.GetObjectIds
                m_BlockList.Add(objId)
            Next
        End If

    End Sub

m_BlockList is a collection of ObjectId’s that I use elsewhere in the code. I use a list so I can remove items from the list or add to it later. There isn’t much flexibility adding or removing items from a SelectionSet.

Sundt - Construction Technologies

2011-11-03T09:37:00.001-07:00

Here’s a video that was sent to me for Sundt’s presentation at the AASHTO Subcommittee on Construction Conference. Eric goes through how Sundt is using the available technology to make models for construction projects through the whole process.

Are you a contractor looking to add this capability to your arsenal of tools? Then contact me to get information on how I can help you implement this work flow.

Civil 3D Reminders Pack 2012

2011-10-31T14:36:00.001-07:00

There are going to be some changes in the future regarding the Civil 3D Reminders Pack 2012 edition. Currently the 2012 program is available by request only. To request a copy send an email to me at the link to the right.

Or you can update the references from the 2011 source code and upgrade the pack yourself. A link is to the right.

Pipe Slope Label Precision

2011-10-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

So here’s the scenario, you have submitted plans for a sewer line (or profile) and a comment comes back that your pipe slope labels are wrong. You go through and check them and find out that you are getting the same results as the plan checker. You think Civil 3D is stupid it can’t even calculate pipe slopes correctly. Well the real problem is located between the chair on the plans on the plan checker side and between your chair and the computer on your end.

It seems somewhere along the way some of us forgot about significant figures. The basic concept of significant figures is that the resulting number can’t be more accurate than the least accurate number used in the calculation.

The problem usually comes up when the agency requires more significant figures in the slope label then in the Grade Break labels. In this above picture if we calculate the slope based on the grade break information:

(PVIE – PVIE)/(PVIS-PVIS) = slope

The best accuracy we can get from the slope would be -0.33%. If you do the math you will find calculating the slope based on the grade breaks is -0.3284746%. This number is obviously different than the slope Civil 3D is showing.

The only way we should be confirming the accuracy of the Civil 3D label is using this formula:

((PVIS-PVIS) x slope) +PVIE = PVIE

This way we are using the available values to ensure our results meet the requirements of the significant figures provided on the plans.

Once completing this explanation of the issue with the plan checker and they don’t agree. The only accurate solution is to increase the precision of the grade break labels. Creating a label to get the slope label to be correct may cause problems later on. Especially if the contractor builds the project off the slopes provided. For long lengths the ending PVIE will be incorrect value.

Win a Trip to AU!

2011-10-24T10:36:00.001-07:00

Boss won’t pay for you to go to Autodesk University? Then try getting 3DConnexion to pay for your way to AU. Click the image below to enter to win.

Why am I blatantly plugging a 3DConnexion promotion? Because in the past they have provided product for me to conduct product reviews and giveaways to you my readers. They also provided me a great lunch and a sit down with the CEO to check out the latest features of the product at last years AU and yes this is a Government mandated disclaimer.

How to reduce Parcel Area precision to less than 1

2011-10-24T10:00:00.001-07:00

Sometimes when you are doing conceptual work you may want convey less accuracy in a parcel label. For instance maybe you want to show the value to the nearest 100 SF of area. This is quite easy to accomplish with expressions.

First create the expression. Next use a formula that will calculate the precision that you are looking for. The expression would be similar to this:

ROUND(AREA/100)*100

Replace the Area with the expression property. The expression is finding what the hundreds value should be by rounding the area of the parcel by 100. Next we want the area to be the correct value so we multiply 100 to the result to get the correct magnitude of the area value. Make sure to set the expression type to Area to get all of the text component values you are used to.

Got an expression problem you want solved? Send me an email to get a quote on an expression to solve your challenge.

Curb Ramps

2011-10-19T09:25:00.001-07:00

One of my recent projects was designing some curb ramps. I was quickly affirmed of my belief that Civil 3D is not a BIM software product. Take a look at the image below.

It’s a Caltrans Type F curb ramp, well not really it’s a bunch of feature lines and a Civil 3D surfaces (EG & FG). Can you tell where the curb ends and the asphalt begins? I can’t. Can you tell me what material is between the curb return and the handicap ramp? I can’t. Can you tell that I’m using both curb and gutter and asphalt dike? I can’t.

I don’t know about you but, I’d expect a BIM product to do the basics, like letting you design curbs that are actually curb objects. Feature Lines are an extremely poor substitute for a modeling curbs and curb ramps. I would expect a real BIM Civil software product to allow me to model my design and then let me see the differences of the various materials involved.

If I had a curb object then I could label the curb instead of labeling a surface. In labeling a surface I’m prone to making errors, such as labeling the wrong point on the surface. Whoops did I just label the flowline as the Top of Curb? Yep.

Design changes anyone? Forget it with the current process. What you want to move the curb ramp 90 degrees ? Guess what I’m starting nearly from scratch because of the lack of BIM capabilities of Civil 3D.

Maybe someday Autodesk will have a Civil BIM product, but it definitely isn’t today.

(Note: Most of the rant is extremely affected from sitting through Autodesk Marketing events. Seeing what the architects can do with their products that are BIM provide a vary stark difference.)

vb.NET Insert Block and Attributes

2011-10-10T16:53:00.001-07:00

To insert a block into AutoCAD using .NET you may also need to insert the attributes of the block after you insert the block into the drawing. Unlike in VBA, you have to insert the attributes also, they don’t come along for the ride. Below is the code to insert the block into a drawing in the current space.

    Public Function InsertBlock(ByVal blkName As String, ByVal insPt As Point3d, ByVal xBlkScale As Double, _
                                ByVal yBlkScale As Double, ByVal zBlkScale As Double, ByVal ang As Double) As ObjectId
        Dim doc As Document = Application.DocumentManager.MdiActiveDocument
        Dim db As Database = doc.Database

        Using tr As Transaction = db.TransactionManager.StartTransaction
            Dim blkTable As BlockTable = tr.GetObject(db.BlockTableId, OpenMode.ForRead)
            Dim blkObjId As ObjectId = GetBlkRefObjIdByName(blkName)

            Dim blkRef As BlockReference = New BlockReference(insPt, blkObjId)
            blkRef.SetDatabaseDefaults()
            blkRef.ScaleFactors = New Scale3d(xBlkScale, yBlkScale, zBlkScale)
            blkRef.Rotation = ang

            Dim blkTblRec As BlockTableRecord
            ' Assumes the current space was already changed to.
            blkTblRec = tr.GetObject(db.CurrentSpaceId, OpenMode.ForWrite)

            blkTblRec.AppendEntity(blkRef)
            tr.AddNewlyCreatedDBObject(blkRef, True)

            ' add the attribute definitions.
            Dim blkTblR As BlockTableRecord = blkObjId.GetObject(OpenMode.ForRead)
            For Each objId As ObjectId In blkTblR
                Dim obj As DBObject = objId.GetObject(OpenMode.ForRead)
                If TypeOf obj Is AttributeDefinition Then
                    Dim ad As AttributeDefinition = objId.GetObject(OpenMode.ForRead)
                    Dim ar As AttributeReference = New AttributeReference()
                    ar.SetAttributeFromBlock(ad, blkRef.BlockTransform)
                    ar.Position = ad.Position.TransformBy(blkRef.BlockTransform)
                    blkRef.AttributeCollection.AppendAttribute(ar)
                    tr.AddNewlyCreatedDBObject(ar, True)
                End If
            Next

            tr.Commit()
            Return blkRef.ObjectId
        End Using

    End Function

School Fundraiser–Order Here

2011-09-29T19:15:00.001-07:00

It’s that time of the year for school fundraisers. My daughter’s school has chosen the Innisbrook as the service provider for the fundraiser. If you wish to support her quest to collect prizes (she is in 1st grade); order some stuff using the information below. They are offering a plethora of stuff including wrapping paper, make-up, chocolate, magazines, gift bags, tumblers, things for girls on the go, candles, bottle stopper’s, cookies, measuring spoons, brownies, spices, nuts, ribbon, lotion, body wash, birthday cards, brain games, final touches, and more…

Here is the form letter from the fundraiser provider:

My school's annual fundraiser with Innisbrook has begun. Innisbrook Wraps has beautifully designed gift wrap printed on quality recycled paper, coordinating gift wrap accessories, gourmet foods and fine Helen Grace Chocolates that make great gifts, Time Inc. magazine subscriptions, and more.

For every item that is purchased, Innisbrook donates up to 40% of the purchase price to my school. I also earn a prize credit for every item purchased. The more prize credits I earn, the more prizes I win!

Please consider visiting the Innisbrook website and making a purchase on my behalf. A link is included below. Our sale will be over soon, so don't wait. Place your order today.

Thanks for your help!
Seller: SEDONA Seller ID# R285148G
School: COASTAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
School Number: 102730
Click this link below to visit the site and they will recognize me and my school automatically.
http://www.innisbrook.com/credits/index/studentlink?id=R285148G
If the above link does not work:
1. Click below
2. Select Shop the Innisbrook Online Store
3. Enter School# 102730 and Select Go
4. Select Continue
5. Enter Seller ID# R285148G
www.innisbrook.com

Here’s my daughter’s pleading for the opportunity to earn prizes:

Please buy this stuff. They have ones with almonds in it. There is one’s with just chocolate, there are ones with chocolate and blue squirrely lines on them. Daddy I don’t know what those are. And on the top and the inside. Chocolate with funny shapes with nuts or something. A mint I think. Something with yellow stripe, but I don’t know what the filling is. (she then read the description reluctantly and determined they are lemon filled). And then theirs something sprinkled on it, and a filling that I don’t know what is (couldn’t read the description). Chocolate things with pretty diamonds on them. And then I don’t know what these things are, I can’t read the first one. And then I have to turn the page and there are these things.

Definitely a shorter request, we’re going to have to work on her selling skills.