Topic: Point File Example

[Chris]

does anyone have a point file that uses the newer linework code set for Civil 3D that they would be/are able to share.  We are transitioning from Eagle Point to Civil 3D and we're trying to figure out the best way to go.  Right now our two options are, use a custom program to completely re-write our point files to something C3D can use, or retrain our survey department to code it using the C3D format.  I'd really like to know how C3D can handle a single point, at which multiple lines come together (Back of curb, Front of Walk, edge of drive).  Are there several shots at that one point, or can C3D handle the multiple linecodes.

Thanks,

[Chris]

ok, eventually if you search and search through AutoCAD's convoluted help system, you can achieve the answers you are looking for. Point file problem almost solved.  I got multiple lines to start/end at a single point.  Now my question is, is there a way to show the leading element and comment in the point's formatted description.
I've got a shot, the code is BC C/DUBDOWN  I want the description to say BC DUBDOWN

Thanks,

[mjfarrell]

ok, eventually if you search and search through AutoCAD's convoluted help system, you can achieve the answers you are looking for. Point file problem almost solved.  I got multiple lines to start/end at a single point.  Now my question is, is there a way to show the leading element and comment in the point's formatted description.
I've got a shot, the code is BC C/DUBDOWN  I want the description to say BC DUBDOWN

Thanks,

That happens later in the point label style as configured in your description key set.  If I understand your question.

As to the first part of the question you will be better served to retrain the surveyors to take maximum advantage of the various line coding that C3D allows.

[Chris]

That is the plan, have the surveyors use c3d codes. I really don't want to maintain a conversion program. I've been looking at the descriptor keys and can't figure out how to display comments in the descriptions

[mjfarrell]

I think for the type of 'comments' you are after a custom point file ormat and user defined properties might be in order.
Perhaps send or post a sample of your output file for me to look at.
This is the type of thing I usually assist in resolving during a training session.

[Chris]

Using OOTB C3D codes:
1,5000.000,5000.000,925.00,BC C/DUBDOWN

I'd like the point description to say:
BC DUBDOWN

but if you cant display comments, I guess we'll just have to settle with BC

[mjfarrell]

Using OOTB C3D codes:
1,5000.000,5000.000,925.00,BC C/DUBDOWN

I'd like the point description to say:
BC DUBDOWN

but if you cant display comments, I guess we'll just have to settle with BC

That may be the coding...however what is the ascii output file content?

One can use up to NINE pieces of information in your description, and user defined properties to enrich what you get for point descripitons and labels.
I have effectively helped others work this into their procedures to gather additional data for urban sanitary and storm drain features.

[Chris]

thats how the guys in the field would code it BC C/DUBDOWN.  Thats how I see it in the txt file that I get to reduce.

perhaps I dont understand what you are asking for.

I suppose they could code it BC C DUBDOWN and then for the formatting I could use $0 $2 to show what I want.

[mjfarrell]

thats how the guys in the field would code it BC C/DUBDOWN.  Thats how I see it in the txt file that I get to reduce.

perhaps I dont understand what you are asking for.

I suppose they could code it BC C DUBDOWN and then for the formatting I could use $0 $2 to show what I want.

YES!

I know what BC is....Although WHAT in the worlds is DUBDOWN?

[Chris]

dubdown is the part of the curb head that is lower for sidewalk ramps/driveway openings.

[mjfarrell]

dubdown is the part of the curb head that is lower for sidewalk ramps/driveway openings.

Around these parts we call those "wings" or "ramps"...nothing is lost in translation.   

I have yet to discover what they call them here in Doha. It's anyones quess at this stage.

[sinc]

Here's a little "cheat sheet" I started putting together for our field guys.

The only difference between this and C3D's defaults is that, since the "Continue" command is pretty much unnecessary, I made "C" stand for "Close" instead of "Continue".  I believe I have "Continue" set to CONT, although I notice it's missing from the cheat sheet.  Our field guys pretty much never use "Continue", so I hadn't really paid much attention to it.  (They pretty much never use "End", either.)

Something that looks like a possible conflict in what you're doing is that "BC" is also the command for "Begin Curve".  It seems like things could get hairy if you have a "BC" figure prefix as well as a "BC" linework command code.

[Chris]

With Eagle Point we used - for point on curve. So to eliminate the issue with BC and ec, we went with b- and e- I think we've nailed down a system that'll work. I spent a while working on it today. I'll take a look at your example and see if there is anything that might work better for us.

[Dent Cermak]

Chris, here's what you need:













(Keeping my head low to dodge the flack that is sure to come!!!   )

[Chris]

sorry, I also need to be able to create plan and profile sheets.

[Dent Cermak]

Can do.  Actually "did do". Just sent out 15 of them.

[Chris]

Tested and Tested, chose C3D.  Just seemed more user/customization friendly, and I'll leave it at that.

[mjfarrell]

Can it do Engineering Design?   

[Dent Cermak]

I don't do engineering design, but YES there is a package that can do engineering design that has all of the features in my survey pack and much more. There are pacs for mining, crime scene investigation, machine control and a neat takeoff package. Mikey, you just do not come of well with those little digs. You have seen the product line and you very well know that I know there is more than my one pac. I don't need to pay for all that other, so I don't.

[Matt__W]

WHAT in the worlds is DUBDOWN?

A Canadian has fallen and can't get up.   :whistle:

[mjfarrell]

I don't do engineering design, but YES there is a package that can do engineering design that has all of the features in my survey pack and much more. There are pacs for mining, crime scene investigation, machine control and a neat takeoff package. Mikey, you just do not come of well with those little digs. You have seen the product line and you very well know that I know there is more than my one pac. I don't need to pay for all that other, so I don't.

Actually I am not fully versed in the Carlson product line.

I though you said you were prepared for a little flak?  Even though that was an honest question; you don't seem ready.

I'm off to sleep...have a Great Day!

[Slim©]

Can it do Engineering Design?   

Civil3D does well at that, however there are many survey firms that DO NOT do Engineering design, and therefore it is an unnecessary additional cost...

[Slim©]

I don't do engineering design, but YES there is a package that can do engineering design that has all of the features in my survey pack and much more. There are pacs for mining, crime scene investigation, machine control and a neat takeoff package. Mikey, you just do not come of well with those little digs. You have seen the product line and you very well know that I know there is more than my one pac. I don't need to pay for all that other, so I don't.

Actually I am not fully versed in the Carlson product line.

I though you said you were prepared for a little flak?  Even though that was an honest question; you don't seem ready.

I'm off to sleep...have a Great Day!

pfffffttttt!!!!!

[mjfarrell]

WHAT in the worlds is DUBDOWN?

A Canadian has fallen and can't get up.   :whistle:

Actually this might keep me awake    a little bit longer. 

[MP]

WHAT in the world is DUBDOWN?

special time with mr. williams

[mjfarrell]

I don't do engineering design, but YES there is a package that can do engineering design that has all of the features in my survey pack and much more. There are pacs for mining, crime scene investigation, machine control and a neat takeoff package. Mikey, you just do not come of well with those little digs. You have seen the product line and you very well know that I know there is more than my one pac. I don't need to pay for all that other, so I don't.

Actually I am not fully versed in the Carlson product line.

I though you said you were prepared for a little flak?  Even though that was an honest question; you don't seem ready.

I'm off to sleep...have a Great Day!

pfffffttttt!!!!!

it is 10:52 PM in Doha, Qatar dontchaknow?

[Dent Cermak]

UH, perhaps you need to "educate" yourself then. It's a very easy Google event.  :ugly: I really thought we had had the Carlson "go around" before. Surely you were not speaking "off the cuff"? 

[Slim©]

Can it do Engineering Design?   

Civil3D does well at that, however there are many survey firms that DO NOT do Engineering design, and therefore it is an unnecessary additional cost...

Can it do Engineering Design?   

And before you say "I told you so..." Carlson has a very nice Civil Design package. Carlson has done something AutoDesk doesn't want to consider, "Packages tailored to what the client needs." They don't have the "ALL or nothing" attitude that seems to be at AutoDesk, where profit & the bottom line are king...

[mjfarrell]

Can it do Engineering Design?   

Civil3D does well at that, however there are many survey firms that DO NOT do Engineering design, and therefore it is an unnecessary additional cost...

Can it do Engineering Design?   

And before you say "I told you so..." Carlson has a very nice Civil Design package. Carlson has done something AutoDesk doesn't want to consider, "Packages tailored to what the client needs." They don't have the "ALL or nothing" attitude that seems to be at AutoDesk, where profit & the bottom line are king...

I will not disagree that autodesk has a very aggressive and greedy marketing practice. Nor that they tend to ignore their customer base in favor of large profits. Witness the trend to push their 'Suites' 'solutions' onto businesses.
Thankfully I do not work for autoddesk so I am free to voice that opinion.

[Dent Cermak]

Everyone selects a product that they are comfortable with. Their package does what they need to do and they know how to use the features that they need for the completion of their work.
For an engineering firm, there is no better product than AutoCad C3D. None. BUT not everyone works for an engineering firm.
I provide a service to engineering and architectural firms so one of my main concerns is product compatibility. We also provide services to government agencies that require Intergraph. We end up with multiple platforms and formats. It would be nice to be like many here and do work just for in-house use, but that is not my situation.
Running multiple platforms and setting "drawing standards" to client specifications can get rather complex and costly.
Thus my bottom line becomes COST. I must find a software package that maintains compatibility, performs all of the tasks that my area of specialization requires and yet is cost effective. I compared features I needed and MSLRP. AutoCad Civil 3D =$6,495 per seat. I need 10 seats. Carlson Survey with embedded AutoCad = $2,995 per seat. I think the choice was quite obvious.
I still like AutoDesk products, but they are not economically feasible for my company.
Have I lost any functionality in my selection? Absolutely not. I am on the same platform in the field as in the office. That has many advantages. I can maintain multiple template and figure prefix setups with no problem at all providing multiple clients with drawings compliant with their specifications. (I never could figure out how to do that in AutoCad, though that may have changed since the 2010 release. Honestly, I would not be surprise if the AutoCad new Field To Finish stuff is the same as Carlson's now.)
These products may be very similar now, except in that one, critical area; COST. That remains the bottom line.