Is there a converter or add-on for LDD 2004 so you can actually open files created in later versions of Autocad that uses AEC objects? When contours and some piping and structures from Civil 3d come in they are just squares or rectangle and I can't use them for anything.
Thanks for the help!
I don't think a 2013 Object Enabeler will be compatable with LDD 2004. Simple answer to your question is probably "NO". It's part of the planned obsolesence in AutoCad. They no longer support 2004, they have rewritten the AEC coding, thus you must buy the new product. AutoCad has usually been "backward compatable" but NEVER "forward compatable". Forward compatibility is gained ONLY through an upgrade of the software.
I don't even know if saving the drawing as a DXF file will solve your problem.
It's all part of AutoDesk's Master Plan and an upgrade is in your future. If and when you are forced to go that way, take a STRONG look at Carlson Survey w/embedded AutoCad. OR get the latest Carlson Survey pack and load it on top of your LDD. Many of your problems may be solved at a much lower cost.
The original sender of the file can use a function of "export to autocad" and then choose 2010, 2007, 2004, dxf formats that will dumb down the smart objects from civil 3d that you see as AEC objects. There is still some things "lost in translation" but its a start.
Get the person supplying the Civil 3D file to EXPORT the drawing to a lower version, not to use the save as command. It will convert the AEC objects to standard Autocad entities.
If they "version down" the Civil 3D file you will lose objects as there is no similar type object in the LDD version you are using. That is a problem.
There is no converter that will meet your needs. The Autodesk people will tell you to upgrade (that's there form of converter).
Realistically the owner of the file may have to try exploding everything and then saving it down to your version. This may yield less than desirable results depending on whats in the file. They could also try to export a DXF file, this also comes with it's own set of issues. There may even be a few more obscure options to try but those are the first two that come to mind.
Today's AutoCAD is highly incompatible with any previous releases, even the Civil3d ones. It's a constant struggle and is one reason to put the specific deliverable or receivable type, such as 'Civil3d 2011 only' in your contracts.
If the creator of the drawing has turned on the PROXYGRAPHICS variable before saving the drawing then you will see a static graphical representation of the AEC objects, instead of the boxes. That way you'll at least see the contours, pipes, etc they way they looked when the drawing was saved.
