I have lots of dwg files that were created in Land Desktop. When I open these existing dwgs with 2014 C3D the point data is not brought in automatically. So, the first thing I have figured must be done is: Points > Convert Land Desktop Points. Sounds simple enough, but after this is done the only visible part of the points are the node symbols. I have no visible point text/attributes. I suppose this is because I have no way to set my point text/attribute settings before opening the LDD dwg. If this is the case it's going to be a huge hassle to do these settings after opening each and every one of my dwg files that was created in LDD.
A couple of other things I have noticed is:
I typically have my preset Object Snaps on Endpoint, Circle, Node, Intersection. When I attempt to click a node in 2014 C3D, it will snap to the node, and it will also snap to a part of the point text/attribute if you are not careful. This is really annoying and can bite you if it is over looked. Also, it seems that it's no longer possible to hover over the point text/attribute to select the point node. Does anyone feel my pain?
I hope this next thing is just a setting I have yet to find. When moving a point, the program does not alert you in case it was a mistake. Please tell me there is a setting for this. (And, yes, I know I can lock my points.)
I am beginning to think this nearly $6000 program is going to lack some very fundamental features for surveyors.
Oh Boy. Too much to type but basically you are now in different world. Your points when converted to C3D cogo points have no "style" created to show you the attributes or symbol. Either pay someone to set up your template how you want or be prepared to spend a b**t load of time setting it up from scratch. Big learning curve. C3D is powerful but if I had my way (I don't) I would be using Carlson ACAD embedded. Many previous discussions on this...
no expert here but in civil 3d it's all about styles.
I guess you need to define a point style and a point label style for your points, you define what you want visible.
Then when you convert your LDD points I guess you'll have an option to choose the pointstyle.
Chr.
Create a point group and add the points to it by using the "Include" tab. Also make sure your drawing scale is set at something big enough to see the points.
"I am beginning to think this nearly $6000 program is going to lack some very fundamental features for surveyors."
No - they are all there, you just need about $3000 of training (mandatory) and you will soend another $9000 of non-productive time (also mandatory) figuring out how to make "styles" work for you. About 2 years from now you'll have it down...
I expect this to be difficult. But hope it won't be AZ Jim's experience.
Let's take it from the top. When opening an existing dwg created with LDD, is there a way to convert the LDD points (Points>Convert LDD Points) and the existing points find their way into your drawing without then going back and doing a lot of settings for the point text/attributes?
By the way, I am familiar with Point Groups. But I dont generally have a need to separate large numbers of points. So, for now let's keep it as simple as possible.
I agree, at least in part with AZ Jim, that some training would be money and time well spent. If there is anyone out there that knows this stuff well enough to get me kick-started then I would be more than happy to pay for their time. We could do some sessions using Skype. Using their screen share feature makes for an ideal learning environment. My email is [email protected].
Thank you,
Mack
I'm just saying that the point attributes will never show up unless they are part of a point group. At least that has been my uneducated experience with Civil3D.
I can email you our template for C3D 14 or 12 (.dwt). It is what we use at AK DOT. You can open it up and look around and perhaps see how the point styles are set up. I don't know how you code your points but it has a big description key file in it as well where you assign the point and point label styles. Send an email address if interested. Everything C3D is "style" driven. If you don't have those set up you can't even label a line.
I don't have C3D in front of me but I think you can window around the points, select just the Cogo points at the top of the properties tab and then set the point style and/ or point label style to standard or default. Also make sure your model space scale is set to an appropriate scale. I'm not 100% sure that will work but it could.
My company did our own template but I don't recommend it unless you have experience with C3D styles,
which you don't.
Good luck!
It won't be easy for sure. I love the comment that you need to spend $3k in training or suffer $9k in lost time. That's no joke.
If you're just a small time surveyor, leave the cruel world of Autodesk and migrate to Carlson. If you deal with a lot of surfaces, C3D is the way to go, however...
Jim, all you have to do is click on a point (or window all of them), then you get a new ribbon up top. I wish I had it in front of me, but I think it is the properties tab, then point styles. Points come in with a style of "none". Simply hit the down arrow and select the style you want. For instance, desc. and number or point number description elev., etc..
Converting points is one option, but you can also import the data from the Land Desktop project directly, and get most of the background information. From the Insert tab on the ribbon look for the Land Desktop button in the leftmost panel.
Give me a call or email monday and i can help you out. I can send you a drawing that has all my setting, description keys, blocks, etc..in ti. from there you can edit the key as to how you shoot points in the field. email in account is good.
> If you deal with a lot of surfaces, C3D is the way to go, however...
I use Carlson Civil Suite on AutoCAD. I deal with a lot of surfaces. A great 3D program, Carlson. Started as a mining software. The mining industry, it's all about surfaces. Can't complain about this product. Never paid a dime for training costs. I keep my 3,000 dollars for other things.
Mack,
"...the only visible part of the points are the node symbols."
I'm guessing that's probably because all your points are on the All Points point group, and the style is set to show only the point symbol. Change the style and you'll see all your info.
"...it's no longer possible to hover over the point text/attribute to select the point node."
Yes it is. Use the transparent command 'PO to do exactly that.
The C3D Forum is a good place to ask questions:
http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/AutoCAD-Civil-3D-General/bd-p/66
I didn't know about screen share on Skype. Sounds cool. I'd be happy to help you out this weekend. I'll e-mail you.
Dave
When you change the points from LDD to C3d, you can set up attributes then.
Be careful, points aren't in a database anymore, they'll move and you can "snap" anywhere on them, not to the "node"
It IS all about styles...
You are in for some tough times but after awhile it will all make sense. One way to start before you make all your own point, label, table, etc. styles, is to create a new drawing in C3D using one of the template files included when you install C3D. Then open and make sure all the layers are turned on in your LDD drawing, select and copy everything in the LDD and paste it to "Original Coordinates" in the C3D drawing, then convert the points from LDD to C3D. I know this is clumsy and probably not the right way but you should be able to see your points since the dwt file already has a form for a standard point that includes more than just the node.
I have been using C3D for one week. Having Carlson on top of it has made all the difference. I will get to all that style stuff at my leisure.
I really hate that. LDD is the only CAD program I've seen that will only recognize the NODE as a snap point when you mouse over a point block. Why is it that LDD figured this out like 15 years ago, but nobody else, including new autodesk products, can get it right.
> I have been using C3D for one week. Having Carlson on top of it has made all the difference. I will get to all that style stuff at my leisure.
Are you running Carlson on top of C3D?