AutoCAD Civil 3D

[#1]

does this make sense to you experienced Civil 3d users:

for every code (1410) that brings in a symbol (ex Iron pins, ex hydrants) I would create an individual point style for that point with a layer for the marker/symbol and a layer for the label...

then I would create a single point style for points that do not create symbols (ground shots, tops and toes, centerline shots)...in this style I would have the marker and the label be placed on layer "0" and let the description key file place it on a specific layer based on the code...

that way I avoid making a point style for 50 -100 different codes that I essentially want to display the same way...

[#2]

now that I think about it, the layer in the description key file is going to override the layers set in the point style...this sin't going to work, every freaking code has to have a unique point style created for it doesn't it...???...

[#3]

Description keys are not my strong point, but can't description keys apply one style to more common points and still by virtu of thier description be put on a seperate layers?

[#4]

For all of our points that do not require a symbol (such as slopes, ground shots, etc) I do not apply a point style.  Instead I let the point groups do the work.  I have the _All Points point group set up to apply the general style to all points (a simple X).  The overrides are not turned on, therefor the X will show up for all of the points EXCEPT for the points that actually have point styles applied to them by the description keys (such as hydrants, trees, etc).

[#5]

Ok so whats the problem? And how did you deal with it on your previous platform?

[#6]

I have mine setup so that anything with a symbol for the node-text goes to v-node-text.  All other nodes have text on same layer as node.

David

[#7]

The logic in your 1st post was correct. The logic in the second post is not so good. If you have a style where the layer is set to 0 then it will go to the layer that the point is assigned through the descriptor. One style will work for many different kinds of points. IMHO, you should actually think twice about assigning styles to all of the points via descriptor keys. If a style is assigned to an individual point, you have to override it in your point group to make it display differently. Not a big deal, but it can be confusing to some and an inconvenience to others.

[#8]

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ces wrote:

now that I think about it, the layer in the description key file is going to override the layers set in the point style...this sin't going to work, every freaking code has to have a unique point style created for it doesn't it...???...

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Absolutely not! If you are using a block and the linework within the block is on layer 0, and your point style has the marker on layer 0, then whatever layer your point is on will control the display of the point. Think of components in a style as lines within a block. If those lines are on a layer, then that layer controls. If they are on layer 0 and their properties are set to ByBlock, then the layer the block is on controls.

Check out my class at AU 2011 Get Your Style On (specifically pages 6-8 of the handout) for more information.

[#9]

And yet if Point Style is set to 'default' in your description keys you can still control the Layer for the point using description keys and then use Point Groups to control the look of the point but not have to have 20,000 point and label styles IF you use the method Brian suggested.

Really it is a Rule that I use whenever creating styles. Everything in a style goes on layer 0 unless I can prove that it needs to have its own layer, just like the pieces in a block. (BTW, there are PLENTY of exceptions to the rule but it is a good starting point).

HTH and I did not just start a flame.

[#10]

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joshuamodglin wrote:

Really it is a Rule that I use whenever creating styles. Everything in a style goes on layer 0 unless I can prove that it needs to have its own layer, just like the pieces in a block. (BTW, there are PLENTY of exceptions to the rule but it is a good starting point).

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 I would tend to agree with that, especially the statement that there are PLENTY of exceptions.

Object Layers are also very important.

My overall goal is to reduce the "Style Breeding Problem" that can so easily lead C3D users into an endless loop of problems and wasted time.  So there are key places where I use specific layers in the Style, but other cases where I use Layer 0 in the Style.  In general, though, I set ALL Object Layers to something other than "Layer 0".  (I just wish the Object Layer suffix/prefix hadn't been broken in C3D 2011, since that's the version I've been using lately...  I'm about to get everyone moved up to 2012, though, which hopefully will give some relief, although I think it's still broken in 2012...  Maybe 2013...?)