I am writing to you from the Engineering offices at the City of Vancouver,
WA. We are one of the local water, sanitary sewer and surface water
purveyors in Clark County. We are an AutoCAD Map shop with an active
mapping program.
Description: We need a "complex" linetype to indicate flow direction on our
sanitary sewer maps. We have traditionally used the block flow arrow
approach, but recently have had some problems with this approach. We would
like to keep the overall number of entities down in our drawings. Since we
are linking a database, there is also value in having the direction inherent
with the line and dictated by the way the line was originally drawn.
Research: Page 333 of the AutoCAD 2000 User's Guide (2/5/99) in section
entitled Working with Linetypes shows one for "flow". The file entitled
"ltypeshp.shp" contains definitions for Track1 and Bat, but no flow. Page
436 of the AutoCAD 2002 User's Guide (June 2001) shows a P&ID diagram that
appears to be drawn with a flow direction linetype. I need a linetype like
those.
I have been exploring the available learning tools and find myself
wrapped-up in defining shapes using vector length and direction description
codes in the shape definition file. Other options appear to include
incorporating Unicode fonts and extended characters into an ordinary complex
linetype definition. Unfortunately, my particular help file does not include
Appendix E of the Customization Guide. Sure would be nice if the AutoCAD
2000 Users Guide would give a description of how to create the flow
direction linetype shown as an example on page 333.
There must be an easier way. Solutions might include somebody finding and
sending along to us a .lin or .shp file for our use. This solution, the
direct acquisition approach, would be optimal.
The other option, the make it yourself approach, might also be explored.
Perhaps someone can forward along some tips. Where are the best arrowhead
symbols? ANSI characters, the ESRI USGS fonts?
Please send your related comments, suggestion, and advice to me at the
address below.
Sincerely,
Aaron A. Odegard
Associate Civil Engineer
Sanitary System Planning and Design
City of Vancouver, WA
Engineering Services
360.696-8020
Aaron.Odegard@ci.vancouver.wa.us