Layer Name Convention

[ignich]

I am working on a large scale project that requires a specific standard layer naming convention as specified by the client.  The layer names do not follow the pre-set layer names from Civil 3D.  I am wondering if there is a way to create a new drawing template (using my required layer names) that I can use as a master drawing for all my C3D work?  I have tried changing layer names individually in the settings but that seems tedious as I have to make the same changes in all the drawings (10-15 drawings to start).  Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[ccoles]

We've had to do this for a couple of our clients as well. If you open your template and change the layer names there, all the styles and settings will follow the change in layer name. 'Save As' it out as a new template just for that client, and you'll be set. Just make sure any new files for that client uses the new template and not your old global one.

[JeffPaulsen]

Take a look at the layer translator. I have not tried using it yet in C3D but I would think as long as you are doing a 1 to 1 layer translation (not combining multiple players into one) it should work fine.

[timreed1 · Accepted solution]

Layer translator might work just fine.  I personally have had issues with it screwing up some of my special survey symbols.

Another approach might be to use Autocad MAP.  Everybody's got it, hardly anyone knows what to do with it.

I would copy all 15 of the clients drawings into a new folder so you don't accidentally screw up the originals.

Now, create a new blank drawing and attach all 15 other drawings.  MAPWSPACE will turn on the map workspace so you can attach.

Next, creat a query to bring in everything from all the other drawings, usually Layer=* works well.

This might create a jumbled mess, but don't worrry about it.

Now you could run a layer translater, or just change all the layers by hand.

Do a save back to all the source drawings, then detach them.

Delete this working drawing.

[neilyj666]

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Another approach might be to use Autocad MAP.  Everybody's got it, hardly anyone knows what to do with it.

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I'd agree with that - my knowledge is pretty much  limited to MAPCLEAN and MAPTRIM and occasional MAPIIMPORT...!!!

[ignich]

Thank you for all the great tips! I'll give them a try.  At the very least, it gives me an opportunity to learn new commands and techniques.