QuickCalc Variables Entry

[mcloughlin]

As surveyors, we often have to calculate the acreage of a sketched polyline.  Of course, Civil 3D 2014 only does this in square feet, which we must then convert. We can do this by going to Properties>QuickCalc>Units Conversion, but the QuickCalc defaults each time to metric, so we must re-enter square feet to acres each bloody time, which, being US citizens, is tiresome.  

For example, as shown in the green-highlighted portions of the appended image, I hope to convert the entered square footage, 145552.1248, to the equivalent acreage. However, naturally, Units Conversion opens as always to metric.

In hopes of speeding things up, I went to the "Variables" section below and created a litte function, calling it "Acres" and tried to write the function as /43560, hoping that by clicking on it, I could divide the entered square footage and obtain an acreage.  

No joy. Clicking on the "Acres" only replaces the entered square footage with the function "/43560."  

This I take to mean that my syntax is in error.  Can anyone give me the correct syntax for conversion of square feet to acreage in the QuickCalc app?  Or, alternatively, to have the app default to square feet and acres rather than metric units in its Units Conversion section, so we don't have to re-specify each time?

Thanks!

[Jay_B]

Another option is to place Mtext using Fields with a conversion factor to acres.

MTEXT command > place mtext box on screen >Insert panel of text editor ribbon tab > Field > click "object type" (green select icon) > Select Polyline to list Area for > Set the "Property" to Area > Click "Additional Format" button > Conversion Factor input 1/43560 for acres conversion > OK > OK.

Then Mtext will be placed on shape reporting the Area in Acres.

Converting polylines to parcels & using parcel labels also works well depending what your doing.

[caddie99]

I used c3d2012  but You can create a line label for the area of a polyline with any units you want

see my label below

[AllenJessup]

I don't know what to do with the calculator but see <this> post for some alternatives.

Allen

[AllenJessup]

Whoops. I was beaten to it. It does work for just a quick check.

You could also create a Line Label Style containing [General Overall Area] and set the units to acres.

Allen