Referencing an XREF surface in a pipe network structure

[Anonymous]

Hello all,

I have an active pipe network with structures, and I have an XREF surface.  I want to reference the surface in the manhole structure so the structure uses the appropriate rim elevation.  But when adding the structure it doesn't let me reference the surface. 

Any help is appreciated,

Thank you,

[ToddRogers-WPM]

Data shortcut the surface into the drawing.

[Anonymous]

It didn't seem to work actually...

Please see the attached image. 

I created the data shortcut, but still there isn't a surface to refernce to, even though there is a surface in the data shortcut. 

Thanks,

[Anonymous]

Here's another image showing the data shortcut and surface/structure. 

Thanks,

[troma]

Did you create the shortcut AND reference it into the pipe network drawing?

[troma]

I'm advocating for a simpler way that avoids all the messing around creating directories and subdirectories and .xml files.

Please vote for this idea! 

[Anonymous]

Yes, there's a data shortcut, and the DWG is XREF into the active drawing. 

[troma · Accepted solution]

In your screenshot it looks like there are no surfaces in the current drawing.

[Anonymous]

I figured it out. 

I had to right click on the data shortcut surface, then click create reference, then copy.  Now it works! 

-Maybe that's what you were implying to do when you asked if it was refernced in? 

Previously, I had XREF the file in that the surface was located, and that didn't work.  I had to copy it in, through the data shortcut. 

[troma]

Yes, it's a two-step process.
Create the shortcut in one drawing, then create the reference in the other.

It's an unnecessarily complicated process to my mind, but that's what it is.

[Neilw_05]

I like your idea for making shortcuts by browsing and picking a file. It is frustrating to know the data you need is right there in a file before you but you can't get at it due to the "one direction" work flow for shortcuts. Still we would need a shortcut tree for sharing data between project drawings in cases where you don't want to go looking for a file or if you are not sure which file has the data you need.

I haven't used Idea Station so I don't know how to vote. I don't see a way to vote from within the thread.

[troma]

Hmmm, I get you. I guess my idea can complement, rather than replace the current method.
To vote on the idea you use the Kudos button on the top left.
It would probably be good also to add your comments on needing a shortcut tree. It would be interesting to hear other's opinions and workflows too.