topic Re: Add to a Data Extraction in AutoCAD Forum

Add to a Data Extraction

RocksterB — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 19:36:22 GMT

I get the use of using data extraction to gather my attribute data into to table, but how do I add newly inserted attribute blocks to the data extraction? Example, I've provided 12 blocks with attributes and then do a data extraction and place it in the same drawing file. Later I add 2 more blocks. Can I somehow simply update the table or do I need to create a new data extraction table. Although this a simple example, the real issue may contain 60 or more blocks and many additional redesigns.

Thanks in advance.

Re: Add to a Data Extraction

leothebuilder — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 21:10:32 GMT

When you say, you are adding blocks, do you mean adding blocks that are already present in the drawing file?

If so, if your autocad table is in the same drawing file, the table should update automatically.

If you are adding totally new blocks, you have to run the data extraction again for the block attributes to show

in the autocad table.

This article may be of interest:

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/getting-started/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2016/ENU/AutoCAD-Core/files/GUID-A4B8BDF9-5DDA-48F6-B535-B8801A66871E-htm.html

Re: Add to a Data Extraction

RocksterB — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 00:10:20 GMT

In these particular drawings, the block is already defined in the drawing and I’m placing additional instances of the block. Ex., I’ve already laid out 20 cubicles in the drawing and the client has requested a redesign with 6 additional cubicles. The addition cubicles & chairs will add to the data extraction’s part list table. My hope was to click the table and that would capture the newly added items. Is this possible?

Re: Add to a Data Extraction

RocksterB — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 15:24:36 GMT

After removing a block, I then clicked on the table and right clicking on the table to access the "Update Table Data Links" command. Yes the table updated by removing the row of data. Unfortunately, when I add a few new blocks to the drawing and and save or print, the table dos not change. The setvar DXEVAL is set to 14. This is what happens in my AutoCAD 2018 software.

Re: Add to a Data Extraction

cadffm — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 19:53:33 GMT

Best way and the fastest for you and us:

Upload 2 dwgs

One with few (2-10) blockreferences and the correct data extraction table,

The other one with additional blockreferences.

Then we are able to check the file and issue.

Re: Add to a Data Extraction

RocksterB — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 12:41:12 GMT

The Data Extraction seems to work properly when the data source is the drawing itself. Adding or removing a block from the drawing is reflected in the update of the table.

In my case, I need the table to associate/link to a selected group of block objects in the current drawing. If this is the case when I add more blocks, I will need to create a new table. Is this true? Also, if I need to provide multiple groups of blocks in a table, I will need to create .DXE files for each grouping type. Is this efficient or does having multiple .DXE files slow down AutoCAD?

Re: Add to a Data Extraction

cadffm — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 14:35:55 GMT

>"The Data Extraction seems to work properly when the data source is the drawing itself."
It is working also fine with data from external sources. I am thinking do not understand this statement.

>"Adding or removing a block from the drawing is reflected in the update of the table."
Good.

>"In my case, I need the table to associate/link to a selected group of block objects in the current drawing."
Okay....

>"If this is the case when I add more blocks, I will need to create a new table. Is this true?"
If you really talk about object selection (selection of blockreferences in a drawing):
Sure, because you saved the Information "Please, export only the Information of my previous selected Objects"
And you can not select objects before they exist.
Q: Do you really need/want to use the Object selection method?
You have to use this option only if you have 100 of a kind, but you want to export just a part of them..

>"Also, if I need to provide multiple groups of blocks in a table, I will need to create .DXE files for each grouping type."
>"Is this efficient or does having multiple .DXE files slow down AutoCAD?"
Thats the only way, no matter if slowing down or not.

If you really need to export just parts (not from the whole) drawing, it is a pain because ther is no "Export objects from THIS xxx area" option,
just the object selection method (= Problem if you add blockreferences) or th "by object-type/Name" option.

Please excuse my english and wish to help anyway;)

Re: Add to a Data Extraction

RocksterB — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 18:20:05 GMT

Don't worry about the English, I appreciate the help and input.

The drawing I provided is a small example of the bigger issue of using Data Extraction (DE) to count data in the file. On larger floors, it would be beneficial to have provide the part count and identification. The DE could help me find component/block redundancies and omissions by listing the attribute data in a table. But, I'm really trying to decide if the DE is the right tool for me to use. My other option is to use ATTOUT/ATTIN to gather the data from the placed blocks. Both options seem a little clumsy to use.

Re: Add to a Data Extraction

cadffm — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 19:58:20 GMT

DE the whole modelspace or file isn't a problem,

just if you using the object-selection option.

I do not 100% understand for what/why you use this way, but i guess the example file is too simple to see the intention for this.