topic Re: Count tool - How to create a custom expression that sums the block attribute values of the blocks it is counting. in Civil 3D Forum

Count tool - How to create a custom expression that sums the block attribute values of the blocks it is counting.

NateSarles — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 15:57:24 GMT

Hello,

I am looking to take a selection of block references, that each contain a numerical attribute value, and sum the attribute values in the most streamlined way possible. I have attached a file to give an example of what I am trying to achieve.

I had previously posted regarding this same task I hope to streamline, my previous post however, found here, was requesting a Lisp routine to handle this.

Since that previous post, I have discovered the 'Count' tool and am confident there is a way to write a custom expression that will read each block's attribute value, add the attributes, and produce a total value for the counted blocks. this expression could then be added as a field to the count table.

Can someone who knows coding better than I lend a hand in this?

Re: Count tool - How to create a custom expression that sums the block attribute values of the blocks it is counting.

brian.strandberg — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 16:16:55 GMT

There is a lisp routine that can do this. Check out: https://www.lee-mac.com/countattributevalues.html

I tried this on your drawing, and it generated this:

You can then add a SUM in the lowest column, and link that to your other table.

Re: Count tool - How to create a custom expression that sums the block attribute values of the blocks it is counting.

NateSarles — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 17:22:23 GMT

Thanks @brian.strandberg ,

I thought I had already exhausted the wonderful resources of LeeMac but it appears I missed one of his gems! Now if only I knew enough code to add that sum cell to the table his LISP produces... maybe one day lol

Re: Count tool - How to create a custom expression that sums the block attribute values of the blocks it is counting.

NateSarles — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 18:23:50 GMT

Well, well, well,

Chat GPT came in clutch... I was able to have Chat GPT modify the code to output exactly what I needed and nothing more! Thank you @brian.strandberg for pointing me in the right direction!

Please enjoy this modified LISP that outputs a total attribute value for selected blocks.

Re: Count tool - How to create a custom expression that sums the block attribute values of the blocks it is counting.

brian.strandberg — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 22:07:35 GMT

Normally Chat GPT will start inventing lisp functions that don't exist. So thats a hassle.

Re: Count tool - How to create a custom expression that sums the block attribute values of the blocks it is counting.

NateSarles — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 14:59:25 GMT

Yes, I have noticed that getting ChatGPT to produce functional results can be rather tedious, but I am seeing improvements... Especially when I cross reference AI sites, I will ask ChatGPT to write a lisp, then ask Claude.ai to fix it or vice versa. then usually, if my ask is simple enough, I can get something that works to come out of it all... Much like this situation.

At the very least AI tools are allowing me to slowly better understand the language so that maybe one day I can write my own code. @brian.strandberg

Re: Count tool - How to create a custom expression that sums the block attribute values of the blocks it is counting.

brian.strandberg — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 20:01:04 GMT

That's awesome @NateSarles! Keep the efforts going.

Re: Count tool - How to create a custom expression that sums the block attribute values of the blocks it is counting.

Joe-Bouza — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 01:10:29 GMT

DATAEXTRACTION does this OOTB

Re: Count tool - How to create a custom expression that sums the block attribute values of the blocks it is counting.

NateSarles — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 12:20:51 GMT

@Joe-Bouza, Yes, I am sure it does, but that is a rather tedious process, all I am trying to do is add up the total parking stalls for a given project... so exporting data to an external file and going through that whole process is a bit more than I was bargaining for in this specific case.

In the scenario where more complex data was being evaluated then DATAEXTRACTION is definitely the way to go!

Re: Count tool - How to create a custom expression that sums the block attribute values of the blocks it is counting.

Joe-Bouza — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 10:42:50 GMT

I get that. Once the dxe file is made it a little quicker but still some effort.

Do you have AVT? It has a great parking tool with continuous count. Even ADA stalls can be inserted on the fly and broken out it the count

Re: Count tool - How to create a custom expression that sums the block attribute values of the blocks it is counting.

Joe-Bouza — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 10:43:05 GMT

I get that. Once the dxe file is made it a little quicker but still some effort.

Do you have AVT? It has a great parking tool with continuous count. Even ADA stalls can be inserted on the fly and broken out it the count

Re: Count tool - How to create a custom expression that sums the block attribute values of the blocks it is counting.

NateSarles — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 12:14:53 GMT

@Joe-Bouza , I do have AVT, I just have not yet mastered the parking tool. We mostly just use it for truck turning, (fire, refuse, deliveries.)

Learning the parking tool is definitely something on my to-do list!

Re: Count tool - How to create a custom expression that sums the block attribute values of the blocks it is counting.

Joe-Bouza — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 17:34:36 GMT

Like many of us. Its a tool that should have more focus. unfortunately, the style configuring is myriad boxes and settings.

The one lame thing about it is the end cap geometry if used has not geometric labeling

Re: Count tool - How to create a custom expression that sums the block attribute values of the blocks it is counting.

rl_jackson — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 23:18:51 GMT

I've used data extraction for years to create simple spreadsheets to calculate parking on ALTA surveys, I had a block for regular/HC spaces, extracted the block attributes to a spreadsheet and computed the totals in the spreadsheet to show on the survey. Worked like a charm.