I would like to see the hyperlinking/"surfing" functionality that comes from a published PDF of an AutoCAD Electrical (ACE) project...
1. Handle multiple footprint style symbols (Panel and Wiring Diagram)
2. Work with the Substation Design Suite DREF attribute
In the utility/energy industry we often show 2 footprint style representations of a device, and right now, the hyperlinking in the PDF is a bit unpredictable for which one it would jump you to (Panel vs. Wiring Diagram). We also constructed other footprint style reference table symbols that are in the mix as well. A consistent order should be created in the code so it's predictable for the user to follow (i.e. the parent tag always jumps to a panel symbol first, then to a wiring diagram, then to a table - something like that.). Maybe the code or methodology just needs to be revealed so we understand this hyperlinking functionality more? Or maybe the code needs to be open-sourced and put up for the opportunity for customization?
Another solution could be to develop some sort of Surf Dialog box that could pop up - using some sort of coding common to all PDF files. That way users could choose where they want to jump to.
Regarding the DREF attribute, this is an attribute included with the Substation Design Suite plug-in for AutoCAD Electrical. DREF functions similar to XREF, but is more customizable and allows local/remote attribute value exchange. So I would assume since we can use hyperlinked XREF attributes to jump around the PDF with source/destination arrows, we should be able to provide similar or same functionality with this DREF attribute. Many in our industry use this feature. Contact Spatial Business Systems for information on their plug-in and work with them to provide this functionality.
