AutoCAD Block Data Extraction: Avoiding Duplicate extractions from Plans & Elevations

[Jake_CAD]

I am used to a 3D environment where a single entity exists for every axis (ie. Plan, Section, Elevation). As AutoCAD is 2D, 2+ blocks must be introduced when drawing a plan and elevation, and therefore causing the potential for duplicate extractions for a single element (eg. Window).

Aside from the methods listed below, does anyone have any suggestions on how this could be managed?

• Elevations X-ref'd (data extraction from Plan drawing only)
• Attributes only present in 'Plan' Visibility state (within a dynamic block)
• ...?

EDIT: I have attached an example dynamic block with attributes for reference.

[TheCADnoob]

Are you extracting to an external application or are you putting the extraction into the drawings? If you are going external, there may be more options for data manipulation. 

The only sure-fire way I see would be assigning each element a unique identifier and then grouping your extractions by those identifiers, though this would require more planning, coordination, and data entry on the front end. 

Something else that you may be able to do is take note of how many times they are duplicated. If they are guaranteed to be replicated three times, then you could just divide the total by 3 (though my guess is this would be a problematic solution, especially if some occupy a similar chord in one dimension)

You might be able to try something by looking at the coordinates and doing some deductive calculations, but again, there may be accidental overcounts here as well. 

[Jake_CAD]

At present, keeping it internal. Thank for the the suggestions.

[AVCPlugins]

The most logical solution is to work in 3D :)) Who told you that AutoCAD is 2D? You were deceived.

And of course, you can divide the blocks in each view into 3 layers and then select objects for data extraction on one layer.

[Jake_CAD]

Hi AVCPlugins, thank you for the suggestion! I've since had the opportunity to explore working in 3D in ACAD (using a supplier's 3D file) and have come across the initial problems;

• Annotation/Labels appear on opposing elevations, and thus appear inverse (see image below) - Is there a method of 'clipping' model view depth, similar to the function in AutoCAD Architecture? I have attached the block file containing these labels for reference.

[AVCPlugins · Accepted solution]

There is a simple principle: model for model, annotations on paper. That is, all your texts, dimensions and designations should be on sheets (layouts) in paper space. And in the model space there should be only 3d-solid, nothing extra. And you will have to repeat the leaders in several views if you really need them to be repeated.

As for the clip view, the _3dclip command works in viewports. And in ModelDoc views (ViewBase command), you can select only the necessary objects and make sections (ViewSection).