Count Command Question

[TonyLeggieri3279]

We are currently running Civil 3D 2023.2.1 (AutoCAD 2023.1.2) and I have a question about the count command: 

Is it possible to COUNT based on insertion point versus extents of block?

I want to specify an area to count a block but I want it to count the insertion point of the block. Is this possible? Currently, it appears that the entire block/object needs to be within the specified area to be counted. 

In my case, I am counting trees (blocks) on a property. The insertion point is assumed the trunk of the tree. But the COUNT command is not counting any trees where the "canopy" overlaps the property line (my "specified area"):

Is this possible or is this a wish list item? Thanks

[pendean]

@TonyLeggieri3279 Since you can control the selection of objects through a bunch of commands and methods in AutoCAD/C3D is so many ways, COUNT command does not go there (much like a lot of other commands in AutoCAD/C3D).

Do you need help with QSELECT or FILTER or SELECTSIMILAR commands (or even LASSO selection method perhaps) to name a few to restrict your choices better? If yes, please share a sample DWG file.

[TonyLeggieri3279]

We have methods of doing these counts (using the commands you listed) but I saw the count command and was trying to see if it was of any use for this purpose. We were using 2020 up until recently and this is our first experience with the COUNT command. I want to make sure my users (especially the curious ones) know the limitations of the command before trying to utilize it and trust it. Thanks!

[ChicagoLooper]

Hi @TonyLeggieri3279 

Using your description of your tree block and my understanding of how you are using those blocks, no, the COUNT command won't work. 

The 'insertion point' of your block suggests your block is a POINT centered within the tree trunk. A point is the most fundamental object in geometry. It has no length nor area. It's not linear and it doesn't cover space. What does this mean? It means your canopy is irrelevant. It doesn't matter if a tree is mature and covers a wide area or newly planted with coverage like an umbrella, all that matters is the block's insertion point. The COUNT function, when used with a block, doesn't factor in the canopy because the canopy isn't a point, it's a polygon. COUNT is only calculating the number of times your block's insertion point occurs in your specified area.

If, however, you were to redraw the canopies as polygons, then yes, you could do it using the Map3D toolset. <<The Planning &  Analysis Workspace of Civil3D = Map3D.>> Without getting in too much detail, and there definitely is detail, Map3D's overlay analysis function can analyze the overlapping areas where your newly drawn tree polygons (assuming you are willing to draw those polygons) intersect your specified area. Since the trees are polygonal, any portion of the canopy that overhangs the designated area would be counted.

Notes:

1. Regarding 'definitely is detail' mentioned above.....you can have as much detail as you have collected and stored. For example, you could breakdown the counted trees by trunk diameter, tree species and tree condition. This, of course, assumes you've collected more data than tree location and canopy diameter.
2. Since your post entails tree location and a specified area, you'd get better action in the Map3D forum. Geospatial locations, real world points referenced to the equator and north pole, and polygonal spaces such as tree canopies and specified areas, fall squarely in the domain of Map3D. 
3. It's not only WHERE you draw the trees, it's also HOW you draw them. If trees are represented by points then no, the COUNT command won't suffice. If they're represented by polygons consistent with canopy diameter, then yes, they can be counted using the Map3D toolset.