data extraction template

[Anonymous]

Hello,

as far as I see from experimenting with data extraction, the data extraction template is always binded to a single file. For example, if I create my template in a certain drawing, but want to extract data in accordance with that template on a different drawing, I need to "save as" the current drawing into the drawing where I defined the data extraction template. 

Is a way to create a general template which will work on any file except writing Lisp code which will do that? Thanks in advance for any replies.

[dbroad]

Data extraction files(DXE files) are not stored in a drawing.   They are stored externally.  It is super easy to use a previous one as a template.   Just start the dataextraction command in a drawing where you want to place the data extraction table.  Choose a template (previous extraction template, a DXE file).  Remove the previous drawings/folders and add the new ones.  The rest of the settings are already done.  Then place the table where you want in the current drawing (if you chose to insert).  Be sure to specify a new XLS file for the external extraction table.  Otherwise date extraction will overwrite the previous extraction table.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reply.

The problem is that I want to automatize data extraction via a script. The most "practical" solution I came up is to "save as" the drawing as the drawing where I have my template, and then run the "-dataextraction" command, close that drawing and reopen the original drawing (I need to have the original drawing at the end of the cript opened again).

Well, this is not so bad, I was just curious is there's a more practical way to do this.

[dbroad]

-dataextraction is an extremely limited command. It only allows you to choose a template. If you choose the same template you used for the previous drawing and answer "no" to overwrite, then it just performs the previous extraction and puts that table in the new drawing.  It does not extract the objects in the current drawing.  If you overwrite the previous template, then the previous extraction and drawing extraction tables are likely ruined.

I don't think the needed modifications can be scripted, especially the settings that are changed inside dialog boxes.  If you are able to do it without ruining your previous extractions, I'd be interested in learning your method.  What language are you trying to script with? LISP is very poor for multiple document applications.

With my method, there is very little actual work. You just create a new template file based on the previous one, change the data sources,  and new external output file, place the table and you're done.

I didn't understand "Well this is not so bad".  Are you referring to my suggestion or your method?

[Anonymous]

I was referring to my "method".

Well, my "method" works for a simple reason - I only need to extract the same type of object from new drawings (i.e. coordinates of lines in a specific layer, positions of certain blocks, etc.). This is way it works.

But yes, I understand that for a general case this won't work since the dataextraction will keep old settings (which suits my case, luckily).

[Anonymous]

Apologies for the late comment, however, this method doesnt seem to work for me. I am also trying to automate the process using -DATAEXTRACTION in order that I may get the same details from different drawings. I tried renaming the original .dwg and saving the new .dwg as the originals name to no avail. The program just spit out the exact same values from the original drawing. Did you figure anything else out or know why I am facing this issue?

*Just kidding... I did get the method to work correctly.