Object enabler does not work for xrefs in parent drawing

[lgallantHCE9F]

Working with a survey file (let's call it "DWG A")which was created in Civil 3D and, using object enabler, am able to see all the contour lines in the file provided to me (I'm working in AutoCAD 2018). However, when I then insert as an xref into my parent drawing set ("DWG B"), I'm no longer able to see the contour lines of DWG A. It is as if object enabler is only working in certain files.  Any ideas on where I'm going wrong? Seems like it's probably something simple...Thanks in advance.

[lgallantHCE9F]

Important note: despite having installed Civil3D Object enabler, I still get messages regarding missing shapefiles and proxy graphics upon opening...

[RobDraw]

Even without the object enabler, you should still be able to see the lines.

Check layer settings/linetypes/linetype scales.

[lgallantHCE9F]

Layers settings/linetypes/linescales are the same. Exploring the possibility you've suggested - that this is not OE related - I've set the parent file INSUNITS to 1 so all inserted drawings will automatically scale to inches. The survey file is in US Survey feet,  and when inserted into the parent file the contour lines disappear (please see attached images for reference). I've also included a zoomed image of what I think is a data point that appears in place of the contour lines (attached file name "Survey point"). If I change the DWGUNITS in the survey file to "1" instead of "21" the lines disappear in that source file so I'm avoiding that.

Note that in the survey file image, the topo is selected - it appears to be a block or something, with data points and elevation notated on each line. If a block is annotative, the INSUNITS settings are ignored. Could this be what's going on here and, if so, how do I get around this? The odd thing is that when inserted as an xref into a DXF export generated from a web program (Helioscope), the contour lines do appear.

I also was under the impression that if the OE was working, I would not see messages about missing SHX files and proxy graphics upon opening...

I'm stumped! Thanks again for any help!

[RobDraw]

I've always modified civil drawings to match the units of the file that is referencing it. It eliminates a lot of trouble with linetype scales.

[Tiana_Y]

Hi @lgallantHCE9F, 

I'm just checking in to see if you need more help with this. Did the suggestion that @RobDraw provided work for you?

If so, please click Accept as Solution on the posts that helped you so others in the community can find them easily.

[lgallantHCE9F]

I have not found a solution to this issue yet.