TAG name designation and data extraction

[joe_kohli]

I need to combine these 6 blocks into one main dynamic block via "visibility". My question is this: How should I designate the TAG identification? I'm thinking about this because I need a simple method to designate TAG numbers or values so that I can later extract data easily without any interference with other blocks or similar blocks. Another concern I have is this: I understand that when I combine all 6 they will now become 1 block with different visibility status' to choose from. How does that work with data extraction? Say I want to extract all data (attribute values) in a drawing from the "I-FM" but I also want to extract data (attribute values) from the "I-PMIC" and no data from the other 4 visibilities. Currently, they are their own blocks (with their own custom names) with identical TAG names.

[ChicagoLooper · Accepted solution]

@joe_kohli 

If it were me I wouldn't bother to create a dynamic block, the block (or blocks) are fine the way they are. As long as the blocks have different names, and they should, you'll be able to identify which block contains THIS attribute and which block contains THAT attribute.

The creation of a dynamic block can get you desired results but it's NOT necessary. You can still get the results you want without using a dynamic block. 

Example:

I have three blocks: (a) ROAD, (b) Road US, and (c) Road-Interstate. Each block is inserted 3X, i.e. three instances per block=9 Total. Refer to image-1.

Image-1

When I run Data Extraction, I can pull out both the attribute value AND the block name. Refer to image-2.

Image-2

Beside block Name and attribute value, you may also extract other Properties and Data e.g., the X/Y coordinates of each individual block. Yes, I could've created a dynamic block with 'visibility' but it isn't mandatory when determining which block holds what attribute.