using 3D files in autocad lt

[archliker]

I have a drawing file that came from some 3D program. I believe it was Autocad Architecture or 3D. 

When I work, some of the lines and objects measure thousands or hundreds of feet away and some won't intersect. This has happened several times and I've tried cut/paste into new drawings but that did nothing.

Does anyone have a suggestion? Its particularly prevalent when using a survey drawing.

THANKS! 

[steven-g]

A drawing created using 3D tools in other software packages remains 3D when opened with LT. but LT doesn't have most of the tools you would normally use with a 3D drawing. You can 'view' a 3D model from various preset angles from the ribbon 'view' tab named views panel.

What exactly are you trying to achieve with this drawing?

[archliker]

All I want is a normal 2d drawing. Nothing special or unusual. I've had this problem many times and in different offices.

For example, Civil engineers and surveyors typically draw in 3d. When I open one of their drawings in Autocad LT, there is no 3d.  When using the measure tool and sometimes dimension tool the drawing seems to think it is 3d. Instead of 2 objects that are supposed to be  3'-6" apart, the measuring tool gives random measurements like 2500 ft or 390 ft.  I assume because it is still reading it to be in 3D. Have you ever experienced  this? I can send you a drawing if you like.

Is there a way to "flatten" ? 

Does this make sense?? 

THANK YOU

[steven-g]

Unfortunately LT doesn't have those tools, if you need it in 2D then you should ask the people sending you the drawings to take the proper steps to 'flatten' the drawings before sending them to you. If you are taking measurements then yes in a 3D drawing you will get unexpected results (not wrong just unexpected). You can certainly post a dwg file so we can see what type of geometry is being used in your drawing. But depending on what is in there flattening a 3D drawing in LT could destroy some of the content or even just create an unintelligible mess that would take a long time to edit back to anything like a normal drawing. But please do post the drawing so we can see at least what options you might have.

[pendean]

Ask the file creator to send you a 2D version of their file(s): if you know they used AutoCAD ARCH (or C3D), ask them to "export to autocad" and send you these custom generated 2D files instead.

[archliker]

Thanks. It is not possible in this situation, although, in the future I
will do that.
This seems unreasonable to me. Autocad LT should work as intended for all
files. This glitch has caused me many hours of frustration and reduced
productivity.
Thanks,
Steven Foster

[cadffm]

" Autocad LT should work as intended for all files."

Exactly this is what happens! It works as it should for all files.

The only problem: You expects other results.

[steven-g]

LT does work as intended there is no glitch, it was never intended to work with the 3D tools found in full AutoCAD which is why all the 3D tools have been removed, but it can open 3D content to make it compatible with other programs that do use 3D, and full AutoCAD has the tools to produce just 2D plans from a 3D model should anyone in the team require that it's called cooperation, and if you only need 2D information you should be receiving or asking for 2D drawings, as LT doesn't have those tools included (there are workarounds but they change depending on the type of content you have, and what you need to do). But LT can view and change views around a 3D model and it can measure in a real 3D environment, you just need to make sure that you are measuring between the correct points which means altering your view to make sure you are seeing the right objects. Should you need to do more than that, editing or adding content as an example then you need to be aware of the limitations of LT in a 3D drawing.

[archliker]

Well I respectfully disagree. However, It works and LT is much more affordable.
I don't know programming, but it seems one small change, if possible, would solve a lot of problems. (Microstation can do this very easily) It is not always possible to have the other person save to 2D. Also, I know dozens of AutoCAD users and not one of them knew how to fix this problem, they all just worked around it. Even Autocad teachers!Thanks for your help. your answer to my question is very helpful, although disappointing. 
Steven Foster

[pendean]

>>>...It is not possible in this situation...<<<
>>>... I know dozens of AutoCAD users and not one of them knew how to fix this problem...<<<
Lack of imagination: download a free trial of AutoCADARCHITECTURE and do it yourself: you only need to do it this once you said, trial is fully functional for 30-days from first use. Then remember to ask next time.

>>>...Well I respectfully disagree...<<<
There is a chance LT2021's DWGCONVERT feature under the Big Red A can help dumb down your files, but it may miss a few things. Give it a try.

HTH

[archliker]

Great idea. This former architect was fired from the job and is being sued!
We were lucky to get anything!

[cadffm]

-Exporttoautocad

But you need the same or higher version.

Or DWGTRUEVIEW and there DWGCONVERT

Should works for aec objects.

For 2D objects on z/=0, you have to go another way.

"Even Autocad teachers"

Because of: Its a question of knowledge, not a question of your job title

[archliker]

Thank you so much! That seems to have solved the problem!!

[archliker]

Actually it didn't...a variation of this did.  I selected all the lines that were noncoplanar and in Properties, I input, starting z=0 and ending z = 0. That seems to have worked.

[steven-g · Accepted solution]

Yeah, that's one of the ways to flatten geometry in LT, if you select everything in the whole drawing Ctrl+a, then in the properties palette use the drop-down at the top to select each group of objects individually and look through the properties for any Z values (or Z=*VARIES*) and change those to zero, you can quickly go through a drawing and change all lines then circles (centres) etc.

This does only work for LT geometry so it won't help for things like 3D solids coming in from other sources.