Count tool - How to create a custom expression that sums the block attribute values of the blocks it is counting.

[NateSarles]

Hello,

I am looking to take a selection of block references, that each contain a numerical attribute value, and sum the attribute values in the most streamlined way possible. I have attached a file to give an example of what I am trying to achieve.

I had previously posted regarding this same task I hope to streamline, my previous post however, found here, was requesting a Lisp routine to handle this.

Since that previous post, I have discovered the 'Count' tool and am confident there is a way to write a custom expression that will read each block's attribute value, add the attributes, and produce a total value for the counted blocks. this expression could then be added as a field to the count table.

Can someone who knows coding better than I lend a hand in this? 

[brian.strandberg · Accepted solution]

There is a lisp routine that can do this.  Check out: https://www.lee-mac.com/countattributevalues.html

I tried this on your drawing, and it generated this:

You can then add a SUM in the lowest column, and link that to your other table.  

[NateSarles]

Thanks @brian.strandberg ,

I thought I had already exhausted the wonderful resources of LeeMac but it appears I missed one of his gems! Now if only I knew enough code to add that sum cell to the table his LISP produces... maybe one day lol

[NateSarles · Accepted solution]

Well, well, well,

Chat GPT came in clutch... I was able to have Chat GPT modify the code to output exactly what I needed and nothing more! Thank you @brian.strandberg  for pointing me in the right direction!

Please enjoy this modified LISP that outputs a total attribute value for selected blocks.

[brian.strandberg]

Normally Chat GPT will start inventing lisp functions that don't exist.  So thats a hassle.

[NateSarles]

Yes, I have noticed that getting ChatGPT to produce functional results can be rather tedious, but I am seeing improvements... Especially when I cross reference AI sites, I will ask ChatGPT to write a lisp, then ask Claude.ai to fix it or vice versa. then usually, if my ask is simple enough, I can get something that works to come out of it all... Much like this situation.

At the very least AI tools are allowing me to slowly better understand the language so that maybe one day I can write my own code. @brian.strandberg 

[brian.strandberg]

That's awesome @NateSarles!  Keep the efforts going.

[Joe-Bouza]

DATAEXTRACTION does this OOTB

[NateSarles]

@Joe-Bouza, Yes, I am sure it does, but that is a rather tedious process, all I am trying to do is add up the total parking stalls for a given project... so exporting data to an external file and going through that whole process is a bit more than I was bargaining for in this specific case.

In the scenario where more complex data was being evaluated then DATAEXTRACTION is definitely the way to go!

[Joe-Bouza]

I get that. Once the dxe file is made it a little quicker but still some effort.

Do you have AVT? It has a great parking tool with continuous count. Even ADA stalls can be inserted on the fly and broken out it the count 

[Joe-Bouza]

I get that. Once the dxe file is made it a little quicker but still some effort.

Do you have AVT? It has a great parking tool with continuous count. Even ADA stalls can be inserted on the fly and broken out it the count 

[NateSarles]

@Joe-Bouza , I do have AVT, I just have not yet mastered the parking tool. We mostly just use it for truck turning, (fire, refuse, deliveries.)

Learning the parking tool is definitely something on my to-do list!

[Joe-Bouza]

Like many of us. Its a tool that should have more focus. unfortunately, the style configuring is myriad boxes and settings.

The one lame thing about it is the end cap geometry if used has not geometric labeling

[rl_jackson]

I've used data extraction for years to create simple spreadsheets to calculate parking on ALTA surveys, I had a block for regular/HC spaces, extracted the block attributes to a spreadsheet and computed the totals in the spreadsheet to show on the survey. Worked like a charm.