Creating Attributed CAD Blocks that contain Database data

[MatTheDrafter]

I am in the process of revising all the CAD drawing for my organization and slowly start implementing a Civil 3D database containing all their external infrastructure.   Presently everything is contained in 2D CAD drawings which only recently been placed in real-world coordinates.

What I would like to create are some Annotated CAD Blocks for to retag all the Manholes and Catchbasins numbers on the properties but also contain Rim and invert data within them. Currently, they do not want this shown on any of the drawings, and we are not prepared to shift all the data to a Civil 3D model yet.  I still want to be able to tag data but then create a table containing all the pertinent information needed for each Manhole and Catchbasin.

Is anyone aware if this is possible and how to go about doing it?

[rl_jackson]

You can create block that will have various attributes like Rim, Invert etc...... and then use Data Extraction to create a table.

[drazen.galic]

Block with the attributes are always option. But if I were you, would consider Map object data and C3D property sets. Every approach has its own pros and cons.

[MatTheDrafter]

@rl_jacksonIs it possible to make those section of the block unviewable unless extract the data or imputing the data? And if so how would I go about doing that?

@drazen.galic I would like to use Map or C3D property sets but were not set up for full C3D deployment yet. So far only my station has C3D but other departments need to see the tags. To my knowledge when you use basic AutoCAD you can't see C3D or Map generated data similar to contours. 

[cwr-pae]

I like the Extended Data option using cogo points for manhole, pump station, fire hydrant, water valve, etc. to record location and data. The Extended data set can be read by a table in C3D and even better the data is dynamic both ways, editing the data in the table updates object data and vice versa. The data set can also read object data such as elevations, descriptions, names, point numbers, etc. from the cogo points. In addition the cogo points allow importing straight from survey point files.

[drazen.galic]

@MatTheDrafter,

You are probably right. Sounds logical. I cannot check because I do not have vanilla AutoCAD. Basically Map object data are visible through classical AutoCAD properties dialog (as well as C3D property sets), but probably Map should be installed and used. Map object data would be my choice because of possibility of query, connection to external database...

AutoCAD blocks with attributes are bit not flexible. For example, if it is necessary to add or remove some attributes it requires some complex procedures. On the other hand, schema of Map object data is more flexible.

AutoCAD blocks can be used for structures/manholes, but it is impossible to use them for pipes/sections. In that case object data, according to my opinion, is the only choice (C3D property data as well).

In general, Map object data and C3D property sets can be used for simple AutoCAD entities (lines, points, blocks). It is not necessary to use C3D intelligent objects, what would be probably big jump for existing data.

Just my opinion.

Regards,

Drazen

[MatTheDrafter]

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@cwr-paewrote:

I like the Extended Data option using cogo points for manhole, pump station, fire hydrant, water valve, etc. to record location and data. The Extended data set can be read by a table in C3D and even better the data is dynamic both ways, editing the data in the table updates object data and vice versa. The data set can also read object data such as elevations, descriptions, names, point numbers, etc. from the cogo points. In addition the cogo points allow importing straight from survey point files.

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@cwr-pae I like that idea to especially if the point/Blocks can be viewed in standard 2D AutoCAD and the table information viewed in C3D that the consultants would be using. But how would I make such blocks? 

[cwr-pae]

Maintain the map/data in C3D, export to ACAD (effectively exploding the points, tables and labels) to allow others to view until you fully deploy C3D, the same would be required to send to others who don't have C3D

. There are several conversations here on the forum and other sites on using the extended data. You will have to do some reading/studying. Basically you will create the data set, attach it to an object or  selection of objects, fill in the data for each object and than create the table(s) to show the data. Note that you can use just about any cad object to attach the data to, not just blocks.

[tcorey]

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@MatTheDrafter wrote:

...To my knowledge when you use basic AutoCAD you can't see C3D or Map generated data similar to contours. 

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If you are on Annual Subscription, not Maintenance Plan, the 2019 version of AutoCAD includes AutoCAD Map and other verticals. It's Autodesk's big change for AutoCAD this year. They call it "Only One. AutoCAD. "

Tim

[tcorey]

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@MatTheDrafter wrote:

@rl_jacksonIs it possible to make those section of the block unviewable unless extract the data or imputing the data? And if so how would I go about doing that?

Use the ATTDEF command to create your attributes. Along the left column you will find a checkbox for Invisible. This will make the attribute invisible if ATTDISP system variable is set to Normal. Set ATTDISP to On to view all attributes, including invisible, or set it to Off to view no attributes.

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[rl_jackson]

Yes attributes can be made invisible. It's as simple as selecting the check box at the time of creation.

Property data sets can also be used. They are a part of AutoCAD to there not just C3D.

For reference if you have C3D then you have Map already installed. You just need to change the workspace to access all the functionality. (its changed in the lower right, looks like a gear or is near it )