Custom column on Structure Table

[Anonymous]

I have a pipe network of existing storm structures and pipes along a roadway we are reworking. I need a table listing the existing structures. I also need a custom column in that table that designates each structure's status; remain, remove, or replace. I added a column but I can't change the text without exploding the table thus losing my dynamic link. Any ideas or suggestions?

Thank you.

[cwr-pae · Accepted solution]

Easiest way is to use the description field of the structure, type in the word or an abbreviation or a code, and show that data in the column.

Or you can look in to the custom property sets added in 2015 or 2017 (don't remember which it was)

[drazen.galic]

Unfortunately new property sets cannot be used in tables (I think), only in labels.

So, the first suggestion works (structure description field). Alternate way is to create custom data in part catalog. That data can be included in structure table.

Drazen

[MikeEvansUK]

Yes, the properties are not usable as they do not yet work with tables but here you go, this is the way to (I) do it.

Add a new shared parameter in the AeccPartParamCfg file in the AeccDfSortGroup section. Located in C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\C3D 20xx\enu\Pipes Catalog\Aecc Shared Content

<AeccDfParameter name="PNot" desc="Pipe Notes" context="Pnotes" index="0" datatype="String" usage="String_General" unit="" visible="True" internal="True" />

Then under <AeccParamUsage> in either Structures / pipe domain add the next corresponding reference:

<AeccOptParam context="Pnotes" />

Now save the xml, close and restart Civil3d.

Your new context should now be visible in the civil properties and you can add the text directly to the structure / pipe stating as you wish.

Now edit your pipe table to add a new column for the context and hey presto you have a dynamic value linked by object.

Remember, if the value is not entered it will state "Undefined" so I add a . into the part  in parts list in new files so the default is not easily noticeable. For existing files I would add a bit of text with a full stop & a mask to hide these pesky values.

M

BTW: If anyone knows where the default value for these contexts comes from or where you can set the default value please let me know, I'm still looking.

[Anonymous]

That's what I first thought but many of our labels are reading the description as the part name for some reason.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. How do I edit the XML file?

[drazen.galic]

Hi Mike,

Almost two years ago I invested some days of investigation to understand better the idea of custom data. I did it because of development of our Civil 3D add-in Urbano Visio. Curtis Smith helped me a lot in that investigation. Later on, when property sets data appeared (2017, 2018) we left the idea of supporting that. It is bit tricky to support that, because, at the end, I did not fully understand all aspects.

But, I created one document in which I tried to summarize my investigations. I attached part of it, where I found out how to create the list of possible values for custom data. Maybe it can help you. The first part of it you explained in your previous post. Focus on the second part. Let me know if it helps you.

Regards,

Drazen

[drazen.galic]

Open it in some XML viewer. I am using First Object XML editor. It is free tool.

Drazen

[MMcCall402]

Structures have properties for "Material', 'Frame', 'Grate' and 'Cover', if you're not using them all you could high-jack one of them for this purpose before resorting to editing the xml to add a custom property.

[Anonymous]

This is great help, just was looking into this last week! Thank you!

[BushW]

Hi @Anonymous

I'm just checking in to see if you need more help with creating a Custom column on Structure Table. Did the reply of @drazen.galic provided work for you?

When you get the opportunity, please hit the ‘Accept as Solution’ button if/when relevant so, that others can more easily benefit from the information and thank you for doing so. 

[MikeEvansUK]

I would not use these contexts for notation or custom entries as some or most of these are used by some parts for modelling (predominantly those from inventor).

For custom entries I would recommend always introducing a custom context. Always remember to copy / send the xml files to other colleagues for coordination as any custom entries may disappear if their xml file does not contain the entries?

M

[MMcCall402]

The properties I suggested are optional values, are not used as any modeling, and are included in the XML right out of the box.

[Anonymous]

Hi.

How can I add different types other than the default ones (Standard, Undefined and 22)

I would like to add different cover types like A15, B125, C250 etc. 

[tcorey]

You will probably get better results, more views, if you start a new topic and thoroughly explain your question. You are responding to a thread from three years ago.