Set COGO point reference alignment

[baileysan]

I know some third party software activates this functionality, but with Project Explorer (PE) tables, this feature becomes a great opportunity. With PE we can build dynamic AutoCAD tables for many C3D objects. I know contractors generally prefer (or don't care) getting point data in XYZ instead of Sta/Off, but on the design and review side, Sta/Off is still a useful and ingrained method of locating objects. If we could get a dynamic point table that gives Sta/Off data, then the potential use of COGO points expands significantly (sign summary tables, utilities, staking). Then getting access to it in Excel opens another world. @TimYarris 

[TimYarris]

Hi @baileysan . Project Explorer does allow you to create a dynamic AutoCAD table that lists the station/offset values of a COGO point group relative to an alignment. The same functionality (object set) used to create that table can be used to export the data to Excel. Is that what you're looking for? If not, would you please elaborate on what's missing?

[MSchille-1994]

@TimYarris simply being able to add reference text to a point label style and a point table is the ultimate goal.  Utilizing Project Explorer is cumbersome and does not produce the results most would like, which for me is generating a table that looks like what is shown below. 

That is a civil 3D Structure Table, which was made using Null Structures to be able to create install notes for roadway curb and gutter sheets.  The ability to have Cogo Points to do this would be so much easier, and our surveyors could use the Cogo Points for staking purposes.  Many, many firms produce sheets like this in their civil plans so there is no doubt this functionality would get used a lot.

This is where Civil 3D is mind boggling at times to us.  The functionality is there to add reference text in some label styles but not other labels styles, which just makes zero sense sometimes.  I really wish Autodesk would employ more civil engineers and/or civil engineering technicians/draftsmen to work in the programming department for Civil 3D.  There are quite a few add-ons the private user can buy to add greater functionality of the Civil 3D software, but why.  It's extremely difficult for many of us to convince ownership to purchase additional add-ons when considering the price they already put out just to purchase Civil 3D to begin with.  Does Autodesk view this as the shortfalls of their design software, or do they enjoy seeing the users have to buy additional software add-ons to make things functional?

[TimYarris]

@MSchille-1994 , I appreciate the feedback. I understand the frustration with some functionality existing in some objects/labels/styles, but not others. Unfortunately, each are controlled on an object-by-object basis, so sometimes it takes time for us to double-back to an object to implement something that was done for another object.

[MSchille-1994]

@TimYarris , and I appreciate your reply and follow-up.