AutoCAD block recognition and Data Extraction

[Anonymous]

Hello all,

I'll try to make it brief. I have almost no AutoCAD experience, and I don't work with AutoCAD really at all. I program PLC's for automating systems. However, I use the AutoCAD files (2D dwg files), made by the process engineers at my work, to figure out how I need to setup the program. These files are often very similar from job to job, at least in what I need to do functionally.

I would like to know is there a way I could make a program to read the blocks and lines in the dwg file intelligently to create a file (it could even be an excel file or just a text file) containing this information. For example a program that could recognize a tank block and a line that represents a pipe coming from it to a valve block that is attached to a drain block, therefore, knowing the valve is a tank drain valve. Then it would list that description in a text file.

I'm not familiar with any AutoCAD, or programs that deal with reading AutoCAD files, so something like this may exist already. Ideally, I would like to be able to modify what the program creates from the dwg file based on what I need. Not just a straight read out of names and text already present.

Just suggesting some leads for information or possible programs that handle this would be greatly appreciated. I don't mind doing and/or learning some new coding, I just don't where to start for AutoCAD. Or if you know a better place to ask this question, I would be grateful for that info too.

Thank you for your time.

[devitg]

Hi @Anonymous For better understanding, and maybe get further help, please upload such sample.dwg

[dbroad]

I would suggest that you learn the DXF format.  Export one of your drawings to DXF and the entire drawing can be parsed by any language that can open text based files and interpret coded data. It's almost like a xml file.  Then write the programs your way.

[Sea-Haven]

Like Devitg need a dwg to look at, sounds like a tree answer, in civil drainage works need to know what pits and pipes are connected. Maybe a forest

[Anonymous]

Hello all,

I'll try to make it brief. I have almost no AutoCAD experience, and I don't work with AutoCAD really at all. I program PLC's for automating systems. However, I use the AutoCAD files (2D dwg files), made by the process engineers at my work, to figure out how I need to setup the program. These files are often very similar from job to job, at least in what I need to do functionally.

I would like to know is there a way I could make a program to read the blocks and lines in the dwg file intelligently to create a file (it could even be an excel file or just a text file) containing this information. For example a program that could recognize a tank block and a line that represents a pipe coming from it to a valve block that is attached to a drain block, therefore, knowing the valve is a tank drain valve. Then it would list that description in a text file.

I'm not familiar with any AutoCAD, or programs that deal with reading AutoCAD files, so something like this may exist already. Ideally, https://100001.onl/ https://1921681254.mx/  I would like to be able to modify what the program creates from the dwg file based on what I need. Not just a straight read out of names and text already present.

Just suggesting some leads for information or possible programs that handle this would be greatly appreciated. I don't mind doing and/or learning some new coding, I just don't where to start for AutoCAD. Or if you know a better place to ask this question, I would be grateful for that info too.

Thank you for your time.

[hak_vz]

Why not simply create a script that your coworkers would run in Acad extract data you need.

[devitg]

@Anonymous , please let us know your dwg , it is impossible to do anything without a dwg sample .