import points

i received a ascii file of position and elevation points (PNEZD) and do not see any where to import these points into AutoCAD 2011.

I know there exists survey products from autodesk, but still kind of wondering why there is no easy way to import points in the basic CAD program.

any advice on how to import a PNEZD file into AutoCAD 2011?

tia, OA

Can you post an example of the format of that file? I mean how the X, Y and Z coordinates are recorder and if there is some other information.

Also, what type of entities you want those to become in AutoCAD (points, lines or other)?

Three options offered up in this thread.

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Visual-LISP-AutoLISP-and-General/AutoLisp-PNEZD/td-p/2823102

I believe the format goes something like this: PT#, E, N, Z, DESC

I believe that the easiest solution is to build a script from that text file using Excel or other worksheet application; for this reason I asked about the format to addapt my answer.

The OP will need to remove non-relevant columns, fill only the first row with required commands/options and just replicate those on subsequent rows. This is a solution that don't require specialized knowledge.

Can you post an example of the format of that file? I mean how the X, Y and Z coordinates are recorder and if there is some other information.

Also, what type of entities you want those to become in AutoCAD (points, lines or other)?

the object of the survey was to outline buildings on site, which resulted in 50+ cogo points in an arbitrary coordinate system. Ultimately, polylines will be drawn to connect the dots!

You're trying to bring the point information into Civil 3D 2011 right?

You're trying to bring the point information into Civil 3D 2011 right?

NO! AutoCAD 2011! I know C3D handles points very easily, I was just trying to learn if AutoCAD will import points, which it doesn't do easily.

Please stay in your seat and try to remain calm.

Did you check out the responses in the link I posted?

Maybe this is more suitable to your purposes. It's called Pointor V8 by Ransen Software. If you click on the link below you can get a description of the program and how it works. There is even a demo (2.8MB) available named Setup-Pointor-Demo.exe. The program itself is a mere $60 U.S.

http://www.ransen.com/pointor/default.htm

One way with out Civil3D is copy just the NEZ from your file into excel, then do a copy (Ctrl + C) to clip board. Then in Autocad use the point comand with the mutilple command. http://map3d.wordpress.com/2006/06/25/points-from-a-text-file/ . Now if you want to link the point number and Desc to them use datalinks (table) linking on the NEZ coordnates property.

NO! AutoCAD 2011!

Don't shout at anybody. I believe the question was justified because in your details YOU have stated you are using "Civil 3D 2011" and if you are then there is a very simple answer to your problem. If not then update your details so people can offer more targeted replies to your questions.

Ignoring the civil 3d answer for the moment I have posted many times you need a stringing program to read a pt,x,y,z,code file and do just that join the relevant codes. It would also insert the correct blocks to match a point code. Theres heaps of stuff you can do if you start using the "code" as well.

There are programs out there but they have a cost.

One day if I can find the time I will have a go at a stringing program to use with plain Autocad. Possibly in excel.

From a programing point of view buy the $60 option it will pay for its self in one job.

Please stay in your seat and try to remain calm.

 

Did you check out the responses in the link I posted?

sorry to sound frustrated, I did forget that typing in capitals was considered yelling and rude.

I have read all the responses and followed all links, thank you. In C3D, it takes 1 command: "import points", and voila, the points show up in model space. I am just surprised the solutions, which I am sure work great, but include either scrips, lisps, macros, zip files and even paid external programs just to bring in point data.

Autodesk has done a superb job writing software to handle topographic survey data, which commands its own stand-alone product: Civil 3D, not AutoCAD 20XX.

Regards, OA

OA

Using the right tool for the job goes a long way towards achieving the desired results. Remember that plain AutoCAD is just that...plain. It cannot incorporate custom features that are found in the vertical products as it cannot be all things to all people. So, you are left with two choices. 1) Use a different (i.e. - better suited) program or 2) use plain AutoCAD with a kludge. Your choice.

Look at it another way, suppose you work in an architect firm and want to insert a door or window in a wall, with plain Autocad you need to trim the wall with the trim command and rotate the window/door block to aling with the wall or use lisp or something to do it in one command, but with the correct AutoCAD Arch version it's a one button command. Or how about changinging the size of a bearing for an idle gear in a mechincal project and have the shaft and gear update with one button? Now if you took all the code to run all those one button commands and put them in one product how many DVDs or TB of info are you willing to download and install when you may only use 1/8th of them?

Use the right tool for the job or right software for the job.