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DESCAD (c) 1991, 1992 Sean D O'Dell (AARDVARK SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT)
12940 Gorham Street
Moreno Valley, CA 92388
This text file is the REAL DESCAD manual, usually included with the
software packaged bound, but provided as a text file for you to print.
If you wish to install descad via the INSTALL.EXE routine, copy all the
DESCAD files to a floppy and type A:INSTALL. All the configuration except
that of AutoCAD will be done automatically for you. If you wish to do it
manually, simply copy the files into it's own directory...add the directory
to the ACAD environment variable, then change the default drawing name in
AutoCAD to DESCAD.DWG...and you're all set!
DESCAD is a collection of Civil Engineering Utilities designed to aid
the draftsman, designer, and engineer. It's only true unique feature
is that the information generated by DESCAD is kept internally within
the drawing, WITHOUT large attribute blocks...once you use it, you'll
realize that it's a real miser on memory, without sacrificing the most
important information...line, arcs, and real points w/numbers!
The other functions, such as ANOTation and STAtioning, are clearly
superior to many commercial products. Although this collection of
DESCAD could never replace that of the more dedicated applications,
it DOES offer the designer an alternative to the bulky, messy approaches
of some of the simpler tasks, such as horizontal control, annotation and
curve/tangent table generation...there are also some very simple functions
for drawing rotation, editing and drawing that the big commercial products
leave out, and leave the designer wondering...I know DESCAD to operate VERY
well in conjunction with most other packages...it is simple...it uses only
AutoCAD's LISP...and it really doesn't interfere with anything else...
If you find this package useful, and you implement it in your work, please
send the small registration fee of $105 to Sean D O'Dell at the address
shown at the top of this page. If you would like additional copies which
include the printed and bound manual, +technical support, send $180 to the
above address. Thank you for trying DESCAD!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GETTING STARTED..........................................STARTING
FACTS ABOUT DESCAD..........................................FACTS
Control/information/ID.........................................A1
Edit...........................................................B1
Draw...........................................................C1
Input/Output...................................................D1
Annotate.......................................................E1
Station........................................................F1
Survey.........................................................G1
Understanding the DESCAD manual........................APPENDIX I
INDEX.......................................................INDEX GETTING STARTED
Getting your system to run DESCAD is a simple process of two
steps:
1. Installing DESCAD.
2. Configuring AutoCAD.
Before you begin, you must have AutoCAD installed correctly.
To do this, refer to the INSTALLATION AND PERFORMANCE GUIDE that
came with AutoCAD.
When you have completed the first step, Installing DESCAD,
remember to REBOOT your system (ctrl-alt-del).
Now we are ready to begin.
1. Installing DESCAD
BACKUP DESCAD DISK
Never use the original disk to install DESCAD.
Make a backup copy now which will serve as your working
copy. The DOS command for this is:
DISKCOPY (drive:) (drive:)
INSTALL DESCAD TO HARD DRIVE
Insert the working copy of DESCAD into drive
A:/B:.
Type A: or B:, respectively, <enter>.
Type INSTALL <enter>.
Read the warning. When you are ready to proceed,
press any key to continue.
When you receive the message that the installation
of DESCAD is complete, REBOOT your computer. Then go
on to the next step, Configuring AutoCAD.
2. Configuring AutoCAD
DEFAULT DRAWING SETTING
In order for DESCAD to operate, you must set the
default drawing through AutoCAD's configuration menu.
Startup AutoCAD the way you normally would.
From AutoCAD's Main Menu, choose:
5. Configure AutoCAD
(press <enter> a second time)
From the next menu, choose:
8. Configure operating parameters
From the next menu, choose:
2. Initial drawing setup
Now, type DESCAD <enter>.
Press <enter> about three times, or until you are
back to the Main Menu.
Configuring AutoCAD is complete, you are now ready
to run DESCAD!
READ: FACTS ABOUT DESCAD, pg. FACTS i FACTS ABOUT DESCAD
Some brief notes to help the user understand how and why
DESCAD does what it does:
USING DESCAD-
To use some of the more basic DESCAD utilities, load
DES-Init. To use any of the other modules, you must load
DES-Init first.
DECIMALS-
Setting the number of decimal places using AutoCAD's UNITS
command also controls the number of decimal places DESCAD uses.
DRAWING SCALE-
Most DESCAD commands providing annotation make use of the
AutoCAD system variable DIMSCALE. You must have DIMSCALE set to
the drawing scale in order for many of DESCAD's routines to work
properly.
POINT NUMBERS-
DESCAD points are really AutoCAD point, but with a Thickness
value assigned to them. DESCAD uses Thickness to record a point
number. i.e.: DESCAD point number 43 has a Thickness of 43.00.
STATIONING-
Before using KEYSTA or PICKSTA, prepare a PLINE using
SETSTA.
TEXT SIZE-
Along with DIMSCALE, DESCAD uses the AutoCAD system variable
DIMTXT to determine the size of the text for such commands as
ANOT or KEYSTA. DRAWING CONTROL/INFORMATION/ID
Pull-down menu
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Modules DES-Init DES-Edit DES-Draw DES-I/O DES-Anot DES-Sta DES-Surv│
└────────┬──────────────────────────────────┬───────────────────────────────┘
│RETALI Restore view │
│SETALI Rotate view │
│----------------------------------│
│NOTES Display external notes │
│NOTES Edit external notes │
│SCALES Window │
│SCALES Extents │
│----------------------------------│
│LAYENT Change layer by entity │
│LAYSTEP Go to next layer │
│----------------------------------│
│LOCPT Locate pt visually │
│LISTPT List DESCAD pt no │
│----------------------------------│
│(acres) Convert last are to acres │
│(arc) Coords of arc endpt │
│(#) Coords of DESCAD pt no │
│----------------------------------│
│TEXTED Text editor │
│----------------------------------│
│STAMP Current date/time/dwg name│
└──────────────────────────────────┘
Contents
RETALI....................................................A2
SETALI....................................................A3
NOTES.....................................................A4
SCALES....................................................A5
LAYENT....................................................A6
LAYSTEP...................................................A7
LOCPT.....................................................A8
LISTPT....................................................A9
STAMP....................................................A10
(acres)..................................................A11
(arc)....................................................A12
(#)......................................................A13 RETALI
Returns the view of a drawing which was Twisted using
AutoCAD's DVIEW or DESCAD's SETALI. See SETALI.
MODULE: DES-INIT
SYNTAX:
Command: RETALI <enter>
The view should return to it's original orientation.
NOTE:
This command must be used in a drawing which was created
using DESCAD. SETALI
Rotates the view of a drawing at any given angle. This
allows a drawing or a portion of a drawing to fit more easily
within the frame of a particular paper size. See RETALI.
MODULE: DES-INIT
SYNTAX:
Command: SETALI <enter>
Angle to align: (enter an angle value)
The view should rotate at the angle you specified.
NOTE:
This command must be used in a drawing which was created
using DESCAD. NOTES
Maintains an external ASCII file which may contain whatever
notes an operator sees fit to accompany a drawing. This command
allows an operator to Display or Edit those notes. The file name
is made up of the current drawing file name with the extension
.NOT added to it (dwgname.NOT).
MODULE: DES-INIT
SYNTAX:
Command: NOTES <enter>
Display/Edit: (choose Display to scroll the notes
in AutoCAD's text mode, or Edit
to be placed in a text editor
with the ASCII file)
(Display)- Screen should flip to the text mode and the
notes should scroll past, one page at a time.
(Edit)- You should be placed into a text editor with the
ASCII file. When you exit your text editor, you should be
returned to the drawing. SCALES
Calculates a series of possible scales corresponding to a
list of popular paper sizes that the drawing will be able to fit
within. Scales shown are all multiples of 10.
MODULE: DES-INIT
SYNTAX:
Command: SCALES <enter>
Window/Extents: (choose Window to calculate a
specific area, or Extents to
calculate the entire drawing)
(Window)-
First corner: (pick a point)
Second corner: (pick a point)
(Extents)- Area calculated is determined by the current
minimum and maximum drawing extents.
Screen should flip to the text mode, and a list of paper
sizes and corresponding scales should scroll up.
Example:
Paper Size Minimum scale
8 1/2 x 11 = 60 scale
18 x 24 = 50 scale
18 x 26 = 40 scale
24 x 30 = 30 scale
30 x 42 = 20 scale
36 x 48 = 10 scale LAYENT
Sets the current layer to that of any chosen entity.
MODULE: DES-INIT
SYNTAX:
Command: LAYENT <enter>
Select object: (select an entity)
The current layer should now be the same as that which the
entity resides on. LAYSTEP
Sets the current layer by stepping through, one at a time,
each layer contained in the drawing.
MODULE: DES-INIT
SYNTAX:
Command: LAYSTEP <enter>
The current layer should now be what was the next layer
contained in the drawing. Notice, as you step through each
layer, that when you LAYSTEP from the last layer it returns to
the first layer, traveling through an endless loop. LOCPT
Draws a phantom arrow to aid in locating the coordinates of
any given DESCAD point number.
MODULE: DES-INIT
SYNTAX:
Command: LOCPT <enter>
Point number: (enter a point number, integer)
An arrow should appear on your screen, provided the
coordinates of the DESCAD point number you specify are within the
viewing area. The tip of the arrow is where the point lies. A
REDRAW will remove the arrow. LISTPT
Lists the point number of any chosen DESCAD point.
MODULE: DES-INIT
SYNTAX:
Command: LISTPT <return>
Select object: (select a point)
A point number should be listed in the command prompt area. STAMP
Sets current date, time, and drawing name into drawing for
easy recordation. This command will either update an existing
block named STAMP to reflect the current date, time, and drawing
name, or insert the block if one does not already exist.
MODULE: DES-INIT
SYNTAX:
Command: STAMP <enter>
(no STAMP block)-
STAMP block not found, insert now
Insert point: (pick a point)
There is now a block named STAMP which reflects the current
date, time, and drawing name in the drawing. (acres)
Converts the square footage calculated by the AREA command
into acres.
You must use the AREA AutoCAD command immediately prior to
using (acres) for this command to calculate the correct acreage.
MODULE: DES-INIT
SYNTAX:
Command: (acres) <enter>
The acreage of the last calculated area should be listed in
the command prompt area.
NOTE:
Be aware that (acres) uses the value stored in the system
variable "AREA", which is determined by using the AREA AutoCAD
command. (arc)
Calculates the endpoint of an imaginary arc, based on the
distance (arc length) traveled around its center, either to the
right or left of the starting point. The distance between the
center and the starting point will be used as the radius.
This command is intended to run inside AutoCAD commands
requiring coordinate input, i.e. LINE, ARC, CIRCLE.
MODULE: DES-INIT
SYNTAX:
Command: (arc) <enter>
Center: (pick a point)
Start: (pick a point)
Arc length: (enter a number, real)
curve Right/Left: (Right=clockwise, Left=counter-
clockwise)
A set of coordinates should be returned. When this happens,
the current AutoCAD command should resume normally. (#)
Locates the coordinates of any given DESCAD point number.
This command is intended to run inside AutoCAD commands
requiring coordinate input, i.e. LINE, ARC, CIRCLE.
MODULE: DES-INIT
SYNTAX:
Command: (#) <enter>
Point number: (enter a point number, integer)
A set of coordinates should be returned. When this happens,
the current AutoCAD command should resume normally. EDIT
Pull-down menu
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Modules DES-Init DES-Edit DES-Draw DES-I/O DES-Anot DES-Sta DES-Surv│
└──────────────────┬─────────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────┘
│DXFSUB Substitute DXF values │
│MATCH Entity DXF values │
│TEXTRITE Text read right/up │
│---------------------------------│
│COPYLAY Copy to layer │
│OFFLAY Offset to layer │
│---------------------------------│
│ALIOBJS Align objects to pline │
│INCPOLY Re-increment pline │
│MPLINE Make pline of lines/arcs│
│---------------------------------│
│QTHAW Quick layer thaw │
└─────────────────────────────────┘
Contents
DXFSUB....................................................B2
MATCH.....................................................B3
TEXTRITE..................................................B4
COPYLAY...................................................B5
OFFLAY....................................................B6
ALIOBJS...................................................B7
INCPOLY...................................................B8
MPLINE....................................................B9
QTHAW....................................................B10 DXFSUB
Universally substitutes DXF codes of a given selection set.
This command is much like the CHANGE AutoCAD command in that it
allows the user to change the properties of an entire group of
entities at the same time. However CHANGE does not allow the
universal editing of text style, start or insert point, radius,
height, or rotation angle.
MODULE: DES-EDIT
SYNTAX:
Command: DXFSUB <enter>
Select objects: (select entity(s))
DXF code to substitute: (DXF codes 1-9 are text values, 10
and higher are number or list
values)
(DXF codes 1-9)-
New sub value [NAME]: (enter the a string)
(DXF code 10+)-
New sub value: (enter a number or list)
You may have noticed the entity(s) being changed in some
way, depending on the DXF code you selected. Below are the DXF
codes generally used with this command:
CODE DESCRIPTION
1 Primary Text Value
2 Name: Shape, Block, Tag
6 Linetype Name
7 Text Style Name
8 Layer Name
10 X,Y,Z of Start or Insert Point
38 Entity Elevation
39 Entity Thickness
40 Radius
Height, Size, or Width
50 Rotation Angle MATCH
Changes the DXF code value of entities by matching it to the
DXF code value of another entity, the extract entity. See DXFSUB
for codes.
MODULE: DES-EDIT
SYNTAX:
Command: MATCH <enter>
DXF code to match: (enter a number, integer, DXF code)
Choose object for extracting:
(select an entity, the entity you
desire the following entity(s) to
be matched to)
Target object: (select an entity, it will assume
the DXF code value of the object
chosen above)
The target entity(s) should now have the DXF code value of
the extract object. TEXTRITE
Automatically corrects the angle of text until it reads
straight up or from the right. Rotates text about its own insert
or start point 180° if the text was not reading correctly. This
command will work on other entities with rotation angles, but not
on attributes.
MODULE: DES-EDIT
SYNTAX:
Command: TEXTRITE <enter>
Select objects: (select entity(s))
You may have noticed some or all of the entities rotating
180°. When finished, all of the entities selected should be
reading straight up or to the right.
NOTE:
In most cases, if a text entity was created with any start
or insert point option other than the Middle, this may not
produce a desirable effect. The text will have rotated, and the
body of text may have swung away from its desired position. To
alleviate this problem, attempt to use the Middle option for
creating text whenever possible.
Also, note that if you use this command on entire
paragraphs, it will not rotate as a whole, but will rotate one
line at a time, also producing an undesirable effect.
If you practice good drawing habits and use the Middle
option whenever possible, this command is an invaluable tool.
All DESCAD produced text have Middle insert or start points. COPYLAY
This command is identical to the COPY AutoCAD command,
except that it places the new entity(s) on the current layer.
MODULE: DES-EDIT
SYNTAX:
Command: COPYLAY <enter>
Select objects: (select entity(s))
Base point or displacement:
(pick a point)
Second point of displacement:
(pick a point)
The new entity(s) should be as if you used the COPY command,
except they may have been placed on a new layer, the current one. OFFLAY
This command is similar to the OFFSET AutoCAD command,
except that it has no default value and it places the new entity
on the current layer.
MODULE: DES-EDIT
SYNTAX:
Command: OFFLAY <enter>
Distance to offset: (enter a number, real, distance)
Select object: (select an entity)
Side to offset: (pick a point)
The entity should be the same as if you used the OFFSET
command, except they may have been placed on a new layer, the
current one. ALIOBJS
Arranges an entity(s) along the vertices of a chosen pline.
They are aligned in the order they are chosen, the first entity
being moved to the first vertex, etc.
MODULE: DES-EDIT
SYNTAX:
Command: ALIOBJS <enter>
Select pline: (select a pline)
Selects objects: (select entity(s))
The entity(s) should now be arranged along the vertices of
the pline with each entity's start or insert point moved to its
own vertex on the pline in order. INCPOLY
Draws a pline along the vertices of a chosen pline, but
ignoring a vertex which is nearer to the previous vertex than the
tolerance allowed. This is useful for recreating a pline which
may have too many vertices, thus using a great deal of memory. A
pline may end up with thousands of vertices for any number of
reasons; exploding a curved pline, a sketch with increments too
short, etc.
MODULE: DES-EDIT
SYNTAX:
Command: INCPOLY <enter>
Tolerance for redefining pline:
(enter a number, real)
Select pline: (select a pline)
A new pline should be drawn and the old one removed. There
should be no two vertices with a distance between them less than
that which you specify as the tolerance. MPLINE
Creates a pline out of lines and/or arcs which have similar
endpoints. This command begins by changing a line/arc into a
pline. Next it moves to the opposite endpoint and searches for
the endpoint of another line/arc. If it finds one, it adds it to
the pline and continues, creating the pline out of lines and/or
arcs which are end-to-end, and continuing until it finds no more
line/arc endpoints.
MODULE: DES-EDIT
SYNTAX:
Command: MPLINE <enter>
Select pline: (select a pline, picking a point
on the pline in the opposite
direction you wish it to begin
searching)
A new pline will have been created out of any number of
lines and/or arcs which lie end-to-end, beginning with the
line/arc you chose.
NOTE:
Remember that the lines and/or arcs MUST lie end-to-end
exactly. Often it may appear that they lie end-to-end, but do
not. You must correct any faulty endpoints before this command
will work as you wish it to. QTHAW
Thaws frozen layers, and regenerates only those entities
which are on those layers. This saves time over doing a full
regen to force entities from a previously frozen layer to appear.
MODULE: DES-EDIT
SYNTAX:
Command: QTHAW <enter>
Layer to quickthaw: (enter a layer name)
If these layers were frozen, they should thaw, and any
entities which were on those frozen layers should now regenerate,
appearing in the drawing editor. DRAW
Pull-down menu
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Modules DES-Init DES-Edit DES-Draw DES-I/O DES-Anot DES-Sta DES-Surv│
└────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────┬───────────────────┘
│NORTH Arrow │
│FLOW Lines │
│TICKFIG Tick-mark pline │
│--------------------------│
│PLTPT Plot points in DWG│
│--------------------------│
│LABELV Tag pt elev │
│LABPAD Label pad elev │
└──────────────────────────┘
Contents
NORTH.....................................................C2
FLOW......................................................C3
TICKFIG...................................................C4
PLTPT.....................................................C5
LABELV....................................................C6
LABPAD....................................................C7 NORTH
Inserts a North arrow into the drawing, pointing North
according to the current UCS.
MODULE: DES-DRAW
SYNTAX:
Command: NORTH <enter>
Drawing scale: (enter a number, real)
Insert point: (pick a point from the keyboard or
using a pointing device)
DESCAD will insert a North arrow according to the scale and
insert point supplied by the user.
NOTE:
The user may change the appearance of the North arrow by
editing the drawing NORTH. When editing NORTH.DWG, do not alter
the attributes both above and below the bar scale. Doing so may
result in failure of the command NORTH. FLOW
Draws a series of flowlines from one real AutoCAD LINE to
another.
MODULE: DES-DRAW
SYNTAX:
Command: FLOW <enter>
Line at top of slope: (select LINE to flow from)
Line at toe of slope: (select LINE to flow to)
Number of flowlines to draw:
(enter a real number)
DESCAD will draw a series of flowlines from the top of slope
to the toe of slope.
NOTE:
This command will only work with real AutoCAD LINEs. TICKFIG
Places points at the bulged vertices of a pline. The
appearance of the point serves to demonstrate the location of the
curved endpoints.
MODULE: DES-DRAW
SYNTAX:
Command: TICKFIG <enter>
Select object: (select a pline)
Points will now be set at the vertices of the curved
segments of the pline chosen. PLTPT
Creates AutoCAD TEXT at the insertion point of DESCAD points
within the drawing, displaying the point number and elevation (if
desired).
MODULE: DES-DRAW
SYNTAX:
Command: PLTPT <enter>
point layer: (type in the name of the layer the
points you wish to annotate
reside on)
Height for labels: (enter the actual text size, not
the appearance size)
Numbering quadrant (1/2/3/4):
(Determines where text will appear
at the point. 1=upper right,
2=lower right, 3=lower left,
4=upper left)
Elevations quadrant (1/2/3/4):
(Determines where the elevation
will appear at the point.
Pressing <enter> blankly will
abort the appearance of
elevations)
(Quadrant chosen)-
Decimals: (enter a number, integer)
All DESCAD points on the chosen layer will now be
accompanied by AutoCAD TEXT. LABELV
Tags the elevation of a point with a block-attribute. The
point may be coordinates input from the keyboard, picked as with
the NODe snap-tool, or input as a DESCAD point number.
MODULE: DES-DRAW
SYNTAX:
Command: LABELV <enter>
Point number/<pick point>:
(pick a point or Point number)
(Point number)-
Point number: (input a DESCAD point number)
Angle <0.00>: (enter an angle value. The default
value is the last angle used)
Prefix: (enter text to appear as a prefix)
Main line text <0.00>: (enter the main text. The default
value is the elevation of the
coordinate)
Suffix: (enter text to appear as a suffix)
Lower line text: (enter text to appear below the tag
line)
The elevation at the coordinates chosen will appear as a tag
in the drawing. LABPAD
Labels the elevation of a point with a block-attribute. The
point may be coordinates input from the keyboard, picked as with
the NODe snap-tool, or input as a DESCAD point number.
MODULE: DES-DRAW
SYNTAX:
Command: LABELV <enter>
Point number/<pick point>:
(pick a point or Point number)
(Point number)-
Point number: (input a DESCAD point number)
Upper line text: (enter text to appear on the upper
line)
Prefix: (enter text to appear as a prefix)
Main line text <0.00>: (enter the main text. The default
value is the elevation of the
coordinate)
Suffix: (enter text to appear as a suffix)
The elevation at the coordinates chosen will appear as a
label in the drawing. I/O
Pull-down menu
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Modules DES-Init DES-Edit DES-Draw DES-I/O DES-Anot DES-Sta DES-Surv│
└──────────────────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────┬──────────┘
│IMPORT Coordinate file │
│EXPORT Coordinate file │
│-------------------------│
│TEXTIN Import ASCII file│
└─────────────────────────┘
Contents
EXPORT....................................................D2
IMPORT....................................................D3
TEXTIN....................................................D4 EXPORT
Dumps DESCAD created points into an ASCII file which the
user specifies. The format of the file is as follows:
PT# Northing Easting Elevation
MODULE: DES-I/O
SYNTAX:
Command: EXPORT <enter>
Select objects: (select desired points, NOTE: this
command filters out non-points)
Name of dump file: (enter a filename)
filtering selection set...
There is now an ASCII file containing the points selected. IMPORT
Imports an ASCII file of points. The format required is as
follows:
PT# Northing Easting Elevation
MODULE: DES-I/O
SYNTAX:
Command: IMPORT <enter>
Name of import file (with extension):
(enter the filename to import)
DESCAD points will import into the drawing, according to the
information in the file. TEXTIN
Imports an ASCII file as real AutoCAD text.
MODULE: DES-I/O
SYNTAX:
Command: TEXTIN <enter>
Center/Middle/Right/<Start point>:
(pick a point. Left align is
default, but you may choose one
of the other alignment options
shown)
(Center, Middle, or Right)-
Center point:
Middle point:
Right point: (pick a point)
Rotation angle: (enter an angle value)
Height: (enter a number, real)
The ASCII will now import. ANNOTATE
Pull-down menu
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Modules DES-Init DES-Edit DES-Draw DES-I/O DES-Anot DES-Sta DES-Surv│
└───────────────────────────────────────────┬───────────────────────────────┤
│ANOT Set parameters │
│ANOT Repair changed line/arc│
│ANOT Figure │
│ANOT Tangent │
│ANOT Curve │
│-------------------------------│
│TABLE Generate table │
└───────────────────────────────┘
Contents
ANOT......................................................E2
Set parameters.......................................E3
Repair...............................................E5
Figure...............................................E7
Curve................................................E8
Tangent..............................................E9
TABLE....................................................E10 ANOT
This one command allows the user to do a good portion of the
annotation quickly and efficiently.
All of the annotations are real AutoCAD text, so the user
may edit them as easily as regular text. The exception to this
is when ANOT must place lengthy annotations into a table.
When ANOT places an annotation into a table, it does so by
inserting a block, either called CURVE or TANGENT, and placing
the information into the attributes of that block. When the
TABLE command is used, it searches the drawing database for those
blocks, and formats the information into a file or to the
printer.
This means that tables are controlled dynamically. If the
user wishes to delete a line from the table, it can be done by
deleting the table number along with the line, and regenerating a
table using TABLE.
Very simple.
Read through the options of this command to get a better
idea of what it can do for you. ANOT Set parameters
This option configures ANOT, allowing the user to customize
the appearance of the text created by this command.
MODULE: DES-ANOT
SYNTAX:
Command: ANOT <enter>
Set parameters/Repair/Figure/Curve/Tangent:
Set parameters
Curve to plot Inside/Outside:
(Inside)- The majority of the curve information will be
placed on the inside of the curve, however, it may remain
centered if there is a lot to plot.
(Outside)- The same as with Inside, except the majority of
the curve information will appear on the outside of the curve.
Tangent = YES
Length = YES
Radius = YES
Delta = YES
Option to toggle
Tangent/Length/Radius/Delta:
(choosing either option will cause
the plotting of that curve
information to toggle ON or OFF.
Pressing an empty <enter> will
end the loop.)
Tangents to plot Bearings/Distances/BD:
(Bearings)- ANOT will plot Bearings only.
(Distances)- ANOT will plot Distances only.
(BD)- ANOT will plot both Bearings and Distances.
Tangents to plot On-line/Split-line:
(ANOT Set parameters continued)
(On-line)- Tangent information will appear together, on
line.
(Split-line)- Tangent information will appear split, one
above, and the other below the line.
Tangents to plot Above/Below line:
(Above)- The majority of the tangent information will be
placed above the line, however, if you chose to Split the
information it will remain Split.
(Below)- The same as Above, except the majority of the
tangent information will appear Below the line.
Table to plot All/Option/Fit/Start point:
(All)- ANOT will annotate all curves and tangents with
table numbers, regardless of size.
(Option)- ANOT will annotate all curves and tangents with
the correct information, unless it will not fit along the line
properly. In this case, ANOT prompts the user to either force
the information to plot correctly, annotate with a table number,
or choose a start point for the information to plot as a block of
text, usually near the curve/tangent being annotated.
(Fit)- ANOT will annotate correctly, unless the information
will not fit properly, in which case ANOT will automatically
annotate the curve/tangent with a table number.
(Start point)- ANOT will place all curve/tangent
information into blocks of text, usually near the line being
annotated. The user is prompted for a Start point. ANOT Repair
This option allows the annotation of a single curve or
tangent, offering the user to specify the exact table number ANOT
should assign to the line. This option is primarily used to
Repair changed curves or tangents. Except for the option to
choose the table number, it is exactly like the Curve or Tangent
option of ANOT.
SYNTAX:
Command: ANOT <enter>
Set parameters/Repair/Figure/Curve/Tangent:
Repair
Curve/Tangent:
(Curve)-
3-point curve <pick arc>:
(pick an arc, or press <enter> and
you will be prompted to pick
three points which ANOT will use
to create an arc and then
annotate it.)
(<pick arc>)-
(<enter>)- Three point prompts.
(may be option)- Curve number:
(enter a number, integer)
(ANOT Repair continued)
(Tangent)-
Point to point <pick line>:
(pick a line, or press <enter> and
you will be prompted to pick two
points which ANOT will use to
create a line and annotate it.)
(<pick line)-
(<enter>)- Two point prompts.
(may be option)- Tangent number: (enter a number)
There will now be either curve/tangent information, or a
table number plotted along the line.
NOTE:
Because of the extra step involved, and because of the
danger of duplicating a table number, it is recommended that the
user use the proper options for annotating single curves or
tangents, where ANOT knows the highest unused table number. ANOT Figure
This option will annotate a pline automatically, prompting
for options only if the user requests that it does so using Set
parameters.
SYNTAX:
Command: ANOT <enter>
Set parameters/Repair/Figure/Curve/Tangent:
Figure
Select object: (select a pline)
The pline chosen will now be annotated according to ANOT's
current parameter settings. ANOT Curve
This option allows the annotation of a single arc.
SYNTAX:
Command: ANOT <enter>
Set parameters/Repair/Figure/Curve/Tangent:
Curve
3-point curve <pick arc>:
(pick an arc, or press <enter> and
you will be prompted to pick
three points which ANOT will use
to create an arc and annotate
it.)
(<pick arc>)-
(<enter>)- Three point prompts.
The curve chosen will now be annotated according to ANOT's
current parameter settings. ANOT Tangent
This option allows the annotation of a single line.
SYNTAX:
Command: ANOT <enter>
Set parameters/Repair/Figure/Curve/Tangent:
Tangent
Point to point <pick line>:
(pick a line, or press <enter> and
you will be prompted for two
points which ANOT will use to
create a line and annotate it.)
(<pick line>)-
(<enter>)- Two point prompts.
The line chosen will now be annotated according to ANOT's
current parameter settings. TABLE
Allows the user to manipulate the information stored in
table form using ANOT. This command will generate a table of
arcs, tangents, or both and send it to an ASCII file where it may
then be imported into the drawing as real AutoCAD text using
TEXTIN, or sent directly to a device, such as LPT1 for printing.
MODULE: DES-ANOT
SYNTAX:
Command: TABLE <enter>
Curve/Tangent/All: (generate a table of curves,
tangents, or both)
Layer to extract table information:
(allows selection filtering by
layer, *=global select)
Device or File name: (enter a filename, or device such
as LPT1 to go directly to a
printer)
The table generated now resides in the file specified, or is
printing. STATION
Pull-down menu
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Modules DES-Init DES-Edit DES-Draw DES-I/O DES-Anot DES-Sta DES-Surv│
└────────────────────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────┤
│SETSTA Set up pline │
│KEYSTA Anot by station number│
│PICKSTA Anot by pick point │
└──────────────────────────────┘
Contents
SETSTA....................................................F2
KEYSTA....................................................F3
PICKSTA...................................................F4 SETSTA
This command assigns the block attribute needed to use
KEYSTA and PICKSTA. It attaches to the pline and records such
information as the station number at the beginning of the pline
and whether the stations increase or decrease from there.
MODULE: DES-STA
SYNTAX:
Command: SETSTA <enter>
Select pline to assign stationing:
(select a pline)
Beginning station, in real numbers:
(enter the beginning station
number, i.e.: 4200, not 42+00)
Does stationing Increase or Decrease from here? (I/D):
(enter "I" for Increase or "D" for
Decrease)
Angle of annotation: (enter an angle value)
There is now a station annotation at the beginning of the
pline, which also serves as the base for any further stationing
along the pline.
NOTE:
KEYSTA and PICKSTA are useless if you either, fail to
prepare a pline using SETSTA, delete the block created with
SETSTA, or ZOOM into an area in which the block created by SETSTA
is no longer visible.
KEYSTA
This command allows the user to find the location of a
station using only the station number.
MODULE: DES-STA
SYNTAX:
Command: KEYSTA <enter>
Station to set: (enter a number, real)
Select pline to station from:
(select a pline previously set up
with SETSTA.)
Angle of annotation: (enter an angle value)
prefix: (enter text to appear as a prefix)
suffix: (enter text to appear as a suffix)
There is now a station annotation on the pline chosen. PICKSTA
This command allows the user to find the station number by
picking a point. If the point is offset from the pline, then the
station nearest and perpendicular to the pline from the point
picked will be used to find the station number, but the point
will not change its offset location.
Command: PICKSTA <enter>
Get point or offset to station:
(pick a point)
Select pline to station from:
(pick a pline previously set up
with SETSTA.)
Angle of annotation: (enter an angle value)
prefix: (enter text to appear as a prefix)
suffix: (enter text to appear as a suffix)
There is now a station annotation at the point chosen. SURVEY
Pull-down menu
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Modules DES-Init DES-Edit DES-Draw DES-I/O DES-Anot DES-Sta DES-Surv│
└──────────────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────────────────┤
│PROTECT ON │
│PROTECT OFF │
│----------------------------------------│
│SETPT Set new pt and no │
│----------------------------------------│
│FIGPT Set pts along pline │
│DEFBLOV Define child block of pts │
│BLKOVER Single insert over parent block │
│BLKOVER Global insert over parent blocks│
│----------------------------------------│
│APNTON Generate nos for empty pts │
└────────────────────────────────────────┘
Contents
PROTECT...................................................G2
SETPT.....................................................G3
FIGPT.....................................................G4
DEFBLOV...................................................G5
BLKOVER...................................................G6
APNTON....................................................G7 PROTECT
Protects the coordinates of DESCAD created points when any
DESCAD command attempts to duplicate point numbers.
MODULE: DES-SURV
SYNTAX:
Command: PROTECT <enter>
ON/OFF: (ON to enable the protect mode, OFF
to disable it)
(ON)- This option will completely disallow the duplication
of DESCAD points using DESCAD commands which already exist.
(OFF)- This option does not allow duplication of DESCAD
point numbers, but will instead move the existing point to the
coordinates of the point DESCAD is attempting to duplicate.
DESCAD will never actually create two points with the same
number.
The default value for PROTECT is ON.
NOTE:
While DESCAD is immune to creating duplicate points, many
AutoCAD commands are not. If you, for example, COPY a point
which DESCAD has created, by accident or otherwise, then there
will be two points with the same number in the drawing. This
corrupts the integrity of the original point, and the
consequences are unpredictable. It is good practice to freeze
all layers with the PT extension (??????PT, or *PT) when not
working with points. SETPT
Allows user to set a single DESCAD point in drawing.
MODULE: DES-SURV
SYNTAX:
Command: SETPT <enter>
Locate: (pick a point)
Point number: (enter a point number from the
keyboard. It is recommended that
you accept the default number
offered, unless you are sure you
want the point to be a different
number)
A new point will be created, and assigned a number. FIGPT
Allows the user to set non-DESCAD (unnumbered) points along
the vertices of a pline and at the center points of its arcs.
DESCAD will not put a point where one already exists, so, for
example, if the pline is an offset of another pline, and they
both have arcs, they will share the same center points. DESCAD
will not create duplicate points at those centers.
MODULE: DES-SURV
SYNTAX:
Command: FIGPT <enter>
Select object: (select a pline)
DESCAD will now set points into the drawing, describing the
pline chosen.
NOTE:
This command creates non-DESCAD (unnumbered) points. See
APNTON. DEFBLOV
Allows the user to create a block of points (or any other
entities) relating to another block in the drawing. Using
BLKOVER after DEFBLOV, the user can reinsert those points, and
they will automatically be inserted, scaled, and rotated to match
the parent block, either individually or globally.
MODULE: DES-SURV
SYNTAX:
Command: DEFBLOV <enter>
Select block: (select the parent block)
Window field: (pick two points, forming a window
around the points (or entities)
of which you wish to create a
child block. The parent block
will be automatically de-
selected.)
The entities will disappear, as they have become a block.
The name of the child block relates to the name of the parent
block, in the order they were created. i.e.: The first child
block of the parent block named "HOUSE" will be named "HOUSE-1",
and so on. BLKOVER
This command allows the user to reinsert the child blocks
created by DEFBLOV onto their original parent blocks. This can
be done either individually or globally, as needed. The child
blocks will insert exploded, scaled, and rotated. Also, they
will be at the exact point of insertion as the parent block.
MODULE: DES-SURV
SYNTAX:
Command: BLKOVER <enter>
Single/Automatic:
(Single)- Individual reinsertion.
(Automatic)- Global reinsertion.
Select block: (select the parent block)
"BLOCK-1" (may be displayed)
"BLOCK-2"
?>: (type one of the names displayed in
from the keyboard)
One or more of the child blocks will be overlaid onto the
appropriate parent block(s).
NOTE:
This command creates non-DESCAD (unnumbered) points. See
APNTON. APNTON
Allows the user to convert non-DESCAD (unnumbered) points
into DESCAD points, globally. It simply selects all unnumbered
points, then begins assigning them numbers sequentially beginning
with the highest unused number.
MODULE: DES-SURV
SYNTAX:
Command: APNTON <enter>
XX will be assigned numbers...beginning number X:
(Where X is the beginning point
number, you may enter a different
point number, or press <enter> to
accept the default)
The unnumbered points are now genuine DESCAD points. Check
some of the points to see exactly what numbers they were given
using LISTPT. Understanding the DESCAD manual
This page will demonstrate how to read the guidelines which
define and explain DESCAD commands. In this first paragraph, you
will get a brief explanation of the purpose and function of the
command. It tells you WHAT the command will do, WHY, and HOW.
MODULE: DES-MODULE
(This tells you which module the command is located in.
You need to select this from the pull-down menu in
order to load it.)
SYNTAX:
Command/Prompt: INPUT <enter>
(This prompt displayed (Commands are in CAPITALS
by AutoCAD is asking Function keys are in <brackets>
you for input) Instructions are in
(parenthesis))
Option1/Option2:
(Option1)- This is either the summary for the command and
the option you chose, or a heading to guide you to the next set
of options.
(Option2)-
Prompt: (see above)
This would be the final summary, possibly only related to
Option2; Option1 had its own summary because it had no more
options. However, you should always read the final summary.
Usually described here is where what should have occurred using
the DESCAD function, making it easier to determine if there were
any errors in the command's execution.
NOTE:
This is usually a warning or information on conditions of
the command, not directly associated with the command itself.
You may be referred elsewhere in the manual. (acres)....................A11
ALIOBJS.....................B7
ANOT........................E2
Annotation-ANOT
Set parameters...........E3
Repair...................E5
Figure...................E7
Curve....................E8
Tangent..................E9
APNTON......................G7
(arc)......................A12
Area, conversion to acres..A11
ASCII
export point file........D2
external notes...........A4
import point file........D3
import file as text......D4
Backup, disks.......STARTING i
BLKOVER.....................G6
Blocks, points and.......G5-G6
Configure
AutoCAD.........STARTING ii
Coordinates
returning arc end.......A12
returning DESCAD........A13
COPYLAY.....................B5
Decimal places.........FACTS i
DEFBLOV.....................G5
DIMSCALE...............FACTS i
DIMTXT.................FACTS i
Drawing
control..................A1
default.........STARTING ii
DXF
codes....................B2
matching values..........B3
substituting values......B2
DXFSUB......................B2
EXPORT......................D2
FIGPT.......................G4
FLOW (lines)................C3
IMPORT......................D3
Install DESCAD......STARTING i
KEYSTA......................F3
LABELV......................C6
LABPAD......................C7
LAYENT......................A6
Layer
by entity................A6
copy entity to...........B5
offset entity to.........B6
stepping through.........A7
thaw w/o regen..........B10
LAYSTEP.....................A7
LISTPT......................A9
LOCPT.......................A8
Manual, understanding
.................APPENDIX I
MATCH.......................B3
MPLINE......................B9
NORTH (arrow)...............C2
NOTES.......................A4
OFFLAY......................B6
Paper, size of..............A5
PICKSTA.....................F4
PLINE
align entity(s) to.......B7
make from lines/arcs.....B9
points, and..............G4
re-increment.............B8
ticks....................C4
PLTPT.......................C5
Points
blocks, and...........G5-G6
elevation, lot...........C7
elevation, tag...........C6
export ASCII file........D2
import ASCII file........D3
listing number of........A9
locating DESCAD..........A8
numbering, info.....FACTS i
numbering, new points....G7
plines, and..............G4
plot in drawing..........C5
protection...............G2
setting...............G3-G7
thickness...........FACTS i
PROTECT.....................G2
QTHAW......................B10
Quadrants...................C5
RETALI......................A2
Scale, drawing.........FACTS i
SCALES......................A5
SETALI......................A3
SETPT.......................G3
SETSTA......................F2
STAMP......................A10
Stationing
find point w/station.....F3
find station w/point.....F4
PLINE preparation........F2
TABLE......................E10
Tables
annotate lines/arcs......E3
out to device/file......E10
Text
good habits..............B4
import from ASCII file...D4
reading right/up.........B4
size of.............FACTS i
TEXTRITE....................B4
TICKFIG (pline ticks).......C4
UNITS..................FACTS i
View
rotated...............A2-A3
(#)........................A13
