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, . Type INSTALL . 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 a second time) From the next menu, choose: 8. Configure operating parameters From the next menu, choose: 2. Initial drawing setup Now, type DESCAD . Press 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 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 쿘odules DES-Init DES-Edit DES-Draw DES-I/O DES-Anot DES-Sta DES-Surv� 읕컴컴컴컫컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴쩡컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 쿝ETALI Restore view � 쿞ETALI Rotate view � �----------------------------------� 쿙OTES Display external notes � 쿙OTES Edit external notes � 쿞CALES Window � 쿞CALES Extents � �----------------------------------� 쿗AYENT Change layer by entity � 쿗AYSTEP Go to next layer � �----------------------------------� 쿗OCPT Locate pt visually � 쿗ISTPT List DESCAD pt no � �----------------------------------� �(acres) Convert last are to acres � �(arc) Coords of arc endpt � �(#) Coords of DESCAD pt no � �----------------------------------� 쿟EXTED Text editor � �----------------------------------� 쿞TAMP Current date/time/dwg name� 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴켸 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 (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) 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) 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: (#) 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 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 쿘odules DES-Init DES-Edit DES-Draw DES-I/O DES-Anot DES-Sta DES-Surv� 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컫컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컫컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 쿏XFSUB Substitute DXF values � 쿘ATCH Entity DXF values � 쿟EXTRITE Text read right/up � �---------------------------------� 쿎OPYLAY Copy to layer � 쿚FFLAY Offset to layer � �---------------------------------� 쿌LIOBJS Align objects to pline � 쿔NCPOLY Re-increment pline � 쿘PLINE Make pline of lines/arcs� �---------------------------------� 쿜THAW Quick layer thaw � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 쿘odules DES-Init DES-Edit DES-Draw DES-I/O DES-Anot DES-Sta DES-Surv� 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컫컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴쩡컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 쿙ORTH Arrow � 쿑LOW Lines � 쿟ICKFIG Tick-mark pline � �--------------------------� 쿛LTPT Plot points in DWG� �--------------------------� 쿗ABELV Tag pt elev � 쿗ABPAD Label pad elev � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴켸 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 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 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 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 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 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 Point number/: (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 Point number/: (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 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 쿘odules DES-Init DES-Edit DES-Draw DES-I/O DES-Anot DES-Sta DES-Surv� 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컫컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컫컴컴컴컴컴� 쿔MPORT Coordinate file � 쿐XPORT Coordinate file � �-------------------------� 쿟EXTIN Import ASCII file� 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 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 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 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 Center/Middle/Right/: (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 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 쿘odules DES-Init DES-Edit DES-Draw DES-I/O DES-Anot DES-Sta DES-Surv� 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴쩡컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 쿌NOT Set parameters � 쿌NOT Repair changed line/arc� 쿌NOT Figure � 쿌NOT Tangent � 쿌NOT Curve � �-------------------------------� 쿟ABLE Generate table � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 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 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 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 Set parameters/Repair/Figure/Curve/Tangent: Repair Curve/Tangent: (Curve)- 3-point curve : (pick an arc, or press and you will be prompted to pick three points which ANOT will use to create an arc and then annotate it.) ()- ()- Three point prompts. (may be option)- Curve number: (enter a number, integer) (ANOT Repair continued) (Tangent)- Point to point : (pick a line, or press and you will be prompted to pick two points which ANOT will use to create a line and annotate it.) ()- 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 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 Set parameters/Repair/Figure/Curve/Tangent: Curve 3-point curve : (pick an arc, or press and you will be prompted to pick three points which ANOT will use to create an arc and annotate it.) ()- ()- 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 Set parameters/Repair/Figure/Curve/Tangent: Tangent Point to point : (pick a line, or press and you will be prompted for two points which ANOT will use to create a line and annotate it.) ()- ()- 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 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 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 쿘odules DES-Init DES-Edit DES-Draw DES-I/O DES-Anot DES-Sta DES-Surv� 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컫컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 쿞ETSTA Set up pline � 쿖EYSTA Anot by station number� 쿛ICKSTA Anot by pick point � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴켸 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 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 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 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 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 쿘odules DES-Init DES-Edit DES-Draw DES-I/O DES-Anot DES-Sta DES-Surv� 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컫컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 쿛ROTECT ON � 쿛ROTECT OFF � �----------------------------------------� 쿞ETPT Set new pt and no � �----------------------------------------� 쿑IGPT Set pts along pline � 쿏EFBLOV Define child block of pts � 쿍LKOVER Single insert over parent block � 쿍LKOVER Global insert over parent blocks� �----------------------------------------� 쿌PNTON Generate nos for empty pts � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴켸 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 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 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 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 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 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 XX will be assigned numbers...beginning number X: (Where X is the beginning point number, you may enter a different point number, or press 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 (This prompt displayed (Commands are in CAPITALS by AutoCAD is asking Function keys are in 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