Figure Command Examples
I mentioned in a previous post that linework commands, also known as figure commands, have changed dramatically for Civil 3D 2010. These are some of the possibilities:
Import ASCII File With Figure Commands
A simple text file (e.g. PNEZD comma delimited) can now be modified to contain figure commands, and imported to the survey database. In the past, we called this special file a “User-Defined ASCII file” and we converted it to an “Autodesk-Softdesk FBK with Linework” using Survey Link. This is no longer necessary, you can directly import the text file.
One Point, Two Descriptions
A single point can have two descriptions, such as the case when a power pole meets with an overhead electric line, or the back of curb meets the edge of a sidewalk.
Two Different Descriptions, Create Figure Between
A single point can be connected to any other point – even if the descriptions don’t match:
10,5390.9371,5248.2997,0.00,CL1 (start a line CL1)
11,5374.9371,5248.2997,0.00,BOC2 BC (any shot taken from anyplace)
12,5390.9371,5284.2997,0.00,CL1 B CL2 CPN10 (continue the line along CL1 and begin CL2. Connect this point to point number 10 with a figure)
Points Don’t Need To Be Collected In Numerical Order
Points can now be collected out of order, so to speak, and a line can be properly drawn. For example, on a combination of shots that includes a PC, a POC, and a PT, the POC can actually be shot first:
15,5374.9371,5320.2997,0.00,BOC3 / (take the shot at a POC and escape)
16,5374.9371,5368.6031,0.00,BOC3 RPN15 BC (shoot PC and begin curve, recall point 15 as a POC)
17,5390.9371,5368.6031,0.00,CL1
18,5406.9371,5368.6031,0.00,BOC1
19,5369.0793,5262.4419,0.00,BOC2
20,5369.0793,5306.1576,0.00,BOC3 (PT of curve)
21,5354.9371,5300.2997,0.00,BOC3 (end of figure tangent to curve)
B or BEG Not Necessary To Begin Linework
Either as part of a description (the SDR33 method), or part of a note (the TDS method) – you do NOT need to begin a line with a B or BEG. Simply create a figure prefix in the figure prefix database (e.g. CL or BC, etc.) and Civil 3D will automatically draw a figure for you. As shown below, power poles are not part of a figure, but overhead electric lines are. Therefore, create a OE figure prefix, but don’t create a PP prefix, Civil 3D will handle it properly (notice two descriptions for the same point):
35,5361.1258,5085.0737,-99999,PP OE
36,5361.1258,5153.3914,-99999,OE
37,5361.1258,5221.7092,-99999,OE
38,5361.1258,5290.0269,-99999,OE
39,5361.1258,5358.3447,-99999,OE
40,5361.1258,5426.6624,-99999,PP OE
Again, you can still use the commands you’re used to, you just no longer need to.
Create Offset Figures
Horizontal and vertical offsets can be created in the field:
15,5374.9371,5320.2997,0.00,BOC3 / (midpoint of curve shot first – escape, don’t start a line yet)
16,5374.9371,5368.6031,0.00,BOC3 H0.5 H2 RPN15 BC (shoot PC, Civil 3D sees the second BOC3 code and starts the figure here instead of point 15- offsetting the figure 0.5′ and again at 2 feet as it is created, the BC command denotes the figure will be a 3 point curve)
17,5390.9371,5368.6031,0.00,CL1
18,5406.9371,5368.6031,0.00,BOC1
19,5369.0793,5262.4419,0.00,BOC2
20,5369.0793,5306.1576,0.00,BOC3 (last point, or PT of the curve)
21,5354.9371,5300.2997,0.00,BOC3 (creates a line tangent to the curve)
Use Description Keys To Filter Out Commands
Description keys can be used to filter long descriptions, i.e. enter a code of BOC* with a format of BOC (the raw description), and for each BOC shot, regardless of the complexity of the figure commands, the full description will be denoted in the drawing.
Not Necessary To Shoot Each Corner Of A Building
Draw the entire outline of a building with 2 shots and a tape measure:
33,5354.5468,5196.9490,0.00,BLDG
34,5354.5468,5246.9490,0.00,BLDG RT 25 25 -30 25 (RT for right turn, the minus sign is a minus right turn – which is effectively a left turn)
And maybe I’ve saved the best for last: The figure commands I’ve shown above? Those are the defaults. You can create your own commands by modifying the Linework Code Sets Database. And as a reminder, these commands can be used in a description – so whether the resultant file is a text file exported from a data collector, a LandXML file exported from a data collector, or a fieldbook created in any number of ways, is of no consequence.
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