AutoCAD Import Dialog

(This functionality is available with the Input / Output module)

This dialog appears after selecting the Import/Survey and CAD Systems menu from the Data Conversions task, and importing an AutoCAD file.

As well as controlling the import scale, this dialog allows the user to control how AutoCAD blocks are to be handled when imported.

The user can also control whether data in AutoCAD paper space is to be imported. Paper Space is defined as the collection of Layouts in the file.

AutoCAD blocks can be:

The dialog enables segmentation of polylines and lightweight polylines into individual line segments. Also polygons can be created from these lines if they are from a closed figure.

AutoCAD Import dialog box

Item Used to
Units: Displays the units that the AutoCAD incoming data is based upon as read from the AutoCAD file's Insertion Units. (Default is "Unknown" if units are unknown to LISCAD)
Factor: Displays the scale factor to be applied to the AutoCAD incoming data, based upon the units read from the AutoCAD file and the LISCAD unit settings. (Default is 1.0 if units are unknown to LISCAD)
Explode All: Select to explode all AutoCAD blocks.
Explode if not matched to a symbol: Default) Select to explode blocks which do not match existing LISCAD symbols.
Treat all as points: Select this to ignore block definitions and treat each inserted block as a point.
Segment Line Strings: Checking this segments polylines and lightweight polylines into individual line segments.
Form Polygons from Closed Polylines: Check this to automatically create polygons from closed polylines.
Form lines from complex Polylines: Check this to automatically create lines from complex polylines; otherwise their individual components will be imported (arcs, splines, lines).
Segments for Extruded Objects: Enter the number of spline segments desired for extruded objects.
Import Paper Space Data: Check this to import data in Paper Space Layouts.
OK: Closes the dialog and continues with the import process.
Cancel: Closes the dialog and cancels the import process.

Notes:

  1. Some mathematical objects cannot be drawn in their original form as they lie on a plane other than the X_Y plane. When imported into LISCAD these objects are converted to splines as they are projected onto LISCAD's Plan view. Extruded Arcs and Circles will be converted in this manner. AutoCAD Ellipses will always be converted to a spline. The number of segments entered, defines the number of segments in the resulting splines.
  2. On import, AutoCAD block names are matched with all symbols available in all LISCAD symbol libraries residing in the User folder. As well, a lookup file may be used to match the AutoCAD block name to a suitable LISCAD symbol.
  3. On import, all AutoCAD line style names are matched with all line styles available in all LISCAD line style libraries residing in the User folder. As well, a lookup file may be used to match the AutoCAD line style name to a suitable LISCAD line style.