Default SMD settings

And along those same lines...

Every time a new item is created the cursor has to be placed in the feature name box. As I recall from my programming days it is a simple matter to place the focus (cursor) in the default location when the dialog box opens. One less step for the user multiplied by hundreds of times....

 Gary E.

As you have found, setting up a new SMD file can be a laborious process.  Here are some hints:

First, create features with the following names: (DEFAULT_POINT, DEFAULT_LINE, DEFAULT_CURVE, DEFAULT_SPIRAL, DEFAULT_PARCEL, DEFAULT_CHAIN)  You need these anyway.  If you create an element without a feature or an invalid feature then these DEFAULT setttings are what is used.

 Also, instead of creating a new feature type, just copy one of these defaults.  (on the SMD menu go to Edit > Copy)  This will help a little. 

Another idea is once these defaults are created export your SMD to an ASCII file.  Then using a text editor you can copy/paste the default items and then edit to copy.  Many users find the ASCII manipulation quicker than using the SMD interfce.  Once completed you can import the ASCII back into a new SMD file. 

Thanks for your reply Robert, I'll give your recommendations a try.

Since it is so much easier and quicker to create these using Land Desktop or Civil 3D is there any way to import the description keys from there? Some where I saw an MDL app mentioned that would do this but at the time thought I did not need it, any idea where that app is?

 Since you did not mention changing things like all the points text size en mass, just individually, I assume that is not an option also?

Thanks!

Gary E.

I have not done what you are trying to do but as a straddler bewteen Land Desktop and Power Civil it may help to know that the Desckeys in Land are stored in an Access format MDB file which I believe can be imported into an SMD file. You may find a way to utilize that bridge.

Thanks Neil,

It will probably be easier overall just to spend the two minutes importing points/making the edits in LDD/C3D, exporting to autocad and reopening in PC.

Have been following your odyssey with the 2 programs for some time now.....

Gary E.