Blocks, Databases and Tables

[WeirdOne]

I have a block with multiple attributes that needs to be maintained by an external database. Right now we export attribute information onto txts, edit these and push the data back on. It lives in Access/Excel land right now, but that’s another can of worms… It’s crude, but does the job well enough for the time being. (I have to pick my battles, databases are not my strong suit so it’ll be a battle for another day). I also have 12 dwgs that have to be maintained with this same database (right now we split the database into 12 separate entities)

What I REALLY need help on is to make tables for each of the 12 dwgs, indicating the content counts of the blocks from within each drawing. Sounds easy enough to use EATTEXT right? Except I don’t just want totals of specific attribute characteristics….

I need to have the table provide subtotals of some of the attribute information, i.e. I have groups, subgroups and categories within the subgroups. The categories need to be subtotaled, and then a total of the subgroup at the end, e.g. if the table is for party favors, if the subgroup is balloons, the categories could be red, green, blue. I need the table to show the number of balloons by color, but also the total number of balloons. Similarly, there will be multiple subgroups with the same color attribute divisions (e.g. confetti, streamers, tablecloths, ribbon) – i.e. the colors would therefore have to be indicated in the block attribute somehow.

So right now I’m at a quandary, I know my block (and attributes) will need to be set up and redefined to make this work the best – I’ll do whatever it takes to automate this part. So what’s the best way – I assume it’ll be either for the block to have 3 attributes requiring a mark (asterisk/tick) to indicate the need to add it to the total, or as a word defining generator within the attribute (say the attribute prompts COLOR: and the response choices are either red, green or blue). And how do I set the table up? – I assume it’ll be using fields.

I suspect the key words in my quest to sort this out are: fields, table, database, link

Hoping to hear some good feedback. Its my first newbie post – and a mouthful. Apologies to all, but I hope I can get some help on this. Thanks

[Mike.Perry]

Hi "wtang" ( Sorry, I do not know your real name )

Please note I have *moved* this thread from the AutoCAD General (http://forums.augi.com/forumdisplay.php?f=120) forum to this one...

Why? - As far as I can make out, your request mainly revolves around the use of AutoCAD Tables.

If I have this wrong, please let me know. I will then happily correct the action I have taken.

Thanks, Mike

Forum Moderator

[Mike.Perry]

Hi

For starters you could try plugging the following into the forum search (http://forums.augi.com/search.php?) facility ( hint - initially at least, limit your search to this forum ie AutoCAD Tables (http://forums.augi.com/forumdisplay.php?f=199) )...

Key Word(s): *Block*

*Attribute*

EAttExt

Have a good one, Mike

[Mike.Perry]

Hi

Plus, maybe plug the following search criteria into the AutoCAD Fields (http://forums.augi.com/forumdisplay.php?f=53) forum...

Key Word(s): *Table*

Have a good one, Mike

[RobertB]

Personally, I would use the database to generate the report, since that's one of the reasons to use a database (reporting), and then import the information into AutoCAD. I don't think you will get all you want from EAttExt.

[WeirdOne]

In an ideal situation, I agree with you - the database should be generating and pushing the envelope - however, I'm not in control of that end of the info. So right now the intent is to run it as smart as I can with what I'm in control of (ie dwgs). There's got to be a way that eliminates the aspects of manual keying in through setting up the block/table more intelligently... w

[WeirdOne]

oops - more info - I'm using Map 2006... possibly functionality is better through this platform??

[Mike.Perry]

oops - more info - I'm using Map 2006... possibly functionality is better through this platform??Hi

Would you like me to move this thread to the Map 3D General (http://forums.augi.com/forumdisplay.php?f=70) forum, and see what Map 3D users have to say...

Thanks, Mike

Forum Moderator

[WeirdOne]

might as well give it a go... Thanks Mike

[Mike.Perry]

might as well give it a go... Thanks MikeHi "wtang" ( Sorry, I do not know your real name )

Done.

Thread moved from the AutoCAD Tables (http://forums.augi.com/forumdisplay.php?f=199) forum to this one, as per your request.

No worries... and good luck.

:beer: Mike

[Jmurphy]

Man did this thread ever confuse me. From AutoCAD General forum to Tables now on the MAP forum was not enough on a Monday but the OP's location as NY, Australia. That's one heck of a commute each day to work. :)

Can you post a copy of your block and maybe part of one of the 12 dwgs and let us see what you have to work with. Also I take it you basically need to know the total counts of parities you have, the total number of balloons and the number of red balloons.

[WeirdOne]

Apologies for the slow reply - that commute really gets to you... ;)

OK, so this is one of the drawings - I was trying to talk more generically (using the party favors examples) so it wasn't so specific to my project job, but its just too hard to explain or set up any other way.

In the test dwg.zip the table on the right is from attribute extract. If you update the table the formatting will change. The table on the left is what I'm trying to get from the blocks (included). I manually created that table and used the Sum Formula in a Field. Bottom line is I still have to update the table independently of the blocks. Looking forward to your input...

[Jmurphy]

Ok I messed around with what you provided and Map can do it some but it would take a lot of attached dwgs and different report queries then you still have to use a database to create the tables like you want them. Now if there was a way to connect Crystal Reports to AutoCAD this might be doable a little quicker but as I see it now the only options are the way you are doing it now. Sorry.

[WeirdOne]

What are the added functions to running Crystal Reports vs. other database programs within AutoCAD (or Autodesk Map)? Right now I believe Access is being used (but not linked intelligently and intuitively to the dwgs - its a manual add-on process), and we have also explored the possibilities of SQL/Oracle. I believe Access is only linked to the corresponding databases SAP or Peoplesoft and goodness knows what else, but as I mentioned before, I'm not fluent on the data end of connectivity - I think I might have to get more conversant in it...

[Jmurphy]

What are the added functions to running Crystal Reports vs. other database programs within AutoCAD (or Autodesk Map)? Right now I believe Access is being used (but not linked intelligently and intuitively to the dwgs - its a manual add-on process), and we have also explored the possibilities of SQL/Oracle. I believe Access is only linked to the corresponding databases SAP or Peoplesoft and goodness knows what else, but as I mentioned before, I'm not fluent on the data end of connectivity - I think I might have to get more conversant in it...
Crystal Reports is not a database program, it's more of a data base query tool. It allows you to create a query across many files and sort and tally the results in different ways. It allows you to save the report templates and run updates like reports in MS Access. ESRI GIS uses it. I haven't used it much and it's been a while but that sounds like what you would need and some way to link it to dwg files.