Data Extraction

[matt.wagner]

I would love the ability to extract data from our dynamic blocks into a table within AutoCAD LT 2009. The ability to extract to an .xml file is there, but it does us no good. Why isn't it possible to stay within the program?

Thanks

[Norton_cad]

I havn't got LT installed, but the attribute extraction should work.
The best one to use is the drop down menu item from Tools, called "Data Extraction".
this opens a wizard that takes you through the steps to create a table or excel file.
Other legacy ones were "Attext" and "Battman", and I remember that "Atttext" one definatly works on LT, as I designed a door schedule for LT 95 a few years ago.
Give us a sample CAD file of the Dynamic blocks. Maybe the values you want, need to be defined to an attribute first. Then you can do an extraction?
Your thoughts?

[matt.wagner]

Mark,

I might be wrong, but I spoke with several different people on this issue. The CAD Department of a local college as well as directly with Kate @ Autodesk. Both told me that LT was only capable of extracting to an .xml file. If you would like, I can send you the door dynamic block that we were working with to see if that is the problem.

Thanks
Matt

[Norton_cad]

Well I know for a fact that you can extract a comma or space delimited file, that you can import into any data base system such as excel in AutoCAD LT.
Also you can download XML editors that will convert to an excel document. Have a look at this web site. http://www.xmlfox.com/
Send me the dynamic block anyway. I'm curious.

[matt.wagner]

Mark,

I know that LT will perform extractions to Excel and to an XML file. But what I'm trying to accomplish is to extract the data from a block directly to a table within AutoCAD. And have the ability to have it easily updated (i.e. door, window, and room finish schedules). To have to extract the data to an xml file and reload it back into AutoCAD everytime I make a change, is somewhat redundant in my opinion. I attached the block for you to take a look at.

Thanks for your time on this issue.

Matt

[holy.works01]

I'm facing the same issue...Can you help me ?

[Norton_cad]

I'll have look in the office on monday, but from what you descibe it sounds doable...

[Norton_cad]

Amended file attached with Table data extraction, and DXE template file.

The DXEVAL system variable is set to 12 (default), and the table if it needs updating, select the table with a right mouse click, and select Update data extraction. I used to have this happen automatically on a regenall for 2007, but that dosn't happen now with vanilla 2009.

Enjoy!