p. 1
L AND4
p. 2
All rights to this product belong to Land Software A/S.
Information about the product can be obtained from Land Software A/S.
This manual has been typeset using Garamond and Futura.
Land Software A/S makes no warranty, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to any implied
warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, regarding these materials and makes such
materials available solely as an "as is" basis. In no event shal Land Software A/S be liable to anyone for special,
collateral, incidental, or consequential damages in connection with or arising out of the purchase or use of these
materials. Land Software A/S reserves the right to revise and improve its products as it sees fit. This product
describes the state of the product at the time of publication, and may not reflect the product at all times
in the future.
/DQG6RIWZDUH$6
+MXOPDJHUYHM'
DK - 7100 Vejle
tel. +45 35 25 15 13
mobile: +45 26 16 67 02
www.landsoftware.dk
p. 3
Abbreviations:
PD = Pull-down menu
TB = Toolbar
( ) = Explanatory remark
-> = Go to the next command.
E.g. PD Land4 -> Tools -> Area (this chooses the Area dialog box from the pull-down menu)
All commands are in italics, and typed commands are in bold as well, e.g.
Command: menu (command procedure, where menu has to be written on the command line).
p. 4
Foreword p. 5
Land4 is an AutoCad© application developed as a design tool for the building sector.
Land4 helps designers to produce drawings of very high quality.
The key focus when developing our product has been on making it easy and fast to
produce drawings and link information to them, and to make the program so userfriendly as possible making it easier to follow standards. The simple user interface
ensures that the end product - the printed drawing - is high quality. Land makes it
possible to work precisely with your drawings, and gives you full freedom to make
them look the way you want them to.
Land uses a logical way to access the layer structure. You no longer have to remember
codes for each layer. The layers are used to establish a number of predefined formats,
which take care of setting all the different variables, with the fewest possible keystrokes. You will find this makes for better ergonomics and faster and better quality
drawings.
Using Land4, all quanitities can be calculated and linked to the drawing via Areas,
Pieces and Lengths. All amounts can be illustrated, calculated and extracted from the
drawing for further processing, e.g. in a spreadsheet
Land4 has a flexibility which makes it well suited to both small projects, and large
projects involving many disciplines. It provides you with a professional design tool.
This manual contains a complete guide to Land4, and topics which are relevant to
daily use of the program.
Enjoy!
p. 6
p. 7
Chapter 1: The drawing environment ................................................ Section 1 9
Land4 Pull-down menu ..................................................................Section 1 13
Toolbar..........................................................................................Section 1 17
Chapter 2: Basic functions .............................................................. Section 1 19
Configuration ................................................................................Section 1 21
Layer structures ..............................................................................Section 1 24
Using the layer structure .................................................................Section 1 26
Drawing formats ............................................................................Section 1 31
Library ..........................................................................................Section 1 38
Colour and pen settings .................................................................Section 1 41
Land commands ............................................................................Section 1 44
AutoCAD commands .....................................................................Section 1 50
AutoCAD variables ........................................................................Section 1 53
Chapter 3: How to.......................................................................... Section 1 55
Organising a new project ...............................................................Section 1 56
Creating a new drawing.................................................................Section 1 57
Creating new layers .......................................................................Section 1 57
Drawing ........................................................................................Section 1 57
Hatching .......................................................................................Section 1 58
Dimensions ...................................................................................Section 1 59
Examples of hatching .....................................................................Section 1 60
Levels ............................................................................................Section 1 63
Labelling .......................................................................................Section 1 68
Inserting blocks, xrefs, images and OLE objects ...............................Section 1 69
Calculating quantities.....................................................................Section 1 73
Chapter 4: Tools ............................................................................. Section 1 77
Spatial requirements ......................................................................Section 1 78
Areas ............................................................................................Section 1 79
Pieces............................................................................................Section 1 82
Lengths .........................................................................................Section 1 86
Quicksurf ......................................................................................Section 1 88
Translate colours............................................................................Section 1 92
Save a description of the layers.......................................................Section 1 92
Chapter 5: Useful functions............................................................. Section 1 93
Upgrading to the latest ibb standard...............................................Section 1 95
Editing z-coordinates in the surveyor‘s base.....................................Section 1 95
Translating formats from landibb to ibb...........................................Section 1 96
Restoring a drawing .......................................................................Section 1 96
From base drawing to a usable drawing .........................................Section 1 97
Production lists for curved steel edges .............................................Section 1 98
Extracting a coordinate list from a drawing......................................Section 1 98
Block variations ...........................................................................Section 1 100
Index ............................................................................................ Section 1 101
p. 8
p. 9
Chapter 1: The drawing environment
p. 10
Land4 workspace p. 11
The Land4 Drawing environment
Land4 is a plug-in module for AutoCAD. The only change Land4 makes to the
standard AutoCAD user interface is to add an extra pull-down menu and an extra
toolbar. All commands are called from the pull-down menu and the toolbar.
Once Land has been installed, the Land4 toolbar and menu is called up using Command:Land. This places the toolbar on the screen and the pull-down menu on the
far right. Use this command should the pull-down menu or toolbar disappear.
Unknown command message
If AutoCAD returns Unknown command, Land needs to be reinstalled. See the CD
cover for installation instructions.
The user interface after Land4 has been correctly installed,.
p. 12 Pull-down menu
Pull-down menu p. 13
Land4 Pull-down menu
The Land4 pull-down menu is placed tothe far right. Should the pull-down menu
disappears, type Command:Land, and the pull-down menu will reappear.
Remember that Land4 needs time to load during startup, so don’t use the ESC
key during startup. If the Land4 pull-down menu is not loaded, the drawing must
be reloaded.
Configuration
Toolbar and library
Drawing formats, plotting and generating layers
Managing layers via the layer index.
Layer management, creating specific layers.
Inserting xrefs, blocks and images
Labelling, dimensions and levels
Printing and tools
The Land4 pull-down menu contains the following selections:
Help
Here you will find Internet addresses, email address for
support, registration details etc.
Configure
Configure is one of the key elements in Land4. Select
Configure to set up Units, Standard layers, Text standards,
etc. See configuration section on p. 21 for more details.
Toolbar
Loads the Land4‘s toolbar.
p. 14 Pull-down menu
Library
Opens the Library dialog box. The library is used to store
standard drawings, for example, drawing headers, symbols,
etc. Libraries can be stored on a the network server enabling several users touse the libraries at the same time.
Note. The network speed must be at least 10 Mbits. See
section, “Library” on p. 38.
Drawing formats
Drawing formats are used while drawing and to change
existing objects. See the section on drawing.
I1, I2, I3, I4, I5
Manages layer indexes 1 to 5. These selections are part of
Land4‘s layer management and are used to manipulate layers. See the section “Using the layer structure” on p. 26.
I1-5
Manages the layers created using these indexes. Allows you
to choose a new specific layer.
Xref
Under the Xref menu there are functions for inserting,
editing etc. If you insert using the menu, the xref will be
inserted in the correct layer. See p. 71.
Image
The Image menu provides functions for inserting, cropping
etc. If you insert using the menu, the image will be inserted
in the correct layer. See p. 72.
Block
The Block menu selctions are used for inserting, cropping
etc. If you insert using the menu, the block will be inserted
in the correct layer. See p. 69.
Text
The Text menu provides various text selections.
Dimension
The Dimension menu provides various dimension functions.
Levels
The Levels menu provides various levels selectiond. See
section, “Levels”, on p. 63.
Paperspace
Provides functions for handling drawings in paperspace.
Pull-down menu p. 15
Tools
There are a number of useful tools available from this
selection. These tools can also be accessed via the toolbars
“t-buttons”.
p. 16 Toolbar
Toolbar p. 17
Toolbar
fig. 1. Right-click on the
toolbar and you can select
the other toolbars.
The Land4 toolbar provides access to a number of sub-toolbars.
The sub-toolbars can be called up in two ways: by clicking on the button and holding it for two seconds, or by right-clicking anywhere on the toolbar, so that the
toolbar menu (fig. 1) is displayed. Then choose the toolbar you want displayed. You
might call up a toolbar, when, for example, you need to place text on a drawing
etc. In order to prevent screen clutter, you should have as few toolbars as possible
visible. Click on the cross in the top right corner to close the toolbar when you
have finished with it.
To customize the toolbar to suit your needs, choose Customize (fig. 1). The Customize
function allows you to move the buttons around, making frequently used buttons
accessible and removing those seldom used.
- Type Command : Land to load the toolbar.
- Hold buttons with an arrow in the low right corner in for two seconds. You can
then choose extra commands.
- Place the mouse pointer over a button to display a brief description of the button.
- Right-click on the Land toolbar to call up the other toolbars.
Move object to layer
Isolate layer
Drawingformats
Point&Draw
Change layer
Off
List layers
Move object to another layer
Pen to layer
Text
Levels
Dimension
Insert block
Library
Tools
p. 18 Toolbar
Off
Freeze
Configure text
Scale dimension
Rotate text
Dimension
Lock
Mtext
Scale text
Rotate dimension
Unlock
Dtext
Edit text
Configure dimension
Level
Edit level
Insert xref
Insert block
Scale level
Configure level
Rotate level
Interpolate level
Insert image
Levels with z-coordinate
Scale block
Z-coordinate
All hatching to back
Translate colours
Scatter block
Rotate block
Linescale
Perspective
Gradient arrow
Text size
Lengths
Break2
Coordinates
Pieces
Break1
Brackets around level
Areas
Spline
Remove level brackets
Spatial requirements
Decurve
Level in direction of gradient
p. 19
Chapter 2: Basic functions
p. 20
Configuration p. 21
Configuration
The configuration menu contains settings that control how Land functions, e.g.
text sizes, layers, drawing units, and the language used. Land is supplied with a
default configuration.
The configuration can be changed with your own settings.
Import config.
Using a standard file browser you can select a previously
saved configuration. Filename: *.lcf.
Export config.
Using a standard file browser you can save the current configuration. Land automatically exports to the user library.
Filename: *.lcf.
Reset config.
This function returns Land4 to the default settings.
Display config.
Displays a complete list of the current Land4 settings. See
p. 23.
Configure units
Allows you to configure drawing units. Drawing units have
to be correctly set, otherwise text will scale incorrectly and
areas will be calculated incorrectly.
Configure layers
Allows you to configure your choice of layer structure. See
the next page.
Configure language
Allows you to choose language.
PD Land4 -> Configure
Configure levels, Configure text and Configure dimensions are explained in chapter
3: Drawing using Land.
p. 22 Configure layers
“Configure layers” dialog box
Layer standard:
Allows you to choose which layer standard should be used.
See “Layer structure”, p. 24.
Colour standard:
Choose the colour standard. See “Colour and pen settings”,
p. 41-43.
This dialog box allows you to individually select which layer xrefs, blocks, images,
OLE objects, text, dimensions and levels should be inserted into. This means that
Land4 will automatically change to the chosen layer when the pull-down menu
and toolbar are used.
The principle is the same for all objects. If “Use layer” is not selected, the object
will be placed on the current layer. If “Use layer” is selected, you can click on the
“Layer” button to choose a layer using the “Create/choose a layer” dialog box.
See section “Using the layer structure” on p. 26.
Configure units p. 23
“Configure units” dialog box
Configure units
This dialog box is used to set the units used, for example, to
ensure correct text sizes and measurement units are used.
Display configuration Displays the configuration on the command line. Below is
an extract from the configuration display.
Configuration display for Land:
LAND version4.01
Path C:\LAND4\PROGRAM\
Layer standard: LANDIBB
Colour/pen settings for layer:IBB01
Isolating layer with off
Insert blocks on layer:0
Insert xrefs on layer:L09-g-----Insert xrefs on ucs:WORLD
Insert images on layer:L09-g-----Unit in modelspace:MM
Unit in paperspace:MM
Unit for area:M2
Unit for volume:M3
etc...................
p. 24 Layer structures
Layer structures
One of the advantages of using Land4 is the good control over the layer structure
that it provides. Land4 aims to ensure that whatever layer structure you use, the
layers are accessed using logical language.
Land4‘s layer structure uses a model file as a basis for several drawing files.
In Land4 you can choose between four layer structures: Landibb, Ibb, SB11 and
DSFL.
Landibb
This layer structure uses a layer code with the following five independent indexes:
responsibility, group, info, scale and time. Thus the Landibb layer structure coding
looks like this:
Responsibility
x
pos 1
Group
xxxx
pos 2-5
Info
xx
pos 6-7
Time
xx
pos 8-9
Scale
xx
pos 10-11
The first seven positions belong to ibb, and the last four to Land4. All layers in a
project should, by definition, be able to be covered by this layer structure.
The principle behind the layer structure is to avoid repetitions in the data: the five
indexes are independent of each other, and five different types of information
can be linked to each layer. A layer might, for example, be an existing exterior wall
which has to be printed in 1:20. The layer can be changed to an exterior wall which
is being demolished by changing the index on the layer.
The code for a layer might look like this:
L80--B-T1MG
The logical description of the layer is:
Responsibility
L
Landscape architect
Group
80-Planting
BBoundaries
Info
T1
Planned
Time
Scale
MG
1:200
Thus the full description of the layer becomes: Landscape architect Planting
Boundaries Planned 1:200
Layer structures p. 25
Ibb
Responsibility
x
pos 1
Group
xxxx
pos 2-5
Info
xx
pos 6-7
The same as Landibb, but without the time and scale indexes.
SB11
Responsibility
xx
pos 1-2
Object
xxxxxx
pos 3-8
Info
xx
pos 9-11
Time
x
pos 12
A Swedish layer structure which is very similar to Ibb’s structure in principle. However, the structure contains many more layers. SB11 is only available in Swedish.
DSFL
Responsibility
xxxx
pos 1-4
Object
xxxxxxxxx
pos 5-13
The code consists of only two independent indexes, a responsibility code and an
object code. The DSFL code has primarily been designed to be used for describing
surroundings. The code is well suited for describing both physical objects, such
as power cabinets, trees and antennas, and administrative boundaries, such as
building lines and local area development plan boundaries. DSFL is only avaible
in danish.
p. 26 Using the layer structure
Using the layer structure
Once the correct layer structure has been chosen, you need to start creating layers.
One of the fundamental things to be aware of when using Land4 is the distinction
between layers and indexes. An index might, for example, be T- for text in positions
6-7 of ibb’s layer structure. There might be several layers in the drawing which
contain T-. For example, L90—T-, Landscape architect General project Text, and
L40-T-, Landscape architect Attachment Text.
Land can also be used to thaw and freeze individual layers, objects and groups.
An index can be manipulated, for example, using on, off, freeze, thaw, colour and
linetype. For example, it is possible to give the “Text” index red colour throughout
the entire drawing. This would make both L90—T- and L40—T- red with a single
command.
- A layer name is a specific layer in a drawing.
- An index is part of a layer name.
Land4 can control both, either via the command line or the pull-down menu.
The Landibb structure will be used as an example below. The principle is the same
for the three other layer structures. By changing between the various indexes, it
is possible to create the layers needed, such that they can be accessed via logical
names.
I1
The responsibility code is set here, e.g. Landscape architect.
I2
The group or SFB code is selected here.
I3
The info code is selected here.
Using the layer structure p. 27
Index 1 is managed here
These are the options for the
chosen layer.
Index 2 is managed here
Index 3 is managed here
This is where specific layers are created and selected using the 3
indexes. Specific layers can also be selected here.
p. 28 Using the layer structure
“Layer index for disciplines” dialog box
Managing layer indexes
This dialog box appears different depending on which index and layer structure
is being used. All dialog boxes operate according to the same principles, as described below. When an index entry is manipulated, it affects all the layers which
contain that index. For example, all architect layers can be set to off in a drawing.
All functions performed on indexes affect both the drawings and their external
references.
Use
Changes to the selected index and creates a new layer.
Use on
Allocates the selected index to objects in the drawing. E.g.
all text items can be selected using a filter and allocated the
“Text” index.
Freeze and Thaw
Freezes and thaws indexes. When a layer is frozen, the
drawing is quicker to regenerate.
Off and On
Turns the index off and on.
Lock and Unlock
Locks and unlocks indexes.
Using the layer structure p. 29
Pen
Pen allocates colour to an index. For example, all text in a
drawing can be allocated the colour red.
Copy
Copies objects to an index.
Select
Selects an index. It is possible, for example, to select all
text in a drawing, or all levels, etc.
Show favorits
If “Show favorits” is selected, the list only shows the index
selected as favorits. If “Show favorits” is not selected,, the
list shows all indexes and it’s possible to select favorits with
“Add to favorits”.
Add to favorits
If “Add to favorits” is selected, the selected index becomes
a favorit.
Try the following: Open a drawing which contains elements from several disciplines. Type Command: Off and type *. This function sets everything in the drawing to off. Then go into Index1
and set your own discipline to On. If the drawing has been set up correctly, only your work
should be visible.
Managing specific layers
In the menu item, I1-5, you can always see which layer was created last or last
used, using the format function.
The following functions are also available through this menu item:
PD Land4->I1-I5
Use...
This command changes to the layer shown.
Use on...
Moves the objects you select over onto the layer shown.
Freeze and Thaw
Thaws and freezes the layer shown.
Pen...
Allows you to chose which pen thickness is associated with
the layer. See the section, “Pen settings”, on p. 41.
Copy object(s) to...
Makes a copy of the selected objects and places the copy
on top of the original objects. The copy will be placed in
the layer shown.
Filter...
When making a selection, only the objects which lie in the
p. 30 Using the layer structure
The “Create/select layer” dialog box
The “Create/select layer” dialog box is used to change and create layers. The dialog
box is called up using Command: Layer. Note that this dialog box can take a long
time to open the first time it is used as the program has to analyse all existing layers
and sort the various indexes.
Existing layers
Contains a list of the existing layers in the drawing. Doubleclick on a layer to change to that layer.
Enter a new layer
Allows you to enter a new layer name.
Index
Allows you to select the various indexes in any desired
combination.
Pen/linetype
Allows you to select colour, thickness and linetype.
Drawing formats p. 31
Drawing formats
Put simply, the drawing format function is a type of macro function. That is, this
function allows a number of commands to be executed at once.
When you install Land4, it comes with a number of formats already set up. Every format contains information about layer, colour, linetype, text type, text size
and a preferred command. It is possible to create, delete and edit formats. Every
time you change a format, the changes are saved and reused next time you open
AutoCAD.
Here is an example which shows how much time is saved:
You want to draw a line using “Pline” in layer L40—g-, with colour 1 red, linetype
dotx2, and a line scale of 2.
Traditionally you would have to go into the layer dialog box, enter the layer, change
linetype, enter Current and then click OK. You would then have to set the linescale
to 2. Linetype and colour would have to be set to bylayer. Finally, the “Pline” command would have to be given. All up this requires 26 key strokes. The traditional
way of doing this is not ergonomic, and allows for 26 possible mistakes.
Using “Drawing formats” you only have to click twice, once on the toolbar “Drawing formats” button, and once on “Attachment boundary line”. Using “Drawing
formats” reduces the chance of mistakes and saves time.
“Drawing formats” can be called up using Command: Drawing formats or using
Command: DF.
The Landibb layer structure will be used as an example in what follows.
Note. The drawing formats are saved under the individual layer structures. This means that if you
change layer structure, you also change drawing formats - changes you have made to the standard
formats in one layer structure will not be reflected in any other layer structure.
How to use the “Drawing formats” dialog box:
Select a description in the main window, e.g. Revision cloud. Below the window
p. 32 Drawing formats
”Drawing formats” dialog box
you will now be able to see which properties this format has. For this example,
the following is displayed:
Description: Revision cloud
Layer: L09-R-I——, lineweight: 0.50, color: 7, linetype: continuous
Color : bylayer, lineweight: bylayer, linetype: bylayer
Linescale: 1, text size: 1.8 mm, text style: ——, command: cloud
Use
If you click on “Use”, the following happens: AutoCAD
creates layer L09-R-I—— with colour 7, and continuous
linetype and makes this layer current. Then the “Cloud”
command is started (a Land command which draws a revision cloud).
Use on
If you click on “Use on”, the objects selected receive the
Drawing formats p. 33
properties listed above.
Show favorits
If “Show favorits” is selected, the list only shows the
favorits and a simplified dialog. If “Show favorits” is not
selected,, the list shows all formats and it’s possible to select
favorits with “Add to favorits”.
Add to favorits
If “Add to favorits” is selected, the selected formats are
shown in favorits.
Scale
Selects which scale the drawn objects should be printed in.
If the scale is changed, all the text sizes are updated.
Set suffix
This function allows you to set a suffix on all the layers
which are created when you draw using formats. This could
be, for example, “stage 1”.
New
Creates a new format. First the “Create/select layer” dialog
box is displayed (see the section on layers). This allows you
to select or create the layer you wish to use. When you click
on OK, you will proceed to the next dialog box. See the
next page.
Copy
Makes a copy of the selected format and adds “+1” to the
format description. You can then edit the format, e.g. place
an extra index in the layer by going into Layer.
Remove
Advanced
Edit
Removes the selected formats.
Brings up the “Advanced” dialog box, see p. 36.
Brings up the “Edit or create a new format” dialog box.
See the next page.
p. 34 Drawing formats
“Edit/create new format” dialog box.
Edit or create a new format
Description
Type in a unique name - the name of the format.
Layer
Allows you to go back to the “Create/select layer” dialog
box and choose another layer.
Pen
Allows a pen and colour to be allocated to the layer (see
the section on pen and colour settings).
Object specific
Allows you to select whether the objects drawn using the
Drawing formats p. 35
format function should have a fixed colour, a fixed line
weight and/or a fixed linetype. All these settings are set
using the “Pen” dialog box. These settings can be managed individually via the checkboxes or all at once using
“Pen...”
Object line scaling
If this box is checked, fixed object scaling is used.
Command
If the “Use command” box is checked, a command can be
selected which is to be activated when the format is used.
Text size
Allows you to associate a particular text size with the
format. Note. The size is printed in mm, i.e., the size will
be converted into drawing units in relation to the scale
chosen.
Text style
If “Use text style” is checked, it allows you to select or
create a new text style.
p. 36 Drawing formats
“Advanced” dialog box
Advanced options in “Drawing formats”
The “Advanced” dialog box allows you to import, export and manipulate formats.
ibb->landibb
This function adds four extra positions to the layers which
are created via formats.
landibb->ibb
This function removes the last four positions from the
layers which are created via formats.
Create headline...
Calls up a dialog box which allows you to write a headline
in the top line. In the bottom line the associated layer name
is displayed for the selected format. The last two letters in
the text are removed when you click OK, and the heading
is placed on top of the selected format.
Remove headline...
Allows you to remove the selected headline.
Pick from drawing...
Fetches formats from the drawing. Allows you to select
an object, and a format is created which has that object’s
properties. If the format already exists, a new format is
created with the format‘s name + 1.
Drawing formats p. 37
Analyse drawing...
This function creates new formats based on all the layers
in the drawing which do not currently have any format.
Update …
If you change from one pen standard to another, this function is used to update the formats.
Export
Allows you to export formats to a file with a filename of
type *.for (e.g. coverings.for), in a folder of your choice or
the library folder.
Import
Allows you to import formats from a file in any location or
in the library. You can choose whether or not the imported
formats should overwrite the existing formats.
Export menu file
Exports a menu file, with all formats. The menu file can be
loaded with PM Land4->Tools->Land4LT.
p. 38 Library
Library
The library is an advanced archive which allows you to store drawings and associated pictures. In every library there are 15 main groups, with room for 256
drawings in each group.
The library works according to the following principle:
You store a drawing or part of a drawing in the same way as you make a block.
An image is created at the same time, so that the drawing can be recognised. Once
a drawing has been stored in the library, it can later be inserted into any drawing,
just by selecting the image and clicking on “Insert”, or by double-clicking on the
image.
Path
“Library” dialog box
This function opens a file browser which you use to set the
path for your library. The library is just a folder in which
Library p. 39
drawings and images are stored. When the path is set, a file
with the name landbib.id is created in the chosen folder. If
the folder has been used before or used by another computer as a library, you will be asked if the file, landbib.id,
should be overwritten - to which you answer OK. A library
can be placed in a shared folder on a server, so that many
people have access to the same library. Several libraries can
be created, for example, one for each job.
Top selection box
This box allows you to choose which library group should
be used. The group divisions are based on the main groups
in SFB’s building components.
Bottom selection box The names of the individual drawings, numbered from 0 to
255. The first four characters of the name are determined
by which library group has been chosen in the top selection
box.
Open..
This function is used to edit a drawing which is stored in
the library. Select the drawing and click on “Open..”. A
new AutoCAD window is opened, and the drawing can
be edited. Save the drawing with the same name. Now
the drawing has been updated, but not the image. If you
wish to update the image, open the library and the select
the field which contains the drawing. Then click on “New
image”, close AutoCAD and return to the previous drawing.
Update
When a drawing from the library is inserted, the drawing
has the same properties as a block. This means that if a
drawing in the library is changed using the “Open..” function, the changes will not affect the drawing/block which
has been inserted into the current drawing. If you want the
inserted drawings to be updated, select each drawing in the
library and then click on “Reload from library”.
Previous and Next
These functions are used to browse the library pages.
New block and image If you click on this button, the following text is displayed
p. 40 Library
on the command line:
Command: Making a file of the screen image for the library.......…
The current screen image is saved and used as an image in
the library. Select objects: Select the objects which are to be
included in the drawing/block. If there is a block included
in the drawing, the following message is displayed: There is
1 block included in the selected object, continue? <Yes>/No. If you
choose to continue, you will be asked to pick an insertion
point - identical to the “Block” function. Insertion point ?
Choose an insertion point. The drawing/block will then
be saved in the library, together with an image.
New block
Functions in the same way as “New block and picture”,
but doesn’t create a new image.
New picture
Creates a new picture of the current screen image and
places it in the library in the selected location.
Delete
Deletes the selected image along with the drawing/block.
Insert >>
Inserts the selected block in the drawing.
Colour and pen settings p. 41
Colour and pen settings
The configuration allows you to choose between several different pen settings.
The choice of pen settings depends on your working partners‘ and company-specific standards, as well as the separation requirements on the screen. Some people
separate based on pens, while others separate based on the type of information.
The following standards can be chosen in Land: ibb01, ibb98, land96 and srl98.
Ibb01 and ibb98 are compatible with each other.
Pen settings can be copied to AutoCad using PD Land -> Tools -> Copy pen settings.
This function is only available in AutoCAD2000 and later. In AutoCADr14, pen
settings must be imported and set up manually under Plot->Pen assignments.
The dialog box for setting colour, pen and linetype is called up using Command:
Pen.
“Pen” dialog box.
Pen
Selects a line weight, and if there is an association between
colour and line weight, a colour is automatically chosen.
Color
Selects a colour, and if there is an association between
colour and line weight, a line weight is automatically chosen.
Linetype
Selects a linetype.
p. 42 Colour and pen settings
IBB98
IBB01
0.06
colour 8, grey
0.06
colour 8, grey
0.12
colour 30, orange
0.12
colour 30, orange
0.18
0.18
colour 140, dark cyan
colour 140, dark cyan
colour 9, light grey
0.25
0.25
colour 1, red
colour 2, yellow
colour 1, red
colour 2, yellow
0.30
colour 52, curry yellow
0.35
colour 3, green
colour 4, cyan
0.35
colour 3, green
colour 4, cyan
colour 212, dark magenta
0.50
colour 7, white
colour 5, blue
0.70
colour 6, magenta
1.00
colour 242, dark red
1.20
colour 60, light green
1.40
colour 13, terracotta
0.50
colour 7, white
colour 5, blue
0.70
colour 6, magenta
1.00
colour 242, dark red
1.40
colour 13, terracotta
raster 80%
raster 25% colour 253
raster 10% colour 254
colour 251
raster 80% colour 251
raster 25% colour 253
raster 10% colour 254
Colour and pen settings p. 43
LAND96
SRL98
0.06
colour 8, grey
0.12
colour 9, light grey
0.12
colour 9, light grey
colour 1, red
0.18
colour 8, dark red
0.18
colour 4, cyan
0.25
colour 1, red
colour 2, yellow
0.25
colour 7, white
0.35
colour 3, green
colour 4, cyan
0.35
colour 6, magenta
0.50
colour 7, white
colour 5, blue
0.50
colour 2, yellow
0.70
colour 6, magenta
1.00
colour 11, dark red
1.40
colour 13, terracotta
1.00
colour 240, dark red
raster 80% colour 251
raster 90% colour 250
raster 25% colour 253
raster 80% colour 251
raster 10% colour 254
raster 50% colour 252
raster 25% colour 253
raster 10% colour 254
p. 44 Land commands
Land commands
Basic commands
Drawingformats DF
Calls up the “Drawing formats” dialog box, which is used
to create new layers and objects. Command:Drawing formats
or Command:DF
Point&Draw PD
When you click on an object, a new object is created with
the same properties. A quick shortcut if there is already
an equivalent object in the drawing and a new one needs
to be created. Command:PD
Library
LI
Calls up the user library. Command:Library
Creates a new layer or changes to an existing layer. Command:Llayer
Llayer
Freeze
FL
Freezes an object when you click on it. If you type, for
example, text on the command line, all text in the drawing
is frozen. Freeze everything in the drawing by typing “*”.
Command:Freeze
Thaw
TL
Thaw an index or all layers by typing “*”. Command:
Thaw
Off
Sets an object to off when you click on it. If you type, for
example, text on the command line, all text in the drawing
is set to off. Set everything in the drawing to off by typing
“*”. Command:Off
On
Set an index or all layers on by typing “*”. Command:On
Freeze the layers which are not regularly used, and use “Off ” and “On” to manage visibility
when you work with a drawing. “On/off ” save a lot of time compared to “Freeze/thaw”, since
the drawing doesn’t have to be regenerated each time.
Lock
Locks one or more layers by selecting one or more objects
Land commands p. 45
or an index in the drawing. Command:Locklayer
Unlock
Unlocks one or more layers by selecting one or more objects
or an index in the drawing. Command:Unlocklayer
If, for example, you only need to edit in one layer, use Command: Lock and type ”*”. Then use
“Unlock” and click on the layer to be unlocked.
Isolate
IL
Sets all layers to off, except the layers which are selected.
Command:Isolate or Command:IL
“Isolate” is very useful. When you edit, isolate the layer you are working on, so that only that
layer is visible. That makes editing easy. When you have finished editing, type Command: ”On”
and ”*”. Then the whole drawing will be visible again.
ChangeLayer CL
Changes to a layer when you click on it. Logical layer names
may be entered, type “Text” to change to the text layer.
Command:ChangeLayer
Pen
Allocates a colour, line weight and pen thickness to a
layer. Command:Pen
List layer
LL
Displays a description of the layer on 3 levels. Command:
ListLayer
Example of a list returned by llist:
...XREF K:\KONTOR\FOREDRAG150801\MLPARKERINGSMASTER.DWG on layer 0.
...BLOCK MLPARKERINGSMASTER|29301LARKNY on layer MLparkeringsmaster|BLOKHUS.
...LINE on layer MLparkeringsmaster|A22-L—, Architecht Light interior wall.
Command:
Move object
Move an object to the active layer.
Copy object
Copy an object to the active layer.
Move object to ...
Move an object to another layer by selecting the object
to be moved and then the layer the object is to be moved
to.
p. 46 Land commands
Text commands
Mtext
For typing multi-line text. Changes to the text layer and
updates the text size so that it suits the scale and print
size.
Dtext
For writing single-line text. Changes to the text layer and
updates the text size so that it suits the scale and print
size.
Ddedit
Edits text.
Scale text
Text is scaled based on the scale and printed size.
Rotate text
Rotates text based on the insertion point.
Configure text
Configures the text size.
Dimension commands
Dimension
Change to the dimension layer, update the size and dimension using “Dimhor”.
Scale dimension
Scale dimension based on the printed size and scale.
Rotate dimension
Rotate dimension text. Can be useful when “cutting and
pasting” to another ucs.
Config. dimension
Configure the dimension layer and size.
Land commands p. 47
Levelling commands
Level
Change to the levelling layer and level. Command:Level
Edit level
Edit level text.
Move level
Move a level up/down - can move several levels, for example, 10 cm up or down.
Scale level
Scale levels based on the scale and printed size.
Rotate level
Rotate a level around its insertion point.
Give a level a z-coordinate Gives levels z-coordinates. Command:Koz
Configure levels
Configure level size, type, layer etc.
Inserting objects
Insert block
Inserts a block - changes to the block layer and inserts a
block.
Insert xref
Inserts an xref - changes to the xref layer and inserts an
external reference.
Insert image
Inserts an image - changes to the image layer and inserts
an image.
Insert OLE object
Inserts an OLE object - changes to the OLE layer and
inserts or creates a new OLE object. This might be a
spreadsheet or something similar.
p. 48 Land commands
Tools commands
Spatial requirements
Calls up the library of simple symbols for indicating spatial
requirements. Command:Spatial requirements
Areas
Calls up the dialog box for drawing and calculating areas.
Command:Areas
Pieces
Calls up the dialog box for drawing and calculating pieces.
Command:Pieces
Lengths
Calls up the dialog box for drawing and measuring lengths.
Command:Lengths
Perspective
Creates a perspective with a camera point and sighting point.
Command:Perspective
Rotate block
Rotates one or more blocks around their insertion point.
Scale block
Scales one or more blocks around their insertion point.
Decurve
Changes a splined line to a normal polyline. Command:
Decurve
Spline
Changes a normal polyline to a splined line. Command:
Lspline
Break1
Breaks a line at the chosen place. Command:Break1
Break2
Select a line and break it somewhere. Command:Break2
Zvalue
Edits z coordinates on objects. Changes 3D polylines with
varying z coordinates to 2D polylines. Command:Zvalue
Translate colours
Translates the colours in a drawing to other colours. Can
save and load various colour formats. Also translates colours in blocks and objects which don’t have their colour
Land commands p. 49
set to “bylayer”.
Level constant
Levels with constant gradient.
Gradient arrow
Plots a gradient arrow based on two levels.
Level with gradient
Levels in the direction of gradient - levels in a certain
direction with a gradient given in thousandths.
Level brackets
Places brackets around a level.
Remove level brackets
Removes the brackets around a level.
Coordinates
Plots coordinates with the option to swap the x and y
coordinates.
Text sizes
Edits text sizes on dimensions, levels and labels, all at
once.
Line scaling
Checks the line scaling based on the drawing units and
scale. Command:Line scaling
Scatter
Vary the scale and rotation on blocks. Is used, for example,
on trees and bushes to quickly give a drawing a “natural”
impression. Command:Scatter
Hatches to back
Places all hatches underneath all other objects in the drawing. Is used if their is solid hatching in the drawing, which
is hard to select, and for postscript printing, where the
order of the objects is important. Command:Subhatch
p. 50 AutoCAD commands
AutoCAD commands
Layer
LA
Creates and manages layers in a drawing.
Style
ST
Creates and manages text formats in a drawing.
Dimstyle
D
Creates and manages dimension formats in a drawing.
Drawing commands
Arc
A
Draws an arc.
Block
B
Defines a block, which is a named collection of objects.
Pline
PL
Draws a polyline, consisting of line segments
curves.
Circle
C
Draws a circle.
Ellipse
EL
Draws an ellipse.
Insert
I
Inserts a block.
Rectangle
REC
Draws a rectangle.
Sketch
and
Draws a freehand line. Set the “Skpoly” variable to 1 to
draw a connected line.
Line
L
Draws a simple line.
Mtext
MT
Inserts several lines of connected text.
Dtext
DT
Inserts individual lines of text. Useful for labelling.
AutoCAD commands p. 51
Editing commands
Array
AR
Used to copy objects in patterns - rectangular or polar.
Chamfer
CHA
Inserts an extra line segment between two lines or two
polylines.
Extend
EX
Extends a line until it meets another line.
Bextend
Trim
Extends a line until it meets another line. Also works in
blocks and xrefs.
TR
Btrim
Break
Trims objects, e.g. a line across a circle.
Trims objects using lines in blocks and xrefs.
BR
Breaks a line in two places.
Break1
Breaks a line in one place.
Break2
Breaks a line in one place. Allows you to select the line first,
and then the point at which to break it.
Erase
E
Erases objects.
Copy
CP
Copies objects.
Move
M
Moves objects.
Fillet
F
Smooths the intersection between two line segments.
Pedit
PE
Edits a polyline. Can edit vertices and insert extra vertices.
Mpedit, which comes with bonus tools, can edit several
polylines at once.
Offset
O
Offsets an object, e.g. a line or a circle.
p. 52 AutoCAD commands
Measure
ME
Measures a line segment in equal lengths.
Mirror
MI
Mirror reverses one or more objects.
Stretch
S
Drags and stretches an object in a given direction.
Rotate
RO
Rotates one or more objects.
Other commands
Zoom
Z
Vports
Zooms in and out in a drawing.
Subdivides the drawing area.
Dist
DI
Measures the length between two points.
Regen
RE
Regenerates a drawing, so that, for example, edged circles
are redrawn.
Save
Ctrl+S
Saves a drawing.
Undo
U
Goes back through the recent commands and reverses
them.
Plot
Ctrl+P
Prints out a drawing.
@
AltGr+2 Draws relative to a point. Used to specify a precise distance
from one point to another.
Quit
Leaves the drawing.
Audit
Repairs errors in a drawing.
AutoCAD variables p. 53
AutoCAD variables
Variables can either be set via Land->Tools->AutoCAD variables (most variables can be found
here, along with their recommended values), or by typing the variable name on the command line
and entering the desired value.
Attdia
Display dialog box when inserting attributes (1)
Cmdia
Display plot dialog box (1)
Ltscale
Sets the line scaling. Use the command “Line scaling”,
T21 on the toolbar, to set the line scaling in relation to the
scale.
Savetime
Sets the time interval between Autosaves.
Ucsfollow
If ucsfollow is set to 1, the plan image follows the new
ucs. If ucsfollow is set to 0, the plan image is not affected.
Recommended value, 0.
Ucsicon
If ucsicon = 0, the ucs icon is not displayed. If the variable
is set to 1, the ucs icon is displayed.
Lwunits
Line width in mm (1) or inches (0)
MaxHatch
Specifies how many hatch objects can be drawn. Type
Command:(setenv “MaxHatch” “200000”) with brackets
and quotes.
Measurement
Scale hatching in metres (0) or inches (1)
Mirrtext
Mirror reverse text also when mirroring (1)
Pellipse
Draw ellipses as polylines (1) or real ellipses (0)
Plinegen
Dash polylines around corners (1)
Psltscale
Sets ltscale in relation to the scale in paperspace (1)
p. 54 AutoCAD variables
Skpoly
Draws freehand sketches using polylines (1)
Shortcutmenu
Manages commands after entry: Repeat command (0), enter
after command (2) or menu after command (11)
Splframe
Hides invisible lines (0)
Visretain
Remembers layers in xrefs (1)
Xloadctl
Determines whether xrefs are loaded into the drawing (1).
If an xref is loaded, it is also locked and cannot be edited.
Should normally be set to 0.
p. 55
Chapter 3: How to...
p. 56 Organising a new project
Organising a new project
Filenames should be chosen carefully when starting a new project, to define clear
areas of responsibility and to achieve an easily recognisable file structure which
others in the drawing office can use. Therefore:
Model files should be called Model + Responsibility code + subject.
Drawing files should be called Drawing + Responsibility code + drawing code +
an optional logical description. First create a drawing, then save the next drawing
using “save as”. Model files should be linked to drawing files as external references
using Command:Xref.
In this way there is one file per drawing, as shown in the example above.
245University
Drawings
MLlandscape.dwg
MIfoundation.dwg
MAbuildingA.dwg
MAbuildingB.dwg
TL02505siteplan.dwg
TL10505existing situation.dwg
TL4001level and coverings plan.dwg
etc.
AutoCAD is able to save several drawings in the same file, but we recommend one
file per drawing, as this method has several advantages:
- It is easy for the uninitiated to find their way around the drawings.
- The files can be sent individually to working partners.
- Linetypes and colours can be manipulated for each drawing file.
If the drawings are not “official”, it is quicker and easier to keep everything in the
same file and use AutoCAD’s “Layout” to organise the drawings.
Creating a new drawing - Creating new layers p. 57
Creating a new drawing
Open AutoCAD and go in to PD File -> New.
Save the drawing in the project folder using Comand:Saveas.
It is then wise to enable autosave. “Autosave” is a security function which saves a
copy of the drawing at regular intervals. Set it to 15 minutes. Go into PD Land4>Tools->Autocad variables-> Savetime ... or type Command:Savetime and enter “15”.
See “Restoring a drawing”, p. 94.
After the drawing has been created, you can start drawing.
Creating new layers
Layers can be created in three ways, via the “Drawing formats” command line, via
Land’s layer dialog box, or via AutoCAD’s layer dialog box.
- Layers should primarily be created via “Drawing formats”. You can call up the
drawing formats dialog box using Command:DF. See p. 31 for more details. When
you double-click on a description, a layer is created. Use “Drawing formats” in
your daily work, as it ensures fast and uniform drawings.
- The “Change” function can be used on the command line. E.g. type Command:
Change and Text. This function finds the Text index and changes to that layer.
“Change” can also be used to search for indexes: Type Command:Change and L*,
and a list of all indexes starting with L will be displayed. Use “Change” to search
for indexes, and to quickly change layers with text, dimensions etc.
- Using menu items I1-I5 you can get a full overview of the various indexes. Use
these menu items when you are not sure which index should be used.
You can change the colour of a layer using Command:Pen, which allocates colour,
line weight and linetype to a layer.
Use “Drawing formats” to create layers as far as is possible. It is fast, and the layers will be
correctly created from drawing to drawing.
p. 58 Drawing
Drawing
When you have changed layer, you can start drawing. Drawing takes place using the
normal drawing commands, using ”Drawing formats” and “Point&Draw”.
The most common drawing commands can be seen on pp. 50-52. It is a good idea
to learn the keyboard shortcuts (e.g. PL for PLine), and then use the keyboard to
enter commands.
“Drawing formats” creates a new layer and uses a specific command. For example, to draw a revision cloud: Go into “Drawing formats”, type Command:DF
and double-click on Revision cloud. This will change to layer “L09-r-I——” and the
“Cloud” command.
“Point&Draw” creates a new object in the drawing based on an existing object.
Type Command:PD and click on, for example, an existing text label to make a similar label. This is by far the quickest shortcut when you draw, since all variables
are set at once.
Tips:
Use “@” when a line has to be drawn relative to a fixed point. E.g. Try Command:
Rectangle and click somewhere on the screen. When prompted for second point type
@400,200 This will draw a rectangle which measures 400x200 drawing units.
If you click in a direction while drawing and type, for example, 5000, the program
will draw 5000 drawing units in the direction indicated.
Try to work ergonomically to avoid damaging your hands and fingers. The most
important thing is to vary your working position. We recommend that you change
between using your left and right hand for the mouse. You may want to supplement
by using a small A5-size digitizer. Use the keyboard as much as possible to enter
commands.
For quick drawing:
- Use the command lines and abbreviations for drawing and editing.
- Use the “Drawing formats” Command:DF every time you change to a new layer.
- Use the “Point&Draw” Command:PD if there is already a similar object in the drawing.
Hatching p. 59
Hatching
Hatching can be done either using “Bhatch” or via “Areas”.
You can use Command:Bhatch to select a hatch and a scaling. You can then click
on the areas to be hatched using “Pick point” or “Select objects”. All the selected
objects will be given a uniform hatching pattern. “Bhatch” is the quickest command for hatching, when hatching small areas and/or many “islands”.
You can use Command:Areas to create a number of formats which can be used for
hatching. Choose a description, hatch, scaling, colour and (optionally) a layer for
each format. Attach a format to the objects to be hatched, and draw the hatching
for each element. If the hatching is not satisfactory, adjust the hatching format in
the “Areas” dialog box and update the drawing.
There is a limitation with “Areas”, in that pick points cannot be used. If there are
“islands” in the hatching, these hatching areas have to be drawn separately. The
advantage of using “Area” though, is that the hatches are easy to edit, and the areas
can be calculated immediately.
If the hatching is to be drawn on a particular layer every time, create a “Drawing
format” for hatching. Go into Command:DF, select “New”, and choose the layer
to be used for drawing hatching on. Click “OK” and check “Use command”.
Select “Areas” or “Bhatch” as the command. Click “OK” and the format will be
created.
Tips:
The measurement variable sets whether hatching is done in mm or inches. If
there are problems in a drawing, try reversing this variable. The variable can be
set using
PD Land4->Tools->Autocad variables->Measurement.
See the next page for hatching examples. The examples are in mm, in a scale of 1:
1. To scale in 1:200, the scale must be multiplied by 200.
For quick hatching:
Use “Bhatch” for individual areas and areas containing many “islands”.
Use “Areas” when designing and hatching many areas at the same time.
p. 60 Examples of hatching
Examples of hatching
text
Hatch: Dots
Pen : 0.70
Scale : 35
text
Hatch: Dots
Pen : 0.50
Scale : 25
text
Hatch: Solid
Colour 250
text
Hatch: Line
Pen : colour 251
Scale : 12.5
Rotation: 45
text
Hatch: Net
Pen : 80% raster
Scale : 7.5
Hatch: Solid
Pen : 80 % raster
Colour 251
text
Hatch: Line
Pen : 0.08
Scale : 10
Rotation: 0
text
Hatch: Net
Pen : 0.08
Scale : 5
text
Hatch: Dots
Pen : 0.35
Scale : 20
text
Hatch: Solid
Colour 252
text
Hatch: Line
Pen : 0.08
Scale : 5
Rotation: 0
text
Hatch: Net
Pen : 0.08
Scale : 7.5
Rotation: 45
text
Hatch: Dots
Pen : 0.18
Scale : 10
text
text
Hatch: Solid
Pen : 25% raster
Color : 253
Hatch: Solid
Pen : 10% raster
Color : 254
text
Hatch: Dots
Pen : 80% raster
Scale : 3.75
Rotation: 90
text
Hatch: Net
Pen : 0.08
Scale : 5
Rotation: 45
text
text
text
text
text
Hatch: Ar-conc
Pen : 0.25
Scale : 2.5
Hatch: Ar-conc
Pen : 0.18
Scale : 1.25
Hatch: Ar-sand
Pen : 0.18
Scale : 1.25
Hatch: Ar-sand
Pen : 0.25
Scale : 5
Hatch: Square
Pen : 0.08
Scale : 5
Dimension p. 61
Dimensions
Dimensions are complicated to work with as you must keep track of the various
styles and, to some extent, the various scale factors. However, if you save the
dimensions in the Land library, and use the Land toolbar, dimensions can be easy
to work with.
Scale dimension
Dimension
Rotate dimension
Configure dimension
First, right-click on TB Land4 and select “Dimension”, and the “Dimension”
toolbar will be displayed. You can call up the dimension configuration by clicking
on “Configure dimension”. The most important thing is that the scale and text
size are set correctly.
“Configure dimension” dialog box
To set up a new style, select “Advanced”. Land then calls up AutoCAD’s dimension
dialog box. Make your changes and close the dialog box again. Concerning the “Dimension Style Manager”, refer to the AutoCAD manual for further information.
p. 62 Dimension
If you already have a dimension, the quickest method is to save it in the Land
library and use “Point&Draw” on the dimension.
Go into the drawing which contains the dimension. Type Command:Library and
select “New block and image”. Select the dimension. Then go back to your existing drawing and go into Command:Library and insert the block containing the
dimension.
Then use Point&Draw, Command:PD on the dimension, so that it is changed to the
correct style. Then go into Dimension, TB Land4->Dimension and choose “Configure”. This allows you to set the text size and the scale.
You can dimension by clicking TB Dimension->Dimension, which changes to the
layer and calls AutoCAD’s dimension toolbar. Then use the dimension toolbar
to insert dimensions. The size of the dimensions should be set in relation to the
printed scale and drawing units. Scale and size are set in TB Text->Configure. The
units are set using PD Land4->Configure->Configure units.
Tips:
The quickest way to edit dimension sizes is using TB Dimension->Size.
If the text on the dimension rotates during cut and paste, use TB Dimension->Rotation to rotate the text back again.
For quick dimensions:
Save your dimensions in the Library and use Point&Draw on them.
Use TB Dimension to set the text size and edit all sizes on dimensions.
Levels p. 63
Levels
One of the new features in Land4 is the powerfully extended level functions.
The “Configure levels” dialog box is central to getting the most out of the level
functions.
“Configure levels” dialog box
Level marks
Allows you to select whether the level mark should be a
cross, a circle, or a point. If point is chosen, these will be
displayed in the way they are setup in AutoCAD.
Z-coordinate
If you level with z-coordinates, the levels made using the
level functions will be placed in true height (3D).
Text style
Allows you to choose whether the level text should have a
special text style. The standard method is to create and use
a Land style. You can also choose to create a new style by
typing a name in the text box, or you can select an existing
text style.
Settings
Use the slider to set the size of the level mark in relation to
the level text size. The size can be set in the range 1-200%.
The level text’s printed height is shown in the text box.
Regardless of whether you draw using metres, centimetres
or millimetres, the level units are normally in metres, but
p. 64 Levels
other units can be chosen.
Precision
Allows you to select how many decimal places to display
for the levels.
Scale
Sets the scale which the levels should be printed using.
Add
Allows you to place a suffix or prefix before and/or after
a level text. Can be used, for example, to specify top levels,
“TL” or ground levels, “GL”.
Count from
Used to give the levels a running number. Write the number
to be used to start the series in the text box. The number
is placed after any suffix.
Layer
Used to select the layer in which to place the levels.
Redefine
This button is used to apply configuration properties just
set to existing levels. If you click on “Redefine”, you will be
asked to select the levels to be changed. Note. Prefix, suffix
and running number properties are not affected by “Redefine”.
Bring up the levels toolbar by right-clicking on TB Land and choosing “Level”
Levels p. 65
Levels
Edit level
Move level up/down
Scale level
Rotate level
Configure level
Interpolate level
Give levels a z-coordinate
Levels
Normal plotting of levels is done using Command: Level as follows:
Command: Level
Level using crosses, in 1:200 (This refers to the configuration)
Pick insertion point of level: Click where the level mark should be placed
Level ?:<12.34> Write the level here, e.g. 12.38 (the number in angle brackets is the last level
used). Pick insertion point of text: Click where the level text should go.
The level has now been added.
Move levels up/down - a handy tool.
If it is necessary to change the levels, e.g. if the earth balance doesn’t match, then
“Move levels up/down” is a useful tool.
Example in which all levels have to be moved down 12 cm:
Command: Move_level
Enter value for moving levels up or down:<0.00> -0.12
Select objects: all
64 found
Now all the levels will be changed, e.g. a level of 14.24, will be changed to 14.12.
Interpolate
The Interpolate function is used to calculate a level between two other levels.
Note. The line between the two levels being used is the ideal line. The further the calculated point
p. 66 Levels
is away from the ideal line, the greater the uncertainty.
Level using gradient
Level using gradient, is used to plot a level in relation to another level, using a
fixed gradient.
PD Land4->Levels
Example:
Command: Gradient
Select a level as the starting point:
Select a level:
Choose the level to start from, e.g. 12.00.
Slope in thousandths ( - is a fall and + is a rise) :<-15>-15
-15 is a fall of 15 : 1000
Pick insertion point of level:
Click where the new level should be placed e.g. 12 metres from the original level.
Pick insertion point of text:
Click where the level text should be placed. The level is given a height of 11.82.
Level on surface with constant gradient
This function plots levels using a starting level and a slope in a particular direction.
Start by choosing the starting level. You will then be asked to specify a slope in
thousandths and a direction. You can now plot all the levels you wish. Exit from
the function using ESC.
Slope
This function is used to plot an arrow specifying the slope between two levels.
Choose the highest level first. When you have chosen the second level, an arrow
is inserted, showing the calculated slope.
Size
Size is used to change the size of one or more levels. The scale and printed size
are specified in a dialog box.
Rotation
Rotation is used to rotate one or more levels in relation to their insertion point.
Levels p. 67
Edit
Edit is used to change the level text for a level.
Give levels a z-coordinate
This function gives the selected levels a z value based on the level text. E.g., a level
of 12.45 would be given a z value of 12450, if the drawing units are millimetres
and the levels are in metres.
Give levels a z-coordinate of 0
Gives the selected levels a z coordinate of 0.
Brackets
If, for example, you want to mark some levels as existing and others as planned,
the difference can be shown by placing brackets around one type of level. This is
made very easy by using the “Place brackets around a level” function. Select the levels
to be enclosed in brackets, and the brackets are inserted. The brackets can just as
easily be removed using the “Remove brackets around a level” function.
Other level functions
Editing a level’s z-coordinate in the surveyor‘s base, see the chapter, “Useful functions” on p. 95.
From base drawing to usable drawing, see the chapter, “Useful functions” on p.
97.
Extracting a coordinate list from a drawing, see the chapter, “Useful functions”
on p. 98.
p. 68 Labelling
Labelling
AutoCAD uses two types of text: Mtext which is multi-line text, and Dtext, which
is single-line text. Use Command:Dtext: for labels and Command:Mtext for connected
text. OLE objects, such as Word or WordPerfect objects, can also be used for larger
chunks of connected text. See p. 73.
Configure text
Rotate text
Mtext
Scale text
Dtext
Edit text
You can also choose between AutoCAD fonts and TrueType fonts. Text styles are
set using Command:Style or using TB Text->Configure. AutoCAD fonts are vectorbased fonts, while TT fonts are based on the fonts stored on your computer. Set
a style and name it.
The “Configure text” dialog box is used to set the text size when printing in a given
“Configure text” dialog box
scale. It is also possible to choose whether the text should be placed on a particular
layer. If you click on “Advanced”, AutoCAD’s Text Style dialog box is called up.
Labelling and editing of text in Land is done using TB Land->Text. Right-click on
the Land toolbar and select “Text”. When you activate TB Land->Text->Mtext,
Land changes to the text layer and to the right text size. The text size is set in re-
Blocks p. 69
lation to the printed scale and drawing units. The drawing units can be set using
RG Land4->Configure->Configure units.
Use the “Text” toolbar for labelling, that way text will be placed on the right layer and using
the right size.
If you experience problems using TT fonts or Word documents, change to Mtext and AutoCAD
fonts.
Inserting blocks, xrefs, images and OLE objects
Blocks, external references, images and OLE objects can be inserted using TB
Land4->Insert. When you use the toolbar, the objects are inserted into the correct
layers.
Blocks
Blocks are collections of objects which are given a name. Blocks can be defined
using Command:Block. The definition of a block is part of the drawing and is included in any exchanges. If blocks need to be used in other drawings, they can be
exported using Command: Wblock.
Blocks can be redefined in a drawing. This means, that a block which has a particular appearance can be changed throughout the whole drawing at once. It is
therefore wise to use blocks if you are copying an object around in a drawing. Command:Divide, Command:Measure and Command:Array can all be used to copy blocks
in a drawing. “Divide” divides and inserts blocks in a line. “Measure” inserts blocks
with a fixed distance between them. “Array” copies and arranges in a pattern.
This is how to make a tree into a block and insert it:
PD Land4->Block
- Draw the tree on the correct layer using “Drawing formats” (Command:DF) and
select “Tree trunk” for the trunk and “Tree crown” for the crown. Once the drawing is complete, type Command:Block and select the objects just drawn. Then select
an insertion point and give the block a logical name.
- Change to layer 0 and insert the block using Command:Insert. Select the block
name and click on the insertion point. When a block is drawn in several layers, it
must always be placed into layer 0. When you use TB Land4->Insert to insert blocks,
it will automatically change to layer 0.
If the block is going to be reused in other drawings, place it in the Land library.
p. 70 Blocks
Explode the block and go into Command:Library. Choose an empty pane in the
library and select “New block and image”. Select the objects and an insertion point.
See, “Library” on p. 38 for further instructions.
Drawing headings should be made as follows:
Divide the information into variable and fixed fields. Variable information is made
using attributes and fixed information using text.
If there are many drawings for a project, make a separate drawing header for the
project, where dates, etc. are included. When the drawing header is finished, place
it in the Land library. Then insert the drawing heading into your drawing. When
you change the drawing heading, update it from the library using “Update from
library”.
- Draw the drawing heading in paperspace using “Drawing formats” Command:DF,
and select “Drawing header”. Draw up the outline of the drawing heading.
- Then go into “Drawing formats” and select “Drawing heading Text” and type
in the permanent text, i.e. the name of the drawing office, etc.
- Then go in and define the fields which have to be filled in when the block is
inserted. These are typically the subject, drawing name, drawing number and designer. These fields are defined as attributes. Go into “Drawing formats”, select
“Drawing header Attribute” and fill in “Tag”, “Prompt” and “Insertion point”.
Click “OK”. If the attribute has been correctly defined, “Tag” will be displayed at
the insertion point. Repeat until all the attributes have been inserted.
- Save the drawing header in the library using Command:Library and “New block
and image”. Select the objects and an insertion point.
Use the library to save blocks in, it saves time.
Design drawing headers so that as little as possible has to be filled in when these are inserted.
Use the library instead, and redefine drawing headers in the drawing, when the drawing heading
is changed.
Use the toolbar and the library to insert blocks. Then they are always placed in layer 0.
Xref p. 71
Xrefs
External references are used to include external drawings into your own drawings.
These are typically the surveyor’s base drawing and your working partners’ base
drawings. External references are primarily used to divide up areas of responsibility. Don’t edit external references received from your working partners. Instead
ask your working partner to correct the file.
External references are inserted using TB Insert->Xref. If you use “Attach”, the
external reference is linked to the drawing and will be included if the drawing is
linked to other drawings. If you use “Overlay”, the external reference is only linked
to the drawing, and will not be relayed further.
PD Land4->Xref
Xrefs are cropped using PD Land->Xref->Crop. External references can be cropped
using a rectangle or a polyline, so that only the relevant part of the xref is visible.
If AutoCAD write-protects drawings which are loaded as external references, go
into PD Land4->Tools->AutoCAD variables->Xloadctl and select “0”.
When you work with many external drawings, your drawing can become slow to
work with. Instead of deleting them from the drawing, use “Unload”. This will
preserve the insertion point and scaling. Go into Command:Xref and use “Unload”
to remove the external references which are not being used.
If the project is large, make a separate file for the base drawings and then link your
base drawing to the main drawing. Then insert the main drawing into your drawing
files. If your drawing is slow to work with, you can unload the base drawing when
it is not being used.
Zero point for external references
If there is a surveyor’s base drawing, use it as the foundation for your drawing.
Avoid changing the insertion point, and scale the surveyor’s base layer in 0,0,0.
If you need to insert a grid somewhere else in the drawing, don’t change the zero
point. Instead use Command:Base to set a new zero point for inserting xrefs, and
make a local ucs using Command:UCS and “New”. Click on the zero point. If the
local ucs has to be rotated, use “UCS” and “New”. Type “Z” and click outside the
x-axis. Save the UCS using “UCS” and “Save”.
In drawing files, the system variable, “Visretain”, controls whether or not layers are
p. 72 Images
remembered. Type Command:Visretain. When it is set to “1”, layers are remembered
on each occasion.
Use external references to divide up areas of responsibility.
Determine the file structure at the start of the project.
Images
Images can be inserted using Command: Image. Images work in the same way as
external references do. When you insert an image, set the “Unit” to the unit in
modelspace, e.g. mm, and scale the image using the scale it has been scanned in.
If it is not possible to select “Unit”, use an image processing program and save
the image in tiff format.
This is how to insert an image which has been scanned in 1:200, in a model file
which is in mm:
- Go into TB Land4->Insert->Image. Select your image and insertion point, and
follow the commands below:
Specify scale factor or [Unit] <1>: u
Enter unit [MM/Centimeter/Meter/Kilometer/Unitless] <Millimeters>: mm
Specify scale factor or [Unit] <1>: 200
PD Land4->Image
If the image has to be transparent, it must be saved as a 1-bit bitmap. A bitmap
has the advantage that the colour can be set in AutoCAD, and the image can be
made transparent. Using an image processing program, change the picture to
greyscale, and then to a bitmap. In Adobe Photoshop this is done as follows: PD
Image->State->Greyscale, then PD Image->State->Bitmap. Do a “Save as” and save the
image as a bitmap (BMP) file.
Insert the image into AutoCAD and go into PD Land4->Image->Transparent. Select
the image. If you want to remove the image border, go into PD Land4->Image>Borders and select “Off ”.
You can manage the order of images on the screen using PD Land4->Image. To
place all images at the back, go into PD Land4->Image->Place all images to back.
Do a trial print if you have to use images in a drawing. Not all printers can handle bitmaps
from AutoCAD.
Insert images using Command: Image. Do not use OLE objects to insert images.
OLE objects - Calculating quantities p. 73
Ole objects, Object Linking and Embedding
OLE objects are documents which can be inserted into AutoCAD, but which are
not converted into AutoCAD objects. These might be Word or Excel documents
or the like. The document is saved together with the drawing. When a document
is inserted into AutoCAD, it can be edited by double-clicking on the document.
Insert OLE objects using TB Land4->Insert->Ole object or Command: insertobj. Then
select the type of document and insert the document in the drawing.
-It may be tempting to be able to use Word documents in AutoCAD, but it doesn’t work wonderfully in practise. Try it out first, before making general use of the facility.
-Always do a trial print, both at the drawing office and at the printers as well (if applicable). Do
this in good time, it can take a long time to move all your data from a spreadsheet to Mtext.
-Use Mtext if you have problems managing OLE objects.
Calculating quantities
The calculation of quantities can be divided into calculation of areas, calculation
of pieces, calculation of lengths, and calculation of volumes. In all calculations,
it is important to double-check the calculated amounts, either by printing out and
doing a rough manual estimate, or by checking the sum of the quantities. For example, the sum of all the areas should equal the area of the contract works. Land
can export all areas, lengths and pieces as comma separated files.
Comma separated files
Quantities from Land can be saved as text files or comma separated files. A
comma separated file is a file in which the text is divided using commas, e.g.
FL1,Asphalt,1000. Such files can be opened by a spreadsheet program. If the individual columns do not appear as expected, the file can be imported in Microsoft
Excel using PD Data->Import external data->Import text file. There are individual
settings here you can adjust.
Areas
Individual areas can be calculated using Command:Area. You can use this command
to select areas. When there are several areas, Land’s “Areas” command should be
used. Using Command:Areas several areas can be measured and hatched to ensure that all areas have been measured. This command can also be found on the
toolbar’s t-buttons, as t2.
p. 74 Calculating quantities
To use “Areas”, draw up all the areas on the subsidiary line layer. Depending on
the precision required, this can be done fairly quickly. Create the formats using
the “Areas” dialog box, Command:Areas. Then use “Allocate” to attach the formats
to the subsidiary lines. Now delete the hatchings, one by one, to check that there
are no double ups, e.g. if two figures lie on top of each other. Finally, go into the
Areas dialog box and select “Calculate”. The hatchings are updated, and the list
can be saved as a comma separated file. This comma separated file can later be
imported into a spreadsheet.
See “Areas”, p. 79.
The quickest method is to draw the areas roughly on a separate layer at the end, and illustrate
them using hatching in various colours. Don’t worry about making it look nice, just informative.
Don’t use “crossing” when selecting areas, as lines can end up being doubled up.
Pieces
The quickest way to count pieces is often to take a printout and count the various
signatures manually. This checks the drawing at the same time. If there are many
different types, and a large number, Command:Pieces can be used. This command
can also be found on the toolbar’s t-buttons, as t3. Go into “Pieces” and create
the formats. Then allocate them to the objects. In “Pieces” it can be wise to make
a filter on the objects:
Select an information carrying object:
Filter/Select objects/eXit:<Select objects>f
Select an object to use as a filter:
eXit/Select object:<Select object>
Filter for: INSERT
Do you want to filter for name L80__1: Yes/No <Yes>
Do you want to filter for layer 0: Yes/No <No>
Select objects: Specify opposite corner: 2 found
1 was filtered out.
In this way, an individual block can quickly be selected and counted in a drawing.
Calculating quantities p. 75
Lengths
Lengths can be calculated using Command:Lengths. This command can also be
found on the toolbar’s t-buttons, as t4.
Go into Command:Lengths. Create the formats and allocate them to the objects.
When selecting the objects, do it individually, so that doubling up does not occur. Select “Calculate” and save the lengths as text or a comma separated file. See
“Comma separated files”, p. 73.
Volumes
Volumes can easily be calculated by calculating the areas and exporting them to
Excel. The volumes can then be worked out by simply multiplying the area by the
height/depth.
Quicksurf can work out complicated volumes by subtracting one volume from
another. See “Quicksurf ”, p. 88-91.
p. 76
p. 77
Chapter 4: Tools
p. 78 Spatial requirements
Spatial requirements
“Spatial requirements” is a library containing a number of symbols which can be
placed on drawings and used to investigate, for example, how much room a car
needs. The “Spatial Requirements” symbol library is called up using Command:
Spatial_library or using the toolbar’s t1 button.
All the symbols are drawn in layer 0, with “colour byblock” and “linetype byblock”.
“Spatial requirements” dialog box.
This means that the symbols take their colour and linetype from the layer they are
inserted into.
The individual symbols cannot be edited. If you need to edit a symbol and draw it
in a specific layer, save the symbol in the user library using Command:Library.
Areas p. 79
Areas
Areas is a tool which is used to calculate and illustrate areas. For each type of
area which has to be calculated, a format is created. The format contains a unique
code, a description and a particular type of hatching. The hatching colour, scaling
and type is set in the format. The format is linked to the line as xdata, by simply
selecting one or more lines in the drawing. It is possible to link several formats to
one line at the same time.
Once the format has been linked to the line, the area can be calculated and illustrated using hatching. The hatching can be removed, if it is not needed, and be
redrawn at a later time.
“Manage areas” dialog box
p. 80 Areas
Creating a format.
Type Command:Areas, and the “Areas” dialog box is displayed.
In the dialog box, select “New...”
Fill out all the fields, and choose an illustration type. The code can be max. 5 char-
Fig. 1. A correctly setup area,
illustrated with hatching.
“Edit/create new format” dialog box
acters, and the description can be max. 75 characters.
“Colour...” is the colour allocated to the hatching. It can be set to “bylayer”, but it
is often a good idea to distinguish the hatchings from each other using colour.
Fig. 2. When drawing up areas, the
“Hatch...” is the chosen type of hatching. You can choose between the drawing‘s
lines must not cross. Otherwise, the
standard hatching types.
area will be calculated incorrectly.
The buttons “On” and “Off ” toggle hatching on and off.
Click “OK” when the format has been set up.
1
5
4
11
6
7
10
9
8
2
Fig. 3. Islands within an area
are created by drawing a closed
polyline, as above.
3
Applying formats
Once the formats have been set up, they must be attached to polylines/circles/
ellipses. Select the areas which you want to be active in the list. You can select several at the same time. Once you have chosen the right formats, select “Apply>>”
and the dialog box will close. The following will be displayed on the command
line:
Command:
Select objects, filters for polylines, circles or ellipses.
Filter/Select objects/eXit:<Select objects>
“Select Objects” is used to select the lines the format is to be linked to. Only closed
polylines, circle and ellipses can be selected. You can use a filter to only include a
particular layer. See fig. 1-3 on this page.
Areas p. 81
Calculation
You calculate an area simply by clicking on “Calculate” in the “Areas” dialog box.
Note. On/Off do not determine whether an area is calculated for a format. If calculate is selected,
and the lines are thawed, the area will be calculated. Lines in the layer which are “Off ” in the
layer dialog box will be included in the calculation.
“Area calculation” dialog box
p. 82 Pieces
Pieces
“Pieces” is a tool which is used to calculate and illustrate numbers of pieces. For
each type which has to be counted, a format is created. The format can contain
information on management level, type, blocktype, etc. The format can then be
linked to one or more objects, and several formats can be linked to a single object.
“Pieces” dialog box.
The format is linked to the object as xdata, and is included in the drawing in any
exchanges. Once the format has been linked to the object, the number can be
counted and optionally illustrated using any block. The scale of the block is determined by the format which is set up. The block is just an illustration and does
not carry information.
Pieces p. 83
Creating a format.
Type Command:Pieces, and the “Pieces” dialog box is displayed.
In the dialog box, select “New...”
“Edit/create new piece format” dialog box
Then fill out all the fields, and choose an illustration type. The code can be max.
5 characters, and the description can be max. 75 characters.
“Colour...” is the colour allocated to the block. The colour will only have an effect
if the block is made in layer 0, or using “colour byblock”.
“Block...” calls up the “Block” dialog box.
You can select between the blocks in the drawing in the “Block” dialog box. If
“Block” dialog box.
desired, first select a block from the library and insert it.
“Scale” and “Rotation” are the same as scale and rotation when inserting a block.
“Scatter” sets how much the block should vary, as a percentage of scale and
p. 84 Pieces
rotation. Upon insertion, the blocks will be randomly scattered. This function is
very useful, for example, for illustrating free standing trees. The function can also
be used to check whether there is double information.
Click “OK” when the format has been set up.
Applying formats
Once the formats have been setup, they must be attached to the objects.
Select the formats which you want to be active in the list. You can select several at
the same time. Once you have chosen the right formats, select “Apply>>” and the
dialog box will close. The following will be displayed on the command line:
Command:
Select objects
Filter/Select objects/eXit:<Select objects>
Using “Select Objects”, select the objects to which you want to link a format.
You can only select objects which have an insertion point. You can use a filter to
sort on layers and, for example, the text “TR1”. All text objects with “TR1” in the
drawing can be selected in this way.
In contrast to “Areas”, there is no logical connection between the information
carrying object and the illustration.
If the information carrying object is moved, the illustration will not follow with
it.
Pieces p. 85
Calculating pieces
Go into the “Pieces” dialog box and select the formats to be calculated. Select
“Calculate>>” and the selected formats will be counted.
“Calculate pieces” dialog box.
All objects with information attached, and which are thawed, will be counted.
Note. Remember that it is the information carrying objects and not the illustrations, which are
counted.
After doing “Calculate”, you can save or print out the result.
Applications for “pieces”
There are a broad range of applications. Only a few are mentioned here:
• Counting all types of pieces.
• Map illustrations, where letters and numbers are used instead of symbols,
e.g. D for deciduous tree, etc. This might be a map from a local authority, or an
exchange via Microstation. Using a filter, all blocks, text or circles in a drawing can
be selected and replaced.
•
Drawing layouts where a block has to be replaced with another block.
Two examples where “Pieces” are used
for hatching. Points are laid out in a
grid, then each point is illustrated using
a block which has a 30 % scatter.
p. 86 Lengths
Lengths
“Lengths” is a tool which is used to calculate and illustrate lengths. For each type of
length which has to be calculated, a format is created. Formats contain information
about type, hatch, etc. Formats can then be attached to lines, and it is possible to
attach several formats to a line.
The format is linked to the line as xdata, and is included in the drawing in any exchanges. Once the format has been linked to the line, the lengths can be calculated
and illustrated using a linetype. The linetype is determined by the format which is
set up. The linetype is just an illustration.
“Lengths” dialog box
Lengths p. 87
Creating a format.
Type Command:Lengths, and the “Lengths” dialog box is displayed.
“Edit/create new format” dialog box
In the dialog box, select “New...”
Then fill out all the fields, and choose an illustration type. The code can be max.
5 characters, and the description can be max. 75 characters.
“Colour...” is the colour allocated to the line. It can be set to “bylayer”, but it is
often a good idea to distinguish the lines from each other using colour. The most
important thing is that you can see what has been calculated.
“Linetype...” is the linetype chosen. It is possible to select between the linetypes
in the drawing. It would be wise to load several of AutoCAD’s standard linetypes
during startup. If you select “continuous”, the line will lie directly on the original.
If you use, for example, zig-zag, you can check that the correct lines are information carrying.
Click “OK” when the format has been set up.
Applying formats
Once the formats have been set up, they must be attached to the lines.
Select the formats which you want to be active in the list. You can select several at
the same time. Once you have chosen the right formats, select “Apply>>” and the
dialog box will close. The following will be displayed on the command line:
Command:
Select objects, filters for polylines, circles or ellipses.
Filter/Select objects/eXit:<Select objects>
Use “Select Objects” to select the lines: You can select polylines, lines, 3D polylines,
arcs, circles and ellipses.
Lengths are calculated in the same way as explained under “Areas”, p. 80.
p. 88 Quicksurf
Quicksurf
Quicksurf is a tool for calculating and drawing mathematical surfaces. Quicksurf
only works with a hardware key, and has to be purchased separately. There is an
English manual which goes with it.
The program can generate mathematical models, which various calculations can
be done on. The models can be subtracted from each other, e.g. for earth calculations, be stretched in height, show pitch, be shown as squared surfaces, be shown
as triangulated surfaces, or as contours.
In order to use Quicksurf, you have to have a hardware key installed and a path
to the Quicksurf directory must be set up. See the CD cover for installation instructions.
You can bring up the menu by going into PD Land->Tools->Quicksurf. The menu
will load and be placed beside Land. Then go into PD Quicksurf.
Quicksurf does calculations between several points. These might be levels or other
points which have z-coordinates. The xyz coordinates are saved in a database, and
you can then do mathematical calculations on them.
Quicksurf p. 89
You can also extract lines to the database. Lines can be extracted, for example,
per 50 drawing units, or as break lines. A break line is a line where there is a sharp
edge, e.g. an embankment or building foundation.
Typically the program is used as follows:
Establish the points, either as levels or 3D lines.
- Extract the points using PD Quicksurf->Extract to surface or
PD Quicksurf->Extract breaks.
- Display the model using Tin, Grid or Tgrid, where the tin is the most precise
scale.
- When you are happy with the model, it is drawn up, and the mathematical
model
is saved using PD Quicksurf->Surface Operations. See the next page.
By subtracting two surfaces from each other, a volume can be calculated. You
can calculate the shortage or excess of earth, and the total volume of earth to be
moved. If you subtract the existing terrain from the planned terrain, you will obtain
three numbers: A positive value, a negative value and a net volume. The positive
value represents the amount that has to be filled, the negative value represents the
amount that has to be cut. The net amount represents the balance; if this value is
positive it means that there is a shortage of earth.
Earth calculations
There are some factors you need to be aware of when doing earth calculations:
- Always use tin, and set the derivatives to zero. The derivatives determine how
much Quicksurf should “transform” the terrain when calculating. Go into PD
Quicksurf -> Configuration -> Configure grid. Set derivatives to 0.
- Do not use “Extract breaks” for lines and foundations. Instead use “Densify
during extract”. Go into PD Quicksurf -> Configuration -> Configure extract. Check
“Densify during extract” and uncheck “Auto”. Set “Densify” to an appropriate
value.
- Save the surface and drawing before you do any calculations. Quicksurf can be
unstable when doing calculations. This is not anything specific to Land, but applies to Quicksurf.
p. 90 Quicksurf
“Surface Management” dialog box
Surface management
Use this to save and load surfaces. Each time a surface is finished, you should save
it with a specific name. Before closing the drawing, save all models using “Write
QSB”. The mathematical models are not saved together with the drawing.
Note. If you exit without saving the surfaces as a qsb file, all your work is lost.
Quicksurf comes with an excellent manual which has tutorials and a description
of operations.
Flat surfaces in sloping terrain
This tutorial shows how a building foundation can be placed in sloping terrain.
Can also be used as a guide for placing any flat surface into terrain, e.g. football
fields, car parks etc. Quicksurf manual p. 337.
Dam
This tutorial shows how to insert a dam in existing terrain, with volume calculation
and contour drawing. Quicksurf manual p. 345.
Quicksurf p. 91
Ditch
This tutorial shows how to insert and visualise a ditch in undulating terrain. The
ditch is constructed based on a line and a cross section. Quicksurf manual p.
357.
Retaining walls
This tutorial shows how a retaining wall is constructed in sloping terrain, and
visualised using a triangular grid. Quicksurf manual p. 366.
Roads
This tutorial shows how to place a road in existing terrain. You draw a road in
existing terrain, and the centre line is made into a longitudinal section. The longitudinal section is adjusted so that it has the right slopes and radii. The longitudinal
profile is placed back on the centreline and a cross section is installed. Roads are
placed in three stages.
- Draw in the centre of the road.
- Generate the longitudinal section
- Install the cross section
Quicksurf manual p. 369.
Analysis of slopes
This tutorial shows how analyses of slopes and their angles can be performed.
These analyses can be used to assess erosion danger, etc. Quicksurf manual p.
387.
NB. Single-drawing compatibility
When Quicksurf is active, it is only possible to open one drawing at a time in each AutoCAD.
In order to be able to open several drawings at once, go into PD Quicksurf->Exit quicksurf, at
the bottom of the menu. When you need to use quicksurf again, go into PD Land4->Tools>Quicksurf.
Quicksurf can be unstable, so only load the application when it is needed.
When “Single-drawing compatibility” is enabled, a new AutoCAD is opened for each drawing. To disable it, type Command:Options and select “System” and under “General options”,
uncheck “Single-drawing compatibility”. Remember to exit Quicksurf first.
p. 92 Translate colours
Translate colours
“Translate colours” is useful if a drawing needs to be translated to different pen
settings. This function translates the colours in the layers and on the objects which
are not “colour bylayer”. Objects within blocks are also translated. If the setup
needs to be used several times, it can be exported to a separate file.
- Go into TB Land4->Tools->Translate colours. Set up the colours and click on “OK”.
This command can only be run once in each drawing.
“Translate colours” dialog box
Save a description of the layers
Land can save a description of the layers, and their codes and logical descriptions:
- Go into TB Land4->Tools->Save a layer description. You can save the data either as
a txt or csv file. The description includes the pen settings.
p. 93
Chapter 5: Useful functions
p. 94
Useful functions p. 95
Upgrading to the latest ibb standard
Two important things have changed in the transition from ibb98 to ibb01. The
colour setup has been supplemented with new colours, and layer names which had
a “$” in position two have been changed to a “0”.
In order for Land to recognise and freeze layers, it is necessary to correct all the
layer names in your drawing which contain the $ character, by going into PD Land4
-> Tools ->Translate layers with $ to 0. Repeat this procedure every time you open an
old drawing to continue working on it.
The pen settings have been upgraded with colour 60 width 1.20, colour 212 width
0.35, colour 52 width 0.30 and colour 9 width 0.18. The new pen settings are contained in ctb files which come with Land. In order to copy them into AutoCAD’s
pen settings folder, go into PD Land4 -> Tools -> Create pen settings. All pen settings will then be copied into the AutoCAD folder. This command should only
be executed once.
Select ibb01.ctb as the default pen setup by going into Command:Options “Plotting”
and selecting ibb01.ctb under “Default plot style Table”.
Editing z-coordinates in the surveyor‘s base
For earth calculations, levels have to have z-coordinates, but what do you do if the
basic survey has no z-coordinates? To save having to type in all the heights again,
Land can change the level heights so that they match the level texts.
First investigate which type of objects the levels are, using Command : Llist and
clicking on the object.
If the object is text, go into PD Land4 -> Levels -> Replace levels with text. This function replaces text with levels. Choose the text’s insertion point as the insertion
point for the new level. You can choose an “offset” distance for the level marks, so
that marks and levels are not inserted in the same location. A good choice would
be half the text size, and place a - (minus) in front, so that the marks are placed
under the levels.
If the object is a block, rename the block by going into Land -> Tools -> Edit ->
Rename block, layer, etc. Rename the block, giving it a new name. The name must
start with “Land_level”, e.g. “LAND_LEVELsurv”. Once the level mark has been
renamed, it can be given a new height using PD Land4 -> Give levels a z-coordinate.
Note. Level marks can have several different block names in a drawing, so remember to rename all blocks.
p. 96 Useful functions
Translating formats from landibb to ibb
Landibb is based on ibb’s layer structure. If the layer structure ever needs to be
changed from landibb to ibb or vice-versa, always consult the IT expert at the
drawing office.
When a new layer structure is chosen, the drawing formats are changed. If you
wish to save the drawing formats, go into Command:DF. Select “Advanced” and
“Export to library”.
Then go into PD Land4 -> Configure -> Configure Layer and select “Layer standard”.
Under “Layer standard”, select “Ibb”.
Finally, load the drawing format using Command:DF and Advanced -> Import ->
Load from Library.... Select the exported format and click on “OK”. The layers
now need to be truncated. This is done via “Landibb->ibb”. Click “OK” and the
change is completed. The old formats are kept, but extra things are placed on the
same layer.
Restoring a drawing
AutoCAD saves a backup copy of your drawing, both as a bak file and an Autosave
to a separate folder.
If a drawing crashes without being saved, it can be restored using the
Autosave file. To find the Autosave folder, go into Command:Options
Files->Automatic Save File Location. Then go into this folder and rename the file,
“auto.sv$” to “newname.dwg”. The autosave interval is set using the system variable, Command:Savetime.
The bak file is used if a fault occurs in the drawing you are working on. The bak
file is located in the drawing folder, and is restored by simply renaming it to have
the dwg extension.
If a drawing becomes “damaged”, it can be repaired using Command:Audit. If this
is not enough, use Command:Wblock to export the drawing. Then insert the drawing
as a block in a new, empty drawing.
“Recover” and “Audit” can be used to repair drawings. If you use “Recover”, the
drawing must be saved using a different name. This preserves the last “good” bak
file.
Useful functions p. 97
From base drawing to a usable drawing
Base drawings from surveyors and local authorities can be unusable unless they
are edited. The maps are often translated from other systems, and symbols in,
for example, maps are often just letters. These basic maps often require serious
editing before they are a usable basis which can be built upon. This is how you
edit a basic map:
Make a copy of the original.
Work out what drawing units the drawing is in by taking a measurement on the
drawing using Command:Dist.
Scale the drawing to the drawing units which you will be working in, e.g. mm. It is
important that everything gets scaled, type Command:Thaw and “*”. This will thaw
all layers. Type Command:On and “*”. This sets all layers to “On”. Then change to
UCS world using Command:UCS “World”. Then scale the drawing in 0,0,0.
Set all objects in the drawing to Colour ByLayer using Command:Change
Command: change
Select objects: all 15 found
Specify change point or [Properties]: p
Enter property to change [Color/LAyer/LType/ltScale/LWeight/Thickness]: color
Enter new color <varies>: bylayer
Repeat the procedure for LType and Ltscale if necessary.
Translate the colours in the drawing using PD->Land4->Tools->translate colours. See
“Translate colours”, p. 92.
Replace text with symbols using Command:Pieces. “Pieces” can find, for example,
all “B” labels and replace the text with a block. See “Pieces”, p. 84.
Rotate the labels so that they suit the UCS to be worked with. Go into TB Land4>Text and select “Rotate text”. Select all text.
Scale the text using “Edit all text sizes”, t20 in the toolbar. This function edits all
the text sizes.
Finally, levels can be given z-coordinates, see “Levels”, p. 67.
p. 98 Useful functions
Production lists for curved steel edges
Extractions for steel edges can be made using PD Land4->Tools->Steel edges. These
extractions consist of lists of lengths and radii for each piece of steel. The list can
be used as the basis for production. This is how to do it:
Draw your edge using pline. Use arcs where it is curved. When you are finished
with the edge, explode it.
Go into TB Land4->Tools->Lengths/radii for line segments/radii.
In the example below, all the figures start with ST1, i.e. the edges are marked
ST1.1, ST1.2, etc.
Suffix ? <>ST1.
Count from ? <1>
Unit = <mm>
Select arc/line
Then the list can be exported.
Go into PD Land4->Tools->Export and sort comma separated file...
The final list will look like this:
Text extraction from Drawing1.dwg using LAND4.03 © 1997-2002 LAND
ST1.1, L = 3283.54 mm, R = 0 mm
ST1.2, L = 4574.86 mm, R = 2292.46 mm
ST1.3, L = 4558.74 mm, R = 1444.86 mm
ST1.4, L = 9102.78 mm, R = 2229.96 mm
ST1.5, L = 3976.26 mm, R = 1225.09 mm
The list can be inserted into the drawing or be imported into a spreadsheet, see
“Comma separated files”, p. 73. The precision is set using Command:Units.
Extracting a coordinate list from a drawing
When extracting coordinates for plotting, it is important to have a survey base
which has been correctly plotted. Ideally the surveyor should plot at least two
coordinates on his drawing, to ensure the base has not been shifted. When the
coordinates are to be plotted, they can either be plotted directly on the drawing
or as points which can be extracted from the drawing. The advantage of digital
plotting is that the traditional geometry can be skipped, the project will end up
as drawn, and in many cases it will be easy and fast to do a plot for the building
Useful functions p. 99
contractor. However, please note that you will have to supplement with chains of
measurements in the places where module measurements are used, for tiles, etc.
Plotting coordinates directly on a drawing
Go into TB Land4->Tools->Coordinates/points->Plot coordinate point: Plot the necessary
points and give them a suffix based on theme, e.g. buildings, edges, etc. Example:
COORDINATE_POINT
Suffix ? <ST1.>A
Count from ? <6>1
Use z-coordinate? Yes/No <Yes>n
Specify base point:
The list can be inserted into the drawing or be imported into a spreadsheet, see
“Comma separated files”, p. 73. The precision is set up using Command:Units. The
point type can be set up using Command:Ddptype.
Plotting levels and extracting levels from a drawing
In large projects with many coordinate points, it can be an advantage to plot them
as points with a name and progressive numbering.
Go into TB Land4->Levels->Configure levels. Under “Add”, select “Prefix” and enable
it. Type, for example, “ED1” for edge type 1. Then enable “Count from” and type
“0”. Click “OK” and type Command:Levels
Command:Levels
Changing to layer L905———, Landscape architect Levels/terrain points...
Level with cross, in 1:100
Pick insertion point of level:
Prefix:”KA1.”, Count from:0 Level ?:<>
Press enter at “level” and insert the text.
Repeat the command until all the levels have been plotted.
Then go into PD Levels->Export coordinates and select the plotted levels.
The final list might look like this:
Coordinate extraction from Drawing1.dwg using LAND4.03 © 1997-2002 LAND
p. 100 Useful functions
Current UCS zero point X = 0.00 Y = 0.00 Z = 0.00 (UCS WORLD X=0 Y=0
Z=0).
Current UCS rotated 0 degrees (UCS WORLD 0=degrees).
Attribute value,X,Y,Z
KA1.0,-738582.57,-458903.10,0.00
KA1.1,-737780.52,-459259.39,0.00
The coordinate extraction is supplemented using information about UCS, since
the extraction, as a rule, is carried out in UCS world. Small displacements will place
the coordinates, and hence the project, somewhere else.
The list is exported as a comma separated file and is typically put into a spreadsheet,
see “Comma separated files”, p. 73.
Block variations
Block rotation and scaling can be varied randomly. This is especially useful when
inserting many trees, the placement and size of which is meant to look random.
The command is called Command:Scatter and it calls up the “Scatter blocks” dialog
box. The command can also be called using the toolbars t22 button.
If the filter is set, you can sort for one particular block. Rotation and spread can be
Fig.1
“Scatter blocks” dialog box
Fig.2
adjusted independently. In fig. 1, trees have been copied in from the library. Then
the scaling and rotation have been adjusted using “Scatter blocks” in fig. 2.
p. 101
Index
p. 102
Index p. 103
A
Land 44
Analyse drawing 37
Area calculation 81
Areas 73, 79
Array 51
Attdia 53
AutoCAD
AutoCAD variables 53
Commands 50
Variables 53
B
Bextend 51
Block variations 100
Blocks
Copy blocks in patterns 69
Creating a block 69
Drawing headings 70
Exporting a block 69
Config. dimension 46
Configuration 21
Configure
Layer 21
Units 23
Configure levels 47
Configure text 46
Create headline 36
D
Ddedit 46
Decurve 48
Designing
Extracting a coordinate list from a drawing 98
File naming 56
File structure 56
From a basic dawing to a usable drawing 97
Plotting directly on a drawing 99
Production lists for curved steel edges 98
Break 51
Break1 51
Break2 51
Dialog box
C
Dimension 46
Calculating
Areas 73
Lengths 75
Pieces 75
Volumes 75
Calculating pieces 85
Chamfer 51
Change 45
Cmdia 53
Colour
Assigning a colour to a layer 41
Land96 43
SRL98 43
Colour and pen settings
Ibb90 41
Ibb98 41
Comma separated files 73
Commands 44
AutoCAD 50
Create/change layer 30
Drawing formats 32
Library 38
Configure 61
Layers 61
Size 61
Toolbar 61
Dimension-commands 46
Dimensions
Using Point&Draw 62
Using the library 62
Dimstyle 50
Drawing
Using Drawing formats 58
Using Point&Draw 58
Drawing files 56
Drawing Formats 31
Drawing formats 44
Advanced 33
Commands 35
Edit or create 34
Export/import 37
Pick from drawing 36
p. 104 Index
Translating formats from landibb to ibb 96
Dtext 46
E
Earth calculations 89
Edit level 47
Extend 51
Extracting a coordinate list from a drawing 98
F
Fillet 51
Flat surfaces in sloping terrain 90
Freeze 44
From a basic dawing to a usable drawing 97
G
Give a level a z-coordinate 47
H
Hatch. Se Skraveringer
Place hatches to the back 49
Hatching
Using Area 59
Using Bhatch 59
Installation 11
Interpolate 66
Isolate 45
L
Land
Basic commands 44
Dimension-commands 46
Levelling commands 47
Text commands 46
Tool commands 48
Workspace 11
Layer
Assigning a line weight to a layer 41
Colour 41
Copy an object to the active layer 45
Create 26
Creating new layers 57
Index 26
Line weight 41
Linetype 41
Move an object to the active layer 45
Layer structures
Dsfl 24
Ibb 24
Landibb 24
SB11 24
Layers
I
Ibb
Colour 42
Layer 24
Layer structure 25
Upgrading to the latest ibb standard 95
Image 72. Se også Billeder
Images
Frames 72
Inserting 72
Order on the screen 72
Size 72
Transparent 72
Insert block 47
Insert image 47
Insert OLE object 47
Insert xref 47
Creating with Drawing Formats 31
Managing specific layers 29
Save a description 92
Translate colours 92
Lengths 86
Level 47
Levelling
Configuration 63
Layers 63
Marks 63
Precision 63
Prefix 63
Suffix 63
Text style 63
Levels
Add or remove brackets 67
Constant gradient 66
Editing size 66
Index p. 105
Editing z-coordinates in the basic survey 95
Gradient direction 66
Gradient in thousandths 66
Interpolate 66
Levels 65
Moving levels up and down 65
Plotting levels/extracting coordinates 99
Z-coordinates 67
Plotting
Plotting directly on a drawing 99
Plotting levels 99
Plug-in module 11
Point&Draw 44
Problems
A new AutoCAD is opened for each drawing 91
Cannot hatch because there are too many points 53
OLE objects 73
Restoring a drawing 96
Scaling of hatch 53
TT fonts 69
Word 69
Library 44
Library 38
New block and picture 40
Symbols for spatial requirements 78
Line scaling 49
Linetype
Assigning a linetype to a layer 41
Lock 45
Ltscale 53
Lwunits 53
M
Measure 52
Measurement 53
Measuring quantities
Production lists for curved steel edges 98
Psltscale 54
Pull-down menu
Construction 13
Q
Quicksurf
Analysis of slopes 91
Dam 90
Ditch 90, 91
Earth calculations 89
Flat surfaces in sloping terrain 90
Retaining walls 91
Roads 91
Surface management 90
Comma separated files 73
Mirror 52
Mirrtext 53
Model files 56
Move level 47
Mtext 46
O
Off 44
OLE objects, Object Linking and Embedding 73
On 44
P
Pedit 51
Pellipse 53
Pen 45
Pen settings 41
Perspective 48
Pieces 82
Plinegen 53
R
Remove headline 36
Restoring a drawing 96
Rotate block 48
Rotate dimension 46
Rotate level 47
Rotate text 46
S
Save a description of the layers 92
Savetime 53
Scale block 48
Scale dimension 46
Scale level 47
Scale text 46
p. 106 Index
Set suffix for all layers 33
Shortcutmenu 54
Skpoly 54
Spatial requirements 48, 78
Splframe 54
Spline 48
Stretch 52
T
T-buttons
Commands 48
Text
Configure 68
Layer 68
Scale 68
Text style 68
Thaw 44
Toolbar
Land 17
Overview 17
Translate colours 92
Trim 51
U
Ucsfollow 53
Ucsicon 53
Units 23
Unlock 45
Upgrading to the latest ibb standard 95
V
Variables
AutoCAD 53
Visretain 54
Volumes 75
X
Xloadctl 54
Xref
Attach 71
Crop 71
Visretain 72
Z
Zvalue 48
Index p. 107
p. 108