Essential AutoCAD Lisp Routines for Surveyors 'autocad lisp routines for surveyors'

Introduction

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As an Autodesk AutoCAD user, especially those working in the field of surveying and mapping, you know how crucial it is to have a set of reliable and efficient tools at your disposal. Among these are AutoCAD Lisp routines – custom programs written in the LISP (Lisp) programming language that can automate repetitive tasks, perform complex calculations, and much more.

In this article, we'll explore some essential AutoCAD Lisp routines specifically designed for surveyors like yourself. These include a Java-based graticule tool, various data manipulation utilities, and even tools to create common surveying elements such as doors.

1. Graticule 3D - A Powerful Least-Squares Adjustment Tool

The first routine we'll cover is the Graticute 3D , an open-source least-squares adjustment tool specifically designed for AutoCAD users working in three-dimensional environments. This powerful program offers a wide range of features, including:

* Performing both static and dynamic adjustments

* Handling various types of observations such as GNSS, CORS, GPS-PSU, etc.

* Support for multiple coordinate systems

This routine is an absolute must-have for any surveyor working on large-scale projects requiring accurate spatial analysis.

2. AutoCAD Lisp Routines: A Quick Primer

Before diving deeper into the specific routines we'll cover below, let's quickly touch upon how to load and use them within AutoCAD:

* To load a new routine, simply double-click on its .lsp file or right-click in the AutoCAD application window > Manage > Load/Unload 'or type 'Load Application' at the command line'.

* Once loaded, you can access each individual function by typing its name followed by a period (e.g., flatten.).

3. Distbear: Measure Lengths and Angles with Ease

The next routine we'll explore is called DistBear.zip, which stands for 'Distance Bearing'. This handy utility creates a text entity that displays the distance (length) and bearing (angle) of any selected line or polyline segment.

This can be particularly useful when working on surveying projects involving:

* Creating detailed maps

* Calculating distances between reference points

* Measuring angles between lines

To use DistBear, simply select a line or pline entity you'd like to measure and type 'Distbear' followed by Enter at the command prompt.

4. Dof: Offset Entities with Ease

The next routine we'll cover is called DoF.zip (Offset), which creates an offset copy of any selected AutoCAD object(s) while erasing the original entity(ies).

This can be particularly useful in scenarios such as:

* Creating multiple copies of a drawing element for comparison purposes

* Modeling complex 3D structures by extruding 2D profiles

To use DoF, simply select one or more entities you'd like to offset and type 'Dof' followed by the desired distance value.

5. Door: Draw Doors with Ease in Autoacad!

Last but certainly not least on our list is a simple routine called door.rar (or alternatively, 2DDoor.lsp), which creates a basic 2D door entity that can be easily customized to suit your specific needs.

This routine can come in handy when:

* Creating detailed floor plans

* Modeling building layouts

* Adding decorative elements such as doors and windows

To use this tool, simply type 'door' followed by Enter at the command prompt.

Autocad lisp routines for surveyors