What drawing versions will this version of the Object Enabler support?
The Civil Object Enabler supports Land objects created in previous Land Desktop releases. However, if you open a drawing created on an earlier release using the Civil Object Enabler and then save the drawing, the object versions are promoted to version 2009, just as if you created the drawing on AutoCAD Land Desktop 2009.
Is the Civil Object Enabler the same as the Architecture Object Enabler?
No. The Civil Object Enabler and the AutoCAD Architecture Object Enablers are different. When viewing Land objects in AutoCAD or one of the AutoCAD-based applications (other than Land Desktop), you should use the Civil Object Enabler. When viewing Architectural objects, you should use the AutoCAD Architecture Object Enabler.
Can the Civil Object Enabler be installed on a version of AutoCAD prior to 2009?
No. The Civil Object Enabler can only be installed on AutoCAD 2009 based products.
When multiple Object Enablers are installed, how do I select the correct version?
When you open a drawing, the Object Enabler version is selected automatically for you depending on the version of the objects in the drawing. For example, when you open a drawing created in AutoCAD Land Desktop 2009, the Civil Object Enabler is run automatically, even if you have earlier versions of the Civil Object Enabler installed. If you open a drawing created on an earlier version of Land Desktop, the corresponding Civil Object enabler is run if it is installed.
Do I have to install the Civil Object Enabler in order to view AutoCAD Land Desktop drawings in AutoCAD based applications?
No. The AutoCAD proxy graphic mechanism (starting with AutoCAD R13) allows viewing of Land Desktop objects in AutoCAD or other Autodesk products that can read drawing files. Be sure you turn on proxy graphics before you save your drawings.
How is the Civil Object Enabler different from proxy graphics?
The Civil Object Enabler does not replace the proxy graphics mechanism of interoperability. Proxy graphics remains a valuable “common denominator” of interoperability across the Autodesk product line. The Civil Object Enabler provides a more robust level of compatibility for AutoCAD users, allowing them to benefit from the power of Land objects.
Can I use the Civil Object Enabler on AutoCAD 2002 or previous versions?
No. There are versions of the Object Enabler available for AutoCAD 2002 and previous versions. However, these products cannot open AutoCAD 2009 drawings. For more information, see http://www.autodesk.com/aecobjenabler.
How do I use the Civil Object Enabler?
Once installed, the Civil Object Enabler works automatically with your existing AutoCAD configuration. If you open a drawing file containing Land Desktop objects, they are “live” and you are able to edit them directly using AutoCAD software commands. There are no menus, toolbars, or command-line features associated with the Civil Object Enabler. The power of the Civil Object Enabler is the ability to use existing and familiar AutoCAD commands on Land objects without the need to learn new functionality.
Can I create intelligent objects using the Civil Object Enabler on AutoCAD 2009?
There are no commands to create new objects using AutoCAD 2009 and the Civil Object Enabler. Copying existing objects, however, is supported, and objects retain their intelligence.
How can I control the drawing units when I perform a Map query on an Architectural Desktop drawing and a Land Desktop drawing in an object-enabled AutoCAD Map 3D?
To control the drawing units when performing a Map query draw, you can use the -aecdwgunits command, which has been added to the Object Enabler and to AutoCAD Land Enabled Map.
You can use this command to set the drawing units before performing a query draw in which you query drawings with different units, such as a Land Desktop drawing and an Architectural Desktop drawing.
To use this command, type -aecdwgunits on the command line (including the dash), and then set the drawing units by using the prompts that are displayed. These prompts control drawing units, drawing unit display format, linear display precision, and whether objects from other drawings are scaled on insert. The scale on insert prompt is shown below:
Scale objects from other drawings upon insert? [Yes/No] <Y>:
When combining Land Desktop and Architectural Desktop drawings using Map query draw, it is recommended that you answer “Yes” at this prompt prior to querying either drawing, or the drawings may not be scaled properly.
If there is not already a Drawing Setup object in the current drawing, then this command creates a Drawing Setup object with the settings you specify.
How do I install the Civil Object Enabler?
The Civil Object Enabler is also available on your product media. You can also download the most current version from the Autodesk web site at http://www.autodesk.com/aecobjenabler.
How do I distribute the Civil Object Enabler install?
The Civil Object Enabler is a freeware application that you can distribute to anyone who wants to view your drawings. However, the Civil Object Enabler alone cannot display your drawings. You must have an installed copy of AutoCAD 2009.
How do I verify that the Civil Object Enabler is installed properly and running?
When you open a drawing containing one or more Land Desktop custom objects, a message displays at the AutoCAD command line saying that the AecBase40 and AecCivilBase modules have been loaded. When you install the Civil Object Enabler, it will also be added to the Add/Remove Programs list in the Windows Control Panel.
Why do I still see the Proxy Information Dialog Box when I open a drawing?
The AutoCAD Proxy Information dialog box for AecDraft.arx is displayed when you open a drawing that contains Land Desktop dynamic line label objects.
Are there any AutoCAD variables that affect the Civil Object Enabler?
When you are using the Civil Object Enabler, it is recommended that you use the Object detect and command invoke option in AutoCAD Options.
To select the Object detect and command invoke option
- Type OPTIONS at the AutoCAD command line to display the AutoCAD Options dialog box.
- Click the Open and Save tab.
- Under Object ARX applications and Demand load Object ARX apps, select Object detect and command invoke.
This option checks for any custom objects that exist in a drawing and loads the parent ARX/DBX application.
When you want to use the Civil Object Enabler to view custom objects, set the Demand Load ObjectARX Apps option to Custom Object Detect (1) or Object Detect and Command Invoke (3).