Question

How to transfer data between Excel 2003 and AutoCAD Architecture 2008 Using Visual Studio 2005

Asked by: stavin

I would like to use AutoCAD to track assets. But I would also like to use Excel to produce reports. Since Excel is such a common program, I would like to allow users to enter parameters in Excel, and have those parameters be accessible in AutoCAD.

The idea is to have as much of the data entry done in Excel, and then be able to use values in Excel cells in AutoCAD.

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Answers

 

by: norrin_raddPosted on 2008-06-04 at 11:13:53ID: 21712517

if you just want to have an autocad table that is linked to your excel data you should look up "data links" in the autocad help files, herse a snip:

A table can be linked to data in a Microsoft Excel (XLS, .XLSX, or CSV) file. You can link to an entire spreadsheet, individual row, column, cell, or cell range in Excel.

NoteMicrosoft Excel must be installed to use Microsoft Excel data links. To link to the XLSX filetype, Microsoft Excel 2007 must be installed.
You can bring data from Microsoft Excel into a table in the following three ways:

As formulas with supported data formats attached.
As calculated data from formulas calculated in Excel (supported data formats not attached).
As calculated data from formulas calculated in Excel (with data formats attached).
A table that contains data links displays indicators around linked cells. If you hover your mouse cursor over the data link, information about the data link is displayed.

</snip>

that way  you dont need vba. if you want to use the data in a attribute or something like that you will need to use vba or possibly "fields"
let us know exactly how you want to use the data in autocad

 

by: stavinPosted on 2008-06-04 at 18:54:23ID: 21715864

The data will eventually end in Excel and Access.

At this point, I want to use Excel as a real-time GUI to drive AutoCAD and Architectural Desktop parameters. Thus far, the data in AutoCAD is stored as Scheduling Data. It will much easier to place things in the right location in AutoCAD, where I also want to count how many of each type of asset we own. Then I want to export the subtotals back to Excel for further processing.

It seems I can do this as a DLL in AutoCAD, a VBA macro in Excel might not be good enough to do everything I want to do in AutoCAD, and a stand alone application should also work. However, I am not sure wht the pros and cons might be.

In AutoCAD, the most dificult portion appears to be how to control schedule data programatically, which is something that was first exposed in the API in 2008. I have seen code excerpts that show what references are necessary but haven't actually done it.

 

by: norrin_raddPosted on 2008-06-05 at 06:55:26ID: 21719380

I use Autocad Map 3d and have been able to manipulate Access  and create data links with vba from inside acad, so I know this can be done. I use a combination of CAO.dbconnect and ADODB variables.

Now with ADT I wasnt sure exactly how "scheduling data" was structured so I went looking to see if I could figure out the references. I stumbled across this in the autodesk ng:
http://discussion.autodesk.com/thread.jspa?messageID=577818

This may be dated but it might give you a direction to look into, looks like it has the AEC references you may need. If not I will post some of what I have come up with using  CAO and see if that will help you, or maybe someone else will come up with something.

 

by: stavinPosted on 2008-06-05 at 12:05:04ID: 21722864

Norrin,

I've used AutoCAD Map and LDT as well. Like I said in my previous comment, the APIs to access schedule data were released in version 2008, which is my target platform.

Right now I need general direction as to what "architecture" to use. VBA within Excel is out because I need C++ or C# to access the AutoCAD Architecture (AA) API's.

So the main high level question is whether to create a DLL that runs in AutoCAD or a stand alone app.
The main low level question is what the names spaces, methods and classes that I need to use, and ideally some code excerpts that work.

 

by: darrenmcwiPosted on 2008-08-21 at 07:44:21ID: 22280064

It's hard to give you a direction without knowing more details. You don't nessicarily need C++ or C# depending on what you need to do in AcadA.

Also, have you looked at dbConnect as your connection to a database?

If this is something your willing to hire for, I can point you to one or two of the foremost authorities in the US with regard to connecting databases to AutoCAD. One is Scott McFarlane (author on the topic) snd the other is Jon Fleming. They are among the best in this topic area. I can get you contact info for both if you need.

Also, if you go to Autodesk's discussion groups on the web "Discussion Groups Index > AutoCAD Groups > Autodesk ObjectARX > Database connectivity " you'll see both of those guys and a number of others offering help and support.

 

by: stavinPosted on 2009-04-04 at 09:28:42ID: 31463849

I ended up doing my own development, somewhat related to all suggestions. No direct solution was given perhaps because of the vagueness of my question.  Thanks all.

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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