TOPO for AutoCAD
User’s Manual
TOPO for AutoCAD |
Engineering Solutions 2015
Table of Contents
1.2 Prerequisite software and compatibility
1.2.2 Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)
1.2.3 Additional Visual Basic 6 and x32 system libraries
1.3 Terms and conditions of use
1.5 How to Download your SoftLock License Key File
2.3 How to launch the commands
2.3.1 Using Topo’s External Command Palette
2.3.2 Using AutoCAD’s Text WIndow
2.3.3 Using AutoCAD’s Menu Bar - Recommended
3.3 Produce a Digital Landscape
4.1.9 Transform 3DFaces to Solid Landscape
4.5.1 Launch Topo’s Command Palette
5.1 Unexpected Crashes / Missing Dependencies
Topo is a survey add-on for AutoCAD, therefore the user should be familiar with AutoCAD’s drawing environment and commands.
It contains a range of commands that allow fast and easy CAD of survey works, such as importing and exporting points from text files, TIN landscape construction, contour mapping, cross sections and more.
The user should keep in mind that Topo works in the World Coordinate System of the drawing (WCS), not the User’s Coordinate System (UCS). All objects created by the Topo add-on are normal AutoCAD entities and can be modified by conventional AutoCAD commands as the user requires.
Topo is not a stand alone package. It is released as an AutoCAD Visual Basic Application (VBA) addon therefore before you install the package, please make sure that an AutoCAD version and its corresponding Visual Basic for Applications Enabler (VBA) are installed on your system.
A valid and fully functional version of AutoCAD has to be installed on your hard drive. That could be any type of the release (like generic AutoCAD, or AutoCAD Architecture) from version 2000 up to now, as long as it is not the AutoCAD LT (light). The LT version does not support 3D drawing and also VBA that is crucial for Topo to function. You can purchase AutoCAD from Autodesk’s website http://usa.autodesk.com/ or your regional representative.
Please make sure that your AutoCAD version is equipped with the VBA runtime environment. AutoCAD version up to 2009 had VBA pre-installed in it, while version from 2010 and onward need to download it and install it (as an additional free feature) by the user. You can access this installation file from Autodesk’s Services & Support section of their website, under the Data & Download section, subsection Tools (currently here) or you can search Autodesk’s website using the keywords: Download VBA Module.
You can also download the appropriate module for your AutoCAD version from this online website or the following list:
AutoCAD 2010 – 32-bit – 64-bit
AutoCAD 2011 – 32-bit – 64-bit
AutoCAD 2012 – 32-bit – 64-bit
AutoCAD 2013 – 32-bit – 64-bit
AutoCAD 2014 – 32-bit – 64-bit
AutoCAD 2015 – 32-bit – 64-bit
AutoCAD 2016 – 32-bit – 64-bit
To install it on your system close all programs, double-click the downloaded self-extracting EXE file in Windows Explorer, unzip the file to the location of your choice, or use the default location and follow the on-screen instructions.
This software is written in Visual Basic 6 (VB6) 32-bit and requires some standard Microsoft dll libraries to function. For this reason your Windows should be equipped with the standard VB6 and 32-bit core libraries.
In case you encounter execution errors while running Topo, please consider installing the following run-time files:
You can always refer to our online Dependencies Download Section for help on compatibility issues on your working station.
Topo is distributed exclusively from its official website: http://EngSolutions.ElementFX.com
You may contact me directly on: EngSolutionsMail@gmail.com
An official, updated and unspoiled release of this software may only come from the website provided above. Any person using this package is automatically considered to agree and comply with the following terms:
By using this software you confirm your agreement to all of the terms above. If you do not agree with any or all of the above terms, you ought to delete the software package and all of its component that has fallen to your possession right after you finish reading these lines.
Note that 2 types of license may be purchased at the moment, each one powered by the corresponding SoflLock license key file, that (once received) should be stored within the Topo folder in your AutoCAD installed folder (that is should be something like C:\Topo).
Limited Time Trial License
If your Working Station has not been granted a Trial Period yet, the software will proceed on applying a Trial License for you automatically. This will allow you to use the software with all the commands as if you had purchased a Normal License for a limited time period of 1 calendar month. Time is tracked using the license server clock, therefore an unblocked internet connection is required each time you startup Topo.
The automatic application procedure includes contacting the license server to request your trial, and saving your temporary SoftLock file inside the Topo folder. Please note that this key file is not recoverable if misused or lost within the trial period.
At some point, Topo will ask you to type in a name for your trial. You can type in any word or phrase you like. This is used only to remind you in the future when you had voluntarily applied for this trial. |
This type of license allow you to try the software before you buy with the following features:
- Free to acquire
- Requires internet access for authorization (once every Topo startup)
- All commands of the given version plus all the lower releases are unlocked and Fully Functional
- Locks on PC and it is non transferable
- Works only for a limited time period of one month
- Only 1 will be approved per AutoCAD installation
Full License for a single Topo version
This is the normal fully functional license and can be purchased only after the period of the Trial License above has expired. This License has to be purchased from the website once registered.
Normal License supports the following features:
- Is valid for unlimited uses for the given version and all earlier releases
- Does not require internet access to function
- Unlocks all commands for the purchased version plus all lower releases (currently v1 only)
- Allows updating for all upcoming revisions (new additions, bug fixes & more)
- Locks on a PC and it is non transferable
- Provides technical support through website ticket system
- User is eligible for 3 different SoftLock keys, one for each different AutoCAD installation, each eligible for transfer to a new PC annually.
Each working station is eligible for a one time limited time trial SoftLock key of 1 calendar month. The procedure for getting this SoftLock trial key will also initiate automatically. This key file is not expandable, nor recoverable in case of loss or any other fault and will be rendered obsolete once expired.
After the trial period you will be prompted to follow the standard procedure in order to download a normal SoftLock license key to your Working Station (AutoCAD-Topo installation). The steps you need to go through is:
This dialogue will be initiated automatically the first time you call upon any Topo command, within AutoCAD. Alternatively to force a request, type topor in AutoCAD’s command line and press [Enter]. The dialogue will inform you on your status and guide you through the procedure.
Available on Website | >=> | Available within AutoCAD | |||||
|
|
Always make sure AutoCAD’s Macro Security enables macro executions and Microsoft Forms or this software will not function! |
To install download the latest Topo.zip from the website and unpack it within your hard drive in a folder that is Not Protected by Windows. Please note that Windows UAC Protected folders are by default C:\Windows and C:\Program Files, so any other folder except these 2 will suit well. The zip file will create a Topo folder that includes all the required software and files.
On the first time you run AutoCAD you need to fix the Topo.dvb file’s path on Topo.lsp (Done automatically by LSP2DVBfix.exe program) and register Topo using the following steps:
If you don’t get any message it means that fix was not needed at all.
If you get an Error message it means that the folder you installed is protected by Windows and LSP2DVBfix.exe can not update the Topo.ini file within it, so you need to move Topo folder to another location and try again.
If that is not the case, it means that either one of the files Topo.ini and Topo.lsp is tempered and you need to download the package again from an official source and start again.
On “File Loading - Security Concern”, asking you to Load file Topo.lsp and file Topo.dvb, please activate “Always load this application” and click on “Load” button to allow execution of Topo’s macros. |
Once installed, you can test the installation by typing Topo on AutoCAD’s text window. If you get a window with Topo’s logo and authentication statements it means that your software is installed and fully functional.
If all went well, once you start AutoCAD you will notice a confirmation report on AutoCAD’s Text Window.
You can invoke the commands of Topo addon using the following 3 different methods:
The Command Palette has to be invoked for each session you wish to use Topo’s commands.
Topo’s External Command Palette can be launched by running TopoPalette.exe program found within Topo’s installation folder, or by typing TopoP and [Enter] on AutoCAD’s Text Window. |
Once launched you can move it to a spot of your convenience by dragging it from the label (text or image).
You and also choose the form of the palette by clicking the slash symbol (/) on the palette’s label.
All the command can be called by clicking on the square icons that represent the groups of commands.
Each command has a (code)name that can be used to invoke it using AutoCAD’s text window. All you need to do is type in the Command Name and press [Enter] (also displayed as the symbol “↲” in this document).
All the Command Names can be seen on the Command Reference chapter of this manual.
As with AUtoCAD’s standard commands, this method proves to be the fastest when working on modeling your landscape. All you will end up memorizing is the 3-5 most common for you Command Names.
Topo’s Menu can be launched on AutoCAD’s menu bar when you wish to use Topo’s commands. AutoCAD’s menu bar can only be seen if you are using the AutoCAD Classic interface.
If you can’t see the Menu Bar and you are using AutoCAD 2014 or earlier editions (2013, 2012, ...), you need to switch between user interface modes using the Workspace dropdown button located on the Status bar at the bottom-right of your screen (gear icon) or at the top of the screen, saying “Draft and Annotation”. Try it by clicking on the dropdown and selecting AutoCAD Classic. An interesting article on how to switch Workspace can be seen here.
If you can’t see the Menu Bar and you are using AutoCAD 2015 or later editions (2016), you can make the Menu Bar visible by clicking on the arrow button on the top-left of AutoCAD’s user interface (next to AutoCAD’s logo) and selecting the option “Show Menu Bar”.
Topo’s Menu can be launched by typing TopoM and [Enter] on AutoCAD’s Text Window. |
Once launched you can see it as the last dropdown menu of AutoCAD’s menu bar named as Topo.
If you still can’t see the menu bar it means that AutoCAD’s system variable has been compromised by third party software. You can activate it by typing menubar on AutoCAD’s command line and hitting [Enter], then type 1 (0 means no maneu) and hit [Enter] again.
A more secure approach is to fully uninstall the previous version before installing the latest |
You can check for a released update by initiating About Topo from the menu (or type topo on AutoCAD text window and press Enter) and clicking on the Check for Updates button.
If you get an Error at this check, it means that your Windows are missing some updates and you need to install them manually. Please download and execute (run as Administrator) the Missing Windows Libraries Pack from our Dependencies Download Section (Fix icon at Download page) or consult the Dependencies section at 1.2.3 above.
If you get a confirmation about a new release, then follow the steps below to update your software:
If for some reason you wish to uninstall then all you need to do is remove Topo.lsp from AutoCAD’s Startup Suit and delete Topo folder.
For detailed description on how to do these, please follow the steps below:
Thank you for trying Topo.
On this section you can find a quick and easy guide for each major command of Topo's routines. Each paragraph is divided into 3 sections:
The Step-by-step Guide describes in short, all the minimum settings the command requires to function, in order to help you get started and allow you to run an example file with minimum effort.
The Result section describes what you should expect to see once the command finish to function.
The final section, Advanced Options, describes all the remaining options available on each command, to help you customize your work and utilize all the command's special features.
In general, all the commands follow the same pattern. First comes the dialogue with all available settings and options. Once all options are set, the button at the bottom of the dialogue hides the box and allow the user to select objects, click on locations or perform the appropriate operation on model space that is crucial for completing the command. Once done press [Enter] or [Space] to end the process and allow the command to execute.
If the result is not what you expected, you may undo the process using AutoCAD's oops or undo command. You may then retry the command if you wish. All Topo's commands are reversible.
The procedure you need to follow in order to produce a contour map or a cross section of the land’s profile are displayed on the following diagram in 3 simple steps.
Step 1 | >=> | Step 2 | >=> | Step 3 |
Reform faces & adjust TIN | ||||
Produce Contours | ||||
Λ || V | ||||
Import points in XYZ coordinates | >=> | Produce Landscape | >=> | |
Produce Sections | ||||
Each command uses AutoCAD’s Text Window (command line) to communicate with the user and guide him to the process.
To import your field data into a drawing first make sure that your field measurements are stored as a simple text file that contains the list of points in an array format of 4 columns. All cells are divided by a known delimiter character. First column defines the point's name, while the following 3 define the X, Y and Z coordinate respectively. Please note that if you store the file as a .csv from MS Excel, the semicolon character will be set as a delimiter by default, while on an OpenOffice spreadsheet the field delimiter should be defined and the text delimiter should be omitted. You may use the example files named: Example-InputXYZ-01 and Example-InputXYZ-02 provided within Topo’s installation file. You may examine these files by opening them with a text editor like Windows' Notepad.
Step-by-step Guide
Result
Once done, the program will draw each point as a point entity in 3 coordinate dimensions, accompanied by it's name and elevation as simple texts on the right side of the point. All drawn entities will be categorized in a set of layers starting with the word “3D-Survey” for easy management.
Advanced Options
This command is designed to allow an easy and fast export file of points for set out field work.
Step-by-step Guide
Result
The command is capable of exporting the table of defined points in 3 different modes, as defined by the 3 checkboxes at the bottom of the dialogue:
Advanced Options
This command produce a digital landscape model composed of AutoCAD's 3Dface entities forming a Triangular Irregular Network.
This command needs point or line objects drawn in 3D. You may use the example files named: Example-Landscape-01.dwg, Example-Landscape-02.dwg and Example-Landscape-03.dwg for practice, provided within the Topo installation file.
Step-by-step Guide
Result
The computer will need some time to perform all the required calculations and produce the model. The time required depends on the processor's speed, the computer's available RAM and the model's complexity.
Once done you will see a network of triangles forming the digital terrain model, each triangle colored according to it's elevation.
Once the model is drawn, you may delete manually any triangular element that exists outside the survey boundaries and is ill defined and/or unwanted.
Advanced Options
This command produce a contour lines using an existing digital landscape model composed of AutoCAD's 3dface entities. If no 3dface object is present in the model space, the command will refuse to execute. Please compose a landscape model by following the instructions of Landscape command.
Step-by-step Guide
Result
Once done the command will draw all the contour lines and will position them in 2 individual layers starting with the word “Contour”.
Advanced Options
This command produce cross or long section using an existing digital landscape model composed of AutoCAD's 3Dface entities. If no 3dface object is present in the model space, the command will refuse to execute. Please compose a landscape model by following the instructions of Landscape command.
Step-by-step Guide
Result
Once done you will see a continuous plot of the your landscape's profile on the path you defined.
Each triangle crossed will provide a profile line in the layer of the original TIN.
Please note that multiple landscape models may be used, like original land surface, excavation level, etc. To make your work easier, make sure you categorize each model's TIN in layers.
Advanced Options
All the commands are accessible via the Topo External Command Palette and Menu bar or by directly typing the command shortcut name onto AutoCAD’s command line line and pressing [Enter], also shown as this symbol “↲”. Please refer to section 2.3 for information on how to access them.
The shortcut for calling the tool using the command line (AutoCAD’s text window), can be seen on the top right of each command presentation below, next to the Command Name: , in bold and italic characters.
In the Topo folder you will find a set of input files to test all tools, along with a set of resulting drawings.
Bellow you can see an extensive list of the survey CAD commands with the corresponding options, along with descriptions and applications, in order of working procedure.
Command Name: importxyz↲
Imports field survey measurements into drawing.
Import a series of point coordinates into the drawing, from a simple text file. Each line should contain the name of the point and the point coordinates (X first, then Y followed by Z) divided by a delimiter character.
Note that default delimiter character of CSV files is the semicolon (;).
All generated entities will be grouped into a set layers that start with the word Survey.
Input file must comply with the following rules:
Frame | Option | Description | |
File Properties | Browse | Click to browse for the text input file. | |
Text box | Type in the input file full path. | ||
Text File Delimiter | Pick or type in the delimiter character used in the input file. | ||
Draw on 0 elevation | Force drawing of all points on a flat plane on zero elevation. The new drawing layers will have the suffix “2D” instead of the normal “3D” that include the point’s height as the 3rd coordinate. Caution: this option will not provide any further 3D manipulation (landscape, contours, sections, etc). | ||
Text Style | Pick text style info button | Click to adopt text properties of a text string already present in the drawing. | |
Text Size text box | Enter text height manually. | ||
Text Size | Click to give the text height as a distance in the drawing by clicking on 2 points. | ||
Text Style drop menu | Pick the style of the text you wish to use, from a list of styles already present in the drawing. | ||
Decimals drop menu | Pick the number of decimal digits to use for point input. | ||
Point Identification | Survey Station box | Enter the character from which a station point’s name start, in the input text file. | |
Survey Monument box | Enter the character from which a survey monument point’s name start, in the input text file. | ||
BUTTONS | Input file format info | Quick display of the input file’s format and characteristics. | |
Draw Points | Click to hide the dialogue and initiate the procedure using the input values. | ||
Command Name: exportxyz↲
Exports point from drawing for survey field work into Cartesian coordinates.
Export a series of point coordinates into a simple text file. Each line will contain the point number and coordinates (X first, then Y followed by Z) divided by a delimiter character. Note that default delimiter character of CSV files is the semicolon (;).
Defined points are also marked within the drawing with the corresponding numbered point name.
Frame | Option | Description | |
Output Style | First Point Number | Input the fist point number to start numbering. | |
Forepart | Optionally type in a character (or word) to be used on point name forepart. | ||
Decimals | Select the decimal digits for the coordinate number rounding. | ||
Delimiter | Select the delimiter character you like to use as a column division on the output text file. | ||
Text Style | Pick text style info button | Click to adopt text properties of a text string already present in the drawing. | |
Text Size text box | Enter text height manually. | ||
Text Size | Click to give the text height as a distance in the drawing by clicking on 2 points. | ||
Text Style drop menu | Pick the style of the text you wish to use, from a list of styles already present in the drawing. | ||
Decimals drop menu | Pick the number of decimal digits to use for point input. | ||
Point Elevation | Include Z coordinate check box | Activate this option to include the Z coordinate (elevation) of each point in the export data. | |
Get Z from each point | Set elevation point as defined from the actual Z coordinate of the point in the drawing’s space. | ||
Set Z=0 on all points | Set elevation for each point as zero (0) instead of the actual elevation on the drawing’s space. | ||
Export Data | Print on text box | Activate to print the resulting text table on AutoCAD’s text box (F2 to view). | |
Draw table | Draw a table of the exported points on the drawing. Table will be composed from simple text and line entities. | ||
Write to file | Activate to write the text table on a simple text file. You will be prompted to chose file name and path. | ||
BUTTONS | Accept | Click to hide the dialogue and initiate the procedure using the input values. | |
Command Name: exportpolar↲
Export point from drawing for survey field work into a Polar coordinate system.
Export a series of point coordinates into a simple text file, using a polar coordinate system. Each line will contain the point number, orientation angle and distance from station, divided by a delimiter character. Note that default delimiter character of CSV files is the semicolon (;).
Defined points are also marked within the drawing with the corresponding numbered point name.
Frame | Option | Description | |
Output Style | First Point Number | Input the first point number to start numbering. | |
Forepart | Optionally type in a character (or word) to be used on point name forepart. | ||
Decimals | Select the decimal digits for all number rounding. | ||
Delimiter | Select the delimiter character you like to use as a column division on the output text file. | ||
Text Style | Pick text style info button | Click to adopt text properties of a text string already present in the drawing. | |
Text Size text box | Enter text height manually. | ||
Text Size | Click to give the text height as a distance in the drawing by clicking on 2 points. | ||
Text Style drop menu | Pick the style of the text you wish to use, from a list of styles already present in the drawing. | ||
Decimals drop menu | Pick the number of decimal digits to use for point input. | ||
Angle Format | Gradians | Angles exported in Gradians (400 units circle) | |
Radians | Angles exported as Radians (2π units circle). | ||
Degrees Decimal | Angles exported as Degrees with decimal units (360 degrees circle). | ||
Degrees Minutes Seconds | Angles exported as Degrees with Minutes and Seconds divisions. | ||
Export Data | Print on text box | Activate to print the resulting text table on AutoCAD’s text box (F2 to view). | |
Write to file | Activate to write the text table on a simple text file. You will be prompted to chose file name and path. | ||
BUTTONS | Accept | Click to hide the dialogue and initiate the procedure using the input values. | |
Command Name: raisepoints↲
Use it on drawings that contain survey points with zero elevation.
Lifts each point onto it’s correct level, using its corresponding level text to allow further 3D manipulations (landscape, contours, cross-sections, etc).
Please refer to the command line during execution.
CMD | Description | |
Please Select points with corresponding elevation as DTexts. | Select all entities involved in the lift process, including all point objects with their corresponding elevation text, and press [Enter]. Don’t be afraid to add irrelevant entities to the group, they will be omitted automatically. | |
Click on a point you wish to raise: | Pick a point with a typical distance from it’s height text and click on it using node as objective snap for better accuracy. | |
Select its corresponding elevation text: | Select the above point’s corresponding elevation text and press [Enter]. The procedure will try to identify each points text tag within the selection group and and modify their elevation accordingly. | |
Command Name: landscape↲
Produce a Triangular Irregular Network (TIN) model of the drawing’s 3D points.
Once land measurement points are drawn in CAD modelspace, a digital landscape can be produced by 3DFaces using the Delaunay algorithm.
This algorithm will attempt to connect each point with it’s closest points by forming triangles.
Once finished you can experiment with your products 3D view on various shade modes in order to identify spots that do not represent the field accurately and mey be corrected with the Reform 3D Faces command.
Form | Option | Description | |
Landscape | Plot in layer | Select the layer in which to draw the TIN A Layer named Landscape-3DFaces will be generated automatically if missing. | |
New Button | Allow the user to create and use a new layer on the fly. | ||
Input type | Define the type of entities to use in order to construct the TIN. Any selected entities not included in the input type will be filtered out automatically. Select point objects Filter-in only point objects within the mass selection. Select points/lines/3Dplines Filter-in points, lines and polyline objects within the mass selection Click on 3D points. Click on each 3D point individually | ||
Color Map | Rich Colour Colour triangles on a colour scale according to their elevation. Grayscales Colour the triangles in a grayscale according to their elevation. By User Colour the triangles the same colour, as defined by the user on the drawing environment. | ||
BUTTONS | Continue | Click to hide the dialogue and continue with selecting the 3D entities that will define the TIN. | |
Command Name: reformfaces
Use it to reform pairs of ill defined adjacent faces.
Use it to bypass the nearest-points-triangles rule of the Delaunay algorithm and reform 2 adjacent 3Dfaces according to the measured field specifications.
Will be needed to correctly define road sides, river banks, ground edges etc.
CMD | Description | |
Enter fence start point: | Once you identify a pair of ill defined adjacent faces, click inside one of the 2 faces. | |
Enter fence end point: | Now click inside the second face of the pair so that the common borderline will be crossed. The procedure will reform the faces according to your command. | |
Command Name: contour↲
Produce contour lines from 3DFaces.
Use the generated 3DFace TIN landscape to construct the contours as individual line objects. Each set of lines will be placed in its corresponding layer.
Once finished you connect adjacent lines together and convert them to splines using the pedit AutoCAD command with the Multiple option.
Frame | Option | Description | |
Contour Info | Minor Contours | Chose the elevation difference between the minor contour lines | |
Major Contours | Inspect the height difference between the major contour lines. | ||
Output Style | Lines from 3DFaces | Produce lines using a TIN landscape model composed entirely from 3DFace objects, as generated by the Landscape command. | |
Regions from 3DSolid | Produce Region objects from a 3DSolid landscape model imported/generated by other means. | ||
BUTTON | Draw Contours | Click to hide the dialogue and continue on selecting the 3D objects. | |
Text Style | Pick text style info button Click to adopt text properties of a text string already present in the drawing. | ||
Text Size text box | Enter text height manually. | ||
Text Size | Click to give the text height as a distance in the drawing by clicking on 2 points. | ||
Text Style drop menu | Pick the style of the text you wish to use, from a list of styles already present in the drawing. | ||
Decimals drop menu | Pick the number of decimal digits to use for point input. | ||
Plot elevation text | Click to hide the dialogue and pick the point on a major contour to plot it’s elevation text. | ||
Command Name: cross↲
Produce cross section or long section from 3DFaces.
Frame | Option | Description | |
Input Data | Zero level box | Input the elevation of zero level of the cross section | |
Pick button | Pick on a point in drawing space to define the zero level of the cross section | ||
H / L ratio | Enter the height/length ratio for the production of the cross section. Use 1 for cross sections and 2 or more for a long section. | ||
Plot Section Profile | Activate this to draw the cross section after defining the path on landscape. | ||
Plot on 3D site, | Activate to plot the section’s path on the landscape model. | ||
Layer drop menu | Select the layer on which the path will be drawn. | ||
Layer new button | Create a new layer if required to store the section’s path. | ||
First point number | Enter the first point number to start numbering the path. | ||
Forepart characters | Enter a character or word to be plotted on front of the section’s path numbering. | ||
Text Style | Pick text style info button | Click to adopt text properties of a text string already present in the drawing. | |
Text Size text box | Enter text height manually. | ||
Text Size | Click to give the text height as a distance in the drawing by clicking on 2 points. | ||
Text Style drop menu | Pick the style of the text you wish to use, from a list of styles already present in the drawing. | ||
Decimals drop menu | Pick the number of decimal digits to use for point input. | ||
BUTTONS | Continue | Click to hide the dialogue and initiate the procedure using the input values. | |
Command Name: solidify↲
Produce a solid landscape model from 3DFaces.
This solid model is not required by this software at the moment. It may be required however by other CAD software.
Form | Option | Description | |
Input Data | Plot in layer | Select the layer to store the product solid. | |
New button | Create a new layer on the fly, to store the product. | ||
Solid level altitude | Input the elevation to cut off the solid | ||
Pick Button | Pick on a point on drawing space to set the bottom elevation of the product solid | ||
Retain 3DFaces on site | Activate to keep the initial 3DFace objects on the drawing, after creating the solid. Deactivate it to delete them. | ||
BUTTONS | Continue | Click to hide the dialogue and continue by selecting the 3DFaces that will form the solid. | |
Command Name: drawgrid↲
Draw a Cartesian coordinate grid for plotting.
Form | Option | Description | |
Options | Plot scale drop menu | Select the plotting scale of the drawing. | |
Draw in layer drop menu | Select the layer in which the grid will be drawn. A layer named Grid is automatically generated if missing. | ||
New button | Click to enter a new layer on the fly. | ||
Text Style | Select the text style to use for coordinate text. | ||
BUTTONS | Continue | Click to hide the dialogue and proceed to selecting the grid’s boundaries. | |
Command Name: calcarea↲
Produce analytical calculations using Heron’s formula.
Calculates the area of a set of triangles composing a field site using the side lengths (Heron’s formula) and draws the analytical calculations.
Can be used to also calculate the area of inclined areas like roofs.
Form | Option | Description | |
Output Style | Forepart | Enter a character/name to proceed the triangles naming | |
Area Units | Type in the are units to wish to be printed | ||
Decimals | Select the number of decimal digits you like to use for calculations | ||
Print side lengths | Activate this to draw a text on each triangle’s side with the length | ||
Text Style | Pick text style info button | Click to adopt text properties of a text string already present in the drawing. | |
Text Size text box | Enter text height manually. | ||
Text Size | Click to give the text height as a distance in the drawing by clicking on 2 points. | ||
Text Style drop menu | Pick the style of the text you wish to use, from a list of styles already present in the drawing. | ||
Decimals drop menu | Pick the number of decimal digits to use for point input. | ||
Lengths | Rounded values | Use rounded length values for calculations | |
Full values | Use full length values for area calculations | ||
Area Calculations | On plan (0level) | Calculate area on plan, no matter the elevation of each point defined on triangle corners (a projection to 0 level) | |
Inclined (as defined) | Calculate the areas using the sloped lengths for roof areas, body mass calculation e.t.c | ||
BUTTONS | Define Triangles | Click to hide the dialogue and continue by defining the triangles that compose the area, one by one. | |
Command Name: addl↲
Sum lengths using lines, polylines and distance on drawing space.
Use it to quickly sum lengths of lines or sets of distances in the drawing.
Similar to AutoCAD’s area command, but with lengths.
CMD | Description | |
Choose input type or Exit [Distance/Line/Exit]: | Select D to define distance sets or L to select lines and polylines in the drawing. | |
Specify first point of distance: | Click on start point of a distance to add to the sum. | |
Specify Second point: | Click on the end point to get the distance and add it to the sum. | |
Select (poly)line to add: | Select a line or polyline object to get it’s length and add it to the sum. | |
Continue? [yes/no] <yes>: | Type no to stop summing or hit [Enter] to continue with the next length or distance. | |
Command Name: addtxt↲
Add a set of characters in front/back of text entities.
Add a character or a word on the front or at the back of a set of dtext and mtext entities.
CMD | Description | |
Add text to front or back of string? [front/back] <back>: | Type in front or back and press [Enter] to continue. | |
Enter text to add: | Type in the character or word you wish to add to the text objects. | |
Select text items to modify. [Enter] to finish.: | Select a group of entities in the drawing. Text objects will be processed while other object types will be ignored automatically. | |
Command Name: roundtxt↲
Round numerical texts into a defined number of decimal digits.
Use it to cut off pointless decimals and leading zeros on texts and mtexts.
CMD | Description | |
Add text to front or back of string? [front/back] <back>: | Type in front or back and press [Enter] to continue. | |
Please enter the number of decimal digits: | Type in the character or word you wish to add to the text objects. | |
Select text items to modify. [Enter] to finish.: | Select a group of entities in the drawing. Numerical text objects will be processed while other object types will be ignored automatically. | |
Command Name: masspedit↲
Not included in the menu bar! Connects all individual selected lines into polylines.
This command is similar to AutoCAD’s pedit with Multiple option. The Spline option however produce a different result than AutoCAD’s spline.
It worth some experimentation.
CMD | Description | |
Please select lines to join into 3D polylines ... | Select a group of lines and press [Enter]. | |
Choose output polyline format [3Dpline/LWpline/Spline]: <3Dpline> | Select the style of the resulting polylines. | |
Command Name: level↲
Flatten selected entities to level 0.
Similar to the flatten command but is unaffected by the user’s view point and with extra features.
Form | Option | Description | |
Major Options | Level of 2D product | Select the elevation on which you wish to move all entities. | |
Dump all in layer... | Activate it and chose an existing layer, if you like to move them all into the same layer. | ||
Displacement on Plan | Get Distance button | Click to define a displacement distance if desired while moving. | |
X axis | Type in the desired displacement’s X axis component. | ||
Y axis | Type in the desired displacement’s Y axis component. | ||
BUTTONS | Select 3D Objects | Click to hide the dialogue and proceed to selecting the entities. | |
Command Name: scalebyaxes↲
Scale entities by different scale value on each global axis.
Similar to AutoCAD’s scale command but with the option to use a different scale factor for each axis direction.
Form | Option | Description | |
Scale Factors | X axis text box | Type in the scale factor for X axis. | |
X Ref. button | Click to enter the X factor by distance reference. | ||
Y axis text box | Type in the scale factor for Y axis. | ||
Y Ref. button | Click to enter the Y factor by distance reference. | ||
Z axis text box | Type in the scale factor for Z axis. | ||
Z Ref. button | Click to enter the Z factor by distance reference. | ||
XYZ Ref button | Click to define the combined X, Y, Z factors by referencing distances in 3D space. | ||
BUTTONS | Continue | Click to hide the dialogue and proceed to selecting the entities for scale. | |
Command Name: scaleimage↲
Scale an image by different scale values on each of its local axes.
Scale an imported raster image object in the drawing with a different scale factor for each of its local axes.
Form | Option | Description | |
Scale Factors | Width text box | Type in the scale factor for the image width. | |
Width Ref. button | Click to get the width factor by referencing distances on drawing. | ||
Height text box | Type in the scale factor for the image height. | ||
Height Ref. button | Click to get the height factor by referencing distances on drawing. | ||
BUTTONS | Select Image to Scale | Click to hide the dialogue and proceed to selecting the image for scale. | |
Command Name: topop↲
This command launches the external command palette program, also found as TopoPalette.exe in Topo’s installation folder
Command Name: topom↲
This command does not appear on the menu bar.
Command Name: topor↲
This command does not appear on the menu bar. To force a request of a user’s license type in AutoCAD’s command line topor and press [Enter]. This procedure will also initiate automatically if the license soft-lock key Topo.lcs is missing from Topo installation folder.
Command Name: topoh↲
Open this help file on the web browser.
Command Name: topol↲
Display the User license parameters, as registered by the user of the PC working station if the license is valid at the time.
Command Name: topo↲
Display the version and revision numbers currently installed on this PC working station, along with contact information.
Form | Option | Description | |
BUTTONS | Online Documentation | Opens online documentation on mini browser for news, software updates, license and general information | |
Check for updates | Contact the repository update server for available new releases | ||
Go to website | Open the website on window’s default browser | ||
# | Problem | Cause | Solution | |
1.01 | Program LSP2DVBfix.exe crashes. | May be missing VB6(SP6) runtime or VB6 common controls for Windows. | Download and install as administrator MS VB6 (SP6).exe and/or MS VB6 Common Controls.exe. You may also find these packages on Microsoft’s official website. | |
1.02 | Program TopoPalette.exe crashes | |||
1.03 | Command that access the internet crash or return errors. | If your internet line is not blocked by a firewall/proxy/e.t.c, then you are probably missing or have an outdated version of mscomctl.ocx and/or msinet.ocx libraries. | Make sure you internet line is not blocked by any mean and if problem persists, Download, unzip and execute as administrator the .bat files found in this package. | |
1.04 | Update check crashes | |||
1.05 | Update check returns “update server is offline” although I can still download Topo.zip from the website. | |||
1.06 | Other crash type not specified here | Crucial Dependency(ies) may be missing from your Windows. | Please refer to the fix icon on the website download page or click here. | |
# | Problem | Cause | Solution | |
2.01 | Nothing happens when I type Topo↲ on command text. | Your AutoCAD installation is missing the VBA Enabler. | On Section 1.2.2 you can see how to download and install it for your AutoCAD’s version. | |
You have not enabled VBA Macro execution. | Select the enable button when AutoCAD asks you or enable VBA Macros permanently (Read this). | |||
The main lisp file (Topo\Topo.lsp) is not present in AutoCAD’s Startup Suite. | Follow all the steps Installation procedure at 2.1 to see what you missed and fix it. | |||
2.02 | I get an Unknown Command message in AutoCAD’s text window. | The main lisp file (Topo\Topo.lsp) is not present in AutoCAD’s Startup Suite. | Follow all the steps Installation procedure at 2.1 to see what you missed and fix it. | |
2.03 | I get a Macro not found message in AutoCAD’s text window. | The Topo folder is located in a Windows UAC protected folder (C:\Windows or C:\Program Files) | Move Topo folder to a non protected folder and do all the installation steps of section 2.1 again. | |
The Topo.dvb path is ill defined in Topo.lsp file. | Run the program LSP2DVBfix.exe to fix the paths. | |||
2.04 | Installation seemed to performed well but I do not see any change on AutoCAD. | If Installation has succeeded, you will see a confirmation text on AutoCAD’s Text Window. | If you can’t see the text windows history, press F2. If the confirmation text is missing then installation has failed and you need to perform a Manual Installation as described in section 2.2. | |
2.05 | When I start AutoCAD I get an Error in a “hidden module ...”. | A programming bug may have slipped the attention of our programming crue. | Please consider Updating or Reinstalling the application following the guide on Chapter 2 on this document. | |
# | Problem | Cause | Solution | |
3.01 | I type TopoM↲ on text window but I don’t see the menu. | If no Error is reported, then you are missing AutoCAD’s menu bar. | Please refer to section 2.3.3 for a solution. | |
3.02 | I type TopoP↲ on text window but I don’t see the Palette appearing on my screen. | Installation folder paths may have been compromised by windows. | Please go to Topo’s installation folder and locate and delete file TopoMenu.ini (if present), then execute the program TopoPalette.exe manually | |
Please report any bugs you might come up to at EngSolutionsMail@gmail.com. |
# | Problem | Cause | Solution | |
4.01 | A command has crashed for no reason. | Imputed data may have been insufficient or incompatible, or you may have discovered a bug. | Please refer to the command’s reference section at 4.X.X for a detailed explanation of the options. If you still have a problem with this, please post a short description to the above email address or file a support ticket at the website. | |