Here is the right combination for trying the technology preview with other AutoCADs.
The installer for Shape Extraction for AutoCAD supports:
- AutoCAD 2011
- AutoCAD Architecture 2011
- AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011
- AutoCAD Plant 3D 2011
The original technology preview expired on February 1, 2011. Based on your feedback, a new installer was created for a technology preview that does not expire until August 1, 2011. I have posted this one to the Autodesk Labs site.
In addition to the generic shape extraction for AutoCAD, a new technology preview, specific to AutoCAD Civil 3D SP1, has been released. Note that Service Pack 1 of AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 is required.
Point Cloud Feature Extraction for AutoCAD Civil 3D
This new technology preview allows for civil-specific shapes (e.g. road, terrain) as well as the functionality provided by the Shape Extraction for AutoCAD technology preview (e.g. sphere, cylinder).
Some users have inquired as to how to get the Shape Extraction Tool to work with flavors of AutoCAD that are not recognized by the installer. Here are the steps.
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Download the zip file from the Autodesk Labs site.
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Extract the appropriate MSI file (e.g. 64-bit one) from the zip file.
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Go to Windows Start > Run then CMD to launch the cmdline.
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The /a starts the installer but instead of the standard installer, it runs the network setup and allows you to extract files to a directory.
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Once completed you will have the ARX and other files in the default directory of C:\ShapeExtraction\Files.
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Copy the these files (ShapeExtractionApp.arx, PointCloudAlg.dll, pclab.cuix, ann.dll) to your install dir of your desired AutoCAD, e.g. AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011.
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Load the cuix file by doing the following:
- Select "CUI" tool from the "Manage" ribbon. Or, just type "cui" on the command line.
- Scroll down on the top half of the dialog until you find "Partial Customization Files". Right click and select "Load Partial -" and pick pclab.cuix.
- Restart acad and you should have shape extraction in the point cloud ribbon.
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Load ShapeExtractionApp.arx file using APPLOAD command or arx/load or some other way. You might want to select it as one of the apps to load at start up in APPLOAD if you're going to be using this often.
So take the Shape Extraction for AutoCAD or Point Cloud Feature Extraction for AutoCAD Civil 3D technology previews for a spin and let us know what you find at [email protected]. Thanks to Shaan Hurley for the list of steps for extracting the files from the MSI file.
Making sure everyone has the opportunity to provide feedback is alive in the lab.