Working with exploded point objects

By Brian Morse, BrianMorse.com, LLC

Point Objects are custom AutoCAD entities created by Land Desktop.  Land Desktop has a multitude of commands that work with Point Objects.  Point Objects are linked to the point database created and used by Land Desktop.  The AutoCAD NODE object snap finds the correct location at the coordinates the Point Object is meant to represent. I strongly advocate the use of Point Objects in their original format (meaning unexploded). 

Sometimes there are reasons that may compel a CAD user to explode the point object. 

• You want individual control of the placement of each “attribute” (point number, elevation, or description). 
• You need to provide an editable point to a person using just AutoCAD without the Object Enabler installed.

Don't do it… there are no good reasons to explode a point object.  All of the above “reasons” for exploding a point object can be resolved by substituting point objects with Softdesk Point Blocks. Reading further will help you identify what you have to work with after the point object is exploded. Point objects are rather useless once they are exploded.  My advice, plain and simple, don’t explode.

 

In this case where you are forced to work with the remains of an exploded Point Object there are some things you must know about.  Let’s explore what happens to a Point Object when you explode it.  First, we need to get the terminology straight.

Figure 1 Point Object

Terms: Marker – The part of the point object which represents the location of the point Marker Text – The “attribute” part of the point displaying the Point Number, Elevation, and Description

 

When you explode a point object:

• The Marker Text is converted to three separate insertions of MTEXT representing the Point Number, Elevation, and Description
• The Marker is converted to 2 lines forming a cross. 

 

Figure 2 Exploded Point Object

Procedural changes when working with exploded Point Objects:

• Using a NODE object snap will find the corners of the MTEXT and NOT the point Marker.
• Using an ENDPOINT object snap will not get the true coordinates of the exploded Marker.  (See Figure 2. The difference may be small and inconsequential. But why take a chance?)
• Using a MIDPOINT object snap will find the midpoint of either line representing the Marker or another line close by.

12-04-2003 21:42