Automatic layer translation - is it possible?

[Onyxalis]

Hello, I am in need of some help. I hope I can explain what it is I need.

 

I am working with maps with lots (500+) of layers, but for some applications the layers need to be compressed into about ten pre-defined new ones.

I have found the “Tools\CAD standards\layer translator” function and it works great but I am wondering if it is possible to make some sort of template that will do the same layer translations every time, without me having to click every single layer again and again.

 

Right now I am choosing what layers should go into which new layer, manually, and then put all unused layers into a new layer named “trash”. When this is done I use “Express\Layer Delete” on trash to get rid of all unwanted layers.

 

The old layers I need to reuse will always be of the same name and so will the new layers.

 

Thank you in advance

//Jenny

[Tiger]

It was a while ago that I used Layer translator, but I seem to remember that you can save that template somewhere in that dialogue box and the load it the next time.

 

Edit - yeah, I have found the Save-button, which saves it as DWS (standards) file...but I can't find where to load it up again

[Tiger]

Ok. from Help:

 

Translate to > Load

 

Loads layers in the Translate To list using a drawing, drawing template, or standards file that you specify. If the specified file contains saved layer mappings, those mappings are applied to the layers in the Translate From list and are displayed in Layer Translation Mappings.

 

You can load layers from more than one file. If you load a file that contains layers of the same name as layers already loaded, the original layers are retained and the duplicate layers are ignored. Similarly, if you load a file containing mappings that duplicate mappings already loaded, the original mappings are retained and the duplicates are ignored.

 

[Onyxalis]

Thank you!

 

When reading that help section I figured out what I had done wrong. I got a box asking me if I wanted to save before starting the new mapping and I clicked "yes". Turned out that that made me save over the .dws I had already created

This will save me hours. Thank you again!

[Tiger]

Happy to help and Lycka Till

[Jimmy Tin]

The other option is to use a script file, but it seems as though your problem is solved.

[bonehead411]

Does 2006 have Layer Merge?

 

Also from the help file:

 

Merges selected layers into a target layer, removing the previous layers from the drawing.

Access Methods

Button

 

Ribbon: Home tabLayers panelMergeNot available on the ribbon in the current workspace.

Menu: Format Layer Tools Layer MergeNot available in menus in the current workspace.

 

Summary

You can reduce the number of layers in a drawing by merging them. Objects on merged layers are moved to the target layer, and the original layers are purged from the drawing.

 

List of Prompts

The following prompts are displayed.

Select object on layer to merge or [Name]: Select an object or enter n to select a layer in the Merge Layers dialog box

After you selected the layer(s) to merge, the following prompt is displayed:

Select object on target layer or [Name]: Select an object or enter n to select a layer in the Merge to Layer dialog box

The layer you selected to merge into the target layer is deleted.

If you enter -laymrg at the Command prompt, options are displayed.

Select Object on Layer to MergeSelect an object on the layer you want to merge.

 

NameDisplays the Merge Layers dialog box.

 

Select Object on Target LayerSelect an object on the destination layer.

 

NameDisplays the Merge to Layer dialog box.