Where don't the negative coordinates appear as negative on the drawing

[berol]

Using Autocad 2000, reset the absolute datum to the center of my work piece drawing using the UCS command and the AD did move to the center. Then using the Ordinate Dimension icon I found the (X & Y) coordinates for each of 77 holes to be drilled. The negative coordinates showed negative at the command line but not on the drawing, all coordinates showed as positive on the drawing and there was no indication of which axis was (X or Y) on the drawing. Is there any sub command or some other method that would make both the neg coordinates show as negative and the axis (X or Y) appear appropriately on the drawing.

[eldon]

When you use the Ordinate dimension command, the absolute dimension (x or y) is always used.

 

Perhaps you need to use the coordinate values.

 

Although AutoCAD has, strangely, not provided a direct command for these, there are plenty of lisps that will write the x and y values nicely by each point.

[ReMark]

I don't understand why anyone would do this (force the use of negative coordinates) on purpose. Could you enlighten me?

[berol]

ReMark, I'm trying to better understand the coordinate system and what happens when one places the absolute datum in different locations. The drawing I received shows the absolute datum in the center of the work piece. Do understand that if it was at the lower left hand corner all axis would be pos.

[berol]

Eldon, Could you point me in the direction of one of these lisp that will write the x and y and a brief description of how to use, Thanks

[ReMark]

Yeah, I get that. What is standard practice?

[rkmcswain]

Eldon, Could you point me in the direction of one of these lisp that will write the x and y and a brief description of how to use, Thanks

 

Search google for "autocad lisp label coordinates", you'll find plenty from which to choose.

Here is one: http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Visual-LISP-AutoLISP-and-General/Label-XY-Coordinates-with-a-Leader/td-p/1470957

 

Instructions for loading and using a lisp file: http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/showthread.php?1390-How-to-use-the-LISP-routines-in-this-archive