Database square footage and microstation

[smhoffer]

I am a newbie to Microstation and using it for Sq ftg tracking, but not new to databases.
Does anyone have any good tutorial resources online regarding the use of Microstation and ODBC[ms access] to track sq ftg of multiple dgn files?

The documentation is horrendous and I cannot even determine the capabilities. Microstation reps wouldn't answer me, they directed me to forums. Without purchasing 3rd party software, can a Microstation design file have some shape data's square footage linked directly to a database? The end result being that at any time I can query against this database to get accurate and current square footage reports?

Any direction would be greatly appreciated.

I am not shy about having to program this capability if this is the only route. I just need a little point in the right direction. I am using Microstation J - 7.01.

Thank you.
smhoffer

 

[architech]

CADgurus developed an Excel macro for us ... where the room names and room numbers would be pulled from the MicroStation file to EXCEL. It was based on calling up a specific cell in MircoStation. So creating the link between Mj7 and a database is possible.

I just don't know how ...
My knee jerk reaction would be ... you need to create a shape on a specific level. And then pull that information from MicroStation into your database.

You might try looking these guys up on the NET. Send an email when you find the site.

Hope that helps.

 

[smhoffer]

Thanks architech,

It is helpful to know that this has been done. My naive expectation was that the ability to link "live" calculations of components [micro to macro] within architectural designs would be a no-brainer, absolute functionality of a CAD package. The thought being that what is the point of a computer-aided design package if it does not include as part of its inherent capabilities, the ability to generate data regarding any and alll nooks and crannies of a design. This has implications for generating data on supplies, costs, etc..
Again, I am a newbie and have virtually nil experience with Microstation, but most direction points to 3rd party vendors that develop 'Facilities Management' MDL applications to mop up where Bentley leaves off.

OK..rant over..a Googling I will go to dig up the CadGurus...

Muchas gracis,
smhoffer

 

[jbart]

You should also check out "CADminer" which extract all kinds of info from DWG/DXF, and DGN files. It's a stand-alone application which can take on many files at once and extract, e.g., sq. ft. to a spreadsheet. Really neat program that I've been using for a while.

 

[smhoffer]

Thanks jbart,

I will look at the offering, but as state, I am interested in developing a tool that does this. I have made some inroads that have led me to pushing my coding limits to file structure analysis at the binary level. It is understandable that these companies charge a pretty nickle for their development...it is difficult when the documentation is poor.
...just looked at the product page. Very nice and looks full-featured.
If I can propel through the file standards, I may move development towards that sort of package...for now I have very specific needs that do not need that level.

Cheers,
smhoffer