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dwg to dxf converter / impressions
dwg to dxf converter / impressions
hi,
currently we are using opendwg toolkit 2.012 to load dwg/dxf-r15 files and save them as dxf-r14 files. the dxf-r14 files are then interpreted by our own import filter. so we use the opendwg toolkit as a dwg/dxf->dxf-r14 converter which worked quite well in the past.
however, we need to import ac1018 files and therefore we are forced to use dwgdirect in the future. is there a sample application that demonstrates this basic conversion functionality?
when browsing the very impressive "api reference" of dwgdirect i got the impression that dwgdirect is not a dwg import/export library any more but a complete cad engine. does this comply with the basic philosophy of the open design alliance: "it is users who own their design data, and it is users who should control that data"?
in my opinion an independent alliance should not develop yet another cad engine (even if it is as elaborate as dwgdirect) because this in fact makes open design alliance and its own members to competitors.
what we all need is a thoroughly documented cad file format which is maintained by a powerful (non-profit) organization. in addition this organization could also provide the tools/libraries needed to convert other cad file formats.
thanks for your help/comments.
olaf
conversion is very simple:
m_pdb = readfile( m_inputfilename );
m_pdb->writefile(&fb, m_saveastype,m_saveasver, true);
of course - with proper exception and error handling.
as for dwgdirect being a "cad engine" - that is subject to its usage and interpretation. there are many types of 'users' that comprise the open design alliance. some are cad venders, while others are in-house engineers and architects.
by making dwgdirect as robust as possible doesn't make it just "another cad engine". it is much more than that. would you think it better to remove certain capabilities from the sdk?
dear walt,
thank you very much for your help.
regarding capabilities of directdwg here is my view of an ideal solution:
open design alliance in cooperation with its members defines a standard for a open cad drawing file format with a structure similar to that of svg. this format defines different levels of complexity, such as: level 0: lines only; level 1: lines and surfaces; level2: previous levels + cad-specific objects, blocks, fonts; level3: previous levels + basic 3d objects; etc.
in addition open design alliance provides the tools to convert other cad formats (dwg, dxf, ...) to the open cad drawing file format and vice versa.
there has to be an indepedent file format because otherwise we all remain hostages of the prevailing "industry standard".
olaf