Automate AutoCAD 3D model generation

Question

I want to use AutoCAD to generate a 3D model which is composed of many basic 3D geometries such as sphere, cube, etc.

I have the dimensions and the origin and orientation of the local coordinate system of the basic geometries. The data are stored in an Excel file. Each row of the excel data corresponds to one geometry and the columns are for dimensions, origin coordinates, and orientations. The data format is defined for each type of geometry.

I wanted to use AutoLisp or VBA or some other macro tool for AutoCAD to automate this process so that when the data is changed, I just need to run the macro to read the data and regenerate the AutoCAD 3D model.

What is the best solution?

Answer 1

There is no "best" solution for the general case. If you have experience with AutoLISP, use AutoLISP. If you have and use Visual Studio, use the ObjectARX .NET API. You could also write an Excel macro that generates a simple script file, use VBA inside AutoCAD, or drive AutoCAD from within Excel. The "best" way in your case is whichever way you feel most comfortable with.