Measure
Measure allows a user to place objects (points or blocks) along a specific path at a specified interval (including rotation options).
To demonstrate, we will discuss a common drawing workflow in which an object needs to be replicated multiple times along an alignment (path) and consistently spaced.
We first need to configure the Point Style in AutoCAD. By default, the Point Style is a 'small dot' which will be difficult to see on-screen.
On the AutoCAD ribbon in the 'Home' tab, then under the 'Utilities Panel' and selecting Point Style (or type PTYPE in the command line).
Let's select the following Point Style and Point Size (in absolute units) as shown in the image below.
In the example below, a spline has already been created for the alignment (path). Let's place an object at 20 unit intervals along this path starting from the left side.
Note: The MEASURE command works with LINES, POLYLINES and SPLINES (including arcs, ellipses and circles). MEASURE does not work with multi-lines, rays or constructions lines.
We first need to configure the Point Style in AutoCAD. By default, the Point Style is a 'small dot' which will be difficult to see on-screen.
On the AutoCAD ribbon in the 'Home' tab, then under the 'Utilities Panel' and selecting Point Style (or type PTYPE in the command line).
Let's select the following Point Style and Point Size (in absolute units) as shown in the image below.
In the example below, a spline has already been created for the alignment (path). Let's place an object at 20 unit intervals along this path starting from the left side.
Note: The MEASURE command works with LINES, POLYLINES and SPLINES (including arcs, ellipses and circles). MEASURE does not work with multi-lines, rays or constructions lines.
Example 1 - Points
Type MEASURE in the command line and AutoCAD will prompt you to select the object to measure (example: yellow spline).
Note: The location at which you select the spline will determine the 'starting point' of the segment spacing; meaning that if you select the spline closer to the start point, the first point will be placed XX units from that start point.
Select the spline near the start point and once selected, you will be prompted to enter the 'Specify length of segment or [block]'.
For this first example, enter a segment length of 20 units and press 'enter'...
You will see in the image above, the MEASURE command placed an AutoCAD point every 20 units, from the start point you selected proceeding towards the opposite end of the spline.
These AutoCAD points can now be used to place other objects using snap (OSNAP set to 'node').
Type MEASURE in the command line and AutoCAD will prompt you to select the object to measure (yellow spline). Again select the spline near the start point.
When prompted to 'Specify length of segment or [block]' enter 'B' to insert a block rather than AutoCAD points.
Enter the name of the block in the command line (ARROW) and press 'enter'...
Next, you will be prompted to enter the segment length. In this example, enter '20' and press 'enter'...
You will see in the image below, the MEASURE command has placed an ARROW block (and also rotated the block along the spline path) every 20 units, beginning at the start point of the spline and proceeding towards the end point.
Note: The location at which you select the spline will determine the 'starting point' of the segment spacing; meaning that if you select the spline closer to the start point, the first point will be placed XX units from that start point.
Select the spline near the start point and once selected, you will be prompted to enter the 'Specify length of segment or [block]'.
For this first example, enter a segment length of 20 units and press 'enter'...
You will see in the image above, the MEASURE command placed an AutoCAD point every 20 units, from the start point you selected proceeding towards the opposite end of the spline.
These AutoCAD points can now be used to place other objects using snap (OSNAP set to 'node').
Example 2 - Blocks
For the second example, we will specify a block (ARROW in this example) to be placed along the alignment (path) rather than simple AutoCAD points.Type MEASURE in the command line and AutoCAD will prompt you to select the object to measure (yellow spline). Again select the spline near the start point.
When prompted to 'Specify length of segment or [block]' enter 'B' to insert a block rather than AutoCAD points.
Enter the name of the block in the command line (ARROW) and press 'enter'...
You will be prompted if you want the block to be aligned to the object. In this example, enter 'Y' and press 'enter'...
Next, you will be prompted to enter the segment length. In this example, enter '20' and press 'enter'...
You will see in the image below, the MEASURE command has placed an ARROW block (and also rotated the block along the spline path) every 20 units, beginning at the start point of the spline and proceeding towards the end point.
Additional Notes and Information
The AutoCAD points that are inserted into the drawing as part of the MEASURE command should be placed on a layer that can be turned off or outright deleted once the objects have been inserted. These points will print out on your drawings so be sure to delete them when all objects have been inserted.
The ARRAY Command can accomplish a similar result (placing objects along a path) but requires additional steps. ARRAY creates a single AutoCAD entity from all the inserted objects requiring an EXPLODE to be able to edit each individual block. The ARRAY command may be a better choice in certain situations so be sure to explore this option.
The DIVIDE Command could also be used if the length of the path (spline) needs to be equally segmented into a known number of spaces. The DIVIDE command places an AutoCAD point at the desired number of divisions.