Looking for utility to import list of points, create polygons

I have an idea for something at work. Our company manufactures a line
of pumps, with several dozen models.

We have tables and charts showing the performance of each pump. I
have also created a spreadsheet, where we can enter those parameters
and which then recommends a pump. It uses a combination of formulas
and Visual Basic routines.

In general, it picks the smallest (least powerful) and generally
cheapest pump that can do the job. I understand that some other
engineers here have come up with similar spreadsheets and VB programs.

My idea is to show what all the pumps can supply, on one graph. The
graph would show the pressure on the Y-axis, and the flow rate on the
X-axis. The area on the graph or chart would consist of polygons,
maybe different colors, each representing the area of optimum
operation of one particular pump model. A user would be able to pick a
pressure and a flow rate, find the intersection, and see what pump is
"best".

This would let me see, for example, that with a particular pressure
and flow rate a customer should use pump A, but if the flow conditions
change just a little, we'll be in area B and maybe it would be worth
buying pump B at the beginning. We might pay a little extra, or we
might have to live with restricted capacity for a few months. The
point would be to give a graphical picture of our options.

Other people in my group have other ideas, but we agree that the chart
could be very useful.

I can add more code to my spreadsheet to produce a "polygon", a list
of points on the boundary of the performance curve of each pump. My
first idea was to graph those polygons in Excel.

But then I had another idea, with the potential to produce much cooler
plots. I could send the polygons (lists of points) to text files, or
maybe leave them in Excel. Then I would import the polygons into
AutoCAD for display. Each pump curve could be on a different layer,
with more control over colors, etc. Also I could hatch the different
polygons.

Another desireable feature would be ease and quickness of change. For
example, if I found a bug in my program and some of my polygons were
messed up, I would be able to quickly regenerate the polygons (lists
of boundary points) and then re-import them into AutoCAD. Same thing,
if we come up with a new pump model, or if the engineers rerate a pump
because of improved metallurgy, bearings, etc.

At home, I have AutoCAD LT 2000 with an AutoLisp add-in, and AutoCAD
LT 2005 (with no add-in). At work, I have either AutoCAD 2002 or
2003. I'm not an AutoCAD programmer, only modified a few AutoLisp
routines.

Any pointers?

Thanks


--
Steven M -
(remove wax and invalid to reply)

"Why stop at protesting gay marriage? Bring all of God's law unto the
heathens and the sodomites. We call upon all Christians to join the crusade
against Long John Silver's and Red Lobster. Shrimp, crab, lobster, clams,
mussels, all these are an abomination before the Lord, just as gays are an
abomination." -- www.godhatesshrimp.com

 

I should add, I don't want to limit myself to AutoCAD.

Steven



Je Thu, 26 Jan 2006 23:00:29 -0600, "Steven M (remove wax and invalid

--
Steven M -
(remove wax and invalid to reply)

"Why stop at protesting gay marriage? Bring all of God's law unto the
heathens and the sodomites. We call upon all Christians to join the crusade
against Long John Silver's and Red Lobster. Shrimp, crab, lobster, clams,
mussels, all these are an abomination before the Lord, just as gays are an
abomination." -- www.godhatesshrimp.com

 

HiHo;
You might go to www.cadalyst.com and "check the code" for some lisp
program to get you started. There are programs there that will create a
polyline based on a series of X/Y values that would be a start.

 

Looking at only your subject line, and not taking the time to
completely digest your lengthy post, I would state that Terramodel, or
any cad package that is used for ingesting land survey data, can
easily import a list of points and, provided those points are
described according to some logical scheme, automatically create
linework from them.


Happy Trails To You