Turn off node osnap snapping to mtext objects

Command: osnapnodelegacy
Enter new value for OSNAPNODELEGACY <0>: 1
Set to 1 to ignore Text corners.
This setting makes working with Topography Shots easier.

Comparing Drawing Differences Using Autodesk Design Review 2009

When working on commercial development projects one thing is for certain, site layouts change. I had the daunting task of creating an exhibit that shows the difference between the 1st site layout vs. the final layout. I started out by using xref overlays and changing colors to see any discrepancies. After panning around looking for an hour I knew there had to be a better way.

That better way is Autodesk Design Review 2009. It's Free. You don't have to register. There's a link on the top of the form to skip it.

Here are the steps to compare two drawings (dwg):
- Open the 1st drawing.

- Plot to a dwf file using "DWF6ePlot.pc3" driver.
(If you don't have it in your plotter list then search for it under the directory C:\Documents and Settings\"Your Login User Name"\. You will need to copy the .pc3 file into your plotter directory. AutoCAD Menu: File > Plotter Manager... will open it in windows explorer.)

- Use a logical name like "OriginalSiteLayout.dwf"

- Repeat for the 2nd drawing.
- Use a logical name like "FinalSiteLayout.dwf"

Here's the kicker! You must use the same plot area with the same pen file. Using window helps.
Tip: Use the thinnest pens you have. You'll get better results.

- Open the 1st dwf file in Design Review.
- Menu: Tools > Compare...
- Press Browse... and select the 2nd dwf file.
- Press Options (Bottom Left Corner) for Color options. Note colors or change them if desired.
- Press OK then OK once more.
Note that you have now made a change to the 1st dwf file opened. Make a backup prior if you wish or SaveAs at this point.

I used this comparison file to quickly identify the areas that changed. I still used the Xref overlay for plotting purposes but at least this gave me an idea of exactly where to look.

I inserted the comparison dwf file in my drawing but it didn't show the compared geometry (2nd dwg file). If you know how to do that feel free to comment. I will update this post if I find a solution. I suppose you can underlay both the 1st and 2nd dwf file but you wouldn't see the color comparison.

Hope this saves you some time!