Expert: Bob - 12/20/2007

Question
I have been using autocad for about 5 years now, and i have never come acrossed this problem. I am working to Xref a base map into a plan set so i can start the design.  but when i xref the file it does not show up.  According to my xref manager it loaded okay, but it is not visible.   If i go select all the command line prompts five items found, four are not in the correct place.   what can i do to get the xref to show up?   I am a landscape architect, and i am currently working in LDT 2006.

Answer
Hi -- I just have a minute, so I will suggest some easy stuff to check.
1 -- when you open the base plan on its own, have you checked that it is not in a wierd scale or at a wierd distance from 0,0,?  My thought is that it might be coming into your drawing way out someplace, as you did not mention using Zoom Extents (double click your wheel) before Select All. If you use Quick Select to only highlight objects on a layer of the xref, do you see anything?
2-- you seem bright enough to have checked the Layer Manager, to be sure the layers of the xref are listed, and you are not in a saved Layer State that has them turned off.

There is always "When all else fails and you have spent enough time, just WBLOCK the base plan, either into your drawing, or a new one."  This is not so good if the base plan is later revised, but you can start your work.

Let me know if you get anywhere and I will have more time tomorrow.

BOB