Unless you've been on another planet, you've likely heard about [or used] a DWF file. Many of you may be using or sharing DWF files occasionally, however, did you know that creating one is a snap? For users who aren't using DWF this primer on the DWF writer will be of interest.
Read on for some simple instructions provided by Autodesk describing the simple steps involved in creating your own DWF files for viewing, printing, and sharing with colleagues.
Recall the DWF file format is more compact and easier to distribute than a DWG sheet set, enabling easy distribution and communication of design information over the Internet or via email.
If you are already using AutoCAD software but are not familiar with the steps required to create a DWF file, the following simple instructions will help you.
For AutoCAD 2005 users
While using your DWG file, select Publish from the File menu, click the Publish icon in the toolbar, enter Publish at the command line, or click Publish in the Sheet Set Manager to publish all sheets to a single, multisheet DWF file.
In the Publish dialog box, select Add Sheets to add additional sheets or layouts to the DWF file.
- Reorder, rename, or remove sheets from the list. - Select Publish Options if you want to change the output directory, publish single sheet files, publish layers, or password protect the resulting DWF file.
Click Publish
AutoCAD 2004 users
With a drawing (DWG) open, select Publish from the File menu, click the Publish icon in the toolbar, or enter Publish at the command line. In the Publish dialog box, select Add Sheets to add additional sheets or layouts to the DWF file.
- Reorder, rename, or remove sheets from the list. - Select Publish Options if you want to change the output directory, publish single sheet files, publish layers, or password protect the resulting DWF file. - Enter the filename and location for the resulting DWF file in Multisheet DWF file -> DWF file name field.
Click Publish.
To Publish a DWF file from the Autodesk MapGuide Viewer ActiveX Control (Plug-In)
Download and install Autodesk DWF Writer. (See below for link
Navigate to the view that you want to publish.
Right-click anywhere in the view, and select Print.
Select Autodesk DWF Writer from the Printer Name drop-down list and click OK.
To Publish a DWF file from Autodesk MapGuide Author
Download and install Autodesk DWF™ Writer.
Navigate to the view that you want to publish.
Select File > Save as DWF.
Specify a filename and location for the published file, then click Save.
The Autodesk DWF Writer
This driver is a freely available download that is useful for anyone wishing to print DWF files. Too access the download simply jump to http://www.autodesk.com/dwfwriter
What is it? The Autodesk® DWF™ Writer is a certified Microsoft® Windows® system printer driver, so you can publish DWF files by simply selecting Autodesk DWF Writer from your standard Printer Name drop-down list in any Windows application.
The DWF Writer also works with other CAD applications that do not offer built-in DWF publishing, such as Bentley® MicroStation® and SolidWorks®.
System Reuirements
DWF Writer requires one of the following operating systems: Microsoft Windows Server™ 2003, Windows XP Professional or Home Edition, or Windows 2000.
Once you download the DWF writer its very simple and fast to load
Right click anywhere on a Mapguide Map and the Print option is available
The DWF Writer appears as a printer option once installed. The next time your looking at an Autodesk Mapguide website, simply right-click on the map, select print, and your available printers will appear. Select DWF to print to a DWF file.
One of my favorite Mapguide sites is the BC Map Place at http://webmap.em.gov.bc.ca/mapplace/minpot/general.cfm The map above was saved (printed) from the website thanks to the DWF writer. Using the Free DWF viewer, I can now view and even share the data with anyone else... very simple!
Top iPhone related GIS and Geo Tech news stories from 2009 - At the end of the year its always interesting for us to look at some of the stats and results to identify trends and more important, to see what our readers think is hot! In the "news" category it seems that iPhone related geo tech items were extremely popular.
Geo Social Location Checkin to Twitter from iPhone - With the cool SXSW event taking place Austin, TX, everyone who's anyone in social and social location seems to have rolled out updates this week, making your choice for how to check-in to your social media bookmarks even tougher to decide on!
10 Awesome GIS and Mapping apps for the iPhone - I recall last year at the ESRI UC when an iPhone was on stage showing a prototype app (think ArcPad on iPhone). It was then that I realized the iPhone platform is going to be BIG in mapping and there's a ton of opportunity for developers.
Nokia Booklet 3G, unboxing video and image gallery... Those of you in the USA who pop in to BestBuy occasionally, you may have seen a stand showing off the Nokia Booklet 3G. A sleek, 3G enabled, SIM slot (AT&T) sporting netbook.
Interesting Tweeple - 10 Geo Technology & Geo-Social Women of Twitter - given the growing love for geospatial and location-aware technologies, I’ve decided to hype 10 women that I feel make a significant contribution to the Geo-Twittersphere. If you’d like to add 10 knowledgeable and useful Twitter contacts to your Geo following list I highly suggest the following: (in no particular order)
10 Geo Social Location-Aware Apps Making Waves... With Twitter's opening of their location API to developers there's going to be a ton of third party apps that will enable Twitter users to share location-aware information via their Twitter accounts.
Signs that indicate you may be a GeoGeek (aka. GeoNerd) and some suggested Geo blogs - Chances are good that if you are a Geo Geek then you already know it and likely refer to yourself as one. However, there’s many of you out there that may be on the fence and wondering… “am I a Geo Geek?" Read on for a comprehensive list of signs you might be a GeoGeek followed up by some suggested Geoblog reading.
Real-time GPS Mapping and GIS Solution Aids Efficient Disaster Management - Saturday, February 7, 2009 will forever be known as Black Saturday in the State of Victoria, Australia. In the midst of a 10-year drought, a record breaking heat wave descended upon the state, with temperatures exceeding 45 degrees C (110-120 deg F), breaking all-time record highs in some cities - Victoria Police Use Trimble Juno SC Handhelds to Speed Assessment of Damage Caused by Bush Fires.
2010 ESRI Federal User Conference February 17-19, 2010, Washington D.C. Walter E. Washington Convention Center - The FedUC is the largest geospatial conference for federal agencies. Connect with other leaders, decision makers, and GIS professionals.
The International LiDAR Mapping Forum 2010 - Tenth Anniversary Event! ILMF 2010 will be held from March 3 - 5, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency in Denver at Colorado Convention Center.
The NAVTEQ 2010 Global LBS Challenge Awards Ceremony will be held during Ignite at O'Reilly Where 2.0. Be among the first to hear as NAVTEQ announces the winners for the North America region. Participants will be competing for a global prize pool of $10 million and growing by showcasing pre-commercial location-enabled apps using NAVTEQ map data & products. March 30, 2010, during Ignite Where, 7:30pm - 9:00pm, at the Marriott San Jose, CA
WHERE2.0 2010 - Now in its sixth year, the Where 2.0 Conference is where the grassroots and leading edge developers building location-aware technology intersect with the businesses and entrepreneurs seeking out location apps, platforms, and hardware to gain a competitive edge. For 15% use Discount Code: whr10lbs