AutoCAD

How to Use Vehicle Tracking in AutoCAD 2020?

Activating Vehicle Tracking in AutoCAD 2025

To utilize the features of Vehicle Tracking within AutoCAD 2025, follow these specific steps to ensure the tool is properly installed and accessible.

  1. Log into Your Autodesk Account
    Begin by accessing your Autodesk account through the official website. Ensure you have the necessary credentials to log in.

  2. Access All Products and Services
    Once logged in, navigate to the section labeled “All Products and Services” to view the array of available Autodesk products.

  3. Locate Vehicle Tracking
    Find the “Architecture Engineering & Construction Collection” and expand this selection. Here, you will see various applications under this collection.

  4. Download Vehicle Tracking
    Select “View items” to access the collection contents. Identify “Vehicle Tracking” from the list, then proceed to download and install the version that corresponds to your installation of Civil 3D.

Finding Vehicle Tracking Features in AutoCAD

After successful installation, Vehicle Tracking integrates seamlessly into your AutoCAD environment.

  • Menu Bar Accessibility
    Look at the top menu bar in AutoCAD. If Vehicle Tracking has been installed correctly, it should appear as an option. Initially, the toolbar may not be visible until you select a Vehicle Tracking command. If you do not see it, activate the toolbar by navigating to the Vehicle Tracking menu and selecting "Show Toolbar."

Compatibility with AutoCAD

Vehicle Tracking is designed to work in conjunction with various AutoCAD products. Supported applications include AutoCAD, AutoCAD Civil 3D, AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Plant 3D, AutoCAD Map 3D, and AutoCAD Utility Design. Ensure your version of AutoCAD is compatible to take full advantage of Vehicle Tracking’s capabilities.

Understanding Vehicle Tracking

Vehicle Tracking is a powerful tool that provides swept path analysis essential for assessing vehicle movements across various environments such as parking lots, airports, and roadways. This simulation and analysis capability enhances planning and design efficiency.

Steps to Operate Vehicle Tracking Commands

To begin utilizing Vehicle Tracking for design and analysis, follow these steps:

  1. Initiate Vehicle Tracking Command
    From the Vehicle Tracking menu, select a command that aligns with your analysis needs, such as route evaluation or parking simulation.

  2. Select the Default Vehicle
    If you have set up a default vehicle in your project, the command will automatically apply this vehicle. Otherwise, choose a specific vehicle type from the library.

  3. Analyze Movement Patterns
    Use the tools available to simulate the path that the vehicle would take, ensuring the selected path adheres to the required specifications for roadways or other structures.

Creating Custom Vehicle Trackers

  1. Access Vehicle Tracking Properties
    Click on the Autodesk Vehicle Tracking Properties from the toolbar, or go to the Vehicle Tracking menu to find the Properties option.

  2. Add a New Vehicle
    Ensure you are not hovering over an existing vehicle, then right-click to choose “New Vehicle” or click the Vehicle Wizard button. Follow the on-screen prompts to define the specifications of the new vehicle.

Changing Color Settings for Vehicle Trackers

  1. Open Properties Menu
    Within the Vehicle Tracking Tab, navigate to the Review section and select Vehicle Tracking Properties.

  2. Locate the Desired Report
    Find the relevant report (e.g., Body and Chassis Envelopes) and choose the Body Outline option.

  3. Edit Color Preferences
    In the editing menu, move to the Discrete tab to alter attributes such as color. Adjust this setting to meet the design requirements by selecting your desired color.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Vehicle Tracking be used with any version of AutoCAD?
Vehicle Tracking is compatible with specific AutoCAD products. Ensure your version aligns with those supported, such as AutoCAD, AutoCAD Civil 3D, among others in the Architecture Engineering & Construction Collection.

2. How do I install Vehicle Tracking for the latest version of AutoCAD?
Follow these steps: log into your Autodesk account, access the “Architecture Engineering & Construction Collection,” find and download Vehicle Tracking, then install the appropriate version for your AutoCAD setup.

3. What is the purpose of swept path analysis in Vehicle Tracking?
Swept path analysis is designed to visualize and ensure the vehicle’s trajectory adheres to safety and design standards, crucial in planning parking lots, roads, and other vehicle-accessible areas.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.