AutoCAD

How to Add Vehicle Tracking to AutoCAD?

Steps to Integrate Vehicle Tracking into AutoCAD

Understanding Vehicle Tracking

Vehicle Tracking in AutoCAD provides an advanced set of tools for analyzing vehicle movements in design projects. It enables users to perform swept path analysis, assessing the feasibility of vehicle maneuvers within various environments, including parking lots, airports, and roadways. Users can simulate predictions related to vehicle paths, enhancing their design accuracy.

Getting Started with Vehicle Tracking

Step 1: Check Autodesk Account for Vehicle Tracking

  1. Log into your Autodesk account.
  2. Navigate to the “All Products and Services” section.
  3. Locate and expand the “Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection”.
  4. Find “Vehicle Tracking” among the tools listed and click on the "View Items" button.

Step 2: Downloading and Installing Vehicle Tracking

  1. After locating Vehicle Tracking, download the version compatible with AutoCAD 2025.
  2. Follow the prompts to install the software, ensuring that it integrates seamlessly with AutoCAD.

Activating Vehicle Tracking Features in AutoCAD

Step 3: Loading Vehicle Tracking in AutoCAD

  1. Open AutoCAD.
  2. Type CUI in the command line to access the Customization User Interface.
  3. Locate the “Partial Customization Files” section, and check if Vehicle Tracking is listed.
  4. If Vehicle Tracking is unresolved, right-click on it and select the option to “Unload”.
  5. After unloading, load it again by selecting it from the same menu.

Step 4: Accessing Vehicle Tracking Properties

  1. On the AutoCAD toolbar, click on “Autodesk Vehicle Tracking Properties”.
  2. Navigate to the “Vehicle Library Explorer”. Here, options for creating or customizing vehicle profiles are available.

Customizing Vehicle Tracking Settings

Step 5: Creating a New Vehicle Profile

  1. Ensure your cursor is not hovering over an existing vehicle profile.
  2. Right-click and select “New Vehicle” or click on the “Vehicle Wizard” button.
  3. Follow the prompts in the Vehicle Wizard to customize the profile according to your project’s specifications, defining dimensions and characteristics.

Step 6: Changing Vehicle Colors in Tracking Properties

  1. Access the “Vehicle Tracking Properties” from the toolbar.
  2. Go to “Reports” and expand the “Available Reports” section.
  3. Find and select the report related to body and chassis envelopes.
  4. Choose “Edit”, then navigate to the “Discrete” tab and adjust colors by selecting the appropriate attributes.

Performing Swept Path Analysis

Step 7: Drawing a Swept Path

  1. To draw a swept path, activate the Vehicle Tracking menu.
  2. Select the vehicle you wish to analyze, and mark the starting point of the path.
  3. Click “Draw Swept Path” and define the route; the software will generate a visual representation of the vehicle’s movement and required space.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Step 8: Resolving Common Load Problems

  1. If the Vehicle Tracking does not load, revisit the CUI settings to ensure it is properly loaded under the “Partial Customization Files”.
  2. If problems persist, reinstall Vehicle Tracking, ensuring all installation steps are followed correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kinds of vehicles can I track using Autodesk Vehicle Tracking?

You can track a diverse range of vehicles, including light vehicles, buses, trucks, and even aircraft for projects that require comprehensive vehicle movement analysis.

2. Can I customize vehicle dimensions and attributes in Vehicle Tracking?

Yes, Vehicle Tracking allows users to modify vehicle dimensions and attributes through the Vehicle Wizard, enabling customization to meet specific design needs.

3. Is it necessary to have an active Autodesk subscription to use Vehicle Tracking?

Yes, an active subscription is required to use Autodesk Vehicle Tracking, ensuring you have access to the latest features and updates.

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.