How to Use Vehicle Tracking in AutoCAD 2018

Understanding Vehicle Tracking in AutoCAD 2025

Vehicle Tracking is an essential tool within the AutoCAD environment, specifically designed to simulate and analyze vehicle movement for transportation planning and design projects. By harnessing this feature, users can create accurate visual representations of vehicle paths, which are invaluable for projects like roadway design and parking lot layouts.

Activating Vehicle Tracking in AutoCAD 2025

To get started with Vehicle Tracking, ensure that your AutoCAD setup is configured correctly. Begin by launching AutoCAD. If you’ve installed Autodesk Vehicle Tracking, it should appear in your top menu bar. If it’s not readily visible, you may need to open the Vehicle Tracking toolbar by selecting it from the menu options:

1. Open AutoCAD 2025 and go to the top menu bar.
2. Locate the Vehicle Tracking menu.
3. If the toolbar is hidden, click on the option labeled “Show Toolbar” to display it.

Installing Autodesk Vehicle Tracking

If you haven’t installed Autodesk Vehicle Tracking yet, follow these steps:

1. Access your Autodesk account by logging in.
2. Navigate to the “All Products and Services” section.
3. Find and expand the “Architecture Engineering & Construction Collection.”
4. Click the “View items” button, then locate “Vehicle Tracking.”
5. Download and install the version compatible with your AutoCAD installation.

Creating Custom Vehicle Paths

To design a customized vehicle path using Vehicle Tracking, follow these steps:

1. On the Vehicle Tracking toolbar, select the “Properties” option.
2. Open the Vehicle Library Explorer by right-clicking in an empty space and choosing “New Vehicle,” or simply click the “Vehicle Wizard” button.
3. Follow the prompts in the Vehicle Wizard to set parameters like dimensions and turning radii.
4. Save your custom vehicle settings for future use.

Animating Vehicle Paths

The animation feature of Vehicle Tracking allows users to visualize vehicle movements. To create an animation:

1. Use the Vehicle Tracking toolbar to select the “Animate Vehicle Path” option.
2. Set your desired camera angles and optimize the viewing settings.
3. Utilize the Record function to save your animation for presentations or reviews.

Understanding Swept Path Analysis

Swept Path is vital for examining the space requirements for vehicle movements. To analyze swept paths:

1. Choose the “Swept Path” tool from the Vehicle Tracking menu.
2. Select the vehicle model you wish to analyze.
3. Draw the planned route, paying attention to turning movements and clearance.
4. Review the generated swept path to ensure compliance with design standards.

Adjusting Vehicle Tracker Settings

Customizing your vehicle tracker settings can enhance visual clarity. For changing color attributes, follow these steps:

1. In the Vehicle Tracking tab, navigate to “Review” and select “Vehicle Tracking Properties.”
2. Access the “Reports” section for available display options.
3. Select the Body and Chassis Envelopes report and choose the “Edit” option.
4. In the Attributes section, change the color settings as desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Vehicle Tracking come with AutoCAD 2025?
   Yes, Vehicle Tracking is available for various AutoCAD products, including AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and others. Ensure you have the appropriate subscription for access.
2. What types of vehicles can I analyze with Vehicle Tracking?
   Vehicle Tracking features an extensive library of vehicle templates, or you can create custom vehicle profiles based on specific project requirements.
3. Can I integrate Vehicle Tracking with other Autodesk tools?
   Yes, Autodesk Vehicle Tracking can be seamlessly integrated with tools like Infraworks and Revit for enhanced design workflows.