In various other software applications there is an option to add variables to a central list in a project. These variables can then be used throughout the project for various tasks.
For example: In Fusion 360 you can set global dimension variables. You then use these variables in your design . If you later update the variable value of a dimension, the design will update all entities using the variable as a dimension.
In Pro, the variable table can contain all typical items used such as document numbers, document version, various headings & titles, the abstracted document name or path from the existing internal variables, etc. It can also include various dimensions for logo placement, legend dimensions, etc.
A key concept is that the user is free to name & create any variable they like - this is not a fixed list or complex type'd list.
Brownie points to expose current internal variable names as a searchable list.
This will make it much easier to create new versions of maps/layouts/projects - open one table/screen > update all the variables > close and apply > all items in layout updated!!
@KoryKramer - copying you directly as you probably have come across this while benchmarking other apps in the wild. Every vendor has their own terminology so the value of the idea may get lost in translation.
Further to this - Enable the central variables to be used in Definition Queries.
This will make it easier to create complex map sets where a DQ is related to the map title, or document number, etc.
Every time you save a new layout/map/document you will then only update the variable register and all the layout items and definition queries will update with the new variable.
This will save an enormous amount of time where you have complex maps that will take too long to manage with a map series and where you have to change a DQ that exists in every layer for every publication version before you play with scales, extents, etc.
Hi @KoryKramer
Related definitely, but I am seeking something with a wider scope.
As I am doing things day to day I would find it useful to have a central list of variables that can be used anywhere in Pro. Think dynamic text in Layouts but also variables in GP tools, equations, Def Queries, etc.
If I have a central job code, company name, search radius, mining lease number, etc in a list that can then be applied to anything in the project, think of how that can extend automation. Change one thing in one place and it caries through an entire map series with updated output pdf names, updated revision numbers, etc.
For your research look at how AutoDesk manages their variables in Fusion 360 and AutoCad to make parameter driven designs and/or automatically named/numbered publication sheets. AutoCad can use an Excel sheet as input to link the BOM, drawing numbers, etc.
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