SETOUT-bgol (Pillar Setting-Out Points & CSV Export)

Command Type: AutoLISP routine (works in AutoCAD, BricsCAD, ZWCAD and most AutoLISP-compatible CAD platforms)
Developed by: BGol Community, bgol.in

Inspired by the general concept of setting-out point generation used in construction survey drafting. This is an original, independently written routine, new file name, new command name, new source code, created so the CAD community has a free, editable, open-source alternative.

Overview

SOUT automates turning drawn pillar/foundation rectangles into a numbered set of setting-out points, each corner plus the center, and exports them as a ready-to-import CSV for a Total Station. All entities representing pillars should be placed on a dedicated layer (default Pillar) before running the routine.

How to Use

1. Load SETOUT-bgol.lsp into your CAD session (drag-and-drop the file onto the drawing window, or use the APPLOAD command).
2. Draw/prepare your pillar or foundation rectangles as closed LWPOLYLINEs on a layer named Pillar (or your own chosen layer name).
3. Type SOUT at the command line and press Enter.
4. Enter the layer name holding the pillar rectangles, or press Enter to use the default Pillar layer.
5. Choose where to save the output CSV in the file dialog.
6. Every pillar polyline's 4 corners plus its center are marked and numbered sequentially on layer BGOL-SOUT, and the full point list (Point No, Easting, Northing) is written to the CSV.

Why Use It

• Automates a repetitive task, identifying, numbering, and recording coordinates for every corner and center point of many pillars/foundations, without manual work.
• Consistent numbering, guarantees consistent numbering and coordinate accuracy straight from the CAD drawing, eliminating manual transcription errors.
• Field-ready output, produces a standard CSV point-list format ready for import into Total Station data-collector software.
• Scales to many pillars, handles buildings or structures with numerous repetitive foundation elements in a single run.

Where to Use It

• Construction survey / setting-out for building foundations, pillar bases, column grids, or similar repetitive structural elements.
• Any project phase moving from CAD design straight to field staking via Total Station, where a coordinate point list needs to be generated quickly and accurately.
• Particularly useful on projects with many repeated foundation/pillar units (e.g. industrial sheds, multi-column structures).

Notes

• Point numbering continues sequentially across all pillars in the selection: 4 corners + 1 center per pillar (e.g. 4 pillars × 5 points = 20 total numbered points).
• Marked points use a small circle plus a text label showing the point number, on layer BGOL-SOUT.
• CSV column order is Point No, Easting, Northing, matching common Total Station import formats.
• Source code is fully open, feel free to study, modify, and redistribute it under the same open, free-for-all spirit.

Credits

Developed and shared for the CAD community by BGol Community. Website: https://bgol.in/ Free and open-source, use it, modify it, share it, for personal or commercial work alike.