TIN + Civil LISP-API

Since V21, BricsCAD LISP provides a dedicated interface for the TinSurface + Civil functionality (requires "Professional" license).
This new API part is designed for simplicity, flexibility and following the usual AutoLISP logic in naming, arguments, behaviour and results.

As TinSurface + Civil functionality requires the BricsCAD Professional ("PRO") license level, using a lower-level license (or when disabled i.e. by RunAsLevel=0), the API module is not active, and all TinSurface LISP API functions will not be available.

As TinSurface + Civil development constantly continues, the BRX and LISP APIs will also expand, provide more functionality and also incorporate the ideas and feedback from third party developers.

How to verify the License Level ?

There are 2 Lisp functions available : (bcad$LicenseLevels) and (vle-licenselevel), which both use identical implementation.
If TinSurface is available, the returned list will contain the string "Professional".
"RunAsLevel" setting is also respected in result list.

How to activate the TinSurface LISP API ?

As the LISP function set for TinSurface + Civil is implemented using the BRX core system, it is required to explicitly load / activate the TinSurface + Civil LISP interface functions (somewhat similar to required (vl-load-com) under AutoCAD AutoLISP) using :

(vl-load-tin)

If all context conditions (Professional licenses) are met, it will load the extension and return T (or NIL if the TinSurface/Civil API part is not available).

Some general hints & rules

"entity name" usage : in all cases, when a functions requires an "entity name", both "classic ename" and "vla object" are always valid and supported.


The TinSurface + Civil API covers the following functional areas :