[cad-linux] Re: OT: Open data formats (continuation of previous thread)

> The actual code (C++) is available for download from=20
> Autodesk.  And, similar implementations are available from=20
> independent authors from other web sites.  So, yes, just=20
> about anything should be able to read, index and search DWF. =20
> For example, I'd really like to see lx-viewer support those=20
> operations on DWF.

Cool. So it could be useful for people who use AutoCAD and those that =
use Linux for a server to automate backups, archiving, and searching. =
Cool. It still takes AutoCAD to make a DWF, right? Nothing else supports =
creation of this format?

> That is correct.  Guy pointed out some issues with the=20
> current license, and I understand and am working on them.  A=20
> license that makes it compulsory to contribute bug fixes and=20
> improvements would be desirable in my book (for all the same=20
> reasons it is desire in the GPL).

Well, I think that's not the point of contention; the point is that =
those bug fixes and improvements become property of AutoDesk. If someone =
was to fix a bug or make an improvement to a GPL product it goes to =
everyone that wants or needs it. What if the improvement to DWF allows =
it to work flawlessly with ArchiCAD? Would AutoDesk look favorably on =
that? Or would that improvement become 'property of AutoDesk' by =
default, and the creator of said product sued if they decided to =
distribute it anyways? Or would the creator of that tool even be allowed =
to use it themselves if AutoDesk decided otherwise? Let's say that they =
never gave it to AutoDesk, but developed a DWF tool using the code from =
AutoDesk, then tried to distribute it independently. They would be =
breaking the law then, right? For anything they come up with using this =
code is instantly owned by AutoDesk, right? See why this is such a =
sticky issue? It has nothing to do with the fact that you have to =
distribute the code to someone else; it has to do with the fact that by =
using this code you're working for free for AutoDesk.
=20
> So if lx-viewer supported DWF it would be a good thing?

Yes! Then we could have non-CAD people move to Linux (if it suited there =
needs) and I could use linux or OS X at home to browse the drawing =
archive on the intranet. IF I can find some 2D cad solution, then I =
would be able to access my old work, if only for printing.
=20
> DWF does support lineweights and colors (as well as layers,=20
> hyperlinks, etc.) now.  Autodesk hasn't been particularly=20
> proactive about explaining DWF in the past, but obviously=20
> that's changing.

Thanks for the clarification. I think our were made ours prior to this =
functionality, for they print screwy IIRC.=20
=20
Jeffrey McGrew=20

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