Professional Documents
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Volume
MicroStation
Basic 2D Graphics
E&IS TRAINING MATERIALS
Basic 2D MicroStation
Table of Contents
MicroStation Basics__________________________________________ 1
NT Overview ___________________________________________________ 1
Logging On: Project Explorer & MicroStation SE _______________________ 1
MicroStation SE Graphics Environment ______________________________ 4
Cursor/Mouse Button Definitions ____________________________________ 4
Moveable/Resizeable Views _______________________________________ 4
Status Bar Overview _____________________________________________ 4
MicroStation Screen Menus _______________________________________ 4
Views and View Scale Manipulations ________________________________ 4
VIEWS ___________________________________________________________ 4
VIEW MANIPULATION ______________________________________________ 5
Element Attributes _______________________________________________ 5
Grids _________________________________________________________ 5
Basic Element Placement Commands _______________________________ 5
Basic Element Manipulation Commands ______________________________ 5
Undo/Redo ____________________________________________________ 5
Saving and Exiting the Design File __________________________________ 6
Exiting MicroStation / Logging Off ___________________________________ 6
DAY ONE - WRITTEN QUESTIONS_________________________________ 7
DAY ONE - LAB EXERCISE _______________________________________ 8
MicroStation Basics
NT Overview
MicroStation SE runs on the NT4.0 platform. Refer to the NT Users Handout for information
specific to the NT operating system.
To access MicroStation SE at Project Explorer, we have developed an environment which will
automatically connect you to the desired project. This is known as the Project Explorer and
MicroStation environments, discussed in the next section.
1. Double Click on the Project Explorer icon in the PROJECT EXPLORER Program
Group. This will execute the login script to mount the required project and standards
directories.
2. The Project Explorer screen will display the project list. By selecting Options-->Tree
View you can choose whether to display the project list by Project Name or by Project
Number. Once selected, this should remain the default.
1. Use the slider bar to the right of the screen to locate your project number or name.
Double-clicking on the Project number or name will display a list of available
technology codes. For class purposes, use JOB NUMBER: 8d200503,
TECHNOLOGY CODE: 2DTRN.
2. Locate the technology code and select it by clicking on it. Select Connect to connect
to that project directory. The drive letter will be displayed in the status bar along with
the path. Make a note of the path for future reference. If the user has selected
“minimize on use” from the options pull down, the dialog box will shrink to a small “key”
icon indicating that Project Explorer is running.
3. Project Explorer will display an information box identifying the project you are
connected to. Select OK.
4. Double-click the KBR Ustation icon from the KBR Ustation program group to
execute MicroStation SE. This will bring up the KBR Ustation Work Space dialog box.
5. Select your technology Work space, (workspaces for MicroStation SE will be
designated with a SE suffix), using the down arrow and scroll bar. Click on the Accept
button.
1. MicroStation SE will start up with a MicroStation Manager Dialog box (step 9). On this
form, select the technology Work Space. The project directory and technology code
path should display automatically.
2. The list of design files based on the default file extension shown under List of File
Types will appear. Select the desired design file. A double click selects the file and
activates MicroStation SE immediately. A single click identifies the file and lets you
continue making selections on the form. To activate MicroStation, select the OK
button.
3. MicroStation will use the “Default User Interface” which is the MicroStation SE Power -
Draft interface.
Data
Reset
Tentative
Moveable/Resizeable Windows
Views
VIEWS
8 Views Maximum
Turning Views On/Off
Dual Screen Preference
VIEW MANIPULATION
Refresh View
Zoom In
Zoom Out
Window Area
Reset Button on cursor - Exit's view command
FIT
Rotate
Pan
Previous, Next
Element Attributes
Color
Style
Weight
Grids
Grid Lock
Unit Lock - usually set at half the distance of Grid
Turn grids on and off
Delete element
Undo/Redo
Negates the last drawing operation. The tool used to perform the operation is shown (for
example, Undo place line). You cannot undo settings changes.
After you undo a drawing operation, the operation previous to the negated operation can be
undone. You can, therefore, undo a series of previous operations by repeatedly choosing
Undo. The size of the Undo Buffer determines how many operations can be negated.
Note: To negate the last undo operation, choose Redo from the Edit menu.
5. Under which option on the menu bar are the View Open/Close options found?
6. Which command do you select to exit graphics and return to the Explore Dialog box?
Table of Contents
Element Manipulations ______________________________________ 1
Tool Settings Dialog Box __________________________________________ 1
Utilities - -> Keyin________________________________________________ 1
Element Identification ____________________________________________ 1
Manipulate Element Palette________________________________________ 1
Modify Element Palette ___________________________________________ 2
Change Element Palette __________________________________________ 2
Level Concepts & Commands ______________________________________ 2
Change Element Level _________________________________________ 3
DAY TWO - WRITTEN QUESTIONS ________________________________ 4
DAY TWO - LAB EXERCISE- Part 1 _________________________________ 5
DAY TWO - LAB EXERCISE- Part 2 _________________________________ 6
Element Manipulations
View Number: Sets the view for which the level map is indicated.
View Levels: Sets the level map for the chosen view.
Elements on levels shown in black are displayed in the view.
The circle indicates the Active Level.
TO: DO THIS
Toggle the display of elements on a level Click the level.
Set many levels at once Drag through the level map.
Set a rectangular block of levels Press <Shift> while dragging.
Set the active level Double-click the desired level.
Using the one of these alternate key-ins can be faster than using the controls in the View
Levels settings box.
To Display levels: ON=<level_list>
To Hide levels: OF=<level_list>
TO LIST: EXAMPLES:
Levels by number SET LEVELS ON 2,4,7,9
Range(s) of levels, indicated by hyphen (-) SET LEVELS ON 2-4
SET LEVELS ON 2-4,9-15
8. Name at least one EXTEND LINE command and describe how to use it:
10. Which command do you select to exit graphics and return to the MicroStation Manager
Dialog box?
1. Complete the attached drawing (FIGURE 2.2) as closely as possible, setting the
parameters shown below prior to placing the elements. Create a continuation arrow
like the one labeled PCD (do not place text).
Table of Contents
Group Manipulations _________________ 1
Element Selection Sets______________________ 1
Fence Placement and Removal _______________ 1
Fence Mode ______________________________ 1
Fence Contents Manipulation _________________ 2
Additional Element Manipulation Tools__________ 2
DAY THREE - WRITTEN QUESTIONS _________ 3
DAY THREE - LAB EXERCISE _______________ 4
Group Manipulations
Fence Mode
The Fence (Selection) Mode determines the fence contents -- whether the elements (or parts of
elements) inside, outside, or overlapping the fence are "contained" by the fence.
Inside Manipulates only those elements completely inside the fence.
Overlap Manipulate only those elements inside or overlapping the
fence.
Clip Manipulate only elements completely inside the fence.
Elements overlapping the fence will be clipped at the fence
boundary.
Void Manipulate only those elements completely outside the fence.
Void-Overlap Manipulate those elements outside or overlapping the fence
Void-Clip Manipulate only elements completely outside the fence.
Elements overlapping the fence will be clipped at the fence
boundary.
Note: It is not necessary to place the fence in order to set the Fence Selection Mode.
Conversely, once the fence is placed, you can adjust the Fence Selection Mode to change the
fence contents without moving or replacing the fence.
1. What option on the MAIN PALETTE allows you to create an Element Selection Set?
8. Which Fence Mode will copy all elements touching the fence if COPY FENCE CONTENTS
is selected?
9. Which fence mode would be useful to clean up the area outside of the drawing border?
Pump P 5 2 0 Red
The ability to manipulate groups of elements in a graphics file can be an excellent time
conserving tool. The fence commands are ideal for certain tasks; however, placing a fence in
a congested file can be very frustrating and confusing. There are numerous group
manipulation tools which can be substituted for fence commands. The most useful tool which
can enhance your productivity are Element Selection Sets.
The Element Selection Tool is designed to help users modify and manipulate elements
(individually or in groups) “on the fly”. It can be used in place of creating, placing and
modifying cells as well as fence manipulations. For selecting, deselecting and dropping
elements, first make sure that the element selection tool is active. The Element Selection
Tool is the Large Arrow located in the upper right corner of the main palette.
Selecting Elements
• Single data point, to select one element.
• Hold the <ctrl> key and data point element(s), to add to a selected set.
• <ctrl><data point> and drag, to include elements into an existing selected set.
• Data point and drag, to use as fence inside command.
• <ctrl>,<shift>,<data point> and drag, to use as fence overlap command.
Deselecting Elements
• Single data point on new element to deselect from previously selected selection set.
• Hold <ctrl> key and data point element(s) to deselect from set.
• Single data point “in space” deselects ALL selected elements.
Table of Contents
Text Placement __________________________ 1
Text Settings __________________________ 1
Text Placement ________________________ 2
Editing Text ___________________________ 2
Enter Data Fields ______________________ 3
View Attributes ________________________ 3
DAY FOUR - WRITTEN QUESTIONS ______ 5
DAY FOUR - LAB EXERCISE ____________ 6
Text Placement
Text Settings
To set text attributes, select the ELEMENT -> TEXT option from the menu. This will activate
the text settings dialog box. The following text parameters should be set prior to placing text
in the design file. Once these parameters are set, a SAVE SETTINGS (<ctrl><f>) will save
them for future use.
Text Justification
Sets the position of text relative to its origin (the position where the data point is
entered) when using the Place Text tool.
Mirror Text
If ON, text is mirrored when using the element or fence Mirror commands.
Text Placement
The tools in the Text tool box are used to place text, modify existing text elements, and fill in
enter data fields. In this class we will cover only the items highlighted in gray the table below.
Editing Text
Used to edit text in a text string, text node, or dimension element to replace, add, or delete
characters. Text Justification is preserved if the text is lengthened or shortened.
1. Select the Edit Text tool.
2. Identify the text.
3. Accept the text.
4. The text displays in the Text Editor window.
5. In the Text Editor window, make the desired changes to the text. To start a new
text line while typing in the edit field, press <Return>. See Entering and Editing
Text.
6. Click the Apply button or press <Alt-A> to change the text element. Click the
Reset button to discard the changes.
View Attributes
Opens the View Attributes settings box, which is used to set view attributes that affect whether
and how certain types and classes of elements are displayed and whether certain drawing
aids are displayed. Changes take effect only if applied with the Apply or All button.
View Number Sets the view for which attribute settings are displayed.
ACS Triad If on, a coordinate triad representing the Active Auxiliary
Coordinate System (ACS) is displayed.
Background If on, the view background is displayed.
Camera If on, the view camera is on for the view. This control is
disabled (dimmed) if the active design file is 2D.
Constructions If on, construction elements (those with the Class attribute
of Construction) are displayed. In general, construction
elements are placed to assist in drawing but are not actually
part of the design. Note: Constructions typically are turned
off in a view before plotting or rendering.
Dimensions If on, dimension elements are displayed. Turning
Dimensions off can decrease view update time.
Dynamics If on, elements are dynamically updated as they are
displayed or modified, letting you see an element or
modification before it is actually placed in the design.
(Enter) Data Fields If on, Enter data fields are displayed.
Fast Cells If on, cells are displayed as outlines. Turning Fast Cells on
can decrease view update time.
Fast Curves If on, curve elements display as line strings (with line
segments connecting the vertices). If off, curves are
smooth.
Fast Font If on, all text elements in traditional MicroStation fonts are
displayed in the fast font, and all text elements in industry-
standard fonts are displayed as outlines -- that is, without
fill.
Fast Ref(erence File) If on, reference files are clipped to the largest rectangle that
Clipping encloses the clipping boundaries. Turning on Fast Ref.
Clipping can decrease view update time if the reference file
clipping boundaries in the view are non-rectangular.
2. Which of the following parameters affect text at the time of placing it?
Active Weight ____
Active Color ____
Active Scale ____
Active Angle ____
Active Level ____
3. The PLACE TEXT command is used to place Text Strings, Paragraphs and Enter Data Fields
(True or False)? _________________________
4. Which dialog box contains the setting to turn off the display of Enter Data Fields?
6. After identifying and editing text, what must be done for the change to take affect?
8. If the drawing scale is 1/8”=1’ and you want the text to be plotted at 3/32”, what should the
text size be?
3. Place Enter Data Fields in the drawing using the following specifications. Fill them in
as shown in FIGURE 4.2.
Table of Contents
Precision Drawing____________________ 1
Precision Drawing
Snap Locks
Snap locks are controls that are used to determine how tentative points snap to elements. If
on, tentative points are forced to snap to nearby elements. Snaps allow the user to be more
accurate when placing elements associated with each other.
A “tentative point” used with one of the above, must be accepted with a data point. If you use
a tentative to snap, you will see the cursor change to a large highlighted cursor. If the point
selected is not the one you want, simply move the mouse and select the “tentative point”
again.
For more information about Snap Modes, see Snaps -> Button Bar.
Working Units
Although MicroStation "thinks" in positional units, it lets you draw in "real world" units like feet
and inches, or meters and centimeters. These real world units are called working units.
Working units are expressed as master units (the largest units in common use in a design)
and fractional sub-units.
The number of positional units per sub-unit is called the working resolution.
Examples:
WORKING UNITS MU:SU:PU DISTANCE
Feet / inches / thousandths 120:10: (or 120:10) 120 feet, 10 inches
Miles / feet / inches 350::6 350 miles, 6 inches
Millimeters / thousandths :500: (or :500) One half millimeter
Yards / feet / inches :12:8 12 feet, 8 inches
Yards / feet / inches ::11 11 inches
Grid Settings
Grids are tools used for quickly laying out drawings. They are most useful for non-scaled
drawings, e.g. Flow Sheets. Cross hairs typically represent a master unit, the dots between
the cross hairs are sub-units.
Turning on the Grid Lock forces each data point to lie on the grid cross hair or dot. If both the
GRID LOCK and UNIT LOCK are on, the Grid Lock will normally override the unit lock.
Grid Lock is not normally used when working with scaled drawings.
Grid Master is the distance between the individual dots in the grid. This is typically set by
entering GU=[mu:su:pu]. It can also be set via the Grid dialog box (Settings -> Design File
-> Grid). For the labs up to this point, your grid units have been set at 1/8 of an inch. To set
this, the key in is GR=8, GU=:2. This means there are 8 divisions between each set of cross
hairs and 2/16” between each dot.
Grid Reference sets the distance between grid references (the cross hairs) expressed as a
multiple of Master/Grid. This can be keyed in as: GR=[units] or set on the Grid dialog box
(Settings -> Design File -> Grid).
Measure Commands
Used to measure distance, the measure commands can perform multiple functions. The chart
below describes some of the more commonly used measure commands. Items highlighted in
gray will be covered in class.
DISTANCE: TO MEASURE:
Between Points Cumulative distance from an origin.
Along Element Along an element [a] from an origin.
Perpendicular Perpendicular distance between an element [a] and a data point.
Minimum Between Minimum distance between two elements. [a]
Measure Radius The radius of a circle or circular arc.
The primary and secondary axes of an ellipse or arc.
[a] Line, line string, multi-line, arc, ellipse, shape, curve, B-spline curve, complex chain, or complex shape.
Automatic Dimensioning
A dimension is a label in a design showing a linear, angular, or radial measurement.
MicroStation has many dimensioning tools which can be customized for individual drawing
types. In this class, we will simply be reviewing the dimension settings and using the
Dimension Element tool for quickly dimensioning a detail.
Dimension Settings
As they work, designers and drafters in particular disciplines usually only need to change a
few settings relating to dimensions. However, each discipline seems to frequently use a
different group of settings.
MicroStation's dimensioning tools are flexible enough to accommodate users in all disciplines,
so the number of dimension settings available can seem daunting at first. However, once you
are familiar with their organization, finding the correct setting is no problem.
To open Dimension Settings, select Element -> Dimensions. Dimension settings are divided
into the following categories in the Dimension Settings box:
Dimension Element
To dimension an element:
1. Select the Dimension Element tool.
2. Identify the element.
The name of a dimensioning tool that can be used on the element displays in the
status bar.
3. If you desire a different tool, click the Next button (or press <Return>) to display the
name of a different tool, until the name of the desired tool displays.
6. What are KBR’s standard Working Units for Non-Scaled English drawings?
7. What are KBR’s standard Working Units for Scaled English drawings?
1. Log on to the system and COPY SEEDSCL.dgn to a new design file using prefix
SCALE and your initials (e.g., SCALEWRW.DGN).
2. Access this design file and check to see if the Working Units are set to KBR's
standard for a scaled drawing. If not, make the necessary changes.
Do not use GRIDS and GRID/UNIT Locks in this lab. If you see a GRID displayed on the
screen, turn of the display under VIEW ATTRIBUTES and turn off the Grid and/or Unit lock
before beginning.
1. Starting at XY=100,100 for the bottom left corner of the lower left column, create
the drawing as shown in FIGURE 5.1.
2. Use the following symbology:
Center Line 1 0 4 0
Column Bubbles 2 0 0 4
Columns (Squares) 3 2 0 2
Misc. Text 10 1 0 4
3. The dimension settings for this design file have already been set. Dimension the
drawing as shown in FIGURE 5.1. Include ONLY the dimensions (the labels for
DETAIL "A" and "100,100" are strictly informational.)
4. Create the detail of the column shown in the lower right hand corner of FIGURE 5.1.
Note: Use a FENCE or an Element Select Set to copy the existing column and
scale it twice. When dimensioning the detail, you will need to manually edit the
dimensions using the edit dimension option.
5. Save the current settings, exit the drawing and log completely out of MicroStation SE.
Table of Contents
Precision Drawing - Part II _____________ 1
AccuDraw _____________________________ 1
Activating AccuDraw ______________________ 1
The AccuDraw Compass ___________________ 1
The Origin Point __________________________ 1
The Drawing Plane Indicator ________________ 2
The X/Y Axes ____________________________ 2
Drawing Plane Coordinate Systems __________ 2
AccuDraw's Window and the Input Focus ______ 2
AccuDraw
AccuDraw is a drafting aid that evaluates such parameters as your current pointer location,
the previously entered data point, the last coordinate directive, the current tool's needs, and
any directive you have entered via either keyboard shortcuts or AccuDraw options. AccuDraw
then generates the appropriate precision coordinates and applies them to the active tool.
Use the HELP utility in MicroStation to explore these other topics under AccuDraw:
A simple example of using AccuDraw
Learning AccuDraw
Activating AccuDraw
AccuDraw compass
AccuDraw drawing plane
The AccuDraw window
AccuDraw' settings box
Activating AccuDraw
By default, when MicroStation is started, AccuDraw is not active. Once AccuDraw is activated,
all drawing tools utilize it for dynamic data input. In the Primary tool bar, select the Start
AccuDraw tool. The AccuDraw window will open.
Normally, the AccuDraw compass does not appear until you enter the first data point after
selecting a tool.
This last point is important. All AccuDraw directives (distance key-ins, keyboard shortcuts,
etc.) operate in conjunction with the compass. In most cases, the compass is located at the
last entered data point.
The AccuDraw window initially comes up floating just like any other window. However, it can
be docked to either the top or bottom edge of the MicroStation application window.
Docking the AccuDraw window has the advantage of minimizing its intrusion into the working
area of your drawing. As with the floating window version, the fields found in the docked
version change depending on whether you are in polar or rectangular mode and whether you
are in a 2D or 3D design file.
In this lab you will draw a simple wrench. The tutorial is structured as a series of exercises that
are meant to be performed consecutively. You will learn about:
If you have trouble when going through the lesson, remember the following options:
• Reset, by pressing the reset button. This is most useful when you have trouble using a tool.
• Undo, by choosing the Undo from the Edit menu. This is most useful after you finish using a
tool and realize that you have made a mistake. Remember, MicroStation lets you undo more
than just the last operation.
This indicates the line currently being placed is now indexed to the X axis. AccuDraw’s Y field will
display a 0 value and AccuDraw’s input focus (for a keyin value) will be on the X field.
9. Key-in a value of 5.
The line is tentatively constrained at 5”.
10. With X showing 5, and Y showing 0, enter a data point to accept AccuDraw’s value.
11. Reset to finish.
Wrench Profile
The wrench’s profile includes the open end and the shank. When the profile is drawn, it looks
like this:
7. Key-in 0.5.
The dynamic segment will lock to half an inch. Enter a data point to place the segment.
8. Still in the Place SmartLine tool, go to the Tool Settings window and set the Vertex
Type to Rounded.
9. In the Rounding Radius field, key-in 0.1 and hit a return.
10. Click on the AccuDraw window to return input focus to AccuDraw.
11. Move the pointer to the left of the AccuDraw compass. Keep the line indexed to the
compass’ X axis.
12. Key in 1.0.
Note how AccuDraw locks the horizontal element to 1 unit of length. The rounded arc vertex
automatically displays.
As you move the pointer to the right a semi-circular arc is dynamically displayed.
18. Key-in a Tab to switch input focus to the Angle field. Key-in 180°.
If a “circle” appears instead of the arc, move the pointer to the right of the AccuDraw
compass.
19. Enter a data point to place the arc segment.
5. As you move the pointer, the mirror image of the wrench profile is dynamically
displayed. The location of the pointer defines the axis that the image is mirrored
about.Snap a tentative point to the reference centerline (the red dashed line).
6. Enter a data point to accept the mirrored copy of the wrench profile
If the arc does not appear, move the pointer in a clockwise rotation about the arc’s
centerpoint.
7. Snap a tentative point to the right end of the lower wrench profile.
8. Accept the arc endpoint with a data point.
9. Reset to complete the arc.
10. Close the AccuDraw window.
5. When the last data point is entered, the entire outline of the wrench is highlighted.
6. Accept with a data point.
Difference mode hatching patterns the area between two or more closed shapes, each identified
by data points.
5. Identify the hexagon at the wrench’s closed end. This data point also accepts the
profile.
6. Accept the hexagon with a data point.
Both the profile and the hexagon will be highlighted.
7. Reset to complete.
Table of Contents
Cells & Symbol Libraries ______________ 1
Cell Libraries
Cell libraries are indexed files containing cells, which are small drawings -- usually of
frequently-used or complex symbols -- created in MicroStation. Cell libraries cannot be
viewed as a normal design file, they must be viewed using special tools available in the
MicroStation environment. For further information, see the MicroStation help files under the
topics:
• Building a Cell Library
• Using multiple cell libraries
Users can create their own cell libraries, although typically you will be using cell libraries
already created for your project or technology (e.g. CIVIL.CEL). Just as new design files are
based on seed design files, each new cell library is based on a seed cell library.
To place parts of a design in a cell library, you first associate the cell library with the design
file by attaching the cell library to the design file.
Each cell has a cell origin, defined when the cell is created, that can be thought of as the cell's
"handle." When you enter a data point to place the cell, the origin is placed at that point.
In this chapter, you will find procedures concerning using cells, including:
For additional help on working with Cell Libraries, consult the MicroStation Help files on the
following topics:
• Creating and Editing Cells
• Placing Cells
• Cells tool box
Placing Cells
The ACTIVE CELL (AC=) key-in can be used to make a cell in the attached cell library the
active cell and place it in the design.
Many other parameters can affect cell placement, such as the angle, scale and level. The
table below shows which tool settings affect cell placement and their effect on the cell. Items
highlighted in gray will be covered in this class:
[a] Direction in the cell definition. If a scale factor is between 0-1 (for example, 0.25), the size is
decreased. If a scale factor is 1, the size is unchanged from the cell definition. If a scale factor is
greater than 1, the size is increased.
[c] For example, consider a graphic cell that was created with elements on levels 5, 7, and 8. If
Relative is on and the Active Level is 1, the cell is placed on levels 1, 3, and 4. If the Active Level is 45,
the cell is placed on levels 45, 47, and 48.
Cell Selector
Cell Selector is found under the Utilities -> Cell Selector menu item. This opens the Select
Cell Library to Load dialog box, which is used to select a cell library. The Cell Selector has a
wide variety of options for loading and viewing cell libraries. For purposes of this class, we
simply be viewing our cell library and placing cells. For additional information on Cell
Selector - please consult the MicroStation HELP topics under Cell Selector.
Selecting a cell library opens the Cell Selector settings box, which is used to find and place
cells. Each button is associated with a cell stored in a cell library. In the settings box's default
button configuration, clicking a button has the effect of activating the associated cell and
selecting the Place Active Cell tool.
The Cell Selector settings box is resizable and can be customized with buttons for cells from
different cell libraries. Each button can be set to display either the associated cell or its name.
File -> Load Cell Library... Opens the Select Cell Library to Load dialog box, which is used
to load the buttons. The button configuration and the default button settings are automatically
based on the contents of the cell library selected in the dialog box.
File -> Exit… Closes the Cell Selector settings box.
Line Terminators
Place Active Line Terminator is used to place the Active Line Terminator cell on a line, line
string, or arc, primarily to place arrowheads. The terminator command will automatically
calculate the angle and end point of a line and place the terminator accordingly.
Creating a Cell
EXAMPLES:
CC=TITLE,TITLE BLOCK
CC=TARGET,TARGET POINT CELL
Compress Design
Compresses the active design file, permanently removing deleted elements from the file.
6. Does the Active Scale affect cells being placed as Line Terminators?
7. Text may be edited inside of a cell without dropping the cell. (True or False)
The cell origin is illustrated for each figure. Making use of the grid, place the origin at
the center of the line indicated for the two VALVES. For the arrowhead, be sure to
place the origin at the tip of the arrowhead. Use the following specifications:
6.1 1 1 4 OGV
6. Place these newly created cells in the drawing as shown in FIGURES 6.4 and 6.5.
Place all ARROWS using the line terminator command. TS=1 for small ones, TS= 2 for
large ones.
7. Place any remaining cells until your drawing is the same as FIGURE 6.5.
NOTE: You may have to search the cell library to find them.
When you have finished, have the instructor check your work.
Complete all unfinished lab exercises, if any, at this time.
Save current settings and log completely out of MicroStation SE.
The following is a step by step procedure for creating a cell to be used as a Line Terminator.
It is understood that a cell library is attached prior to beginning.
1. To create a cell as a terminator, use the same steps as in Creating a Cell, with the
following exception:
NOTE: The cell should have a zero degree direction when the graphics are
created.
NOTE: The angle of the terminator is dictated by the angle of the identified
element. The terminator will be placed on the end of the line closest to your first data
point.
Table of Contents
Reference Files & Plotting _____________ 1
Plotting / Printing_______________________ 4
KBR PLOT MANAGER ______________________ 5
Submitting Plots with PMGR ________________ 5
PRINT/PLOT - LASER PRINTS _______________ 6
Reference Files
Reference files are design or raster files that can be attached and displayed, plotted, and (in
the case of reference design files) used for construction purposes, but they cannot be
modified in any way.
A reference design file is a design file that is attached or associated with the active design file.
Elements in a reference file are displayed as though they were in the active design. They can
be used as construction aids as well. (Although you cannot manipulate the elements in a
reference file, you can snap to them and even copy them into the active design file.)
Additional HELP on using Reference Design Files can be found in the MicroStation Help Files
under:
• Attaching reference design files
• Working with attached reference design files
• Reference Files tool box
1. Inside MicroStation SE select File, Reference. The Reference file dialog box will
appear.
2. Select Tools, Attach. The Attach Reference file dialog box will appear.
3. To select files within the same Technology code scroll down with the slide bar and
double-click on the file to reference.
4. When file is selected, the Attach Reference file dialog box will change to allow
users the option to save the full path and type in a logical name and description for
the reference file. The logical name is required, the description is optional.
5. If OK is clicked at this time the reference file will attach at the reference origin.
Hint: Since the same design file can be attached many times, give the attachments logical
names and descriptions that help you remember which attachment is which.
Reread and redraw a reference file to see recent Reload Reference File
changes made to it.
Move a reference file. Move Reference File
Scale a reference file. Scale Reference File
Rotate a reference file. Rotate Reference File
Mirror a reference file about a horizontal axis. Mirror Reference File About Horizontal
Mirror a reference file about a vertical axis. Mirror Reference File About Vertical
Detach a reference file from the active design file. Detach Reference File
Note: Tools that operate only on reference raster files are not in the Reference Files tool box. They can
be accessed only through the Tools menu in the Reference Files settings box (see Using Reference
Raster Files).
1. Set the Reference File Clipping Boundary (see Define Reference File Clipping
Boundary). Note: This is a critical step if scaling reference files to make them larger.
2. Select the Scale Reference File tool.
3. Identify the reference file, unless it is already selected in the Reference Files
settings box. See To identify a reference design file: for more information.
4. Enter a data point to define the point about which to scale the reference file.
View Manipulations
When working with reference files, these additional view commands will be useful:
Fit Reference
Fit All
Plotting / Printing
There are a variety of ways to plot from a MicroStation drawing. This class covers the two
primary methods: Plotting and Printing.
For issue plots, most projects generate a PLOT using KBR Plot Manager for D and E-size
plots. This method pre-processes the file to make sure enter-data fields, text nodes, etc. are
turned off and line weights are displayed correctly.
For quick check prints and B-size drawings, you can submit a PRINT to a local HP4V or B-
size printer using the File -> Print/Plot feature in MicroStation. This option is typically a “what
you see is what you get” method, so the user must remember to make sure the screen
displays exactly what they want, or change the display characteristics at plot time.
The KBR Plotting Manager (PMGR) was developed to standardize and simplify the plotting
interface on MicroStation platforms at KBR. Plot Manager saves plot attributes as “named”
plots that can be recalled for future modification and submittal. This section contains the
necessary information for creating a named plot and submitting it to one of the production
plotters located on KT26. Many additional features are available for advance plotting
capabilities. Information about specific items can be found in the on-line HELP utility found on
the PMGR dialog box.
Comments
• PMGR will automatically turn off level 55 in reference files when submitting plots during
an interactive session. This prevents the problem of having date stamps
superimposed on top of each other. Try to avoid putting any drawing data on level 55.
Plots generated from File -> Print/Plot can be sent directly to your default laser printer if you
have the printer.plt driver selected, or saved to an output file using one of the other default
printer drivers. For purposes of this class we will be submitting a plot to a default printer using
the printer.plt driver. For general information about plotting, see the MicroStation Help files
under Plotting and Printing.
1. Make sure you have a B-size printer attached and designated as your default
printer. (See your NT handout if you are unsure how to do this.) Your instructor will
tell you which printer number to use for class purposes.
2. Select File -> Print/Plot
A dialog box will appear on the screen with menu’s showing the options available for
generating and submitting a print or plot.
3. Make sure that “..\printer.plt” displays next to the Plotter option on the Print Menu.
If the plotter driver file "printer.plt" is selected, plot output is sent to the system default
printer.
4. Place a fence around the drawing (Snap to the border cut line for a more accurate
plot size).
5. Select Entity -> Fence to designate that you will be plotting the fence contents.
6. Select Setup -> Page to open the Page Setup dialog box which is used to select a
page size for plotting.
7. Select a page size of 11 x 17 (this will only be available if your default printer is
equipped with a B-Size tray).
8. Select Landscape orientation.
9. Select OK to exit the Page Setup dialog box.
10. Select Setup -> Layout to open the page layout options. This dialog box will show a
rectangular area indicating how the plot will appear on the paper. Make sure you
have a horizontal orientation. If selected correctly, the paper blue outline will fit the
white paper space. Select OK to accept it.
11. Select Setup -> Options. This dialog box shows options to adjust the appearance
of the plot. This will normally display the screen options you have turned on. You
can only turn on/off items highlighted in black. To place a comment at the drawing
border, make sure “border” is checked and type the comment in the description
field. Select OK to exit the options dialog box.
12. Select File -> Preview to preview the plot.
13. Select File -> Plot to submit the plot.
2. The FIT command will fit both the Active File and the Reference File (True or False)?
3. What Reference File Manipulation command will allow copying elements from a reference
file to the Active File?
4. What Reference File Manipulation command may be used to make the reference file
attachment larger?