Using a new set of source fonts

The next options is to obtain the source fonts for the drawing. This would require you to contact the source of the files and get them to send you their font resource files. This is not as easy as it may sound. You might have trouble finding the a person who is knowledgeable enough to know what you need and you will not know what to file to request. If you are able to get a copy of the source files, you will then have to have CADD support set up a local workspace that contains pointers to these source files. Doing this will allow you plot the file correctly, but the workspace will not be adequate to do any significant work on those files.

Dealing with 3D Files

It is very possible that the files you receive from outside sources have been done in 3D. There are several other civil software packages that require the use of 3D design files.

You could leave the files in 3D format, but you would probably find it very difficult to work with them. 3D work requires additional drawing skills and a knowledge of how to use these tools. In 3D, you always have to consider the Z axis. In many cases, the source users do not go a good job of drawing in 3D. Causing elements to be scattered up and down the Z axis. This creates problems fitting views, measuring and calculating quantities, referencing other design files and many other problems.

The easiest most reasonable solution to this is to convert the files to 2D. This is done with the File>Export>2D command. This process flattens all the elements into a 2D file.

One thing to consider when exporting 3D to 2D is that you can save the Z axis data in the design file in case you want to convert it back to 3D later.

Another issues you may have to deal with during conversions is file naming. To retain the original drawing you need to put it in a separate directory from your project or rename either the original or the 2D version of the file. This normally would not be a problem, except the file may have references

attached. If this is the case, renaming the files would create a problem. This is because the reference file attachments would be lost during the renaming process.

One solution to this is to rename all the files and then rename them back to the original names during the conversion process. If your think of taking a shortcut by eliminating the originals - Don't, you may need them later, especially if something goes wrong.

Always check the original 3D drawing for attached references before converting them to 3D. Make a list of the attached files, because you may need to convert them also. You can now reference a 3D files to a 2D file. This means that you could leave some files 3D and still have them referenced to other files (i.e. a sheet design). It just a decision you need to make regarding how you plan on using the files. If you just want to plot them, you might want to leave them 3D. If you plan to edit, measure, etc. you probably would want to convert them to 2D.

When converting a file to 2D, you have to indicate which view to translate. The view must also show the elements you are converting. Most of time you would be do a TOP view. If this is true, then you should make sure you are selecting a view that is not rotated and has been set to a top view (vi=top). You should also make sure the display depth is large enough to make all the elements show up and make sure all levels are showing that you wish to convert.

Locks

Locks in Microstation allow you to hold certain settings. An example would be the Axis Lock. This locks in angles when doing MicroStation commands. By default, this lock allows you to modify or move an element in one of the four, 90 degree directions. This is a handy tool, but can hinder you from doing other things. This can also be the case with the other locks as well.

You can have problems working with the elements, as you would normally expect if some of these locks are on. By default, in Roadway Design dgn files, we only have SNAP LOCK > KEYPOINT on. All others are turned off by default.

If you are working and don't get the results that you expect when adding or modifying elements. You should check the lock settings. The quickest way to see all the lock settings is to select SETTINGS > LOCKS > FULL dialog box. Uncheck any that shouldn't be on.

Dimension Elements

On a normal highway project in Roadway Design, you may never have to use dimension elements. If you have to deal with a file that has dimension elements or wish to use them, you should be aware of certain things. Dimension elements are handled different from other normal elements. A dimension elements appearance and characteristics are controlled separately.

If you bring up the ELEMENT > DIMENSION STYLES dialog box you will see a variety of settings that control dimension elements. By default, none of these setting have been preset for you. If you plan on using dimension settings or need to check what someone else used, this is the dialog box you want to look at.

I recommend that you don't use dimension elements. If you decide you want to use them, it will be necessary for you to configure the settings.

Here are some things that you should be aware of:

1. Don't use system SYMBOL fonts for any of the custom symbols or terminator symbols. Use either default or cells. Symbols only plot correctly if you have the proper resource files attached to the design file. We currently do not support any symbol resource files.

2. Don't try not to use any color, style, or weight overrides. The purpose of these are to set them different than active settings. The problem with these settings is that you can't change the dimension element unless you change them in the dialog (which changes all of them) or you can drop the dimension elements and then change them.

3. These settings can also override basic text sizes. If you set them in the dialog, you have to determine the correct size for the drawing you’re working with and change them in other design files as well. 4. Dimension settings can change from one design file to the next. When dimension settings are made, they don't carry over to the next design file. A design library (in essence a seed file) could be created with certain custom dimension settings, which can be attached to other design files.

If you get a file that has dimension elements in it, you can check the dimension elements dialog to change their appearance or you can use the Drop Dimension command to make them normal elements. If someone has used symbols for terminators, you will need to replace them. The only option in this case, is to drop them and replace the symbols with a cell.

Misc. Design File Settings

If you select SETTING > DESIGN FILE it will bring up a dialog box that shows all the internal default settings for the design file. These settings control the default active angle, scale, colors, locks, coordinate readout, snaps, stream, views, and working units. I recommend that you NEVER change these, unless someone has set them incorrectly. The correct settings for all these have been documented in the CADD Manual/Help files.

Some of the settings, when changed, will not have a drastic effect on the file, but some do. Below I will point out some problems you may have and how to correct them.

1. Active Angle, Scale : only sets the default angle or scale when entering a design file. Will not affect you work if changed, but check to see if the locks are turned on. They should be off.

2. Axis, Fence, Grid, and Isometric should be off by default.

3. Coordinate Readout should be in Master Units and Angles in DD MM SS (Mode: Conventional). Changing them will not change the design file, but can affect the way you see readout of measurements. It also can affect the way you enter angle directions if not set to conventional mode.

4. Working Units should be set as documented in the CADD Manual. If they are different, you will need to correct them. Changing this setting will drastically change the drawings dimensions and location. See the working units topic in this document for information on how to fix working units.