FDOT 'Save Relative Path' for references and any changes from SS4 to SS10 to Connect/ORD

In the past, FDOT has stated to not use 'Save Relative Path' when attaching references. I have worked for a couple of firms and through a couple of iterations of Microstation with this currently our practice. My understanding is the FDOTConfig file and Microstation setup the pathway and allows the project to be passed from place to place without the issue of a broken relative path that can be caused by 'Save Relative Path'.

Are best practices for FDOT deliverables currently not use 'save relative path' when attaching files? 

Is this still true across versions SS4, SS10, and the Connect versions of Microstation?

The reason for the questions:


In section 5.7.1 Design Naming Convention in the FDOT CADD manual it states; "Always use the “relative path” option, but never “full” or “no path” when attaching references"

In Section 5.7.3 Reference Files in the FDOT CADD Manual is states; "Important ! - Under no circumstances should the “absolute” or “full path” be used when attaching a reference file. Use relative referencing - always!"

My understanding is both usages of 'relative path' are not referring to 'save relative path' for attachments but are instead referring to the process of MicroStation and the FDOTConfig file determining attachment paths based on the location of the Meta folder. 

Thank you for your time. 

  • Good morning Phillip

    Let me start by stating that saving the Full Path is rarely a good idea. In SS4 and SS10 reference search paths are controlled by an Application that restricts the reference file search path utilizing the _Meta_Info folder. In Open Roads no such app exists therefore saving the Relative Path is the only way to see the references once you close a file and reopen it. There is a big difference between saving the Relative Path and saving the Full Path. Relative Path is cool.

  • Thank you for the response Bob. I want to make sure we aren't talking cross purposes and I understand completely. I am talking about 'Save Relative Path' check box when attaching references. 

    From SS4;

    I have been instructed for years (correctly or incorrectly) this is not to be checked for SS4 and SS10 because it overrides the application in Meta_info. In the instructional videos from FDOT for SS4 references, this is not checked nor mentioned. I just want to be very clear for our best practices in relation to SS4 and SS10. Save relative path is not to be used for SS4 & SS10 because the applications in the Meta_info folder or does it not matter?


    Am I correct in understanding all files attached for Connect/OpenRoads requires the 'Save Relative Path' checked. 

    from Connect;

    Sorry if I am being hyper sensitive about your response, I have a discussions with people about this about every three years, and I always tell them what FDOT PM's have told us over the years. Trying to get a once and for all answer from the experts. If my understanding is correct, its irrelevant once connect is fully implemented. Thank you again. 

  • Phillip,

    It has been our experience so far in Connect/ORD that you should leave the Save Relative Path checked on. Because the MS_RFDIR variable is not being fully populated at load-in like it was in SS10 and earlier (because the FDOTConfig.ma Application that Bob references is NOT developed for Connect yet), when you leave and get back into a file, the references in other folders will not be found.  Save Relative Path maintains the link, but does so in a way that does not hard code the path. 

    So, leave it checked on in Connect/ORD but not in SS10/4. 

    Eddie Giese, PE
    Production Manager | Senior Roadway Engineer | Associate
    Licensed in FL & PA
    ACEC FDOTConnect Instructor on behalf of FDOT

    Patel, Greene & Associates, LLC
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  • Thank you! So far our experience has been the same short of a few people questioning 'save relative path' not being a best practice for SS4 & SS10.