Accessing Standards and Resource Files


I am a 1 year MicroStation CONNECT Edition user (Version 10.13.01.01)

My group works with 3 clients each having their own standards.  I understand that "normally" a CAD manager would set up workspaces and DGNLIBs so that resources and standards such as dimension styles, levels, borders and others would be readily available to a user and then to the client.  At present, we don't have workspaces set up and always choose "no workspace". 

I am trying to figure out a way to work using MicroStation features and be able to import resources. If I import a model (e.g., containing a border), does the model stay local when the file goes out?  I am concerned when I hoover over the model and the path shows.  I can't seem to import any resources without the resource remaining linked to its outside source.

I've posted different aspects of this same problem before.  I can't seem to figure out a way to work without digging a hole for myself.  I am wanting to communicate this to our CAD manager and others.  I am not sure what all is involved, but I need a way to work now. 

I don't know if this post will get me anywhere.  I am very confused and I have work to do.  Do I have to cut and paste resources from other files, so it wont be linked to something.  It seems like I could just attach resources to the file as in AutoCAD.

Thanks,

Koog

  • To start with, if you have different client resources, your CAD manager should be setting up workspaces. That's their job. What ARE they doing? (you don't need to answer that)

    You are talking about settings, resources, models and a few other things. That makes it a bit confusing for us to figure out what you need. I understand you are new to this program, and it appears you are getting no support.

    Models are part of a DGN file. You can create a model in a drawing, or you can import a model from another drawing. Either way, that model is then part of the drawing.

    So I'm not sure what you mean when you say you can see the path of an imported model. Are you possibly referring to attaching another file as a reference file? That would retain a path because the reference attachment is an entirely separate drawing. It's very much the same as an XREF in AutoCAD.

    In terms of resource libraries like levels, text styles and dimension styles, a local copy of those is written into the file automatically when you use them in your drawing. While the resource is attached, they are still linked to the library and can be rolled back to the library settings, but the ones that are used stay in the file even if you send your drawing to someone else.

    Then there are other symbology resources, such as the fonts for your text styles and your custom linestyles which are defined by RSC files (or DGNLIB) files external to your drawing. If you send out a file without including those, things will not look right because the definitions are "lost".

    MaryB

    Power GeoPak 08.11.09.918
    Power InRoads 08.11.09.918
    OpenRoads Designer 2021 R2

        

  • I appreciate the comments.  They help to verify or clarify your replies to some earlier posts.  I am pushing for the use of workspaces.  For now just trying to find out what I can and cannot do when I have to consider the client standards.  Your comments help very much.

    Thanks,

    Koog

  • There's a lot to it.

    MaryB

    Power GeoPak 08.11.09.918
    Power InRoads 08.11.09.918
    OpenRoads Designer 2021 R2

        

  • It sounds as if your CAD Manager doesn't understand the concept of WorkSpaces. I run into a lot of mangaers/users who are very anti-WorkSpace/WorkSet. In cases like yours you need to embrace them to make your life much easier.

    MicroStation CONNECT WorkSpaces are designed exactly for what you are trying to do: configure resources and standards for different clients and easily switch between them. Even if you only configure one WorkSet per client WorkSpace it improves things tremendously.

    As for importing resources, that's your AutoCAD mindset. In MicroStation resources are typically referenced from external files via configuration file variable settings. In the case of dgnlib type resources (levels, text styles, dimension styles, etc.) once the resource is used it is copied into the active file. 

    You and your CAD Manager could definitely use a class like this...
    envisioncad.com/.../

    Rod Wing
    Senior Systems Analyst

  • There are some useful resources here too: 

    CONNECT Edition - Custom Configuration

    CONNECT Edition - Configuration Tips

    As Rod describes, once WorkSpaces are set you will not need to attach resources, they will be delivered by the configuration which will be a massive time saver, well worth the investment in setting it up.

    Marc