file created from BB_modelseed has used levels than can not be compress?

When I create a new file from the BB_modelseed.dgn, the newly created file has 53 levels shown as used with 1 element on each. When I compress they go way, but when I reopen the file they show as used again? Suggestions? Brian Thomas Selser Schaefer Architects
  • Brain,

    Here is a good explanation I borrowed from Steve Stevens of what is happening with the levels in v8i to support dynamic views.. We are working on a better solution for the upcoming point release, but once you read the explanation, I sure you agree it is a difficult issue. This may also address some of the other issues you have posted... the level must exist for dynamic views.

    The DEM has the ability to create graphics in a design file. It can write graphics to different levels depending on Family/Part assignments. These can be overwritten by the Drawing Definition. In either case a single object in the 3D Building Model such as a wall can extract out to three different levels with the DEM and there can even be a centerline thrown in. When an element is drawn on a specific level in a DGN, if that level does not exist it gets created.

    Dynamic Views does not create or write graphic elements. It simply changes the display of them and presents them to the screen. This gets really tricky when something like a wall in the 3D Building Model is reprocessed by Dynamic Views to take on the appearance of a Plan wall or a Cut wall. The appearance has to be changed based on the Family/Part definition applied to that wall. That's OK and no problem. However, the Family/Part definition can assign a different level to Forward and/or Reflected and/or Cut and/or the Centerline.

    The challenge we are trying to address is that we cannot display the graphics to the screen if the level does not exist. So, for Dynamic Views, when a design file is opened we read the Family/Part files, read the levels assigned in the F/P definitions and compare those to the levels that exist in the DGN. If the levels needed by Family/Parts don't exist, then we place an element or series of elements (hidden) that are on those missing levels to force them to be created. Otherwise, these graphics would not display in a Dynamic View.

     The BB_DVDATASETELEMENTS configuration variable, if defined, tells the software to do this check on file open and force the creation of these levels/elements if they are missing. Only bentley Architecture has this variable set. The other building applications do not. The end result is users could notice more levels in their DGN files than they expect.

     

    Regards,

    Jeff Ashley
    Associate Product Manager, Bentley Architecture



  • Thanks. A lot to figure on your end....hopefully before the next release. Brian

    Brian Thomas, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

    GH2 Architects