Offsetting 3D lines

Hi Davulsukur,
What are you expecting when offsetting?
For instance, do you expect the Z values to remain as they are and be offset horizontally with the resulting offset line strung between those points?
What is the design scenario that this question arises from?

Hi Marc, that's what I am expecting that the z value remains the same but also the line offsets to the correct distance.

Trying to offset a rail line.

Hi Davulsukur,

Individual segments copy parallel at the same z height, 3d curves or multiple segments are transformed including z, a mode that copies parallel at the same z would presumably be a different kind of transform so would need an enhancment or new feature. You would need to file a Service Request asking for such an enhancement.

It might also be worth checking in the MicroStation Forum to see if anyone there has other suggestions. Copy Parallel is a MicroStation (platform) tool.

How about a custom line style? In the front view below the two copies of the b-spline have been transformed in z, but changing the line style of the original to the (this is quite crude but adequate for demonstation) '{ Rail Road }' line style you can see the parallel rails have the same z-height.

You could create a custom line style at the correct scale and spacing to achieve a similar result, might that do the job?

Apologies, I wasn't too clear before, the offset of the rail string isn't to get the other rail line. It's offset so the platform edge can be set and then all 3D work is completed from this.

So, I need to be able to offset the line at the same Z value (or even better would be to offset the line with a specific Z distance and a specific parallel distance) and then move it up by a specific amount.

Saying that, I have just discovered an offset Surface command.
So by copying the line up by a specific distance and then lofting the 2 lines I create a surface, which can then be offset and it appears to keep the Z value and the correct parallel distance.

From the offset surface I can drop them back to lines, delete what I don't need and create a complex chain or trace the required surface edge with a new line.

Saying that, I have just discovered an offset Surface command.
So by copying the line up by a specific distance and then lofting the 2 lines I create a surface, which can then be offset and it appears to keep the Z value and the correct parallel distance.

From the offset surface I can drop them back to lines, delete what I don't need and create a complex chain or trace the required surface edge with a new line.

Hi Davulsukur,
That is a good solution.
You could also extrude the whole profile of the operating envelope along the alignment as a solid and use it for clash testing against other elements.

Good idea. I'll give that a go.