[Connect Update 9] What is going on with this DGN?

Maury said:

When I draw an element, it creates a duplicate element with the same element ID?

Is the DGN model self-referenced?

It is, you are a genius :)

In what case would someone want to do this?

you have your own dgn referenced

regards !!

Could be some purpose. But my guess it's just user error. The CAD technician is slowly becoming a dinosaur. Many highly placed professionals simply don't take the time to learn how to use their toys.

The most common use of self references I've seen is when you want elements to print more than once. 

In mapping applications you have multi-lane highway representations that are generated from a single line. A thick line is printed first, then using the same line in a self reference attachment you print a thinner version in a different color. Depending on the representation this might be several layers deep. Pen Tables, or Design Scripts control the color and thickness depending on the reference attachment.

The standard US Interstate Highway representation on most maps is a thick black line first, then a thinner red, yellow, or green line on top of that, then a thin black line in the middle. One line plotted three times with three different thicknesses.

This was done long before the introduction of the multi-line element, but even then there are limitations to multi-lines.

The most common use of self references I've seen is when you want elements to print more than once. 

In mapping applications you have multi-lane highway representations that are generated from a single line. A thick line is printed first, then using the same line in a self reference attachment you print a thinner version in a different color. Depending on the representation this might be several layers deep. Pen Tables, or Design Scripts control the color and thickness depending on the reference attachment.

The standard US Interstate Highway representation on most maps is a thick black line first, then a thinner red, yellow, or green line on top of that, then a thin black line in the middle. One line plotted three times with three different thicknesses.

This was done long before the introduction of the multi-line element, but even then there are limitations to multi-lines.

self-referencing can be extremely useful if used correctly. I commonly use this where I have a repeated flat layout for example. I can model one apartment, then self ref into the additional locations, and edit any one of these to update. It's like a super cell.