I need to place a lot of barrels in a construction zone. The Array Along Path tool is great for this, however, it would be nice if all the barrels along any one path could be saved into their own Graphic Group.
I'll admit, I am woefully ignorant of Graphic Group usage. I was scared away from them after some disastrous unanticipated consequences early in my career. I'm still leery of them because there is no visual clue when an element is a member of a GG, but I will admit there are times that it is nice to have elements treated as one large group instead of just a bunch of single elements. Due to my ignorance, I am unsure of the ways to create GGs, or if there is a way to do so somewhat automatically.
The other option that would be nice, if it is possible, would be to make my array Associative to my path. I don't see that option in the tool settings, so I assume it's not possible...But could I be wrong?
I am using MicroStation and/or Power Geopak SS10. Thank you.
I agree with Barry Lothian, there isn't a way to make them associative.
To add elements to a GG quickly just use the Element Selection tool to select all of the elements you want in the group, then use the Add to Graphic Group tool to add them all at once.
When the Graphic Group Lock is turned on the element popup information will display the GG number the element belongs to.
I also second Barry on the use of Named Groups over Graphic Groups. True you have to name them, but they do add functionality and flexibility over Graphic Groups.
Rod WingSenior Systems Analyst
Answer Verified By: MaryB
OK, there isn't a way to make managing all these barrels this any easier. I suspected as much, but it was worth asking.
I do know I can select anything I want in my graphic group. I really don't know the benefits of a Named Group. The few times I have tried them, they didn't seem any better than regular GGs, just a fancier interface and an actual name.
MaryB
Power GeoPak 08.11.09.918Power InRoads 08.11.09.918OpenRoads Designer 2021 R2
You can think of a Named Group as a saved selection set. There is an option in a Named Group that if you select one member, all of the members are selected. No messing around with the GG lock.