How does the perp snap work in Microstation? In Autocad, I can snap perp to just about anything. But, in Microstation, it's almost always disallowed.
I end up drawing lines beyond the point of connection and/or using some other tool or method to ensure perpendicular.
Looks like the objects I'm trying to snap to are in space (z=781492.11). I know this can create strange anomalies in Autocad.
Which brings me to my next question... How do you flatten elements in Microstation (i.e. - make z=0)?
If you can post up an example you're having issues with we may be able to help more.
As far as flattening goes, You can get a copy of civtools from the Bentley resource area or, select all objects in the file and then select the scale tool with x=1, y=1 and z=0.00001. Data to the view and all elements will flatten, you can then move them to what ever z level you wish.
DDOT MicroStation V8 CAD Standards Manual : 3D and 2D Design Files MicroStation V8 now allows 3D files to be referenced into 2D files! This means that under no circumstances should topo files, grading files or other 3D files be "squashed" (exported) to 2D to accommodate referencing into a 2D plan sheet. Such practice, while common to the V7 workflow, creates the undesirable issue of having multiple versions of the same file in production. If the information in the file needs to change, there is a likelihood that the changes will not be made uniformly to both. Sooner or later, confusion arises as to which copy of the file reflects the most up-to-date information. Repeat: there is no longer a need to convert 3D files to 2D. Don't do it! If the need arises, set your active depth to zero and activate the Depth Lock
3D and 2D Design Files
MicroStation V8 now allows 3D files to be referenced into 2D files! This means that under no circumstances should topo files, grading files or other 3D files be "squashed" (exported) to 2D to accommodate referencing into a 2D plan sheet. Such practice, while common to the V7 workflow, creates the undesirable issue of having multiple versions of the same file in production. If the information in the file needs to change, there is a likelihood that the changes will not be made uniformly to both. Sooner or later, confusion arises as to which copy of the file reflects the most up-to-date information. Repeat: there is no longer a need to convert 3D files to 2D. Don't do it! If the need arises, set your active depth to zero and activate the Depth Lock
This workflow is different for V8i see this thread, Depth lock not working, discussing this.
HTH - Roy
I have to agree with Acadpulco as the perpendicular snap is problematic in MS V8. My perp snap is completely greyed out and unable to be brought up through shift+tentative. Originally I thought it was due to z-axis issues, which the file did have numerous elevations, but two lines I was attempting to snap to were in the same plane. So I 'flattened' the design file by modifying the z axis. NO GO. Finally, in desperation, I saved the file as a 2D. I am still unable to snap perp. In fact, I am only able to use: near, keypoint, mid, center, origin, bisector and intersection.
TIA
Gary