I have for years plotted by using a pen table that looks for references in a dgn file that are referenced by logical name. I set up a different pen table for each type of plot that I'm doing within a plan set so that elements are always drawn one time and placed by defined elements per layer definition. This way I can draw existing planimetrics in the survey file, and depending on what plan sheet this survey ends up on, I can plot it to have a different look by setting a different pen table up for the plot.
The issue I have is a user wants to use a nested reference file in the plan sheets so that he can more easily control layer on-off state in the plan sheets by turning them on or off in the nested file once, and they update in all the plan sheets. I actually kinda like this idea, since it does solve a problem with cad techs being inconsistent from sheet to sheet with certain layers being turned on in one sheet, and off in others. BUT, I can't seem to find a way to get the pen tables to recognize the logical name within the nested file now, so I can't control the way elements look on a plot. The pen table only recognizes the actual nested ref file, not the files that are referenced into that file.
Any Idea how I can get a pen table to recognize a logical name within a nested reference?
Unknown said:Correct.......We are looking for ways to be consistent with level states from plan sheet to plan sheet, and referencing in all the files into a "NEST" file first, then referencing that file into a plan sheet file allows the CAD techs to turn layers on and off in one location and have the layer states be consistent, but by doing that, I lose the ability to plot by logical name then, which I don't want to lose......It's easy to set up a pen table to redirect everything in a file to "Shade" or plot dark as desired, and doing that by logical name makes it simple. So, now it seems like I'm back to looking at other ways to make sure the cad techs have a tool to be consistent in setting layers on or off depending on the type of sheet we are looking to plot.
sounds to me like you
1.You need to set the workspace preferences not to allow changes in the levels from a nested ref attachment.
2. Write some standards that tell drafters what needs to be set to shaded etc and how to set up nested refs files with level overrides or dgn libs etc for what type of jobs and which clients and create specific workspace configs for each standard...
3. Train your drafters to use the appropriate standards and standard specific or client specific workspaces...
4. Still create your custom plt pen tables but link these to custom plots and use the custom plot logical names to select the right pentable for you...by selecting the right plot config name instead... ie survey plan.pltcfg , site plan.pltcfg, geometric plan.pltcfg, alignment plan.pltcfg etc
5. Enforce the standards.
Good, experienced, well trained Drafters love using standards, that is if they are easy to read and well written... I use them all the time... it makes my job easier.. for example our local DOT is really strict about using their long and detailed exacting drawing standards and have published documents and examples for all contractors and staff to use.. and if you dont, then your work is rejected out of hand...
Lorys
Started msnt work 1990 - Retired Nov 2022 ( oh boy am I old )
But was long time user V8iss10 (8.11.09.919) dabbler CE update 16 (10.16.00.80)
MicroStation user since 1990 Melbourne Australia.click link to PM me
Very sorry I didnt mean you needed the training I meant in most cases these issues can be overcome by the cad manager training other users .. I was trying to give you some options in the event that there may not be a solution to the problem... posts often read different to how they were intended to sound.. again sorry about that ...
Unknown said:No Problem Lorys.....I am an Engineer that knows CAD, and because of that, I have all the other Engineers coming to me with "requests" to solve common issues they all deal with on a daily basis....this is one that is very difficult to resolve since the downturn in the economy here in the US basically got rid of all the non-degreed technical staff, since that was what companies cut. Now we are having to scramble to find users that are cheap and talented enough to actually help produce, and it's not an easy task. If the pen tables were to just be able to find a logical name in a nested ref file, the issue would be solved, but....again it appears that Autocad has a better solution to consistent layer states.
Back to your problem .. you could try and build some custom menus for specific type drawing plots and these choose custom plot configs.. not the best fix but would work and easy to follow for non expert users and would work to some extent with your custom / modified pent table(s),,,?
Not the answer you wanted but a viable work around..
Unknown said:Thanks for the suggestion! I am working on a FEW different techniques to work around this issue....I'll figure out yet another way to make up where Bentley falls flat. I hope you are able to find something soon!!! I actually recently sold my company and thought it would be easy to find a new job, I made a slight miscalculation, and it took me 8 months! I guess all you can do is keep the faith that something will happen, I did....and eventually I ended up in the right place. Good Luck to you! Greg
Thanks for the encouragement, let me know how you progress with this , I have done a lot with scripts for custom plotting over the years... feel free to email me offline ...glad to be of any help I can...