How To Feature Microstation Tags And AutoCAD Attributes


 Applies To 
  
 Product(s): OpenPlant Isometrics Manager
 Version(s):08.11.09.417 & above
 Environment: Windows 7 64 bit & Others
 Area: Settings/Attributes
 Subarea: 
 Original Author:Rahul Kumar, Bentley Technical Support Group

In OpenPlant Isometrics Manager, below process describes an overview of creating Title Block Attributes in ProjectWise to be used with the Title Block integration feature with Isometrics created using OpenPlant Isometrics Manager.

Background

Tag Sets are used in MicroStation for title block integration to function properly with DGN files. Tag Sets must be a cell in the OpenPlant Isometrics Manager Seed file in order to convert over to an attributed block if the format output from OpenPlant Isometrics manager is DWG. Only then will the tags convert to AutoCAD attributes and then be usable between ProjectWise and AutoCAD title block attributes to be updated. If the format output is DGN, then the tag sets do not have to be cells. When copying a user’s DWG backing sheet into the OPIM seed file, the AutoCAD attributes will convert to MicroStation Tag Sets but must then be created as cells. A certain amount of prerequisite knowledge of creating ProjectWise attributes under attribute exchange rules using ProjectWise Administrator is required.

Steps To Accomplish

A. Adding attributes and Attribute Classes in ProjectWise Administrator

Note: These are not the exact steps but just an overview of what needs to be created in ProjectWise Administrator.

Adding attributes

1. Using Projectwise Administrator, choose the Environments to modify and create attributes. In this example, Attributes REV_2, DESCRIPTION_2,     DATE_2, CHK_2, DRWN_2, APP_2 and ENG_2 have been created.

    

2. Add the Attributes Graphically under the Attribute Layout as shown below.

    


3. Create an Attribute Class and the matching Attributes under the Attribute Exchange rules > AutoCAD TitleBlocks.

    

4. Here the exact Attribute Class and Attributes in MicroStation Title Blocks is created. User can copy and paste from one “Attribute Class” to another to save         time.

    

 

B. Adding tag sets using OpenPLANT isometrics Manager

Note: These are not the exact steps but just an overview of what needs to be created in Projectwise Administrator.

  1. Open OpenPlant Isometrics Manager and go to the Isometrics Style tab.



  2. Choose Advanced from the left hand portion of the dialog and Choose Open Seed File.

  3. Once the Seed file is open, go to Element > Tags > Define.




  4. Choose the Add button and create a new Tag Set Name.




    Note: The Tag Set name MUST be the exact same name as the Attribute Class name you created in Projectwise.

  5. Click the Add button and Define the Tags that Match the Attributes you created as shown below. In this example, Tags REV_2, DESCRIPTION_2  DATE_2, CHK_2, DRWN_2, APP_2 and ENG_2 have been created to match the attributes crated in ProjectWise Administrator.



  6. Choose the Attach Tags command from the Drawing Task Menu. Input values for the tags just for a visual and move them to the location needed in the drawing.



C. Creating the Tag Cell for use with OpenPLANT isometrics Manager

  1. Go to Element > Cells.



  2. From the Cell Library dialog, Create a new Cell library by choosing File > New.



  3. Using the Element Select tool, highlight the Tags user want to create a cell of.



  4. Select the Define Cell origin command and choose the origin of the cell.



  5. Choose the Create button.



    Note: The Cell name MUST be the same exact name as the Attribute Class you created in ProjectWise Administrator. This is needed when OpenPLANT an isometrics manager saves the file as a DWG, the Cell will convert to an Attribute block with that name.

  6. Delete the existing tags created the cell from the drawing and replace it with the cell newly created. By doing so the tags do not convert to attribute blocks unless it is a cell.



D. Testing the Tag Set and Attribute Block in OpenPLANT isometrics Manager and Projectwise

  1. Test this in DGN format first. Generate an Isometric, Post it to Projectwise and update the Attributes under the file properties as shown below.  

  2. Open the DGN ISO and run the keyin titleblock updatenow . Notice the Tag sets update as shown below.


    Note:-  These key-in will only be enable if a system has Microstation installed. 

  3. Test this in DWG format. Open Isometrics Manager and go to the Isometrics Manager tab. Change the Isometric Output Format to DWG.



  4. Choose Save and Close.

    Note: Isometrics Manager must be closed and reopened for this change to take effect. Also delete the pcf file from the DGN or you will get an error during posting.

  5. The application associated with the Isometrics posted in DGN will be Microstation. Change the application association to AutoCAD.



  6. Right click on the file and choose Properties. Update the Attributes as shown below and save.



  7. Open the Isometric in AutoCAD. Go to the Projectwise Menu > Title Block > Update Drawing. The attributes will update.

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