Can someone kindly explain the difference between Properties and Utility Properties when placing SUDA/SUE nodes & conduit?
I have a few specific questions about this topic:
1) Sometimes utility properties automatically populate when I enter information (like elevation& diameter) into element properties during node creation. But other times after placing a node, the utility properties are still blank. What could cause the different response to the same action of creating a node?
Similarly, utility properties sometimes automatically populates invert elevations when new conduit is connected between nodes with defined invert elevations. Why only sometimes-what could be triggering this?
2) Why is it possible to edit properties/ utility properties to have conflicting information about invert elevation, material, and size? When this happens, which properties set is used by the other features (like the profile creator) in SUE?
3) In general, is there an advantage to having properties and utility properties separated?
Any info about this topic is greatly appreciate. Thanks!
Sarah
Hi Sarah:
The presence of two lists of properties is an artifact of the history of the utilities tool set. What you are seeing is the Microstation/OpenRoads properties in one case and a Haestad property panel in the other case. Obviously, this is not ideal but sometimes when merging two quite different technologies this sort of thing arises for a release or three. It has Bentley's plan to eventually merge these two panels.
As you have noted, it is occasionally seen where the two property panels are out of synch or may behave in unexpected ways. To minimize your confusion I offer the following advise, which works well for me: If the property yo be edited or reviewed is shown in the quick properties (first button on context toolbox) then use quick properties. Otherwise, always use the Utility Property panel.
Robert Garrett Senior Consultant
www.envisioncad.com