Has anyone come up with an efficient way to compile a single DGN file with cross sections in OpenRoads Designer? Currently, we are referencing all of the XS models into a nested compiled file, which is tedious and inefficient. I submitted a product enhancement request for this (option working sections similar to an SS2/SS4 XS set and option to created single DGN XS sheets) but I was wondering if anyone has a work around until (if) they get to this? Running ORD release 3 (10.05.00.30).
Thanks,
Justin
Hi Justin,
What sort of functionality are you missing when the cross sections are in separate models versus all in one model?
Holly
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I created a large sheet size that would hold all of the cross sections. The sheet size can be added to the sheetsizes.def file in your workspace.
In the image, I have defined a tall sheet (36Roll) and a wide sheet (36Roll_Wide). The sizes can be whatever you want. I stayed with a 36 inch roll in case any users wanted to plot them on a plotter.
I know that I would miss the ability to swiftly move through the cross sections to check data or make hand edits. Separate files per sheet can require a lot of extra time to open every sheet individually. It also increases the chance that a level will be turned off here or there inconsistently, so that the display/printing can get out of sync between sheets.
[and before you tell me that we'll never have to hand edit sheets again...There are going to be items that are easier and faster to edit by hand than to figure out how to model. When time is in a crunch, hand edits are going to happen. When a job is small, hand edits may happen. When you work with older engineers who don't trust the modelling process, hand edits will happen. Certain notes will be placed by hand, or moved around for a better appearance. We may some day be able to fully automate plans production, but that time is not now.]
MaryB
Power GeoPak 08.11.09.918Power InRoads 08.11.09.918OpenRoads Designer 2021 R2
I can't imagine a situation where separate models for each cross sections would be an advantage over a single model for all cross sections.
While we don't design with cross sections, we do use them for quick "what-ifs". Separate models certainly removes the quick from that effort.
We also use cross sections to informally communicate project information with colleagues and stakeholders who do not have any CAD-viewing tools. As others have stated, assembling these sets can be very time-consuming.
The biggest advantage I can think of for separate sheets is the ability to use the "sheet number" model property (which could then be different for each sheet). Other than that (which certainly could be useful) I can't think of any distinct advantage of breaking the cross section drawing into a hundred different sheets.
What I CAN think of that could give me the best of both worlds would be a single design drawing containing all the cross sections, with a separate drawing (or set of drawings) with each sheet created as it's own model (or drawing). it would keep the design sections all together for ease and speed of going through them, yet each sheet would have the individual sheet properties to use with other sheet management tools. THAT would give me the best of each approach.
Is THAT an option?