Hello,
I am trying to annotate an element in my cross-sections so that it updates automatically when my corridor changes. Specifically, I am trying to annotate the bottom elevation of a swale so that when the elevation changes, the label moves with it. Currently, I am able to place a label and have the correct formatting and elevation information placed, however when I change my model, the labels at the bottom of the swale don't move along with it.
When doing research, I see that "for Annotate Element to work the Elements Feature Definition needs the Annotation Group defined." The swale bottom lines currently have the "Ditch Line" feature definition. FYI, I am using the FDOT workspace.
1- How exactly do I define an annotation group for this "Ditch Line" feature definition?
2- Should this be done in my corridor modeling design file? Or the roadway XS file?
Thanks!
Gabi
Best is to understand how Annotation groups function within Bentley's intent, then see what FDOT has done and add to that within those constraints/understanding. Here's the learning path (#5 should dive right into that) https://learn.bentley.com/app/Public/ViewLearningPathWithMasterCourseExpanded?lpId=111346&mcId=111346&CourseId=119789&moduleId=119799 I'll also mention that FDOT has done their best to make the workspace in ORD production workflow to assist with project schedules and uniformity between consultants. That has only gone so far and sometimes portions are patched with updates (maintenance releases). FDOT released MR2 toward the end of January this year, so ensure you have the latest (far right icon on the FDOT ORD menu ribbon "about workspace"). That's not to say there isn't holes in their workspace, but as mentioned, try your best to fill those gaps (copy/rename another anno group) to assist in your workflow. Just don't go to crazy or QC compliancy check required by FDOT submittals may not "pass". You can also reach out to FDOT directly via email or the FDOT Forums here https://communities.bentley.com/communities/user_communities/fdot_cadd_support/ https://www.fdot.gov/cadd/
Bentley Accredited Road Designer | Bentley Accredited Road Modeler
colliersengineering.com
Sean, thank you for providing that learning path regarding the Annotations, I had not seen that before and it definitely helps explain the workflow.
However, after watching the video, I did as specified and edited an existing FDOT Annotation Group in order to create a new Annotation Definition for the "DITCH_BOT" point on my template in order to annotate that elevation. I even copied it from an existing FDOT Elevation Annnotation Definition and reviewed the preview box and it shows as I want it. However, when I go back to my XS and re-annotate, it does not show up. Is there something else I could possibly be missing ?
See the last comment on this post from Sean Keene.https://communities.bentley.com/products/road___site_design/f/geopak-inroads-mx-openroads-forum/208011/openroads-how-to-display-existing-utilities-in-cross-sections/627812#627812 Maybe switching back like he mentions will help it regenerate. Make sure you copy/paste the Annotation Definition first then copy/paste the Annotation Group second. Otherwise it's likely to not link back to the new definition. Also take note of the required dgnlib changes so they will tie the group back to the correct feature. Did you review the "under the hood" series of videos on that Bentley learn link? They should dive deeper and how that's all important.
Did you try recutting the xsections after adding your new group? I'm not sure creating a new group is necessary, as you only need the ditch bottom elevation and not a description persay. If you still need a "new" annotation, I've heard sometimes rerunning the sheets again is required for the annotation to pickup changes to those preset (automatic) labels. It sounds like you've done everything you can. I'm assuming you're using a template point (edge of ditch bottom) and applying an offset to label near the middle of the swale. You can also try adding a mid point to the swale or ditch to use as the label. That would require a modification to the desired mid point horizontal constraint by selecting the = sign next to the distance field of the point dialog for that constraint and then placing a 0.5 multiplier in the dialog that comes up for a value half the distance between the two selected points (edges of the swale bottom).
Shawn,
The post you previously sent me lead me to my answer! The last comment from Sean Keen says "you can modify the annotation group in the default model of your cross section drawing." As simple as it seems, I was fundamentally confused on where these annotation groups are to be edited. I was editing the .dgnlib in the FDOTConnect/Organization-Civil folder, where I should have been editing it in right in the default model of my cross-section file. Once I edited the Annotation Group in my XS file, I was able to plot the labels at all the "DITCH_BOT" points.
Although I managed to make the automatic annotation labels work, I still cannot make the cross section dynamic labels work so that they update/shift automatically when changes are made.. Can you see a reason as to why the dynamic labels don't "stick" to the point I'm trying to label?
Thanks,
Has anyone had issues selecting points from template in the annotation group? I get the following error when I try to add a point to a particular annotation (elevations)