Compare DGNlibs

Hi there,

I am using ORD CE 2021 Release 2. I recently received an updated DGNLib from a client. However, I have made some additions to the previous DGNLib that they had provided. Is there a way for me to compare the two DGNLib files? Maybe only import new levels, element templates, feature definitions, etc.? 

Thanks in advance, I appreciate any guidance you have. 

  • I'll offer two quick thoughts here. First, I have had luck doing this before using the XMLs generated by the migration utilities and comparing those with an application that does text file comparison (I use Beyond Compare, best $50 I've ever spent when it comes to managing configurations).
    Secondly, I'll echo Rod and Timothy here that your best process will be to supplement your client's DGNLIBS with your own, with the note that those for Drainage & Utility, and I believe Survey, content are dependent on certain variables and will require certain content to be available in specific DGNLIBs, so you may need to "take ownership" of those 2. Everything else we use supplemental DGNLIBs for quite sucessfully.

    Steve

    Steven Litzau, P.E. - Senior Consultant

    www.envisioncad.com

    ORD - 10.12.02.04 / 10.10.21.04 / 10.10.01.03 / 10.08.01.33
    Power GEOPAK / Power InRoads - 08.11.09.918
    Civil 3D - 2021 / 2022

  • I agree with Rod. It is easier for you to know what changes you made, than what they have changed. I would create a separate DGNLIB that has only your additions in it.

    Timothy Hickman

    CADD Manager | CADD Department

    timothy.hickman@colliersengineering.com

    Main: 877 627 3772| 

    1000 Waterview Drive Suite 201 | Hamilton, New Jersey 08691

  • There is a series of "Migration Tools" that can be downloaded from the Bentley Files area and possibly this Forum's Wiki. In these tools, there is an Element Template Utility that can convert the exported Element Template XML file to and from Excel. Similarly, there are tools for the Feature Definitions and Feature Symbologies XML files and Excel. There is directions (somewhat limited) with each and the XML import/export of Feature Def/Symb must be enabled with a CFG Variable.

    The Element Template spreadsheet is very wide. The Feature Def/Symb Spreadsheets are not as wide but use multiple tabs for all the the different types.


    Charles (Chuck) Rheault
    CADD Manager

    MDOT State Highway Administration

    • MicroStation user since IGDS, InRoads user since TDP.
    • AutoCAD, Land Desktop and Civil 3D, off and on since 1996
  • For levels you can export the levels to a .csv file and compare the .csv files. For Element Templates you can export to .xml and compare the .xml files.

    If you're going to rely on client dgnlibs, do not put your additions in their dgnlib files. Create a new dgnlib for your additions. That way when you install updates from the client, you won't have to go through this mess.

    Rod Wing
    Senior Systems Analyst