Using Fields and File Links to Display Sheet Number References?

This is something that I thought I'd have the ability to do in ORD CONNECT but never got confirmation and now I can't seem to find good examples of anyone doing what I'm trying to do, so I'm not sure it is possible.

I am using the sheet index tool, and am trying to use text fields to display a sheet number for a sheet that is not the current model. I've tried to use the sheet index to link the sheet number I want to the text element, but after cycling through all the fields, I can't seem to find any that allow me to display properties of the linked model.

In short, I'd like a text to say "See Sh. No. 44" but have the 44 be dynamically updated and linked to a sheet model's position in the sheet index. 

Is this something that is currently possible? Currently on 2020 R3.

Thanks

Parents
  • If I remember correctly, you actually need to create a cell to hold the placeholder field. It only needs to be the text for the field, but it has to be in a cell.

    Once you have the cell created, you can place it in whatever drawing you want, and add a link to the file you want to use.

    Yes, it's a pain to add a cell into the middle of a line of text, but it's a lot easier than trying to keep sheet numbers updated. I did this for a project that wanted "Match Line - See Sheet ##" on every freaking sheet on a five mile project that were were continually adding details to (so the sheet numbers kept changing).

    The only thing you may want to do before plotting is develop a batch process to update fields on all of your sheets.

    MaryB

    Power GeoPak 08.11.09.918
    Power InRoads 08.11.09.918
    OpenRoads Designer 2021 R2

        

    Answer Verified By: Josh Rosa 

Reply
  • If I remember correctly, you actually need to create a cell to hold the placeholder field. It only needs to be the text for the field, but it has to be in a cell.

    Once you have the cell created, you can place it in whatever drawing you want, and add a link to the file you want to use.

    Yes, it's a pain to add a cell into the middle of a line of text, but it's a lot easier than trying to keep sheet numbers updated. I did this for a project that wanted "Match Line - See Sheet ##" on every freaking sheet on a five mile project that were were continually adding details to (so the sheet numbers kept changing).

    The only thing you may want to do before plotting is develop a batch process to update fields on all of your sheets.

    MaryB

    Power GeoPak 08.11.09.918
    Power InRoads 08.11.09.918
    OpenRoads Designer 2021 R2

        

    Answer Verified By: Josh Rosa 

Children
  • Perhaps more of a pain than I would have wanted, but still an improvement, thanks. I've developed a dummy cell that gives a sheet number for a linked sheet. I place this somewhere inconspicuous and then use text fields for the text I want shown on the sheet and link the cell. This way I can also reference multiple sheet numbers (34, 35, 62). Perhaps the ultimate solution would be the client preferring "See [sheet name or description]" instead of actual numbers but this works well in the meantime. 

  • I agree - it's not the greatest solution, but it's functional.
    I would love if clients didn't want sheet number references...or if there was a way to create a field with a direct link, instead of the workaround.
    I'm glad we were able to get you something to keep you working for the meantime.

    MaryB

    Power GeoPak 08.11.09.918
    Power InRoads 08.11.09.918
    OpenRoads Designer 2021 R2