I need the existing utility lines to display on my cross section set. My problem is that the underground utilities were not defined in the survey; however, they are located and shown as smartlines on the plan. Can I convert these lines to a feature using the existing lines or use them as a template (I.e. define them using "Place Feature...") and if so, would I need to special when I create my cross sections to have them displayed properly?
I'm using Microstation V8.5 and inroads 2004 (due to client restrictions) and I'm fairly new at InRoads. Any help, even a general direction as to where I should start, would be of great help.
Thanks, in advance!
-Dom
5) is there a way to automate lines in Microstation drawn in a particular level to import to a particular Style in InRoads?
Dear cadcop,
I am not a CAD user but I am trying to plan a workflow somewhat in the dark.
We are working on the preliminary engineering for a multi disciplinary infrastructure project in the middle east but the lead discipline is Rail. The Rail team are using Bentley RailTrack. A large amount of the effort will be in producing utility drawings including plans and sections of utility crossings with rail and road alignments.
Existing utilities will be coming from multiple owners in dumb 2D CAD format. It has been recommended to me to model these in InRoads in order to automate the production of cross sections at crossings with the rail alignment (and roads at road crossing points).
So my questions:
1) Do you agree that InRoads is the most suitable software for this?
2) When we import our 2D lines from autocad / microstation to Inroads should we import as a drainage or as a DTM. My plan is to import and create the Z values from the standard cover from the existing surface DEM. I consider this sufficiently accurate for Prelim design.
3) I understand from your post that the key to get them to display properly is the proper setting up of the Styles. Do these Styles need to be set up properly before the import process or can we just start with the names and go back and fix them after. (We will have over 3000 sheets from various utility owners to import and waiting for all the Styles to be set up would be difficult).
4) Could you recommend any good manuals / tutorials that cover the "how" of the above so I can refer my graduate engineer to work it out.
Thanks in anticipation,
Anthony
Caddcop, I've actually been using the VAOT InRoads guide to learn InRoads in general and it's definitely been helping me out a lot. My problem did end up being the symbology but now that's fixed. Thanks again for your help.
Thanks, I will. I think I have it now, but Microstation keeps freezing. Getting an upgraded more powerful computer in the next few days so I'll let you know.
Go to the VAOT CAD Support Web Page and download their InRoads guide - I believe somewhere near the end of it are pages explaining working with crossing features - you might want to look at their XIN and look at the settings for the features used in the guide.
Sounds like you are closing in on it.
Charles (Chuck) Rheault CADD Manager
MDOT State Highway Administration