DDOT MicroStation V8 CAD Standards Manual
District of ColumbiaDepartment of TransportationMicroStation V8 CADStandards ManualEmeka Moneme, DirectorKathleen Penney, Chief EngineerArdeshir Nafici, Deputy Chief EngineerInfrastructure Project Management AdministrationSeptember 2005
AcknowledgementThis document presents the CAD standards of the District of Columbia Department ofTransportation (DDOT). This manual and the DDOT CAD standards and workspace arebased on those of the Maryland State Highway Administration’s (MDSHA).The new MDSHA V8 CAD standards and workspace were the result of a great deal of effortand coordination. The final product incorporated resources and comments from MDSHA, theconsultant community and from members of the Consulting Engineering Council ofMaryland. Thus, given the above and the fact that there are numerous streets which are eitherbordered by Maryland on one side and DC on the other, or that run through bothjurisdictions, DDOT made the decision to adopt the Maryland State Highway Administration(MDSHA) CAD Standards.Incorporated in the MDSHA workspace are numerous macros and tools that aid in increasingproductivity as well as in ensuring compliance with the CAD standards. DDOT hasincorporated these macros and tools into its workspace with minimal, and mostly cosmetic,modifications. The MDSHA CAD Standards Manual is also the source and foundation formost of the DDOT CAD Standards Manual. Doing so offers DDOT two benefits: First, theconsultants that work on projects in both jurisdictions would not need to learn a new set ofstandards or tools. Second, the association with MDSHA will facilitate the CAD standardsadoption to occur faster than would have been possible had DDOT undertaken to develop allthe tools and macros it needs.The MDSHA workspace and tools are expected to evolve over time to better serve itspersonnel and the consulting community. As major modifications are made by MDSHA,DDOT will evaluate the updates, and if deemed advisable, update its workspace and replaceapplicable sections of its CAD Standards Manual.We want to thank MDSHA personnel and acknowledge the support they provided as DDOTwas modifying the SHA workspace and CAD Manual to meet its needs. MDSHA hadgraciously shared the electronic files needed for the Workspace and CAD manual andextended permission to DDOT to modify and/or adopt any of the files as needed for the newDDOT Workspace and CAD Standards Manual. SHA personnel were very generous withtheir time, answered numerous questions and provided invaluable help in customizing theWorkspace.The DDOT Workspace, V8 CAD Standards Manual and associated support files will bedistributed to consultants on a CD. DDOT employees will also be able to access these on theserver and should contact their IT manager for guidance. The guidelines contained in theDDOT CAD Standards Manual are to be followed for all DDOT projects.DDOT CAD Standardsi2005
Table of ContentsAcknowledgement .iTable of Contents . iiIntroduction .vAbout This Manual . vServing the Needs of CAD Users . vPurpose. vNotes . viiChapter 1 DDOT Workspace . 1-1Introduction. 1-1Minimum System Requirements. 1-1Using the DDOT Workspace . 1-1Workspace Setup . 1-3Internal DDOT Users. 1-3External Users (Consultants) . 1-3Workspace Options. 1-4User . 1-5Project . 1-5Interface . 1-5Notes . 1-6Chapter 2 Custom Tools. 2-1Introduction. 2-1Main Menu. 2-1Discipline/File Specific Menus. 2-3DDOT (IDS) Toolframe . 2-3DDOT Barmenu. 2-3DDOT Tools . 2-3File Naming Wizard. 2-4Feature Search Tool . 2-5Notes . 2-6Chapter 3 Custom Tools. 3-1Introduction. 3-1Purpose of Establishing a Naming Convention . 3-1The New DDOT File Naming Convention. 3-2File Naming Convention for the First Segment of a CAD File Name. 3-2File Group . 3-3File Group Chart . 3-4File Discipline. 3-5Table 1 – File Discipline. 3-6File Naming Convention for the Third Segment of a CAD File Name (ProjectID). 3-7DDOT CAD Standardsii2005
File Naming Convention for the Middle Segment of a CAD File Name . 3-7Sheet Type . 3-7Sequence Number . 3-8File Naming Convention Summary . 3-14Print (Sheet) Files Naming Convention. 3-15Reference Files Naming Convention . 3-15Support Files Naming Convention. 3-15File Naming Wizard. 3-16Renaming Files Created with the File Naming Wizard . 3-17File Management . 3-18Directory Structure for DDOT Projects. 3-19File organization on DDOT Servers . 3-20Notes . 3-21Chapter 4 Design Standards . 4-1Introduction. 4-1Seed Files . 4-1Standard Settings . 4-2Working Units. 4-2Coordinate Readout . 4-4Drawing Scale. 4-4Color Table . 4-6DGN Library. 4-6Standard Elements . 4-7Features . 4-7Barmenus . 4-7Levels. 4-7Line Weights. 4-9Line Styles . 4-11Custom Line Styles . 4-11Cells . 4-11Fonts. 4-12Text Styles . 4-13Dimension Styles . 4-14Notes . 4-15Chapter 5 Drafting Guidelines . 5-1Introduction. 5-1DDOT Border File . 5-1Reference Files. 5-1Save Relative Path . 5-1Coincident-World . 5-2True Scale . 5-23D and 2D Design Files. 5-3Text Placement: Model vs. Print Files. 5-3Notes . 5-4DDOT CAD Standardsiii2005
Chapter 6 Electronic Data Deliverables . 6-1Introduction. 6-1MicroStation Files. 6-1Roadway Design Files . 6-1Readme.txt . 6-2Notes . 6-3Chapter 7 Plotting. 7-1Introduction. 7-1Plotting Standards . 7-1Line Widths. 7-2Color Table . 7-3Standard MicroStation Plotting. 7-4Identify Plotting Area: . 7-4Plot Drivers . 7-4Specify Plot Size:. 7-5Set Scale Factor: . 7-5Maximize Plot (Optional): . 7-5Center Plot (Optional):. 7-6Rotate 90: . 7-6Plot Options: . 7-6Preview Your Drawing Plot:. 7-6Transmit Drawing to Plotter: . 7-6Generating Images from MicroStation Files. 7-6Using the HD BW Image Printer (I-Plot Monochrome Raster Offline Driver) . 7-7Using a Customized Image Plot Driver (PLT) . 7-13Using Utilities Image Save. 7-14Notes . 7-15Appendix A . A-1Appendix B .B-1Appendix C . C-1Appendix D . D-1Appendix E .E-1DDOT CAD Standardsiv2005
IntroductionThis chapter introduces the contents of the DDOT MicroStation V8 CAD Standards. Thischapter’s major sections describe the intended audience and the purpose of this manual.About This ManualThis manual is specifically written for MicroStation V8, and it is hoped that this manual willserve as the single information source related to the use of MicroStation V8 at DDOT for allOffices and Divisions.The manual also marks DDOT’s migration to utilizing CAD for drafting and design andspecifically its commitment to use MicroStation V8 and related engineering design add-onsand custom applications. As stated previously, since the DDOT Standards and Workspacemirror the MDSHA Standards and Workspace, the CAD Manual will also be updated asmajor updates or changes occur in the Maryland CAD standards or workspace. The CADmanual and workspace might also be updated as major changes are introduced inMicroStation or Geopak, or as the need arises due to changing or unaddressed needs atDDOT. Updates will be performed by authorized personnel only. No part of the CADStandards and Workspace, including cells, fonts, text sizes, etc. are to be revised withoutdirections from the Chief Engineer or authorized representative. Suggestions are stronglyencouraged and should be directed to Mr. Ardeshir Nafici, Chief, Program ManagementSupport Division, IPMA at (202) 671-4689.Serving the Needs of CAD UsersThis manual serves the needs of several groups of CAD users. DDOT personnel as well asconsultants tasked with a project for DDOT will find tables that will help them use theprovided tools to set the desired symbology (level, color, weight and style) for designelements. Following the guidelines set in this manual will ensure that the drawings producedare consistent with the most current DDOT CAD Standards. In addition, constructioncontractors will find that this manual and appendices will help them better understand thedrawing symbols and setup, especially when called upon to prepare shop drawings, changedfield condition sketches, redline drawings and the like.PurposeUsers will find that properly using the concepts and tools outlined in this manual will betterequip them to produce high-quality CAD drawings more efficiently and consistently. Thus,the purpose of having a CAD standards manual and the tools and associated electronic filescan be categorized into three main areas:1)Quality of Deliverables: The documentation of DDOT’s CAD Standards will aid increatingdeliverables that have a consistent and superior quality.DDOT CAD Standardsv2005
2) Efficiency in Design through Tools: The cell libraries, menu files, standard details andother files that accompany this manual are designed to help users quickly place standardgraphical elements with just a click or two. Additionally, the custom design tools and macrosadopted from the SHA Workspace let users more efficiently create design elements,including drainage structures, traffic signals, right-of-way plats, bridge detail sheets and morein the drawing files.3) Consistency between Offices and among Consultants: Use of the details, symbols, seedfiles and other elements that are part of the DDOT CAD standards will ensure that drawingswill conform to DDOT’s requirements and are consistent—whether projects are done byconsultants or DDOT personnel.DDOT CAD Standardsvi2005
Notes DDOT CAD Standardsvii2005
Chapter 1DDOT WorkspaceIntroductionThis chapter provides an introduction to the DDOT Workspace that has been developed foruse with MicroStation V8. This workspace helps users manage the V8 drafting environmentby delivering standard elements such as resource files, cells and level libraries, as well asseveral custom tools and macros developed by DDOT for V8. Details are provided for bothusers and administrators. This chapter’s major sections are listed below:1) Minimum System Requirements2) Using the DDOT Workspace shows the MicroStation Manager window andwhat Workspace Options should be selected to obtain the new V8 CADStandards.3) Workspace Setup provides instructions on how to install the Workspace, withnotes for both Internal DDOT Users and External Consultant Users.4) Workspace Options explains how MicroStation’s Workspace Options arebeing implemented at DDOT, including User, Project and Interface.Minimum System RequirementsThe January 2005 release of the V8 CAD Standards has been designed to run onMicroStation V8.01.02.15. Please refer to Bentley documentation for product systemrequirements.Using the DDOT WorkspaceThe workspace delivered with this CAD Manual has tools that help increase productivity aswell as help users comply with the CAD Standards. As stated before, the Workspace andtools were developed by MDSHA and have been adopted by DDOT with modifications tobetter fit the needs of DDOT personnel.When you start MicroStation using the DDOT Workspace, the MicroStation Manager dialogbox will appear with various options in the Workspace section:DDOT CAD StandardsChapter 1-12005
NOTE: Generally speaking, the only option that needs to be selected is that of User,to select the proper CAD Standard version. As of January 2005, the Userworkspace that should be used for new projects is “DDOT V8 01”. Fornotes on other User Options, refer to the Workspace Options section.Upon loading the MicroStation, the user will immediately know that they are in the DDOTWorkspace by the presence of the DDOT Main Menu and Toolbox.The Main Menu has pulldowns that allow the user to select additional discipline-specificmenus, set drawing scale factors and access various custom tools to assist in the draftingprocess. The DDOT Workspace does not disable any of the MicroStation tools delivered withthe software, but offers additional tools that help users adhere to various requirements of theCAD standards such as element symbology, level name, file name, etc.DDOT CAD StandardsChapter 1-22005
Workspace SetupInternal DDOT UsersWithin IPMA, the V8 workspace is planned to be implemented across the local area network.This will ensure that all CAD workstations have access to the latest version of tools andsettings as they are developed. For instance, if a resource file has been updated, it need not beinstalled on each computer, but simply added to the network workspace for all users at IPMAto receive the update. The setup of other DDOT agencies has yet to be determined.To setup the network workspace on a user’s machine, perform the following steps:1) Install MicroStation V8.2) Copy the mslocal.cfg file from the LAN Workspace directory, eg: for IPMA onemight use S:\CAD\Workspace\mslocal.cfg3) Paste to overwrite the mslocal.cfg file on the local machine typically g\mslocal.cfgThis will redirect the Workspace root to the network location. Not only will resource filesand other standard files be maintained on the network, but a directory will automatically becreated for each user to store the following custom support files: user preference (*.UPF) filesuser interface (*.M01) filesfunction key menu (*.MNU) filescustom configuration (*.CFG) filesStoring these files on the network promotes portability of each user’s custom settings. If auser moves to a new workstation or has their current workstation rebuilt, all settings will beretained. Note also that this is a one-time setup. If new standards are released in the future,they will automatically pass to the user.External Users (Consultants)For external consultant users, the DDOT Workspace is provided on the accompanying CDand is also available for web download. The workspace provides the core functionality ofDDOT’s network workspace, minus certain CAD management aspects.NOTE: It is recommended that the Workspace be installed on the network, althoughinstallation on the local machine will also work.1) Unzip the files to a network or local directory.2) Open the file.\Workspace\startup.cfg in a text editor.DDOT CAD StandardsChapter 1-32005
3) Redefine the USTN WORKSPACEROOT variable to point to the location ofthe Workspace folder as determined in step 1, then save and close the file.4) Create a desktop shortcut to V8.5) Right-click the shortcut and select Properties.6) When the Properties box opens, append the following text to the Target field (notethat it begins with a space):-wc”[path]\Workspace\startup.cfg”where [path] defines the full directory path of the Workspace.eg: -wc” S:\CAD\Workspace\startup.cfg”Note: There is no space between wc and the quotation mark.Click OK.You should now have a desktop shortcut that willlaunch the DDOT Workspace. Users should take careto always load design files for DDOT projectsthrough the shortcut, otherwise the followingworkspace options will not be available.Workspace OptionsThe combination of User, Project and Interface determines the user’s working environmentfor MicroStation. The significance of these options is explained below.DDOT CAD StandardsChapter 1-42005
UserThe user has the choice of having the DDOT CAD Standards launched when a file is openedor of using the default MicroStation workspace. However, it is greatly encouraged that usersselect the DDOT V8 01 workspace. This option delivers the new V8 CAD standards andshould be selected for any new projects that are to be performed using the V8 design fileformat (unlimited named levels, etc). V7 files will always be opened as read/only.ProjectThe DDOT Workspace does not rely on the Project setting to manage project design files andresources. Rather, this setting is used in-house by some divisions to define certain disciplinespecific settings and standards.NOTE: For most DDOT users, the Project setting will be preset based on user loginand does not need to be changed!External consultants may continue to use the Project configuration as needed to definespecific project working directories, etc.InterfaceThe choice of Interface determines what custom pull down menus and toolboxes a user willreceive. Depending how it is set up within the organization, this setting could reflect theuser’s network login name, which would allow individual customization.For the consultant workspace, the user interface variable is not explicitly defined so usersshould continue to see the same Interface options that they normally would.DDOT CAD StandardsChapter 1-52005
Notes DDOT CAD StandardsChapter 1-62005
Chapter 2Custom ToolsIntroductionThis chapter provides an overview of the modifications to the default MicroStationworkspace, and the custom applications and tools developed by MDSHA and made availablethrough the DDOT Workspace. These tools and applications are intended to simplify,standardize and make the creation of CAD drawings more efficient.Main MenuUpon entering the DDOT Workspace, the Main Menu will appear, along with the IDSToolbox. The Main Menu contains key pulldown commands that are applicable to any file inthe Workspace.NOTE: The Main Menu should always remain loaded. Should it become unloaded or is notvisible, there are three ways to reload it. One could either key-in “mdl load DDOTbarmenu”,use the DDOT pull down menu as shown below or access it from the IDS Tools menu byclicking on the “d.” tool. The Menus pulldown contains links to discipline-s
mirror the MDSHA Standards and Workspace, the CAD Manual will also be updated as major updates or changes occur in the Maryland CAD standards or workspace. The CAD manual and workspace might also be updated as major changes are introduced in MicroStation or Geopak, or as the need arises due to changing or unaddressed needs at DDOT.
Use the View Control commands Assign view controls to the mouse wheel Float and dock toolbars Show and hide tools on toolbars Access the MicroStation Key-in box Lab 1.1 - Starting MicroStation To start MicroStation: 1. Select Start All Programs Bentley MicroStation V8 XM MicroStation V8 XM Edi-tion or
Many other types of files and directories, as well as MicroStation key‐in commands, can be linked as well through the following process. MicroStation Project Explorer Linking to MicroStation elements is done through MicroStation's Project Explorer. A Link Set is created, indi‐
PART 1: Working With the CAD Standards Section 1. Purpose and scope of the CAD standards 1.1 Why WA DOC has data standards . 1.2 Scope of the CAD standards . 1. Who must use the standards? Section 2. CAD Environment 2. Basic CAD Software 1. CAD Application Software Section 3. Requesting CAD Data from WA DOC 2. How to request data Section 4.
Page 20 Colorado Department of Transportation Chapter 2 - Getting Started in MicroStation A Practical Guide for Using MicroStation XM Or "floated" within the drawing workspace. Most toolbars can be accessed from the menu or from the Main toolbar. The CDOT Main toolbar opens automatically when yo u start MicroStation.If you close
This manual was completely rewritten to include all CAD documentation previously used throughout SHA. We hope that this manual will serve as the single information source related to the use of CAD at SHA, regardless of the Office and Division you serve. This manual also marks SHA’s migration to the V8 generation of MicroStation and
Bentley Microstation V8i Manual MGEO 2014 1 Foreward . The following document was produced with the Marine Geomatics instructor, Brian Pyke in mind. Bently Microstation is a CAD type of software; though it may not be as commonly used as AutoCAD in the Marine Industry it is slowly breaking through and becoming more mainstream.
1. From the MicroStation Manager, open an AutoCAD (*.dwg) drawing file. Change List Files of Type to CAD Files (*.dwg, *.dgn, *.dxf) to view AutoCAD files. Highlight the desired file and select OK. 2. The MicroStation DWG/
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