Models in MicroStation 

Introduction

Models can be used as an alternative method for cut sheets. A single DGN file can be created for a type of plan (General plan, drainage plan, right-of-way plan, etc.) and models can be developed for each sheet of that type. This procedure is being considered as the default method for creating cut sheets.

By creating a single DGN file for each type of plan, this process will create a smaller number of files than current procedures. These DGN files will contain models that represent each individual plan sheet. Additionally, there will be a "master" drawing containing a model for each type of plan. The "master" models will have reference attachments to the roll plan drawings and a view saved for that particular type of plan. The plan sheet models will not contain drawing data, they only reference the appropriate model in the "master" DGN file. Click here for a visual representation of this.

The Master Drawing

1. Create a new dgn file in the Cutsheet folder to be the "master" file (12345mstr.dgn).
2. Select the models button or the Models option on the File menu.
3. Create a model for the type of plans being developed. (General, Drainage, Right-of-Way, Pavement Marking, etc.)
4. Confirm that the correct seed file is being used.
5. The Type should be set to Design From Seed.
6. The model name should identify the type of plan.
7. Use the NHREF macro to attach all necessary drawings. This master drawing file will be referenced by each cut sheet model for this type of plan.
8. Set levels up for the cut sheet set (general plans, drainage plans, etc.). Some sample settings are available for use with the RefLev program. For more information, see the documentation about the RefLev programs. Save Settings and Save the file to preserve these settings.

Sheet Drawings

1. Once the model has been created in the 12345mstr.dgn file for the type of plan being developed, create a new dgn file for the plan set being created, such as 12345pvtplans.dgn. Reference the previously created model in the master dgn file. This new drawing will contain the individual cut sheet models.
2. Select the models button or the Models option on the File menu.
3. Create models for each sheet of this type. Confirm that the correct seed file is being used. 
4. The model name should identify the type of plan and sheet number. The naming convention is listed below.
5. In that new model, reference the appropriate model in the master dgn file. Set the nest depth to 1. See the graphic at the right.
6. Use the Fit View, Rotate View and Zoom commands as necessary to properly view the cut sheet being created. It may be helpful to turn on the MTH drawing in the master dgn file so you can see the border outlines.
7. Use the Place Cell command to insert the border cell.
8. Place a fence with the Element option and select the Boundary element in the MTH drawing. 
9. Clip the reference files using the Fence option. Do not clip the reference files using an Element. If you do, the clip boundary will be lost if the element is turned off.
10. Use the border filters to set the level display for the border cell in the cut sheet model and edit plan title.  See the Filters documentation if you need help with this step.

This first sheet is set up. Repeat steps 2-10 for each sheet. Do not copy the model to create the next sheet as this has been found to lose the link to the master dgn file.

Naming Conventions

Models in Master Cut Sheet Drawing - 12345mstr.dgn

• Curbing & Pavement Layout
• Drainage
• Detour
• General
• Landscaping
• Pavement Marking
• Property Layout
• Right-of-Way
• Signing
• Signalization
• Traffic Control
• Wetland

Cut Sheet Drawings

Type of Plan	Drawing Name	Prefix for Model Names
Curbing	12345crbplans	CRB
Drainage	12345drnplans	DRN
Detour	12345detplans	DET
General	12345genplans	GEN
Landscaping	12345lndplans	LND
Pavement Marking	12345pvtplans	PVT
Property Layout (if it is needed)	12345plplans	PL
Right-of-Way	12345rowplans	ROW
Signing	12345sgnplans	SGN
Signalization	12345sigplans	SIG
Traffic Control	12345trfplans	TRF
Wetland	12345wetplans	WET