If profiles need to be transferred to MicroStation, then refer to Transferring MX profiles to MicroStation.

A toolbar is located at the top of the panel and contains buttons for all the options available within the viewer.  Most options are grayed out prior to displaying a reference string.  

Select Reference String 

Displays a profile of a reference string.  This string defines the baseline for stationing, elevation differences and collinear profiles.  From the Select Reference String panel, supply the reference model and string.  The Line color can also be adjusted.  The Start and End tab allows the control of the extents, default is always the whole string.

Upon completing the Select Reference String panel, the Profile Viewer becomes fully populated and the profile of reference string is displayed.

The graphics area displays a vertical cyan line indicating the current station along the reference string.  The station selector is used to step along the displayed profiles.  Alternatively, select a station from the pulldown list.  In either case, the vertical cyan marker line traverses to show the station you have selected, and the annotation details are updated.  Beneath the station selector, there is a status bar which displays the X, Y, Z coordinates and the grade at the current point on the reference string.

Create Section String 

Creates and displays a profile taken through a surface along the reference string.  

On the Details tab of the Define Section String panel, supply the ground model triangulation for the Model to Section.  Supply the Triangulation String Name.  No Masking is required for triangulation models.

Next, specify a Section String Name.  The first two characters of this string should be OC, and the last two should correspond to the last two characters of the reference string.  Refer to MX Design String Naming Convention for string naming standards.  Verify that the Apply Elevations to Reference String box is left unchecked.  The Line color can also be adjusted.

The Start and End tab allows the control of the extents.  The Options tab should be grayed out when sectioning a triangulation model.

Upon completing the Define Section String panel, the Profile Viewer should display the reference and section string.

Display Associated String 

Displays an additional profile, usually associated with the reference string such as a roadway edge string.  This option can be used for numerous strings.  Line color and extent (Start and End) can also be adjusted.

• Open Settings   Opens a settings file (*.lsu) containing previously saved information, such as the displayed profiles, colors and annotation.
• Save Settings   Saves the current settings to a file (*.lsu).
• Profile Between 2 Points   Creates and displays a profile between any two points.  This option may be used instead of the Select Reference String option.
• Remove/Redraw Sections   Hides or unhides a displayed profile.
• Annotation Between Strings   Adds annotation for a string.
• Create a Drawing   Creates a drawing (*.dpf) of the displayed profiles together with annotation.  More information about this option is further in this document.
• Tracking   Updates the current station in the viewer when you move the cursor on the MX display.
• Zoom Window   Zooms by selecting opposite corners of a window.
• Center   Aligns the center of the display with the cursor location.
• Zoom Extents   Resets the zoom to the limits of the profiles.
• Refresh   Refreshes the display.
• The Title bar contains reference string information as well as a button to Exit the Profile Viewer.  There is also a vertical exaggeration control on the right hand side of the toolbar.  The panel itself is resizable.

Create a Drawing 

From the Profile Viewer, select Create a Drawing to obtain the Profiles: Working Drawings panel.

Section Details Tab

This tab is used to define color, style, datum annotation and ordinate display for each profile.  The Section Description presents a list of every profile that was displayed on the Profile Viewer.  Annotation boxes can be added to the bottom of the profile for elevation, grade, station, elevation difference, cross slope and offset depending on profile type.  Set these options for each profile of the drawing.

Scales and Range Tab

This tab is used to define the drawing scales, station range (Start and End) and origin.

Page Setup Tab

Amongst various advanced page settings are annotation options including Date and Time, Drawing Scales, and Additional Text allowing for a project name.

Horizontal Tab

This tab is used to add a horizontal schematic diagram of the reference string in an annotation box.  Annotation boxes appear at the bottom of the profile.

Vertical Tab

This tab is used to add a vertical schematic diagram of the reference string in an annotation box.  Annotation boxes appear at the bottom of the profile.

Widening Tab

This tab is used to add a widening schematic diagram in an annotation box.  Annotation boxes appear at the bottom of the profile.

Superelevation Tab

This tab is used to add a superelevation schematic diagram in an annotation box.  Annotation boxes appear at the bottom of the profile.

Box Layout... Button

This option allows adjustment of the;

• Title box height.
• Title box width.
• Title box order.
• Decimal point accuracy.
• Box color.

Save Settings

Saves the current drawing settings to a file (*.lsu).

Save Layout.../Open Layout...

Saves/opens the drawing settings of a non-model specific drawing settings to a file (*.lss).

After each tab is addressed on the Profiles: Working Drawings panel, select Apply to generate the drawing picture file (draw long section.dpf).  Make desired adjustments to the Profiles: Working Drawings panel.  Select Apply until the drawing is satisfactory.

Select OK to accept the drawing and close the Profiles: Working Drawings panel.  MX offers a choice of returning to the original working display, the decision is yours.

Next, MX needs direction with respect to a temporary model generated by this wizard. 

From the Rename Temporary Model panel, choose to either Delete Model, Rename Model or Copy Strings to Existing Model.  Supply the receiving model name if the Delete Model option is not used.  Select Finish to return to MX.

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