MX data is transferred to MicroStation through the MX for MicroStation (MfM) program. MfM allows the operator to work with both softwares simultaneously. Before starting MfM make sure that the DPW file only contains information to be transferred to MicroStation.

Topo Detail

Due to the large number of items, topo detail needs to be transferred as multiple drawings if it needs to be edited later in MfM. It can be transferred as 4 separate drawings.

• The first contains primarily roadway details; EP, TW, guard rail, bridge items, ...;
• the second contains utility details; poles, underground utilities, manholes, railroad items;
• the third contains the other remaining features;
• and the fourth contains the utility detail.

Before drawing a topo model in MX, style and feature sets need to be defined for the model. They may have been assigned when the model was created. If not, select Model Defaults... from the Tools menu. Select the appropriate model and, if necessary, click the Edit... button to modify the names.

In the next panel, select the button next to the style set name. Repeat for the feature set. There are four style sets for topo models in the N:\cadd\cadd\mx\styles\ directory; ex1.pss, ex2.pss, ex3.pss and exu.pss. The default feature set is N:\cadd\cadd\mx\styles\nhdot.fns. Click OK to save this information.

In MX create new display drawings using the project number followed by ex1, ex2, ex3, and exu. After creating each one, draw the corresponding portion of the topo detail by using the associated feature set. For example, to create the ex1 drawing:

• Create the new display by selecting New Plan Display... from the File menu.
• Enter the name and click OK.
• To draw the detail select Plan with Style Set ... from the Display menu.
• Select the appropriate model name from the pull-down menu.
• Select the style set N:\cadd\cadd\mx\styles\ex1.pss.
• Uncheck the Draw all Strings box so only items in the feature set are drawn.

Repeat this process with the other drawings. 

Note:  Before exiting MX, set the default style set for the model to match the last drawing created.  This is necessary for the detail to translate to MicroStation properly.

Creating MicroStation Drawings from MX:

Enter MicroStation with your personal workspace and interface. Once in MicroStation you can hit the F3 function key to start MfM. If you are not a regular MX in MicroStation user, please read this caution statement.

When opening MfM, check to make sure the DPW file to be opened is the correct one. If the appropriate DGN file already exists, then it will be opened and compared to the DPW file. If there is a discrepancy between the two files the user will see the panel asking which file is most current.

If you are prompted to select seed files see the information in the MX FAQ.

After selecting the appropriate response a panel may be displayed to select the level structure file to be used. Level structure files are no longer necessary for plan drawings because the MicroStation level information has been included in the style set. Make sure the "Use Level Structure File" box is NOT checked before proceeding.

For best results, each drawing should be transferred as a separate MicroStation session.  After each drawing is created,

• exit the MicroStation session;
• open MX;
• display the next dpw to be transferred;
• adjust the model defaults for the new style set;
• enter MicroStation;
• start MX