CTDOT CONNECT DDE GUIDE VOLUME 4 - OPENROADS DESIGNER SURVEY

Section 1 - Introduction

OVERVIEW

This volume focuses on the OpenRoads Survey tools and covers the post-processing of field data. The main topics contained in this volume are the importing and editing of field data once brought into a design model and the creation and editing of the Terrain Model. This volume also introduces users to the custom CTDOT placement and drawing tools available on the Ribbon (this replaces the Custom Tasks used in V8i).

The underlying configuration that drives the survey engine has changed significantly since InRoads V8i SELLECTSeries 2. The Graphical engineering elements have become “intelligent” so have survey elements. There are no longer external database files (.dtm or .alg) to keep track of and sync with the graphical survey data as the survey information is stored within the graphical elements themselves in the design (.dgn) file. The elements keep track of how they were created (from what data files), what their terrain attributes are and how to display annotation. Modify the element’s terrain attributes and the Terrain Model updates, change its point code and the graphics update. This now allows for single file to deliver as a final product (even terrain elements are now contained within the DGN file itself).

MODEL USES

WHAT IS A TERRAIN MODEL?

A terrain model is a set of triangles mathematically computed from point data collected from the surface being modeled. They are typically used to model highly irregular surfaces, like the surface of the earth. A terrain model is created from 3D features such as points, breaklines, and contours. Terrain models are also referred to as digital terrain models (DTMs), triangulated irregular networks (TINs), or triangulated surfaces. A terrain model is stored as a 3D mesh element in an OpenRoads/OpenRail Designer 3D design (.dgn) file, similar to what used to be stored in a GEOPAK TIN, InRoads DTM, or MX FIL file. When you select a terrain model in the design file, the Element Selection tool recognizes it as a Terrain Model, and the Properties and Explorer Windows will show it as a Terrain Model Element. The display of a terrain model in the product is controlled by using a Feature Definition and Element Template. Being an element stored in a 3D design file, terrain models are easily shared and used by anyone using any DGN based application like OpenBuildings Designer (formerly AECOsim Building Designer), OpenPlant Modeler, or MicroStation CONNECT Edition.

WORKING DIRECTORY

Before attempting to open or create DGN files users should make sure the following is in place:

CTDOT users should have the CTDOT CONNECT DDE synced through SharePoint with the COMPASS Project Synced along with the CAD Configuration follow Volume 1 - Module 3 - CTDOT Employee DDE Sync.
Consultants should have one of the following set up: Volume 1 - Module 1 - Consultant DDE Install or Volume 1 - Module 2 - Consultant DDE Sync

There are two Sub-Modules to complete to properly set up the CTDOT CAD Environment:

Syncing the SharePoint DDE – This is equivalent to the old network W Drive storage location for the CAD Workspace and when synced will show up under the Enterprise Icon.
Syncing a COMPASS Project – This is equivalent to the old Network P and X Drive Project locations and when synced will show up under the Enterprise Icon.

The COMPASS Project is the working Directory. After Syncing there will be a Design folder available that has a sub-folder for each discipline.

District Survey will work in the SVY_District folder.

Central Survey will work in the SVY_Central folder.

When a file is ready for designer to reference, a copy of the file will be placed in the Active_Survey folder. Central Survey will notify the Design team to let them know it is available.

All edits will be made in the SVY_District or the SVY_Central folders and pushed up to Active_Survey as needed.

SEED FILES

Seed file is a term for a template. When a user selects File/New, the application makes a copy of the selected seed file, puts it in the desired folder, and the dgn is given a new name.

The CTDOT Survey seed file is set to

...CT_Configuration\Workspaces-Civil\CT Survey English WorkSpace\Standards\Seed\Seed3D - CT SurveyDesign.dgn

This is a file with a 3D Design Model that has been assigned a default Geographic Coordinate System (GCS) of NAD 1983 State Plane Connecticut with a North American Vertical Datum of 1988 to allow interaction with geospatial applications.

For more on Seed files and GSC, please see Volume 1 - 4.2 Seed Files (ct.gov).

HELP AND RESOURCES

» CTDOT Support

CTDOT employees as well as consultants will use this form to request Digital Design Environment support.

CAD Support Ticket

CTDOT Employees will need to email DOT.Helpdesk@ct.gov for:

software installs and licensing
Accounting access
new user accounts
hard drive or monitor issues
network file backups and permissions

» On Demand Courses and Help Videos

1. A learning path has been set up for each user. Click on the link sent in the notification email. Sign in and you will be automatically directed to the courses or browse to www.bentley.com and select Sign In on the top right.

2. Enter your Email and Password and click the Sign in Button.

3. If you forgot your password, select Forgot Password and follow the prompts.

4. After logging in, you should change your password. Click on the white arrow next to your username on the top right and select Profile.

5. On General Settings select Edit and next to Password click on Change. Follow the prompts to change your password.

6. Select the Events & Learning tab > Training > Training Resources LEARNserver

7. Under My Learning Paths select Quickstart for Surveyors using OpenRoads Technology.