MicroStation V8i AccuDraw Basics - la

Transcription

MicroStation V8i AccuDraw Basics
Bentley Institute Course Guide
TRN013500-1/0001
Trademarks
AccuDraw, Bentley, the “B” Bentley logo, MDL, MicroStation and SmartLine are registered trademarks; PopSet and Raster Manager are trademarks; Bentley SELECT is a service mark of Bentley Systems, Incorporated or Bentley Software, Inc. Java and all Java‐based trademarks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Adobe, the Adobe logo, Acrobat, the Acrobat logo, Distiller, Exchange, and PostScript are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated. Windows, Microsoft and Visual Basic are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. AutoCAD is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc. Other brands and product names are the trademarks of their respective owners. Patents
United States Patent Nos. 5,8.15,415 and 5,784,068 and 6,199,125. Copyrights
©2000‐2009 Bentley Systems, Incorporated. MicroStation ©1998 Bentley Systems, Incorporated. IGDS file formats ©1981‐1988 Intergraph Corporation. Intergraph Raster File Formats ©1993 Intergraph Corporation. Portions ©1992 – 1994 Summit Software Company. Portions ©1992 – 1997 Spotlight Graphics, Inc. Portions ©1993 – 1995 Criterion Software Ltd. and its licensors. Portions ©1992 – 1998 Sun MicroSystems, Inc. Portions ©Unigraphics Solutions, Inc. Icc ©1991 – 1995 by AT&T, Christopher W. Fraser, and David R. Hanson. All rights reserved. Portions ©1997 – 1999 HMR, Inc. All rights reserved. Portions ©1992 – 1997 STEP Tools, Inc. Sentry Spelling‐Checker Engine ©1993 Wintertree Software Inc. Unpublished – rights reserved under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. All rights reserved. MicroStation V8i AccuDraw Basics
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Copyright © 2009 Bentley Systems, Incorporated
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Table of Contents
Course Overview ____________________________________ 1
Course Description ____________________________________ 1
Target Audience_______________________________________ 1
Prerequisites _________________________________________ 1
Course Objectives _____________________________________ 1
Introductory Knowledge ________________________________ 2
Questions ________________________________________ 2
Answers__________________________________________ 2
AccuDraw and 2D Drafting ____________________________ 3
Module Overview _____________________________________ 3
Module Objectives_____________________________________ 3
AccuDraw Basics ______________________________________ 4
The AccuDraw workflow _____________________________ 5
The input focus ____________________________________ 6
AccuDraw indexing _________________________________ 7
Drawing with AccuDraw ________________________________ 10
Locking coordinate values____________________________ 13
AccuDraw Shortcuts ___________________________________ 14
Important basic shortcuts____________________________ 15
AccuDraw Settings_____________________________________ 28
Operation tab _____________________________________ 29
Display tab________________________________________ 31
Coordinates tab____________________________________ 32
Pop‐up Calculator _____________________________________ 33
Invoking and using the pop‐up calculator _______________ 34
Tips and Hints ________________________________________ 39
Place north arrow at correct orientation on rotated view___ 39
Keying in a ° symbol? _______________________________ 39
Keying in angle quadrants?___________________________ 40
Keying in a colon? __________________________________ 40
Change AccuDraw window to N and E __________________ 40
Change the size of AccuDraw's compass ________________ 41
Page Up and Page Down_____________________________ 41
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
AccuDraw and 3D Drafting ____________________________ 43
Module Overview _____________________________________ 43
Module Objectives_____________________________________ 43
The AccuDraw Drawing Plane ____________________________ 44
AccuDraw and Element Placement in 3D ___________________ 44
AccuDraw and 3D Shortcuts _____________________________ 49
Using AccuDraw’s Rotated Drawing Planes _________________ 51
Orthogonal Drawing Plane Rotation _______________________ 53
Tentative Snaps and AccuDraw ___________________________ 57
Using Auxiliary Coordinate Tools__________________________ 60
AccuDraw Shortcuts for ACS__________________________ 61
Define an ACS aligned with a reference file ______________ 63
ACS interaction with AccuDraw _______________________ 64
Separate ACS per View ______________________________ 64
Projecting Points from and ACS to a Plane_______________ 66
Locating elements relative to others ___________________ 68
3D Tips and Hints ______________________________________ 73
Changes when placing cells and text with AccuDraw_______ 73
Move/Place elements at the correct Z elevation __________ 73
Module Review Questions and Answers _________________ 75
Questions ________________________________________ 75
Answers__________________________________________ 75
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Table of Contents
Course Overview
Course Description
Students will learn that AccuDraw is indispensable when working in MicroStation. They will discover how to use this essential and powerful tool to increase drawing and modeling accuracy, and easily create difficult geometry that previously required many steps. The course covers 2D and 3D AccuDraw operations.
Target Audience
This course is recommended for the following audience(s):
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All users of MicroStation or related products
Prerequisites
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Basic knowledge of MicroStation
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Basic knowledge of Microsoft Windows XP or Vista
Course Objectives
After completing this course, you will be able to:
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Use AccuDraw to accurately draft in 2D
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Use AccuDraw to accurately model in 3D
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Use AccuDraw shortcuts and settings to improve production drafting and modeling speed and precision
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Course Overview
Introductory Knowledge
Before you begin the course, let’s define what you already know:
Questions
1
Describe how to draw accurately in a CAD application.
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Which of the following is correct?
A. AccuDraw is for 3D only.
B. AccuDraw cannot be used with Sheet models.
C. AccuDraw is the single, greatest invention in the history of CAD.
Answers
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Accurate drawing can be accomplished two ways. Using precision input. This means using numerical methods to enter distance and direction of a element. For example, the DX= or DI= or DL= MicroStation key‐ins.
Using AccuDraw. This uses the graphics on the screen, direction from the mouse, and distance keying‐ins.
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Course Overview
C is correct.
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AccuDraw and 2D Drafting
Module Overview
AccuDraw is one of MicroStation’s most versatile tools. In the simplest terms, AccuDraw is a MicroStation Development Language (MDL) application. It does not create or manipulate elements or objects, it assists in their creation and manipulation. Using AccuDraw in MicroStation is like using a T‐square and triangle in manual drafting. You would move a T‐square to a location on a drawing and start to draw from there, because there is a measuring system attached to that point. Traditional
Drafting Machine
AccuDraw Superimposed on
a Drafting Machine
AccuDraw improves quality and speed by reducing keystrokes and mouse clicks
When designing, you use a graphical application and have graphical problems, but are traditionally taught numerical solutions. AccuDraw is the graphical solution to graphical problems.
Module Objectives
AccuDraw is more than a quick way to input data. It lets you produce complex geometry that was difficult to produce quickly in the past. It replaces the grid, the axis lock, construction elements, and more. Using AccuDraw and a 2D file you will be able to:
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Draft more accurately and quickly
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Create geometry easily that was difficult without AccuDraw
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Use AccuDraw with Creation, Manipulation and Modification tools
Before you begin this module, let’s define what you already know.
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Name three creation tools that would benefit from the use of AccuDraw.
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Describe alternate methods of using AccuDraw.
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How do you start and stop AccuDraw?
AccuDraw Basics
Because AccuDraw was created using MDL, its interface is completely integrated with MicroStation. The powerful, yet hidden, portion of AccuDraw is its intelligence. It is designed to infer as much information as possible from your actions. If the Place Block tool is selected, AccuDraw switches to a Rectangular coordinate system. If Place Circle is selected, it switches to a Polar coordinate system. Start and stop AccuDraw using the AccuDraw icon in the Primary Tools tool bar.
When enabled, AccuDraw has two components, the AccuDraw window and the AccuDraw compass. These two interface elements work with each other.
AccuDraw window and the AccuDraw compass
The AccuDraw window has two modes that can be toggled using the space bar when AccuDraw is active and has the focus. The Rectangular mode allows for the AccuDraw and 2D Drafting
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AccuDraw Basics
entry of X and Y distances from AccuDraw’s origin. The Polar mode allows for the entry of a distance and angle from the origin. Origin
(0,0)
Y Axis Tick
X Axis Tick
Drawing Plane
Indicator
The compass is made up of three components that are visible in either the Rectangular or Polar mode.
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The origin is the center of the compass and is always location 0,0 regardless of where the compass is in the design (a relative origin). •
The dashed rectangle or circle is referred to as the drawing plane indicator and indicates either the drawing Rectangular or Polar plane.
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The green and red ticks are AccuDraw’s axis markers and are independent of both the drawing axis and the view axis.
The AccuDraw workflow
If you plan to use AccuDraw you may need to change your workflow because, when enabled, AccuDraw considers three things and changes its behavior accordingly.
First, it considers at the current tool. For example, if the active tool is Place Block it will remain in a Rectangular mode which is expressed as X and Y distances from its origin. If the selected tool is Place Arc, AccuDraw will automatically switch to Polar mode which is expressed as distance and angle.
Second, AccuDraw considers the location of the pointer with respect to its origin. As you move the pointer around the compass, AccuDraw automatically updates the X and Y values in the AccuDraw window’s key‐in fields to reflect the distance the pointer is from its origin. If no data point is entered, the values show absolute coordinates.
Finally, AccuDraw considers and interprets keyboard shortcuts. These are single or dual character key‐ins to drive its behavior. An example is using the space bar to toggle between the Rectangular and Polar modes.
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AccuDraw Basics
The mouse is one of the ways that AccuDraw infers information. When mouse moves, AccuDraw tracks the pointer's location in relationship to the AccuDraw compass. The operational rules of AccuDraw are as follows.
1. Enter a data point either using precision input, or a data point, to fix the location of the compass.
2. Move the pointer in the direction in which you wish to draw.
3. Without using the pointer to put focus into the AccuDraw window’ key‐in fields, enter the desired distance value.
4. <Optional> move in another direction.
5. <Optional> enter another distance value.
6. Enter a data point to accept.
7. Repeat from step 2 to continue drawing.
The important thing to remember is that you move in the direction you wish to draw. You do not need to consider whether you are moving in the X dimension or Y dimension. You know the direction in which you need to draw by looking at your notes and plans. Focus on the direction, not the X or Y dimension. The X and Y dimensions are useful, but when drawing they are not to be the focus.
The input focus
As you move the pointer around the screen, AccuDraw continually updates the field that is currently active in the AccuDraw window. It is indicated by the highlighted field title. AccuDraw’s input focus lets you enter values wherever the insertion bar is highlighted.
If the pointer’s movement away from the previous data point includes a higher X value than the Y value, the input focus appears in the X field. If the pointer’s AccuDraw and 2D Drafting
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AccuDraw Basics
movement away from the previous data point includes a higher Y value than the X value, then the input focus appears in the Y field.
Move in the X direction and focus is in the X‐ field
Move in Y direction and focus is in the Y‐ field
Once a field has input focus, the input field becomes auto‐overwrite and auto‐
enter. You do not have to highlight or click in the fields, or press the <Enter> key.
AccuDraw indexing
AccuDraw can index to axes, the origin and the previous distance. The indexing feature works like AccuSnap. If you get close to an indexing state, the pointer temporarily locks onto to that state.
For example, when the pointer nears a 90 degree angle to the origin of the compass it will index to that angle. In this way it can replace the axis (Ortho) lock in all but a few situations.

Exercise: Learning about AccuDraw Indexing
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Set the following in the File Open dialog:
User: examples
Project: General
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Open Base Geometry.dgn.
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AccuDraw Basics
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Ensure that AccuDraw is active.
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Ensure that the Drawing tasks are the available tasks.
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Pan to an open area of the design. 6
Set the following in the Attributes tool bar:
Level: Object
Color: 5
Style: 0
Weight: 2
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Select Place SmartLine (Q + 1) with the following tool settings:
Segment Type: Lines
Vertex Type: Sharp
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Note the status bar prompt and enter a data point to start the first vertex.
Not indexed to the axis
Indexed to the X‐axis
Note Y=0
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Move the pointer slowly toward the X‐axis. 8
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AccuDraw Basics
Once you are within 10 pixels, the line will move to, and stay on, the X‐
axis. That is Indexing to the X axis.
10 Move the pointer toward the Y‐axis. 11 Move the pointer near the AccuDraw origin.
Not indexed to the AccuDraw Origin
Indexed to the AccuDraw Origin
X & Y = 0
12 Enter a data point and move perpendicular until you are close to the distance of the first segment.
First segment drawn
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Drawing with AccuDraw
Second segment shows previous distance with a short T‐line
Note distances are equal for both segments
The next task is to draw the following object using AccuDraw and SmartLines.
You can calculate the missing dimensions from the information given
You will start at the lower left and move in a counter‐clockwise direction.

Exercise: Basic drawing with AccuDraw
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Continuing in Base Geometry.dgn, Pan to an open area of the design. 10
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Select Place SmartLine (Q + 1).
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Note the status bar prompt and enter a data point anywhere to start. This is the first vertex of the element and the AccuDraw compass appears at the data point location.
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Move the pointer to the right, lining up with the X‐axis.
This is called indexing.
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Without moving the pointer into the AccuDraw window, enter 2000. 6
Enter a data point to accept the value. Note that the compass moves to the last data point.
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Move the pointer upward and line up with, or index to, the Y‐axis.
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Enter 1500 and accept with a data point.
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Move the pointer to the left and index to the X‐axis.
10 Enter 1000 and accept with a data point.
11 Move the pointer downward and index to the Y‐axis.
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12 Enter 750 and enter a data point to accept.
13 Move the pointer to the left, index to the X‐axis, enter 1000, and accept with a data point.
14 Move the pointer downward, index to the Y‐axis and enter 750 to close the shape.
Hint: Keep the mouse steady. If you move the mouse around too much, indexing will be lost.
Locking coordinate values
When you enter a value from the keyboard AccuDraw locks the current input field and immediately affects the pointer’s motion because it knows you are entering coordinate data.
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AccuDraw Shortcuts
After entering the X value and then moving in Y, you will lock the X value. Note the letter “X” is depressed
Note the additional index line
indicating the Y is not yet locked. Note
the letter “Y” is raised
After entering a value in the first field, move the pointer until the input focus changes to the other field and you can enter the other value. The coordinates you have entered establish a point for the placement of the element.
AccuDraw Shortcuts
AccuDraw’s behavior is influenced by the current tool, the location of the pointer and keyboard shortcuts. AccuDraw anticipates your next move. Sometimes, however, you will want to direct AccuDraw, so there are a variety of single and double character command directives known as the shortcut key‐ins. By pressing the appropriate key while focus is in the AccuDraw window you can direct AccuDraw to perform a specific task.
As a convention in Bentley Institute courses, the AccuDraw shortcut appears inside angle braces, for example, <shortcut>
These shortcuts only work when the AccuDraw window has the focus (is the active window). When you select a tool, the focus does not go to the AccuDraw window. When you enter a data point to start using the tool, then the focus will shift to the AccuDraw window.
Note: Press F11 to move the focus to the AccuDraw window. If focus is on Home then Space Bar works as well to put focus on AccuDraw.
To open a window showing a list of all AccuDraw shortcuts, press the ? key. This is the only shortcut you need to memorize, since it will show you all the rest.
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AccuDraw Shortcuts

Exercise: Focus and the ? shortcut
1
Continuing in Base Geometry.dgn, select Place SmartLine (Q + 1).
Note that focus remains at home.
2
Press F11 to shift the focus to AccuDraw.
3
Press the <?> key and expand the AccuDraw Shortcuts window.
4
Return focus to the AccuDraw window by pressing F11.
5
Press G then T, <GT>, to move focus to the tool settings window.
Pop‐up confirmation for two letter shortcuts allows selection of other shortcuts
Note: The focus can also be moved to the tool settings window by pressing F10.
Important basic shortcuts
Space Bar = Change display mode
The space bar toggles between Rectangular and Polar mode.
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AccuDraw Shortcuts
X = toggle X lock, Y = toggle Y lock
The <X> or <Y> keys can be selected at any time to lock or unlock the present X or Y values when in Rectangular mode. A field is locked when the character icon is pressed.
D = toggle Distance lock, A = toggle Angle lock
Type “A” shortcut for Angle lock and type angle value.
<D> or <A> can be selected to lock the Distance or Angle in the Polar coordinate system.
Enter = Smart Lock
Smart Lock will index to the closest axis and lock the opposite field value. For example, if the X value is indexed, the Y value will be locked at 0. This allows you to draw in one direction but snap to objects in the other direction. In Polar mode, if Distance is active, the Angle will be locked.
Q = Quit
Press <Q> to quit AccuDraw.
V = View rotation
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AccuDraw Shortcuts
Press <V> to rotate the compass to align with the view axis. This is especially useful when working with rotated views.
O = Set Origin
Pressing <O> moves the compass to the current pointer position or a tentative point. This is very helpful when combined with AccuSnap.
RQ = Rotate Quick
<R><Q> temporarily changes the rotation of the compass to a user defined angle. Once a data point has been entered, the compass resumes its normal orientation.
~ = Bump Tool Setting
The tilde <~> character (no <Shift> key required) is used to bump the value of the first adjustable setting in the tool settings window to the next valid value. For example, when using the Place SmartLine tool, Bump Tool Setting will change the Segment Type from Line to Arcs.
To bump the second (from top) tool setting use the key‐in: accudraw bump toolsetting 2
Increment the number for additional tool settings. You can add these to your shortcuts for later use.
K = Keypoint Snap Divisor
Opens the Keypoint Snap Divisor dialog box, which is used to set the snap divisor for keypoint snapping.
I = Intersect Snap
Activates Intersect snap mode.
C = Center Snap
Activates Center snap mode.
Note: Shortcuts can be customized.
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AccuDraw Shortcuts
One important concept is that AccuDraw has answers. These are not answers about how to do something, but the answers to a problem you are trying to solve. Many times you need to copy a measurement or do a calculation. AccuDraw does that for you.
An important feature is that you can place an AccuDraw origin at a tentative point. By snapping to a point and then pressing the <O>, the Origin shortcut, you can place the AccuDraw origin at that point. Do not accept the tentative point, just tentative snap and press <O>.
Note: Remind yourself not to automatically accept the tentative snap. Just tentative snap and press <O>.
In the following exercise you will place a rotated block at the same angle as an existing line. Without AccuDraw, this might take several minutes and require many steps. AccuDraw simplifies the process.
You will draw the rotated block based on the line
First, write out how you would do this operation without AccuDraw.

Exercise: Use a series of AccuDraw commands
1
Continuing in the Base Geometry.dgn, Pan to an open area of the design. 2
Set the following in the Attributes tool bar:
Level: Object
Color: 0
Style: 0
Weight: 1
3
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AccuDraw Shortcuts
4
Place a line at any angle. The length of the line is not important.
5
Select Place Block (W + 1) with the following tool settings:
Method: Orthogonal
Area: Solid
Fill Type: None
6
Snap to the upper right end of the skewed line and press <O> for Origin. DO NOT enter a data point to accept the snap point.
AccuDraw Origin placed at snap point
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Press <RQ> to Rotate Quick.
RQ allows the compass to be spun around and re‐oriented
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AccuDraw Shortcuts
Rotate AccuDraw Axes command and tool setting from RQ
8
Note the prompt in the status bar.
The Rotate Quick command requires you to define the X‐axis. 9
Move the pointer towards the other end of the line and AccuSnap to the end. Enter a data point at this location.
The compass has rotated to the angle of the line.
Note: An even quicker method would be to AccuSnap first, and then press <RQ>. Using this method, you do not need to enter a data point.
Note that you have returned to the Place Block command.
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AccuDraw Shortcuts
10 Move the pointer along the X‐axis and towards the right and index to the negative X‐axis, while keeping the Y value zero. Enter a value of 1000 units.
11 Accept with a data point.
Note that the direction, up and to the right, and not the ‐X dimension is the important thing to think about in the previous step.
You have now placed the first corner point of the block. It is rotated even though the Method was set to Orthogonal.
12 Move in the X direction and enter a value of 750.
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AccuDraw Shortcuts
13 Move in the Y direction and enter a value of 1000.
14 Enter a data point to accept the 750mm by 1000mm block.
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AccuDraw Shortcuts
In the next exercise you will draw an oval shaped element around an inner rectangle. The only information you will have is the minimum clearance distance from the rectangle.

Exercise: Use more AccuDraw shortcuts
1
Select Place Block (W + 1) with the following tool settings:
Method: Orthogonal
Area: Solid
Fill Type: None
3
Following the status bar prompt, place a vertical block of any size.
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5
Read the status bar prompt and note that MicroStation requires a data point to define the first vertex. The first vertex will be offset from the top right corner of the block. 6
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Move the pointer to the top right corner until you see the AccuSnap X. 23
AccuDraw Shortcuts
7
Press <O> to move the AccuDraw compass to this location.
8
Index along the X‐axis and enter a distance that is appropriate for the current zoom level.
9
Note the status bar prompt and enter a data point for the first vertex of the SmartLine.
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AccuDraw Shortcuts
10 Move the pointer downward and press <Enter> to lock the axis.
SmartLock indexed to the nearest axis and locked X at 0
11 Snap to the lower right corner of the block and enter a data point. This establishes the length of the line segment.
Dashed line indicates that X is locked at 0
12 With focus in the AccuDraw window, press the <~> key to change the Segment Type from Lines to Arcs.
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AccuDraw Shortcuts
The status bar indicates that you need to define the location of the arc center.
13 Move the pointer to the midpoint of the block’s lower edge and enter a data point when you see the AccuSnap X.
This becomes the center of the arc.
Place arc center point
Next you need to define the sweep angle of the arc. 14 Move the pointer clockwise and sweep through 180 degrees. Enter a data point to accept the sweep.
AccuDraw indexing makes 90 degree increments easy to draw
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AccuDraw Shortcuts
15 Press the <~> key to change the Segment Type to Lines.
16 Move the pointer up to the top of the view and press <Enter> to SmartLock.
17 Snap to the upper left corner of the rectangle and enter a data point to fix the length of the line segment.
18 With focus on the AccuDraw window, press <~>to change the Segment Type to Arc.
19 Following the status bar prompt, snap to the mid‐point of the top of the rectangle.
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AccuDraw Settings
20 Enter a data point to accept this as the location for the center of the arc.
21 Move the pointer clockwise to draw the 180 degree arc and complete the oval.
AccuDraw Settings
Many aspects of AccuDraw’s behavior can be set using custom settings. Set them in the AccuDraw's Settings dialog box. Use one of the following methods to access it.
•
Select Settings > AccuDraw.
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Press <GS> while the input focus is on the AccuDraw window.
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AccuDraw Settings
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Right click on the AccuDraw icon in the Primary Tools tool box and select Properties.
Operation tab
Auto load
The Auto Load setting forces AccuDraw to open at the beginning of each session. Turn this off if you would rather use the Toggle AccuDraw tool to start AccuDraw manually.
Floating origin
The floating origin is turned on by default. It instructs AccuDraw to move the compass to the last data point. The AccuDraw compass remains in a fixed position until you enter another data point or re‐issue the origin with the <O> shortcut. Floating origin must be on for all context sensitivity features to perform properly.
Context sensitivity
When this setting is on, context sensitivity enables tools to provide hints to AccuDraw to override its default behavior for smoother operation. This can include setting custom context rotations, setting the origin, locking values, or setting the coordinate system type.
AccuDraw’s compass rotates to the last element placed with Context Sensitivity turned on
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AccuDraw Settings
AccuDraw’s compass does not rotate to align with the last placed element if Context Sensitivity is turned off
Auto focus fields
If on, the <A> and <D> AccuDraw shortcuts set focus to the selected field and lock the current value. If off, the <A> and <D> AccuDraw shortcuts lock the current value without affecting the focus. This setting is for Polar coordinates only.
Auto Point Placement
If on, places data points automatically when they have been fully constrained (if you have locked both the X and Y values, or if you have locked one or the other while the pointer is indexed to zero). The default is off. This feature is recommended for experienced AccuDraw users in certain workflows only.
Sticky Z Lock
If on, when you lock the Z axis, it will remain locked through consecutive operations. Normally, locks are cleared when you enter a data point. This setting is useful, for example, where you want to draw on the one plane (that is, you want to lock Z=0), while snapping to elements that are on another plane. With Sticky Z Lock enabled, the Z value will remain locked until you turn it off.
Always Show Compass
If on, when you activate AccuDraw, the compass displays prior to you placing a data point for the current operation
Auto Focus Fields
For Polar coordinates only ‐ If on, the <A> and <D> AccuDraw shortcuts set focus to the selected field and lock the current value.
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AccuDraw Settings
If off, the <A> and <D> AccuDraw shortcuts lock the current value without affecting the focus.
Default Origin
Lets you choose the default origin. When a tool starts AccuDraw and there is no origin currently defined, then this setting specifies the default location of the AccuDraw drawing plane origin. Options are:
•
View Center on active Z — Sets AccuDraw's origin to the center of the view, at the Active Z depth of the view.
•
Global origin — Sets AccuDraw's origin to the Global Origin of the file.
•
Global origin on active Z — Sets AccuDraw's origin to the Global Origin (X,Y) at the Active Z depth of the view.
Display tab
This tab contains settings that change the various display features. This includes items such as the colors of the axis ticks, the highlight when indexing, the frame and the fill. In addition, there are three key‐in commands that are entered from the keyboard that can affect AccuDraw’s display.
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AccuDraw Settings Size xx
Where xx is a value between 6 and 399. This sets the size of the AccuDraw compass which has a default size of 40.
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AccuDraw Settings NE Will change the display of AccuDraw’s key‐in window from X and Y to N (Northing) and E (Easting).
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AccuDraw Settings XY Will change the display of AccuDraw’s key‐in window to X and Y.
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AccuDraw Settings
Coordinates tab
This tab is used to define the Coordinate System, Unit Roundoff, and Indexing settings.
Coordinate System
Contains controls that are used to rotate AccuDraw's drawing plane and to set AccuDraw's Coordinate System.
Rotation
Sets the rotation of the drawing plane axes. While the AccuDraw window has the focus, pressing the key combination indicated in parentheses has the same effect as choosing the specified rotation.
Type
Sets the method used in the AccuDraw window to specify distances and angles relative to the drawing plane origin.
Unit Round Off
Contains controls that are used to set the incremental round off value for distances and angles relative to the drawing plane origin in the Polar Coordinate system only.
Distance
Sets the roundoff value for distances relative to the drawing plane origin. When this is on, the roundoff value is effective, except if overridden by keyed in values or snapped tentative points.
Angle
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Pop‐up Calculator
Sets the roundoff value, in degrees, for angles relative to the drawing plane origin when in Polar mode. While the check box is on, the roundoff value is effective except if overridden by keyed in values or snapped tentative points.
Note: These settings do not affect values that are keyed in or tentative points. Indexing
Controls the settings for AccuDraw’s indexing to axes, the origin and the previous distance entered.
Axis
If on, indexing is activated for AccuDraw's drawing plane X and Y axes. The distance required to move the pointer from the indexed axis is controlled by the Tolerance setting.
Distance
If on, sets the minimum distance that the pointer must move from the AccuDraw origin in order to place a new data point. The minimum distance is controlled by the Tolerance setting.
Location Tolerance
Sets the minimum distance, in screen pixels, used by the Axis and Distance settings. Allowable values are 1 to 99.
Pop‐up Calculator
The pop‐up calculator allows you to perform mathematical operations on the fly. The Pop‐up Calculator is activated by pressing one of the following: +, ‐, *, /, = in any text field that supports it. May-09
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Pop-up Calculator
This includes AccuDraw's key‐in fields and many other fields, such as Active Angle or Active Scale. In fact, the Pop‐up Calculator is everywhere in MicroStation.
The pop‐up calculator can also perform advanced mathematical functions including the use of trigonometric and logarithmic functions, multiple operators, parentheses, and C expressions.
Invoking and using the pop‐up calculator
You can invoke the pop‐up calculator in two different modes. The first method applies the mathematical expression to the existing value displayed in the field with focus. To activate this mode, press either <+>,< ‐>, <*>, or </>.
The second mode is activated by the <=> key and replaces the existing value with the results of a keyed in expression or calculation. In this mode, the result dynamically updates in the original field, rather than having a field of its own in the pop‐up. This feature is usually used for more complex expressions.
Let’s see how you might use MicroStation’s pop‐up calculator in everyday drawing tasks. 
Exercise: Using the pop‐up calculator
1
Select Place SmartLine (Q + 1) with the following tool setting:
Segment Type: Lines
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Pop‐up Calculator
3
Following the status bar prompt, place the first vertex anywhere in the view.
4
Index to the X‐axis and press <Enter> to SmartLock.
5
Type 1500.
6
Press the </> key to open the pop‐up calculator in the division function.
7
Type 7 into the calculator field.
The result is shown numerically and graphically
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Enter a data point to accept the second vertex.
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Pop-up Calculator
9
Index to the Y‐axis.
10 Type 750.
11 Press the <*> key to open the pop‐up calculator in the multiplication function.
12 Type 1.375 into the calculator field and accept the resulting value with a data point.
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Pop‐up Calculator
There are other uses for the pop‐up calculator, such as finding a distance halfway between two objects.
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Exercise: Use the pop‐up calculator to find a distance
1
Select Place SmartLine (Q + 1). 3
Enter the first vertex anywhere.
4
Index to the X‐axis and enter a second data point anywhere along the X‐
axis.
5
Copy the first line and place it below.
6
Select Place Circle (E + 1) with the following tool settings:
Method: Center
Area: Solid
Fill Type: None
You are prompted to enter the center point of the circle.
7
AccuSnap to the right end of the upper line.
8
With focus in the AccuDraw window, press <O> to set the origin at the snap point.
9
Snap to the left end of the lower line.
10 Press the space bar to switch to Polar mode.
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Pop-up Calculator
The Distance field displays the linear distance from the origin to the current location of the pointer.
11 Press </> and enter 2 in the calculator field. This divides the distance by two.
12 Accept the circle center point with a data point.
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Tips and Hints
13 Following the status bar prompt, enter a radius of 100 and accept with a data point.
14 Select File > Close.
The pop‐up calculator can also do trigonometric, logarithmic, exponential and other mathematical functions. For a complete list of available mathematical functions please refer to the on‐line Help; Working with Completed Designs > Visualization > Animation > Parametric Motion Control > Scripting Parametric Motion > Built‐in Variables and Functions.
Tips and Hints
There are more ways that AccuDraw can make designing easier.
Place north arrow at correct orientation on rotated view To quickly place a north arrow cell on a rotated view, use the keyin:
ac=north3;aa=0;accudraw dialog;accudraw setorigin;accudraw rotate top;%d;accudraw rotate view;accudraw quit;reset
Keying in a ° symbol?
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Tips and Hints
When digitizing new linework, you can replace the degree symbol ( ^) with a semi‐colon ( ; ) when entering angles in AccuDraw. For example:
N89^59'42"E can be entered as N89;59'42"E
Keying in angle quadrants?
When specifying quadrants for entering angles, you can use the following numbers:
NE = 1
NW = 2
SW = 3
SE = 4
You can leverage this information by typing the quadrant number, a space and then the degree value in the angle field of AccuDraw.
N89^59'42"E now becomes 1 89;59'42"
Keying in a colon?
Want to avoid typing a colon ( : ) to separate the feet from inches when using Accudraw?
Use a semi‐colon ( ; ), an apostrophe ( ' ), or two periods ( .. ) instead.
Change AccuDraw window to N and E
Use these key‐ins to switch AccuDraw between Northings/Eastings and X/Y.
accudraw settings northeast
accudraw settings xy
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Tips and Hints
Change the size of AccuDraw's compass
You can change the size of AccuDraw's compass using the following key‐in.
accudraw settings size number
(Where number is a value between 6 and 399.)
The lower the value the smaller the compass. The default number is 40 [pixels]. Page Up and Page Down
You can scroll through the last few distances in AccuDraw using the Page Up and Page Down keyboard keys.
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Tips and Hints
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Module Overview
When drawing in 3D, AccuDraw interprets the position of the pointer relative to previous data points, view orientation, and the coordinate system just as in 2D. Using AccuDraw, you can quickly enter additional data points that build on those placed previously. You can use AccuDraw by itself, or with an Auxiliary Coordinate System (ACS).
Module Objectives
AccuDraw was designed to work with the 3D drawing environment. You can work in a view other than an orthogonal view such as Top, Front, or Right, but still draw in the orthogonal planes. Using AccuDraw and a 3D file you will be able to:
•
Design in a 3D environment.
•
Use Auxiliary Coordinate Systems to control drafting planes.
•
Use AccuDraw’s 3D shortcuts.
Before you begin this module, let’s define what you already know:
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1
Name the two AccuDraw interface components.
2
Describe the method used to draw a 10 unit long line using AccuDraw.
3
Name three AccuDraw shortcuts.
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The AccuDraw Drawing Plane
The AccuDraw Drawing Plane
Rotated views such as Isometric or Right Isometric let you view a design more clearly. If you want to draw an object on the Top or Front plane when working in these views, you can rotate the AccuDraw compass to the plane using an AccuDraw shortcut. Do this by rotating AccuDraw’s compass to an orthogonal plane using one of the shortcuts V (view), T (top), F (front), or S (side).
No matter which view you are working in, you can use AccuDraw shortcuts to rotate its compass to the Top (T), Front (F), Side (S) or View (V) orientation
Note: Remember that the focus must be in the AccuDraw window for shortcuts to work.
AccuDraw and Element Placement in 3D
Placing elements in a 2D file is as simple as drawing on a sheet of paper. All elements are on one plane, the X,Y plane. When you place the same elements in a 3D file, by default, they are placed in the AccuDraw drawing plane. The AccuDraw drawing plane can be rotated to match the view you are using, or it can be defined to be a particular rotation.
In the following exercises you will draw an open rectangular box using 2D blocks.
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Exercise: Open the model and draw the base surface
1
Set the following in the File Open dialog:
User: Untitled
Project: untitled
2
Open AccuDraw_3D.dgn.
3
Open the model AccuDraw_01.
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You can see the ACS triad in each view. It indicates the directions of the 3 axes. You toggle the display of the ACS triad in the View Attributes dialog box.
4
Make the Drawing tasks the active task.
5
With focus in the AccuDraw window, press <V> on the keyboard.
This is the AccuDraw shortcut for View orientation.
First you will draw the base of the box using the Top view. You will use AccuDraw to input precise dimensions for the block. This part of the exercise is no different than working in 2D.
6
Select Place Block (W+1).
7
Enter a data point in the lower left corner of the Top view.
8
Move the pointer to the right and, with it indexed to AccuDraw’s x‐axis, key‐in 1.5 and do NOT enter a data point.
9
Move the pointer upward and enter 1.25.
10 Enter a data point to complete the block.
11 Fit each view.
Note that the block appears as a line in both the Front and Right views, where it is edge‐on to the view. It is like looking at a sheet of paper edge‐
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Next, you will use the Front and Right views to draw the corresponding front and right faces of the box. Each view has an active depth, where data points fall by default if you do not snap to an element. Here, you will snap to the block that you just drew and use AccuDraw to keep the pointer at that depth in the view.

Exercise: Use Front and Right views to draw corresponding faces for the box
1
Continuing in the model AccuDraw_01, select Place Block (W+1).
2
In the Front view, snap to the left end of the existing block, which appears as a line in this view, and accept with a data point.
3
Move the pointer to the right and, with it indexed to AccuDraw’s x‐axis, key‐in 1.5.
4
Move the pointer upward, enter 0.5, and enter a data point to complete the block.
5
Fit each view.
For the right face, you can snap to existing elements to place the points.
6
Select Place Block (W+1).
7
In the Right view, snap to the right end of the base (the horizontal line) and accept with a data point.
8
Continuing in the Right view, snap to the top of the front surface (the vertical line) and accept with a data point. As you do this, watch the Isometric view to ensure that you are snapping to the correct points and that you are placing the block correctly.
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9
Fit each view.
To complete the box, you can use the copy tool to copy the existing faces and create the opposite sides. When you copy an element in 3D, it retains its current orientation. That means a vertical face remains vertical, a horizontal face remains horizontal, and so on.

Exercise: Copy the existing faces to complete the box
1
Continuing in the model AccuDraw_01, select Copy Element (3 + 1) with the following tool setting:
Copies: 1
2
In the Front view, identify the block representing the front face at its lower left vertex.
The face is attached to the pointer. As you move the pointer in the other views, the front face element retains its current orientation.
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3
In the Isometric view, snap to the back left vertex of the base block and accept to complete the copy.
4
Reset.
5
In the Right view, identify the block representing the right face at its lower right vertex.
6
In the Isometric view, snap to the back left vertex of the base block and accept to complete the copy.
7
Reset.
8
Click the View Display Mode view control in the Isometric view’s view control tool box and change the display mode to Hidden Line.
9
Select Rotate View (4 + 6).
10 Rotate the Isometric view and make sure that you have correctly drawn all the surfaces for the open box.
Placing elements in 3D is no more difficult than in 2D. In this exercise, you used MicroStation’s views to help you correctly orient the elements. Of the four views, the Isometric view displays the model best. You can see the three faces clearly. In the following exercises, you will work in the Isometric view and let AccuDraw help you align the elements correctly.
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AccuDraw and 3D Shortcuts
Several Shortcuts are meant for 3D models only. Let’s review a few of them:
V = View Rotation
Rotates the compass to the View axes.
T = Top Rotation
Align the compass with the axes in a standard Top/Bottom view.
F = Front Rotation
Align the compass with the axes in a standard Front/Back view.
S = Side Rotation
Align the compass with the axes in a standard Left/Right view.
B = Base Rotation
Rotates the drawing plane to align with the active ACS, or to a rotation of the view.
E = Cycle Rotation
Rotates between three main planes: top, front, and side. <E> also works when your original plane is an ACS or context rotation, so you do not have to use RX, RY to rotate to a 90° plane from the ACS axis.
Z = Toggle Z lock
Toggles the locking of the Z field.
LP = Lock ACS Plane and ACS Plane Snap
Toggles ACS Grid Plane lock, which toggles the ACS Plane and ACS Plane Snap locks, and the Grid view attribute for all views.
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LA = Lock ACS Plane
Toggles ACS Plane lock.
LS = Lock ACS Plane Snap
Toggles ACS Plane Snap lock.
LZ = Sticky Z Lock toggle
Toggles Sticky Z Lock, which can be used in conjunction with ACS Plane Snap Lock to force a series of snap points to lie on the active ACS' XY plane (Z=0) or can be used without the ACS plane.
RA = Rotate to ACS
Used to permanently rotate the drawing plane. Because it rotates the current ACS, this rotation will still be active after the tool in use is exited. If on, the tool setting Use Current Origin causes the drawing plane origin to be used as the x‐axis origin, thereby eliminating the need to enter an extra data point. Of course, in many cases it is desirable to be able to define the x‐axis origin at a different location than the drawing plane origin.
GA = Get Saved ACS
Lets you select a saved Auxiliary Coordinate System.
WA = Write (Save) ACS
Lets you save the drawing plane alignment as an ACS.
RC = Rotate to Current ACS
Rotates the drawing plane to the current ACS.
RE = Rotate to Element
Rotates the drawing plane to match the orientation of a selected element.
As a quick test, draw a few lines at random angles, type in the RE shortcut and touch (not click) each line and observe the compass rotate to be parallel to the line.
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Using AccuDraw’s Rotated Drawing Planes
RV = Rotate to View
Rotates the active view to match the current drawing plane.
RX = Rotate around X axis
Rotates the drawing plane 90° about its x‐axis.
RY = Rotate around Y axis
Rotates the drawing plane 90° about its y‐axis.
RZ = Rotate around Z axis
Rotates the drawing plane 90° about its z‐axis.
Now you will learn how to use AccuDraw and a single view to place elements aligned with any of the orthogonal views; Top, Front, Side.

Exercise: Place an element in the Top view orientation
1
Open the model AccuDraw_02, in AccuDraw_3D.dgn.
This model has been saved with four views open and arranged so that the Isometric view is larger than the others. This view will be used for drawing.
2
With AccuDraw active, select Place Block (W+1).
3
Enter a data point at bottom center of the Isometric view.
4
Move the pointer and check the other views to see if the block is at an angle. You are drawing it parallel to the Isometric view, which does not align with the orthogonal views.
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Press <T> to set AccuDraw’s drawing plane to a Top orientation.
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Note that the AccuDraw compass rotates to a Top view orientation in the active, Isometric, view.
The block now is aligned correctly in the orthogonal views.
6
In the Isometric view, move the pointer to the right, index to the x‐axis and key‐in 3.
7
Move the pointer to the left and key‐in 2, followed by a data point.
The block is placed in the horizontal (Top) plane.
8
Fit each view.
You can place elements in the Front and Side alignments using AccuDraw’s <F> and <S> shortcuts.

Exercise: Using AccuDraw’s Front and Side rotations
1
Continuing in the model AccuDraw_02, select Place Block (W+1).
2
In the Isometric view, snap to the right‐most vertex of the existing block and enter a data point.
3
Press <S> to change AccuDraw’s drawing plane to the side orientation, This is the same as the Left and Right orthogonal views.
4
Without entering a data point, snap to the vertex above and to the left of the start point.
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Orthogonal Drawing Plane Rotation
5
Press <O> to relocate AccuDraw’s origin to this point.
6
Move the pointer upward, index to the y‐axis and key‐in 1.
7
With the pointer still indexed to the y‐axis, accept with a data point.
8
With the Place Block tool still active, snap to the upper right vertex of the block you just placed.
9
Press <F> to switch AccuDraw’s drawing plane to the front rotation.
10 Snap to the front left vertex of the horizontal base block and accept with a data point.
AccuDraw’s drawing plane lets you work in any view, while still maintaining the correct plane for the elements that you are drawing. You can still snap to elements that are not on the current drawing plane and AccuDraw responds accordingly. When you work in 2D, AccuDraw’s drawing plane axes change depending on the active tool and the location of the previous two data points. Similarly, as you draw in 3D, you may observe the drawing plane axes change as you enter data points. May-09
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The alignment of the drawing plane depends on the tool you are using and the location of the previous data points. In 3D models the three previous data points are considered to be the minimum requirement to describe a planar surface. If less than three data points have been placed the view orientation is also considered.
This becomes clear in the next exercise. As you work, use the other open views to check the orientation of the element that you are drawing.

Exercise: Automatic drawing plane rotation in AccuDraw
1
Open the model accudraw_03 in AccuDraw_3D.dgn. This model has been saved with Top, Isometric, Front and Right views open.
2
Select the Place SmartLine tool (Q +1) with following tool settings:
Segment Type: Lines
Vertex Type: Sharp
Join Elements: Enabled
3
In the tool settings, click the arrow at bottom right to open the SmartLine Placement Settings and ensure that Rotate AccuDraw to Segments is enabled, then click OK.
4
Snap to the center of the circle at location 1 and accept with a data point.
Note that AccuDraw’s drawing plane currently aligns with the view.
5
AccuDraw uses the two data points plus the view to set the drawing plane orientation. This results in a drawing plane that is not in alignment with any of the standard Top, Front or Side drawing planes.
6
AccuDraw’s drawing plane now aligns itself with the plane of the three data points. In this case, the points are aligned with the Top drawing plane.
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7
Continue snapping to the centers of the circles at locations 4 and 5, noting that for each point the drawing plane aligns with the three previously placed data points as follows:
Point 4: Side (from points 2, 3 and 4).
Point 5: Front (points 3, 4, 5).
8
Reset to complete.
As the SmartLine is drawn, AccuDraw’s drawing plane changes orientation
Other tools that rely on the view orientation also can be used with AccuDraw. For example, the tools for Mirror, Rotate Element and Array all use the view orientation to define the direction of the mirror or the axis of rotation.

Exercise: Using AccuDraw to mirror copy
1
Open the model AccuDraw_04 in AccuDraw_3D.dgn.
This model has been saved with a large Isometric view in which to work and smaller Top, Front, and Right views to use to check your work.
2
Select Mirror (3 + 5), with the following settings:
Mirror About: Vertical
Make Copy: On
All other settings Off.
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Identify the end chair at location 1.
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The AccuDraw compass indicates that it is in View mode. When you move the pointer, the chair is mirrored about a vertical line in the Isometric view.
4
Press <T> to set AccuDraw to Top view rotation.
The chair is mirrored about a vertical line in Top orientation. You can see this clearly in the orthogonal views.
5
Snap to the table base at location 2 and accept with a data point.
6
Reset to complete the operation.
7
Change the Mirror About setting to Horizontal.
8
Identify the side chair at location 3.
9
Snap to the center of the table edge at location 4 and accept with a data point.
10 Reset to complete.
You can use AccuDraw to define the axis of rotation when rotating elements.

Exercise: Use AccuDraw to rotate elements
1
2
Select Rotate (3 + 4), with the following settings:
Method: Active Angle ‐ 90°
Copies: Enabled and set to 3
All other options: Disabled
3
In the Isometric view, identify the chair at location 1.
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Tentative Snaps and AccuDraw
4
Snap to the center of the table base at location 2 and accept with a data point.
5
Reset to complete the operation.
In 2D, all elements are on the same plane. In 3D, the elements often are on different planes. Sometimes when working in 3D you will locate elements relative to others already present in the model.
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In the following exercise you will place a SmartLine to represent a paved area for a building complex.

Exercise: Draw the paved area for the building complex
1
2
Select Place SmartLine (Q + 1) with following tool settings:
Segment Type: Lines
Vertex Type: Rounded
Rounding Radius: 1.5
3
Press <T> to switch to the Top plane.
4
Move the pointer down to the left and, with it indexed to the X‐axis, press <Return> to constrain the point to this axis. Do not enter a data point.
5
Snap to the vertex at location 2 and accept with a data point.
As you snap to the vertex, a dashed line displays back to the point you are placing, perpendicular to the x‐axis. This is what you would expect in 2D.
6
With the pointer still at location 2, press <Return> to constrain the next point to the Y‐axis.
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7
Snap to the vertex at location 3. As you snap to the vertex, a dashed line displays from the snap point, vertically, down to the plane of the element that you are drawing and then across to the point that you are placing.
8
Accept with a data point.
9
Position the pointer and press <Return> to constrain the next point to the Y‐axis.
10 Snap to the vertex at location 4 and accept with a data point.
11 Constrain the next point to the Y‐axis.
12 Snap to the vertex at location 2 and accept with a data point.
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Using Auxiliary Coordinate Tools
MicroStation provides specific tools for creating, modifying, importing and selecting Auxiliary Coordinate Systems. You can find the tools by selecting Utilities > Auxiliary Coordinates, or right click and turn on the tool in the Primary Tools toolbox.
An auxiliary coordinate system (ACS) is a coordinate system with an orientation, and/or an origin, different from those of the DGN file coordinates (the Global Origin). Although not exclusively a 3D concept, an ACS is most useful in 3D modeling as a drawing aid.
Tools are Create a new ACS, Copy ACS, Delete ACS, Import ACS, Define ACS (Aligned with Element), Define ACS (By Points), Define ACS (Aligned with View), Define ACS (Aligned with Reference), Rotate Active ACS, Move ACS, and Select ACS
Active Depth is not used, because the location of unsnapped points is controlled by the ACS for a view. Instead of Depth Lock, you can enable ACS Plane Snap to force unsnapped points to fall on the plane of the ACS.
Left image is top view with Plane Snap Lock enabled and right image is front view of same view window
Auxiliary Coordinates dialog tool features
A new ACS can be created using the Create a new ACS tool in the dialog. Note that Define tools (by Points, By Reference, etc) automatically create a new ACS, so you do not need to use this command before using those.
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A list box shows the active ACS on the top line and all ACS’s in the active model.
All ACS tools (ability to create, copy, delete or import an ACS) are available within the dialog.
You can make an ACS active by double clicking on ACS name in list or right‐click on ACS name and select Set Active from options list.
Other options include ability to match the coordinate system of selected ACS to the active ACS or global coordinates for the model, and deleting or renaming an ACS.
It is possible to lock the Grid Plane to the active ACS <LP> or F8 function key. This means that the AccuDraw drawing plane shortcuts for Top, Front and Side are relative to the active ACS rather than the Default coordinate system.
Left click on the Type and change it to None, Rectangular, Spherical, or Cylindrical.
AccuDraw Shortcuts for ACS
LP ‐ Lock ACS Grid Plane ‐ Toggles ACS Grid Plane lock, which toggles the ACS Plane and ACS Plane Snap locks, and the Grid view attribute for all views.
LA Toggles the ACS Plane lock.
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LS Toggles the ACS Plane snap lock.
LZ Toggles the Sticky Z Lock, which is used in conjunction with ACS Plane Snap Lock to force a series of snap points to lie on the active ACS' XY plane (Z=0).

Exercise: Creating and drawing on a new ACS.
1
Open the model AccuDraw_07 in AccuDraw_3D.dgn
2
Select the ACS By Points tool from the Auxiliary Coordinates dialog with the following tool setting:
Type: Rectangular
3
Enter the new ACS origin at point 1.
4
Define the x‐axis by placing a data point on point 2.
5
Enter a data point on point 3 to identify the y‐axis direction, and the new ACS will display.
6
To create a new ACS, click the Create a new ACS tool in the dialog and type a name for the new ACS (CornerACS).
7
Double click the new named ACS. It will become the Active ACS and will display on the first line or Active ACS line of the dialog.
8
Select Place Block (W+1) with the following settings:
Method: Rotated
Area: Solid
Fill Type: None
Note: When drawing on a rotated Auxiliary Coordinate System use the AccuDraw shortcut <LA> to lock the ACS Plane.
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9
Enter the base point of the block at the midpoint of the edge between points 1 and 3.
10 Enter the second base point of the block at the midpoint of the edge between points 1 and 2. AccuDraw will automatically rotate orthogonal to CornerACS.
11 Move the pointer along the green y‐axis for a distance of 1.
Note: When the ACS Plane Lock is enabled the AccuDraw shortcuts <T, F and S> will rotate the AccuDraw compass relative to the ACS.
Note: Select the Active Locks tool to verify that the ACS Plane Lock and ACS Plane Snap are enabled. 12 Render using the Smooth or Hidden Line View Display Mode.
Define an ACS aligned with a reference file
The following image shows a simple reference attached to the model.
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To set the ACS so that it is aligned with the ACS of the Reference, use the Define ACS (Aligned with Reference) tool. Select the Reference and the Reference ACS becomes the active ACS.
ACS interaction with AccuDraw
Use the AccuDraw shortcut <LA> to lock the active ACS plane. This will let you use the <T>, <F> and <S> shortcuts relative to the active ACS.
Use the AccuDraw shortcut <LP> or default function key <F8> to turn on the ACS Plane, ACS Plane Snap and grid for all views. The following image shows the results of using the <LP> or <F8> shortcut.
Separate ACS per View
A new tool in the ACS toolbox lets you assign Auxiliary Coordinate Systems to each view. You can create an ACS for a view with the Define ACS by View tool. You can make the ACS view‐independent by turning on a check box. When a view‐ AccuDraw and 3D Drafting
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independent ACS is active, and the ACS triad setting is enabled for the view, the X, Y arrows are displayed as dashed in the view.
To retain the per‐view ACS setting for the next session, you must select File > Save Settings.
Far left image is top view middle, front view and right image Right Isometric view
When a model created in an earlier version is opened and the ACS Plane lock is not enabled, a view‐independent ACS with an origin of the view center at active depth is created. This lets you start working with the geometry created in the same place as it would have been in the earlier version (at the Active Depth).
You may also right‐click on an ACS in the ACS dialog and select Set Active View.
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This is an example of 4 views with a different active ACS for each view.
Projecting Points from and ACS to a Plane
You can use a combination of an ACS and AccuDraw to project points, in the ACS z‐direction, from the ACS plane to the AccuDraw drawing plane. This technique lets you, for example, trace the boundary of a house on to a sloping roof line, as explained in the following workflow.

How to Project Points onto a Rotated Plane:
1. First, set up an ACS such that the Z direction is the desired projection.
2. Press F8 to lock AccuDraw to the ACS. 3. Select the element placement tool, such as Place SmartLine.
4. Press F11, to set focus to AccuDraw.
5. Key‐in the AccuDraw shortcut RE.
6. In the tool settings, set: AccuDraw and 3D Drafting
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Update Current ACS: Off
Move Origin: On
7. Select the element to which you want AccuDraw aligned and accept with a data point. 8. To commence drawing the element, snap to an element in the ACS plane and accept with a data point. The point is projected onto the AccuDraw drawing plane.
9. Add more points by snapping to elements in the ACS plane to project the points to the AccuDraw drawing plane.
The objective of the following exercise is to create the ACS needed to design the arched columns.
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
Exercise: AccuDraw and Auxiliary Coordinate Challenge Exercise
1
2
Open the Auxiliary Coordinate dialog.
3
Select the Define ACS (By Points) tool.
4
Define the X‐axis origin and second point to determine X‐axis direction.
5
Define the Y‐axis direction.
Note: Only one ACS will be sufficient to create all the arched columns.
Locating elements relative to others
There will be occasions when you will locate elements relative to others already present in the model. In the following exercise, you will place a SmartLine to represent a center line for a pipe.

Exercise: Draw the center line
1
Continuing in AccuDraw_3D.dgn, open the model AccuDraw_09.
2
Set the View Display Mode to Smooth, with the following tool settings:
Display Edges: Enabled
Display Hidden Edges: Enabled
3
Make the Drawing tasks the active tasks in the Task Navigation dialog.
4
Select Place SmartLine (Q + 1) with following tool settings:
Segment Type: Lines
Vertex Type: Rounded
Rounding Radius: 1.5
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May-09
5
In the rotated view, snap to the vertex at the point labeled Start here and accept with a data point.
6
Press <T> to switch to the Top plane.
7
Move the pointer down to the left and, with it indexed to the Y‐axis, press <Enter> to constrain the point to this axis. Do not enter a data point.
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8
Type a distance of 35 for Y, and accept with a data point.
9
Staying in the Top plane, index to negative Y and press Enter.
10 Snap to the center of lower, open cylinder face and accept with a data point.
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As you snap to the vertex, AccuDraw displays a dashed line, which is perpendicular to the x‐axis, back to the point being placed. This lets you locate the y distance using a 3D snap.
11 Press <F> for Front rotation. 12 Index to the negative y‐axis and press <Enter> to constrain the next point to the y‐axis.
13 With the pointer still snapped to the lower center open cylinder face, accept with a data point.
14 Press <T> for Top rotation.
15 Index to the negative y‐axis and lock by pressing <Y>.
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16 Type 30 and accept with a data point.
18 Rotate to see the other side.
19 Repeat for the other 2 directions.
20 Select File > Close.
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3D Tips and Hints
3D Tips and Hints
Changes when placing cells and text with AccuDraw In previous versions of MicroStation, the AccuDraw compass was visible at its last location, which enabled you to easily flip cell orientation prior to placement. This was done using the AccuDraw shortcuts T, F, S and E. Now AccuDraw adjusts for any ACS lock changes, which results in the compass no longer being at its previous location.
If you place a cell in 3D, you’ll notice that when the Place Cell tool is activated, the compass is not at the cell origin and therefore the AccuDraw shortcuts do not flip the cell as expected.
To ensure that the element is correctly placed, you need to explicitly enable/
position the AccuDraw compass before the first data point is entered. Set the compass by pressing Ctrl +tentative, F11 + O, the space bar + O, or tentative + O. In all cases, the compass will be at the selected location which lets you to flip the cell.
This behavior and workflow is true for the Place Text tool, as well.
Move/Place elements at the correct Z elevation
In MicroStation you can exploit the XY=#,#,# syntax for relative coordinates to move or place elements at the correct elevation. For example, the key‐in:
move extended;e,dialog cmdbrowse;k,XY=#,#, will activate the Move Element tool, open the keyin window and prep you for keying in the new Z value. All you need to do is keyin the value and press enter. Similarly, you can also use this syntax with AccuDraw's Data Point Keyin window that's activated with the P keyin. Of course, when using this method, you would not key‐in the xy= portion. May-09
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3D Tips and Hints
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Module Review Questions and Answers
Questions
1
How do you display the AccuDraw shortcuts?
2
Give an example of how you might use the pop‐up calculator.
3
How do you turn off context sensitivity?
4
On which plane are elements placed, by default, when working in a 3D file?
5
How can you move focus to the AccuDraw window?
6
Which view rotation best displays a model?
7
True or False: When you copy an element in 3D, it retains its current orientation.
8
What is the minimum requirement to describe a planar surface?
9
Which AccuDraw shortcut is used to project points onto a rotate plane?
10 What is an important thing to remember when using the <O> shortcut to set the AccuDraw origin?
11 What does the <LP> shortcut do?
Answers
May-09
1
By typing Shift + ?.
2
While placing a number in the accuDraw window you can add, subtract, multiply or divide by any number to modify the entry.
3
In the AccuDraw Settings dialog, Operations tab, disable the Context Sensitivity option.
4
When you place elements in a 3D file, by default, they are placed in the AccuDraw drawing plane.
5
Press F11, or press Esc and then the space bar.
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6
Isometric (or Right Iso).
7
True.
8
For 3D models, the 3 previous data points are considered, as this is the minimum requirement to describe a planar surface
9
The <RE> or Rotate Element shortcut.
10 Snap to the desired location, but do not accept.
11 Toggles the ACS Grid Plane lock, which toggles the ACS Plane and ACS Plane Snap locks, and enables the Grid view attribute for all views.
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MicroStation V8i AccuDraw Basics - la

Transcription

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