Frequently Asked Questions

Question # 1.  How do I get shapes to run within ProjectWise?

Answer:  There is an issue creating shapes in Geopak. The work-around is to create the shapes outside of ProjectWise by using a set. This documentation was originally written for running Cross-sections in MicroStation XM, but the same principle holds. Create a set containing the files needed to create the shapes. Create the shapes outside of ProjectWise, then move the files back into ProjectWise, remembering to import the new files created during the shape process.

QUESTION # 2.  How can I create a simple coordinate listing for staking centerline at a given increment?

Answer:  This is very easy, and can be done through COGO as shown below:

Step1... Invoke COGO and key in the command shown below. This command will store points along chain MAIN at 20 meter increments beginning at station 50+000 and ending at station 50+800. The first point used will be point 200.

Step 2... Export these newly stored points to an ASCII file.

In COGO select File > Export > ASCII Points. Adjust the Output Format settings, highlight the desired range of points and click on Apply.

NOTE: Be sure to add a space after the N and the E in the Prefix column.

With the settings shown above, an ASCII file will be created named coords.txt. A portion of the file is shown below:

QUESTION # 3.  What is the best way to store a chain that is just a straight line?

Answer:  This is also very easy, and done in two steps!  First store 2 points in the GPK file using the COGO pulldowns:  Element > Point > Store.  Store the 2 points by either keying in the coordinates or by pressing DP and snapping to the points in your graphics file.  Next, issue a COGO command to store the chain between the two points as shown below:

Key in the COGO command as shown above, where "new" is the name of the chain to be stored.   Points 1 and 2 designate the stored points at the ends of the chain and "25+000" is the beginning station of the chain to be stored.

QUESTION # 4.  Is there an easy way to store a new profile that is parallel to a previously stored profile?

Answer:  YES.   This is easily done through COGO 2 different ways.

Method 1.  Using the COGO pulldowns,,select Element > Profile > Offset.  The subsequent "Geopak Offset Profile dialog will appear. 

Select the Source Profile, type in the Target Profile.  Key-in the station range for adjustment and the amount of shift.  When finished click on the "add" icon (top right) and click on Create Profile.

Method 2.  The syntax is [S] [pro] [new profile name] [from] [previously stored profile name] [increment value].   The example below illustrates storing a new profile named UP from a previously stored profile named VERTMAIN.   Profile UP will be exactly parallel, and 0.25 meters higher than profile VERTMAIN.

NOTE: Whether the shift is up or down, the + or - sign needs to be included in the syntax.

QUESTION # 5.  Is there an easy way to store/place the "e" value under the curve data drawn by the D&C Manager?

Answer:  YES.   This is easily done through COGO, providing of course, that your .ddb file Draw Curve Preferences was setup to allow for an "e" value.   WFLHD's Ddb files are set up to do this. For example...if you wanted an "e" value of 6% to be stored for curve c5, the COGO syntax would be...s cur c5 s .06 (see graphic below).