GENERATE THE EXISTING GROUND PROFILE:

(2001 Method)

FIRST OF ALL YOU SHOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING:

A 3D .DGN file containing the triangles.

NOTE: It is not necessary to create the ground profile from within a 3D file... it simply allows you to view the profile on top of the triangles. The ground profile is usually created from the TIN file rather than from the triangle graphics, and can actually be created from a blank 2D file.

AND...YOU MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING:

A horizontal alignment (Chain) stored in COGO.
A .TIN file.

Open the 3D .DGN file and invoke the "2001" method for creating the Ground Profile via the pulldowns, (as shown below):

APPLICATIONS > GEOPAK ROAD > PLANS PREPARATION > DRAW PROFILES

... or use the Draw Profiles "Tools" icon, (as shown below):

When the dialog box (below) appears, Select the Job Number and Chain. You'll notice that unless you already have a profile cell placed in the design file, all fields will be ghosted out except for the 2 icons to the right of the Job Number and Chain fields. You must place a profile cell before you can create a profile.

A brief explanation of placing a Profile Cell and Profile Cell Control can be found under ACTIVE CHAIN CONTROL.

Because of having to place the Profile Cell first... you may find it a little difficult just getting started with this tool. When placing the Profile Cell, the user needs to give the cell an elevation range, whether it be in elevations or deltas. If you are using a new TIN file or SITE model... chances are you have no idea what the range requirements are. I suppose you can use a cell range from 0 elevation to 10000 elevation and once the profile is created and viewed, the user can start over with a more practical elevation range. Once you get past that... I think you'll find that this new tool is superior to old one.

....explanation coming later....... for now use the Classic method

To display the profile graphically... see Display the Vertical Alignment

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