DP STA. OFFSET TOOL

The DP Station/Offset tool gives the user the ability to draw lines, shapes, cells, text, etc... and place the elements relative to a chain, previously stored in coordinate geometry. This tool is for use in plan views only! There is a similar tool used for working within cross section files. It's found on the Cross Section Navigator...but that's another story.

Open a MicroStation 2D design file and invoke the DP Station Offset tool via the pulldowns, (as shown below):

APPLICATIONS > GEOPAK ROAD > PLANS PREPARATION > DP STATION/OFFSET

... or use the ROAD Tools icon, (as shown below):

The DP Station/Offset dialog appears, as shown below:

Common uses for this tool include:

Cell/text placement at a precise location based on a station and an offset, (and orientation), from a previously stored chain.
Line placement at a precise location based on a station and an offset from a previously stored chain.

The four orientation options are shown in the dialog box below. All orientations are relative to the direction of station.

To use the tool . . . simply select or key-in the four data fields, i.e.. Job number, Chain, Station and Offset. Note: A left offset requires a minus sign, i.e.. (-100). The Job can be selected using the browse button. The Chain can be selected by clicking on the down arrow and then selecting the Chain or by using the select icon and clicking on the graphic..

CELL and/or TEXT Placement:

There are two ways to actually place cells and/or text:

1. Automatic "Auto Angle" method:

Select a cell or type some text to be placed.

Select one of the four orientation options.

Toggle ON the Auto Angle option and click DP. The text and/or cell is now placed accordingly.

2. Manual "AA" method:

Select a cell or type some text to be placed.

Select one of the four orientation options.

Toggle OFF the Auto Angle option.

Click on AA and click on DP. The text and/or cell is now placed accordingly.

LINE Placement... (Typical Usage):

Simply key-in the four data fields, select the MicroStation command place line, and click on DP. A line (beginning at the station and offset you keyed in) will have one end nailed down now, and if you're in the MicroStation dynamic mode, you have a rubber band effect for the other end. To place the other end of the line randomly, simply data point to a desired location on the screen. To place the other end of the line more precisely... fill in a new station and offset in the dialog box and click on DP. The line is now drawn precisely on both ends.

LINE Placement... (Secret Usage):

In order to use the 4 orientation options...there's a secret! The MicroStation Place Line tool dialog must be used simultaneously with DP Station/Offset. This is the order of operations:

Toggle the MicroStation Place Line tool dialog "angle lock" to OFF.

Key in the station and offset in the DP Station/Offset dialog box.

Click on AA.

Toggle the MicroStation Place Line tool dialog "angle lock" to ON.   Notice...the angle changes as ON is selected.

Click on DP.   The line should now be placed according to the orientation selected.

Note:  If a line of a specific length is desired... toggle the MicroStation Place Line tool dialog "length" setting to ON and key in a length.

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