Customization Manual Version 7.5
Aplitop, 2016 C/ Sumatra, 9 E-29190 MÁLAGA (SPAIN) web: www.aplitop.com e-mail: [email protected] Customization ...... 3 Introduction ...... 3 General ...... 4 Angles ...... 4 Measurement ...... 5 User Blocks ...... 5 Layers ...... 5 Project ...... 5 Printer ...... 5 Print in MS Word ...... 6 Printing on Drawing ...... 7 PDF Printing ...... 7 Menus ...... 7 Surveying ...... 8 Coordinate Reference Systems (CRS) ...... 8 Corrections ...... 9 Admissible Errors ...... 9 Data Input ...... 9 Mode ...... 9 Instruments Table ...... 10 Least Squares ...... 10 Points ...... 11 Object Type ...... 11 Points Layer ...... 11 Style ...... 11 Others ...... 11 Levels ...... 12 Block Definition ...... 12 Surfaces...... 13 Layers ...... 13 Parameters ...... 13 Representation ...... 13 Breakline Coding ...... 14 Modified ...... 14 Earthworks ...... 14 Point Codes ...... 15 Contour Lines ...... 15 Layers ...... 15 Labels ...... 16 Algorithms ...... 16 Smoothing ...... 16 Alignments ...... 17 Road Standards ...... 17 Dimensioning ...... 17 Elements ...... 19 Longitudinal Profiles ...... 19 Numerical Data Assignment ...... 20 Extensions ...... 20 Grade Lines ...... 20 Rules ...... 20 Interpolate Null Heights ...... 21 Drawing ...... 21 Define Scales ...... 21 Define Sheets ...... 21 Definition of Layers...... 22 Cross-Sections ...... 22 Geology ...... 23 Others ...... 23 Advanced ...... 23 Definition of Layers...... 24 Define Scales ...... 24
Customization 1 Define Sheets ...... 24 Platform Vectors ...... 24 Images ...... 25 Definition of Layers ...... 25 Colour ...... 25 Deformation ...... 26 Superelevations ...... 26 Widenings ...... 27 Setting Out ...... 29 Volumes ...... 29 Maps ...... 30 Updates ...... 33 List of Layers ...... 34 File Extensions ...... 36 List of Block Files ...... 38 Program Files ...... 39 Blocks ...... 39 Config ...... 39 Program Files\Common Files\Aplitop\Geodesy ...... 39 Doc\7\
2 MDT Version 7.5 Customization
Introduction The Utilities > Configuration option provides access to the menu that allows one to configure the parameters affecting most of the program commands. Although these configuration values are designed so that their modification is not necessary in most cases, it is possible to change them in order to adapt the program to user habits and needs. These values are shown in parenthesis in this manual. All these values are stored in the Windows registry. They can only therefore be changed from this menu. Advanced users may also use the operating system’s REGEDIT program. The parameters are organized around a series of functional groups, which are listed below. All of the initial configuration values can be recovered by clicking on the Restore Default Values button.
Also it is available one command used to modify any of the program’s variables . This command is not available in standard menu, and we must write in CAD command line area MDT7_CONF_TODO. The following dialog will appear:
Customization 3 General Shows the program’s basic configuration parameters.
Units This template enables us to configure the number of decimals for both the coordinates and the distances to be applied to the different parameters in the Surveying module.
Angles Units for representing the angles, it currently supports the following angular units: Centesimal Sexagesimal Sexagesimal (degrees, minutes, seconds) Radians Show suffix: With a suffix at the end of each of the numerical values the angular unit is indicated on which work is being carried out. The program will interpret it automatically. Interpret input: If we place the suffix in accordance with the angular unit we wish to enter after the numerical data, the program will automatically interpret the angle irrespective of the angular system for which it is configured. Format: In the event that “Sexagesimal (d m s)” is set as the angular unit, we establish the format in which we wish to represent the data. Decimals: We indicate the number of decimals with which the configured angular unit is going to work.
4 MDT Version 7.5 Measurement Generally speaking, we are always going to work with the measurement unit “Stations”; by contrast, in certain countries it is frequent to use other measurement units. This is the case of Brazil, for example, where it is very frequent to use the “Stakes”. It is in this section where we will determine whether we are going to work with the “Stations” or the “Stakes”. In turn, for each measurement unit “Stake” we must specify the number of metres it is equivalent to and by default this value will be 20. In addition, owing to compatibility on the lists with other programs, the possibility is also provided of representing the Station in the format 1+345.4567.
User Blocks It allows to set up the folder containing program’s blocks. The path specified in this field indicate where the drawing which uses MDT in different options are stored. The directory can be specified by typing the path or by selecting the folder by pressing the Select button. Browse. Pressing this button will access the MDT7 personal folder configuration.
Layers Prefix: Prefix for all layers used in the program, so that in drawings with many layers the ones created by this application are easily found. Use MDT v6 layer names: If we activate this option, we will enable the new assignment of layer names for MDT6 onwards. For more detail see option Utilities > Rename Layers. Check layers to open drawings: In the case of using MDT6 layers configuration, if you open an existing drawing, there are two ways to proceed: Rename always: The program will always rename the drawing’s layers. Ask: Program always asks if layers will be renamed to MDT6 new layer names.
Project Create project when saving drawing: If this option is activated, the program will automatically ask users when saving any drawings not associated with an MDT project in which new project they wish to save it. Open project file along with drawings: When this box is activated, an MDT project will be opened each time an CAD drawing associated to it is opened Visible Window: Controls the visibility of the project window. If the option is activated, it will always be shown when there is an active project.
Printer Allows one to set Windows, text and file print mode parameter values for all the lists generated by MDT.
Customization 5
Header Line: Text printed in the upper part of all work pages. Printing Mode: Allows one to select the type of printing desired. Contrary to Text mode, High Resolution mode offers the possibility of changing font, font size, style, etc. by clicking on the Font button. Show dialog box to select printing destination: If this option is activated, a dialog box will appear where one can select the destination printer when any list is printed. Print Date: When this option is activated, all lists will be printed with the current date. File and Text Print Mode: Groups together the parameters affecting the text print mode. Offers the possibility of changing the number of Lines and Columns on the page, as well as the Top and Left margins. High Resolution Printing: Groups together the parameters affecting the high-resolution print mode. Allows the page’s Margin widths and font type to be set. Data table grids are printed when the Grid option is marked. Show dialog box to select printing destination. If this option is enabled, printing from any dialog will appear a dialog where we can select printer destination. Print Date: If this option is enabled the date will be printed in all reports.
Print in MS Word Allows one to configure a Word template upon which the document will be printed.
File: The default template Word will use to create lists is designated in this section. Styles: Word styles that will be associated to each of the different kinds of elements comprising the list.
6 MDT Version 7.5 Printing on Drawing The different parameters needed to print on an AutoCAD drawing are set in this window.
Layer: Layer in which the list will be printed in the active AutoCAD drawing. Draw Grid: If this option is activated, MDT will draw a grid for each of the elements to be listed. Use AutoCAD Tables: If this option is activated, the program will use AutoCAD Table objects when printing in AutoCAD 2005 or above. Text Height: Height of texts to be printed.
PDF Printing From this option you can set the output format to generate reports as PDF documents.
Size: Format in which to print We may also select whether to print in portrait (Vertical) or landscape (Horizontal) and if we Open PDF file automatically after printing. This last option will be made with your default pdf viewer in Windows, MDT does not include any PDF document viewer.
Menus Offers the possibility of configuring the way the program’s menu layouts are shown in AutoCAD.
Customization 7 The Vertical option is active by default, which indicates that just one menu MDT appears on the AutoCAD toolbar, from which the other system menus drop down. If the Horizontal option is selected, individual system menus can be chosen to appear on the AutoCAD toolbar. Thus, the main MDT menu is hidden and only the ones selected are shown. Forcing the menu load on booting CAD: This option will normally be deactivated as CAD memorises the last menu with which it closed and it loads automatically on starting up again. However, it has been noticed that in certain configurations it only loads the CAD menu and not those of other existing applications, in this case MDT. Hence, if this option is enabled, each time CAD is started up MDT will automatically load its own menu, thereby avoiding the user having to do this manually. Enable Context Menus: If this option is enabled, the context menus for MDT objects that are available will automatically be activated. Ribbon menu in AutoCAD 2010 or higher. If this option is enabled, ribbon menu will be shown in those AutoCAD versions. > Adds the menu selected from the Menus box to the Menu Bar box. < Deletes the menu selected from the Menu Bar box. Delete All: Deletes all menus from the Menu Bar box. Up: Moves up one position in the Menu Bar box. Down : Moves down one position in the Menu Bar box. Apply : Updates the AutoCAD menu bar with the changes made.
Surveying Shows the configuration parameters for the program’s Surveying Module.
Coordinate Reference Systems (CRS) Specify the coordinate reference system type in which the default program will work, Local or Projected. If we select Projected, it is needed to choose the projection system to be used. Default value is EPSG code 23030, corresponding to ED50 / UTM zone 30N. For more detail see Geodesy chapter in Surveying manual.
8 MDT Version 7.5 Local Scale Factor This template enables us to indicate a scale factor for a local system. Selecting the Fixed option establishes the scale introduced for all the stations, which is 1.0 by default. The Individual option uses the scale assigned to each station. In this case, the new stations calculated are created with a scale factor of 1.0.
Corrections Allows one to activate or deactivate the corrections applied to different program calculations. The formulas used in each specific case can be queried in the Surveying Module’s reference manual. The following types are available: Sphericity and Refraction (On) : Value added to the height difference, allowing the optical effects of sphericity and refraction in observations to be corrected. Reduction to Ellipsoid (Off): Value applied to distance that adjusts for errors arising from survey’s projection to the ellipsoid. Combined Scale Factor (Disabled): This is the factor resulting from multiplying the anamorphosis by the scale factor owing to the height. The mean radius of the Earth must be entered in metres in the working area.
Admissible Errors These are the limiting values below which the system calculations made are considered as admissible. If these thresholds are exceeded, the program will indicate the differences with a mark. Distance (0.01) : Maximum admissible horizontal difference (meters). Height (0.01) : Maximum admissible height difference (meters). Angles (0.002): Maximum admissible angle difference (hundredths of a degree). Horizontal (1:X): This allows the minimum horizontal closing error to be indicated for traverse compensation. For example, a value of 10000.0 is one part of 10000. Vertical (1:X): This allows the minimum vertical closing error to be indicated for traverse compensation. For example, a value of 15000.0 is one part of 15000.
Data Input The parameters appearing below allow one to choose among different data input and presentation modes, so that they are more natural for users. The program stores these values in a single format, so that the configuration can be easily changed without affecting the information’s integrity. Distance (Reduced) : Allows one to choose between horizontal or Reduced distance, in addition to sloped or Geometric distance. Vertical (Vertical Angle) : Allows one to choose between showing each observation’s Vertical Angle or Height Difference. If the Check Vertical Angle box is marked, the program checks whether the vertical angles observed are between 50 and 150 hundredths of a degree for direct circles and between 250 and 350 hundredths of a degree for inverse circles. Instrument (Total Station): If the Total Station mode is selected, every observation will be made up of a horizontal angle, a reduced or geometric distance, a vertical angle or height difference and a prism height. On the other hand, if the Tachometric mode is selected, the program will show the thread 1, thread 2, horizontal angle and stake fields for each observation.
Mode This option allows one to control the appearance of the Calculate Stations dialog box within the Surveying Module. If the default mode is Beginner, a simple dialog box is shown containing the essential calculation elements, while a wide range of calculation methods are available in Expert mode.
Customization 9 Instruments Table Using the Instruments Table button the menu can be accessed which allows the configuration of the values that mainly affect the standard deviations of the observations, essentially used in the adjustment methods by Least Squares. These values can be customised for each Brand and Model.
The default values are regarded as appropriate for the majority of cases though the documentation must be consulted regarding the technical characteristics of the equipment to enter the correct values. Horizontal Angle (20.0) : Estimated error when measurement horizontal angles in hundredths of seconds. Vertical Angle (20.0) : Estimated error when measurement vertical angles in hundredths of seconds. Constant in Distance (5.0) : Constant error made in measurement distances in millimetres. Proportional in Distance (5.0) : Error which occurs with distance measurement and which is proportional to the latter. Expressed in parts per million (ppm). Compensator (5.0) : Compensator accuracy in hundredths of seconds.
Least Squares A menu allowing one to configure the parameters affecting all the least squares adjustment procedures in the surveying module can be accessed through the Least Squares button.
Maximum Iterations (8): Sets the maximum number of iterations that are allowed for the convergence of the iterative process in calculations. If messages of the type “The system does not converge” appear, this value should be increased or the input data values checked. Convergence Error (0.001): Maximum admissible error for coordinate increments obtained by the calculation process, in meters. Ellipse Scale (100.0) : Scale factor for drawing traverse and network error ellipses.
10 MDT Version 7.5 Confidence Interval (95%) : Confidence Interval it is wished to be used in least squares calculations. Internal Reliability Test (Baarda): This button enables the calculation of the internal reliability of the adjustment to detect gross errors. Adjustment fitness test (Chi2): This button enables the calculation of the Chi-square test to ascertain whether there are any major differences between observables. See the detailed description of these two tests in the Topography Manual.
Points Allows one to modify the parameters affecting the commands used to handle surveying points.
Object Type Sets the point type with which MDT will work. MDT5 Point: Proprietary object that MDT 5 incorporates into AutoCAD. Block: The point is drawn as a block. It is similar to the existing block in MDT version 3.
Points Layer Allows one to name a layer where the point blocks are inserted. It is also possible to select one from the layers list existing in the drawing by clicking on the Select button.
Style Select the text style of the attributes associated to the point: number, height and code.
Others Minimum Distance between Points (0.001) : Distance value between points below which they are considered to be repeated, expressed in meters. Location Margin (20.0): Screen representation margin in the localize points command, expressed in meters. Arch Conversion (1.0) : Interval to create the points in a polyline’s arch segments, expressed in meters. Point File Extension: Default extension the program will work with for the points file.
Customization 11 Uncertainties in Coordinates of Points: Enables us to activate and deactivate the use of uncertainties in the management of points and in the calculation of surfaces. The confidence level is defined in the Surveying Configuration Least Squares section. Codes DB: Point codes database that program will use by default. We can select a different one from this option.
Levels This button gives access to a dialog box that allows point levels to be added, deleted or modified.
Change : Allows one to modify the level selected. Insert : Adds a new level. Delete : Deletes the level selected. Consult the meaning of each field in the chapter on Surveying Points in the Reference Manual.
Block Definition
The parameters used to represent points on screen can be configured in this box. Parameters such as relative position of each block element with regard to the point, justification, text style, etc. can be changed. See the Points > Utilities > Points Configuration command for further details.
12 MDT Version 7.5 Surfaces Shows the parameters which configure the behaviour of the tools used to create and edit triangulations.
Layers Allows one to name the different layers making up a drawing, or to select them from a list of existing layers. Surface (DTM): Triangulation layer’s name. Boundary (BOUNDARY) : Boundary layer’s name. Islands (ISLANDS) : Name of the layer where the break lines making up an island are drawn. Break Lines (BREAK) : Name of the break lines layer. Parallels (WALLS) : Name of the layer used in the Adjusted Parallel command.
Parameters Maximum Side Length (50.0): Indicates the maximum length allowed for the sides of external triangles, expressed in meters. Minimum Distance between Vertices (0.001): Indicates the minimum distance between vertices for the contour line triangulation process, expressed in meters. Maximum Distance between Vertices and Points (0.001): Maximum separation distance between a break line vertex and a point, expressed in meters.
Representation Draw Surface in 3D (Off) : Determines whether triangulation lines are drawn on the plan (off) or on the space (on). Draw Break Lines in 3D (Off) : Determines whether break lines are drawn on the plan (off) or on the space (on). Line Scale (5.0) : In order to make the presentation more coherent, the CAD LTSCALE variable is assigned a value proportional to the scale and multiplied by this field. Consult the CAD manual for further details about the utility of this variable.
Customization 13
Breakline Coding Shows a dialog box where the codes that appear as break line point suffixes are configured, so that they can be automatically interpreted in automatic drawing from codes. See Points > Codes > Draw from Codes command for further information.
Modified This button gives access to the dialog box allowing one to configure the elements of modified terrain element profiles used to generate them and to draw solids. This information is stored in the Cross-Sections\CodSec.dat file in the Config directory. Change : Allows one to modify the element selected. Insert : Adds an element to a list after all the fields have been filled in.
Delete : Deletes the element selected from a list Codes : Initial and Final specify the code interval for an element selected or added. Type: Element type, which can be MEDIAN, SUBGRADE, DITCH, CUT or FILL. Layer : Layer associated with the element. Colour (1-red) : Colour associated with the element. Line Type (CONTINUOUS) : Line type of the element in question.
Earthworks Shows a dialog box to select the names of the layers where polylines resulting from earthworks are drawn.
14 MDT Version 7.5
Subgrade (SUBGRADE) : Name of subgrade layer. Contact (CONTACTS) : Name of contact layer. Slopes (SLOPES): Name of slope layer. If the Draw Slopes box is not marked, the polylines defining slopes are not drawn.
Point Codes Subgrade: Code assigned to the point which forms part of the subgrade boundary. Contact: Code assigned to the points created in the contact with terrain.
Contour Lines Allows one to configure the parameters used in tools to generate and process contour lines.
Layers Major Contours: Name of the major contour lines layer. Minor Contours: Name of the minor contour lines layer. Special Contours: Name of contours drawn at some given height.
Customization 15 Labels: Name of layer used to draw the contours labels from specific commands.
Labels Text Height Multiplier (1.5) : Factor by which the current text height is multiplied for the situate height command. Text Position Separation (0.5) : Separation between the contour lines and the text in labels.
Algorithms This box allows users to choose among the different algorithms to be used in the cartography editing tools. Generalization (Douglas-Peucker). Allows one to choose the algorithm to be used in the Contour Lines > Generalization command among: Douglas-Peucker, Visvallingam and Constant Distance. Filtering (Tunnel). Allows one to choose the algorithm to be used for the Contour Lines > Filtering command among: Tunnel, Average Point and Inner Segment. Interpolation (Vertex Matching). Allows one to choose the algorithm to be used for the Contour Lines > Interpolate Contours command.
Smoothing Automatic Contour: Indicates whether the contour lines will be automatically modified when the points or the triangulation are changed.
Opens a dialog box which allows users to choose the contour line smoothing algorithm.
Smoothing Algorithm (TCP) : Offers two methods to smoothen contour lines, TCP and X-Spline. Number of Vertices (4) : Parameter only used for the X-Spline algorithm. Smoothing Factor (3.0) : Indicates the smoothing factor used for contour lines. Admissible values are between 1.0 and 10.0. Relation to Length (0.7) : Reserved parameter that affects the smoothing of contour lines. Initial Separation (0.25) : Determines position relative to the contour’s first inflection point. Final Separation (0.75) : Determines the position relative to the contour’s second inflection point.
16 MDT Version 7.5 Alignments The parameters that determine horizontal alignment behaviour include:
Alignments Layer (ALIGNMENT). Allows one to name the layer where horizontal alignments will be drawn. The name can be entered in the relevant text box or selected from a list of existing layer names by clicking on the Select button. Clothoid Discretization Interval (1.0). Interval used in the alignment drawings of clothoid-type sections, expressed in meters. It only affects the drawing and has no influence the calculations’ accuracy. Check Azimuth Continuity. Activates the checking of azimuth continuity when converting a polyline into an alignment. It is obligatory that sections before a curved section have the same azimuth as the entry into the curve. This condition should also be met for the curve exit and subsequent section. Azimuth Tolerance (0.0001): Tolerance in hundredths of a second so that two sections are considered as tangential. If the difference between the final azimuth of a section and the initial azimuth of the following section is greater than this value, a warning is issued about the error.
Road Standards We can set the road standards of the country where we are going to work; in addition, for each country we will be able to configure its own road standards.
Speed (Km/h). Project design speed. Affects superelevation. Category. Road category within those predefined which match the Road Regulations. Under this option we can customise the error configuration for the standards on the ground plan. By executing the command “Alignments > Utilities > Check Rules”, MDT will only show those errors which are enabled under this option. If there is any error when checking the standards and we have it disabled, it will not appear on the final list. Consult the reference manual for details about this command.
Dimensioning Dialog box that shows the configuration parameters used to dimension alignments.
Customization 17
Short Mark Interval (10.0): Distance in meters between the short marks drawn on the alignment. Long Mark Interval (100.0) : Distance in meters between the alignment’s long marks. Unique Points (On) : Activating this option draws the marks on the alignment’s vertices. The three kinds of alignment marks can be configured through their corresponding Options buttons.
Mark Length: Dimension of the line representing the mark. Extension Length : Dimension of the extended line on the opposite side of the alignment. Texts. Allows one to write texts on the marks and, should this be done, choose between placing them to the Right or to the Left of the alignment. In the case of unique points, one can also indicate if the radius and parameter values should be written on the Inside or Outside of the sections. Intersection Points (Disabled): Indicates whether to dimension the points of intersection with other alignments of the current project. Specified Station (Disabled): Ability to specify additional stations to be dimensioned. Scale (1:1000) : Scale factor that affects the size of the dimensioning texts. Text Height (1.5) : Height of alignment text labels. Layer. Allows one to select the layer where the lines and the texts that make up the dimensioning will be drawn. Style. Style of the dimensioning texts.
18 MDT Version 7.5 Elements The parameters that determine alignment behaviour are as follows:
Alignment Layer (ALIGNMENTS). Allows one to name the layer where alignments will be drawn. The name can be entered in the relevant text box or selected from a list of existing layer names by clicking on the Select button. Element Colours: The program allows users to draw straight lines, curves and clothoids with different colours in order to identify the dimensions of each element more easily. By clicking on the box associated to each type, a specific colour can be chosen. It can also be done BY LAYER if one does not wish to specify a particular colour. Modify Elements (On): By activating this option, the element drawing commands in the alignments menu modify the road design elements used as a reference to ensure the set maintains its continuity.
Strict Fit (On): This option checks whether the aforementioned commands can generate a result in which element continuity is not maintained due to the new elements’ dimensions being too small or too large
Angular Tolerance (0.0001): Maximum tolerable difference between the azimuth of two consecutive road design elements, so that the azimuth is considered as continuous. Distance Tolerance (0.001): Maximum tolerable distance between the initial and final points of two consecutive road design elements. Elements having a greater separation than this parameter cannot be grouped together nor be converted into alignments.
Longitudinal Profiles Shows the values affecting the commands used to obtain and draw longitudinal profile drawings.
Customization 19
Numerical Data Assignment Allows one to select the default numerical data files to draw Simple Longitudinal profiles (SIMPLE.GTR) and Composite Longitudinal profiles (MDT.GTR). These files may be edited using the Numerical Data Definition command. Drawing Style: Enables us to select from different profile representation styles. For each profile the style will customise the labeling of the numerical data, texts, data prefixes to be labeled ….
Extensions Longitudinal Profile (LON) : Longitudinal profile file extension. Grade Line (RAS) : Grade line file extension. Segments (SEG) : Segment file extension.
Grade Lines Transition Curve Interval (0.5) : Vertical transition curve representation interval. Type of Transition Curve (Circular) : Default transition curve type to be used with grade line files. Two options are given: Circular and Parabolic. Automatic transition curve: When this option is activated, on converting the polyline vertical alignments MDT will insert the curves automatically, thereby optimising the same and preventing overlapping between the different vertices.
Rules In this option, you can customize the configuration errors for road rules in elevation plan. After running command Vertical Alignments > Check Rules, MDT will show only those errors enabled in this option. If there exists any error in rules and it is disabled, it will not be shown in the final report. See more information in reference manual.
20 MDT Version 7.5
Interpolate Null Heights Cut Polylines Zero Height (0): Establishes whether polylines having a height of zero are taken into account in the profile generation option in the cut layers option.
Drawing Line Thickness (0.02): Sets the thickness for lines / polylines drawn by commands Draw Simple Profile and Draw Compound Profile.
Define Scales This button gives access to a dialog box showing the scales available in the program.
Change : Replaces the scale selected with one entered into the Scale text box using the keyboard. Insert : Adds the scale typed into the Scale text box to the list of scales. Delete : Deletes a scale selected from the list.
Define Sheets Shows a dialog box where the dimensions of each of the sheet types can be set, along with the possibility of creating new formats. This information is stored in the Perfiles\Hojas.dat file in the Config directory.
Customization 21 Change : Allows one to modify the format values for the sheet selected. Insert : Adds a new sheet format to the list once the dialog box fields have been filled in. Delete : Deletes the sheet format selected. Name : Name of the sheet selected or to be defined. Dimensions : Width and height of the sheet in millimetres. Margins: Sets the sheet’s Left, Right, Top, and Bottom margins in millimetres. Layout: Sets the sheet’s layout position, as well as its dimensions.
Definition of Layers Dialog box to name the layers involved in longitudinal profiles. Allows one to enter a name by typing it in or choosing it from a list of available layer names via the Select button.
Terrain (TERRAIN) : Name of the longitudinal profiles’ terrain layer. Longitudinal Profile (LONGPROF) : Name of the longitudinal profile layer. Prior Grade Line (PRGRL) : Name of the previous grade line layer. Definitive Grade line (DEFGRL) : Name of the definitive grade line layer. Curvature Diagram (CURVATURE) : Name of the layer where the curvature diagram is drawn. Superelevation Diagram (SUPERELEVATIONS): Name of the layer where the superelevations diagram is drawn.
Cross-Sections Allows one to modify the parameter values affecting the commands used to obtain and draw cross-sections.
22 MDT Version 7.5
Geology Organic line type: Selection of CAD line type to represent organic soil in drawing. Organic: Colour for organic soil. Soil: Colour for Soil geology layer. Transit: Colour for geology layer Transit. Colours. It offers the possibility to change the colours of the natural soil layers, the grade and firm ground and through the palette of colours displayed by pressing the Choose Colour button.
Others Cross Section Extension (TRA): Extension for normal and modified cross-section files. Pavement Code (PV) : Code used to differentiate initial and final vertices of reinforcements in cross- sections. Organic Soil Code (CR): Code used to differentiate initial and final vertices between which the organic soil calculation will not be made. Excess Terrain (2.0) : Value indicating the terrain distance drawn after the grade line cut, which only affects the drawing of cross-sections. Minimum Distance between Cuts (0.01) : Minimum distance that must exist between two successive objects to be cut. Numerical Data Separator Size (0.00025): Size of the different separators that form part of the numerical data when it is drawn. Drawing Style: Enables us to select from different profile representation styles. For each profile the style will customise the labeling of the numerical data, texts, data prefixes to be labeled ….
Advanced Cut polyline zero height: Upon enabling this option, the program will automatically interpolate the elevation of those polylines used for the generation of cross sections and which have a zero height. Delete overlaps: Upon enabling this box, we can ensure that when generating the cross sections, if they cross inside in the curve, this is obtained as far as the intersection with the former.
Customization 23 Station Format We establish the format in which the Station will be represented in the drawing. Interpolate Organic Soil: If this option is enabled, the thickness of the organic soil will be interpolated when defining the sections. Analyse assigned station: If it is enabled, when processing the sections the program will also analyse the stations at which any kind of section assignment has been carried out. Set Comparison Plane: If we enable this option the drawing of the comparison plane for the cross sections will always be carried out at the same elevation. The elevation is specified under this same option. Factor of text height on profile: Text height multiplier factor for those drawn under the cross section drawing option. Number of decimals in drawing: We set the number of decimals we want for labelling the elevations, surfaces and volumes using the command Drawing Cross sections.
Definition of Layers Allows one to name the various layers used when working with cross-sections.
Terrain (TERRAIN) : Name of the cross-sections’ terrain layer. Cross-Sections (XSECTIONS): Name of the cross-section profiles’ alignment layer. Cross-Section Cuts (XSECTIONS): Name of the layer where the cuts are drawn. Roadbed (ROADBED) : Name of the layer where the cross sections’ roadbed is drawn. Geology-Organic (XSECT_CLEAR VEGT) : Name of layer where clear vegetation is drawn. Geology-Soil (XSECT_SOIL) : Name of layer where soil is drawn. Geology-Transit (XSECT_TRANSIT) : Name of layer where transit is drawn.
Define Scales Refer to the Define Scales for longitudinal profiles section.
Define Sheets Refer to the Define Sheets for longitudinal profile section.
Platform Vectors This dialog box defines the default codes and vectors that can make up a platform. Each of them has a numerical Code, a Name, Adjustments with regard to X and Y, and a value indicating whether it can be superelevated or not.
24 MDT Version 7.5 The codes should get larger from the alignment (value 0) to the profile ends, both to the left and to the right. The configuration can be changed through the Change, Insert and Delete buttons and is stored in the XSections\VecPlat.dat in the Config directory.
Images This section will allow us to modify the most important parameters which affect the images module.
Definition of Layers Marks: Layer on which the marks will be drawn which are going to be used to indicate support points on the image. Reference lines: Layer on which the lines will be drawn which are used to pair the support points of the images.
Colour Marks: Colour of the marks used to mark the support points. Reference lines: colour of the reference lines used to join the support points. Background: Colour in which the image is completed in those areas in which there is no information, either by cutting them or carrying out some other operation on them.
Customization 25 Deformation Interpolation Method: Method to be used by default in the image transformation command. There are four interpolation methods: Nearest neighbours Bilinear Bicubic Lagrange
Superelevations Shows the parameters affecting the calculation and assignment of superelevations to alignments. See the Segments > Superelevation > Generate Superelevations command for further details.
Generation of superelevations Pumping Slope (2%). Superelevation value for straight sections in percentage terms. Check Overlaps (On). If activated, indicates that any overlapping due to the transition lengths of short alignment sections should be processed to avoid inconsistencies in the assignment of superelevations. Minimum Pumping Length (8.0). Minimum length value of camber expressed in meters. Minimum Max. Superelevation Length (0.0). Minimum length value of maximum superelevation expressed in meters.
Type of Lines Horizontal alignments: In the drawing of the superelevation in CAD, the type of line associated with the line representing the horizontal alignment. Superelevation Colour. Allows different colours to be set for Left and Right superelevations.
Superelevation Colour Left: The colour of the line in the drawing of the left side of the superelevation. Right: The colour of the line in the drawing of the right side of the superelevation.
Superelevations Tab Clicking on this tab enables us to access the configuration of the different superelevations tables in accordance with the regulations for the road selected.
26 MDT Version 7.5
The existing superelevations tables may be inserted, edited and deleted.
Widenings Shows the parameters that affect the calculation and representation of additional widths. See the Segments > Widenings > Generate Widenings command for further details.
Maximum Radius (250) : Maximum widening application radius in curved sections expressed in meters. Minimum Transition Length (30.0) : Desirable length of transition between curve and line in meters. Maximum Percentage on Curve (25) : Maximum widening percentage that can be achieved in circular curve.
Customization 27 Application point: We indicate the application point of the widening. Outer Lane: The widening is applied in the most outside lane type vector of the section. Inner Lane: The widening is applied in the lane type vector nearest to the section alignment.
Only apply inside curve: If we activate this box the widening will only apply to the inner curve vectors.
Layer (ALIGNMENT-WIDENINGS). Allows one to select the layer where widenings are drawn.
Widenings Table This section enables us to change, insert or remove the different widenings tables available in accordance with the regulations of the country selected. The following window will appear:
Edit: We can edit any of the tables selected. This option executes the “Widenings > Widenings Table” command.
Delete: Removes the table selected. It should be pointed out that on executing this option the file corresponding to the table selected will be deleted and cannot be recovered. Open: Enables us to insert a new widenings table stored in another location. Save as: Enables us to save the table selected in another file with a different name. This option is extremely useful when the new table to be created is similar to an existing table.
28 MDT Version 7.5 Setting Out Allows one to configure the parameters affecting setting out tools.
Stations Layer (STATIONS). Name of the layer where the setting out stations are drawn. Station File Extension (BSE). Setting out station default file extension. Decimals in Height: Number of decimal points to write in setting out station heights. Draw Stations in 3D: Offers possibility of drawing stations in 2D or 3D as AutoCAD objects. Positive Tolerance (0.1) : Positive tolerance in points analysis from alignment and terrain. Negative Tolerance (0.1) : Negative tolerance in points analysis from alignment and terrain. Apply Reduction to the Ellipsoid (Off). If this option is activated, this reduction is applied to distance calculations.
Volumes Configuration parameters to calculate earthwork volumes, as well as to compare areas and volumes. Consult the Reference Manual for further details.
Volume Layer (Volume). Name of the layer where volumes are represented graphically. Volume File Extension (VOL). Extension for files that store volume calculation information. Minimum Height Difference (0.05). Minimum difference in meters so that volume may be calculated. Decimal numbers in elevations (3). Number of decimals for height values in volume reports. Pavement Code (PV): A code to differentiate between the pavement on road applications.
Customization 29 Use partial cells on the boundary (1): When this option is activated the “Volume by Surfaces” and “Volume by Mesh” commands will only partially process the cells within the perimeter of the calculation area. Use partial cells on the boundary
ACTIVATED DEACTIVATED
Cutting Factor (1.0) : Factor applicable to a cutting surface. Fill (1.0) : Factor applicable to a fill surface. Profiles Method. Allows one to select from either the Average Area or Prismatoids methods. Consult the Volumes > Volume Measurement List command for further details. Volume mesh representation Minimum height difference for cut : For cut values whose increase in height is less than this value, cells will be drawn in white colour. Minimum height difference for fill : For fill values whose increase in height is less than this value, cells will be drawn in white colour.
Maps Shows the configuration parameters for 3D grid drawings, slope maps and height maps.
Definition of Layers Grid (GRID): Name of the layer for drawing 3D grids. Heights (HEIGHTS) : Name of the layer for the height map.
30 MDT Version 7.5 Slopes (SLOPES) : Name of the layer for the slope map. Slope Dir (SLOPE_DIR) : Name of the layer for the slope directions map. Slope Arrows (ARROWS) : Name of the layer for the slope arrows map. Visibility (VISIBILITY) : Name of the layer for the visibility map. Solids (SOLIDS) : Name of the layer for drawing solids.
Parameters Cell size (5.0) : Default cell size. Height Exaggeration (1.0) : Default height exaggeration. Legend size (0.05) : Relative size of the legend’s size compared to the screen. ASCII Grid Files Extension (MLL) : Extension of files used to export grids in ASCII format. Binary Grid File Extension (MLB) : Extension of files used to export grids in binary format.
Materials Sets the materials to be used by the different commands found in the Maps/Render sub-menu. Consult the Reference Manual for further information.
The Description of materials is merely informative. It describes the triangle type which will be applied to the material. The following kinds of triangles are differentiated according to the command with which they are generated.
Type MDT Command Normal Create Surface MTSubgrade Earthwork MTCutting Earthworks MTFill Earthworks Median Modified Terrain Platform Modified Terrain Ditch Modified Terrain Cutting Modified Terrain Fill Modified Terrain
Customization 31
Colour of material is used in case of not using the option to assign materials, in Draw Solids command. In this case the command execution is faster. Texture indicates the type of texture that will be applied to the material in the representation of the modelling. The Edit button lets you change any element. The New button to create new materials that can be assigned manually using the command Maps/Render > Assign Materials.
Texture: Name of texture.
Anaglyphs Parameters related to the Draw Anaglyphs command. The names of the layers where anaglyph curves will be drawn, as well as the colours to be used can be set. The Interpupilar parameter represents separation between the observer’s eyes. The Observation parameter represents the distance from which the anaglyph will be observed.
Colour Palette Setting This allows the configuration of the colour palette to be used when drawing the Heights Map, Slopes Map, Slope Direction Map, Cut Volumes and Fill Volumes.. Information about the different kinds of palettes is stored in the file paletas.dat in the directory Mapas\Config.
32 MDT Version 7.5
Each command has its palette configured by default and one can be chosen from amongst all those available. A screenshot has been shown below showing some of the palettes available by default in the program.
Updates For users with valid support subscription, MDT can check if there are available updates. If you disable Download Updates check box, this feature will be disabled.
You can control how often the program checks for new updates. Usually the updates are available at beginning of each month. Also you can set up how many old updates are stored, so that it will be possible to remove the last changes to the program. When the program downloads an update, it waits until the user close CAD session. Then it asks if you want to install the update. If you accept the installation is launched and user has to wait for the CAD session fully terminate before proceeding with the installation. In the event the licence has no maintenance agreement, the following window will appear informing us of this situation, and in which case it will be impossible to configure the updates.
Customization 33 List of Layers
Layer Description CROSSES Drawing of crossings and coordinates CV-HEIGHTS Contour line labels CV-ESPECIAL Contour line especial CV-MAJOR Contour line major CV-MINOR Contour line minor MASSD Mesh diagram ALIGNMENT Alignment ALIGNMENT-DIMENSION Alignment dimensioning ALIGNMENT-ELEMENTS Elements ALIGNMENT-WIDENINGS Widenings ERROR_ELLIPSES Draw ellipses error ERROR_CROSSES Break line error ERROR_EJE Alignment Error ERROR_POINTS Break line error ERROR_SURF Break line error ERROR_VERTEX Break line error IMG-MARKS Draw of marks IMG-REFERENCE Draw of reference lines SRF-INFLEXION Earthworks XSECTION-NUM DATA Sections Numerical data ALIGNMENT Alignment OBSERVATIONS Stations MAP-HEIGHTS Height Map MAP-ANAGLIFO-LEFT Draw Anaglyphs Left MAP-ANAGLIFO-RIGHT Draw Anaglyphs Right MAP-ARROWS Slope Arrow Map MAP-GRID Mesh MAP-SLOPES Slope Map MAP-SLOPES-DIR Slope Direction Map MAP-SOLIDS Solids MAP-VISIBILITY Visibility Map MOD-DITCHES Ditches Modified MOD-FILL Fill Modified MOD-SUBGRADE Subgrade Modified MOD-MEDIAN Median Modified MOD-WALLS Walls Modified PLOTS Plots LONGPROF-CURVATURE Longitudinal profile curvature diagrams LONGPROF-SUPERELEVATIONS Superelevations Diagram LONGPROF-GRDDEF Definitive grade line LONGPROF-PRVDEF Previous grade line LONGPROF- Draw Profiles XSECT_TOPSOIL_STRIPPING Cross Sections. Geology XSECTION-ROADBED Cross Sections. Roadbed XSECTION-FIELD Cross Sections. Fields XSECTION-TEXT Cross Sections. Text XSECT_SOIL Cross Sections. Soil XSECTION-TRANS Cross Sections. Draw XSECT_TRANSIT Cross Sections. Transit POINTS Points POINTS-CODES Codes Point POINTS-N Number Point POINTS-Z Height Point SRF -CONTACTS Contacts in earthworks
34 MDT Version 7.5 Layer Description BRK-BOUNDARY Boundary Line BRK -ENVIROMENT Enviroment Line BRK-ISLANDS Islands Line BRK-PARALEL Paralel Line BRK-LINES Breaklines SRF –FACES3D Represent Surface Faces3D SRF -CONTACTS Contacts Surface SRF -ESPLANADE Esplanade Surface SRF -SLOPES Slope Surface SRF-TRIANGULATION Digital Terrain Model TOPO-BASES Stations PIPELINE-GRADELINE Pipeline definition PIPELINE-GRADELINE-TOP Pipeline definition. Information PIPELINE-GRADELINE-FRONT Pipeline definition. Information VOLUME-GRAPHICS Volumes graphic VOLUME-CUT Volumes graphic. Cut VOLUME-FILL Volumes graphic. Fill
Customization 35 File Extensions The following table shows the file extensions supported by the system.
Extension Vertices Description ALN ASCII Alignments ANL ASCII Setting out points analysis BLK Binary Block definition BSE ASCII Setting out stations CAP ASCII List of layers CAT ASCII Roadbed catalogue CFG ASCII Configuration CFR ASCII Roadbed layers CTO ASCII Complete setting out list CUN ASCII Ditches DAT ASCII Configuration DST ASCII Distances in profile DWG Binary AutoCAD drawings DXF ASCII Drawing interchange EJE ASCII Alignments FIR ASCII Roadbeds GDE Binary Geoids GEO ASCII Geographical coordinates GSB Binary Datum transformations in NTv2 format HTM ASCII Transformation reports INC ASCII Incomplete cross-sections ITV ASCII Longitudinal profile intervals LEA ASCII ASCII surveying LEV Binary Topographic surveying LON ASCII Longitudinal profiles LVO ASCII Volumes list MDT Binary Digital model MLB Binary 3D binary grid MLL ASCII 3D ASCII grid MNU ASCII Menus MSB Binary Program’s compiled messages MSG ASCII Program messages MTR Binary Materials definition NTR ASCII Coordinate transformations PER ASCII Superelevations PKC ASCII Station and height PKD ASCII Station and setting out distance PLA ASCII Platforms POL ASCII Traverses PRN ASCII ASCII lists PUN ASCII Point coordinates RAS ASCII Grade line RED ASCII Network in surveying module REP ASCII Setting out results ROT ASCII Break lines SCC Binary Cross-Sections SEG Binary Segment SIM ASCII Points representation configuration SOB ASCII Additional Widths STS ASCII Origin and destination CRS configuration SUP Binary Surfaces TAL ASCII Slopes TDB ASCII Cross sections drawing configuration TRA ASCII Cross-sections
36 MDT Version 7.5 Extension Vertices Description TRM Binary Sections VOL ASCII Volume report
Customization 37 List of Block Files The following are blocks the program uses in its different commands. These blocks may be customized by the user In addition to the ones appearing below, there are also other blocks that can be associated to the Codes Database by points in the Ground Plan and Elevation folders. There is also the 3Ds folder for 3Dstudio objects that can be used in the Maps/Render commands.
Name Directory Description COORD Blocks Labelling of coordinates in cartography sheets CRUZ Blocks Crossing in cartography sheets FLECHA Blocks Arrow in directions map X Blocks X-Coordinate labelling XY Blocks Labelling of X and Y coordinates XYZ Blocks Labelling of X, Y and Z coordinates ACUERDO Blocks\Profile Parabolic transition curve VERTICE3 Blocks Alignment labelling VERTICE4 Blocks Alignment labelling VERTICE5 Blocks Alignment labelling VERTICE6 Blocks Alignment labelling VERTICE7 Blocks Alignment labelling VERTICE8 Blocks Alignment labelling VERTICE Blocks\en Parabolic vertical vertex VERTICEC Blocks\en Circular vertical vertex ACUERDO Blocks\en\Perfil Parabolic circular curve ACUERDOC Blocks\en\Perfil Circular transition curve DATOPER Blocks\en\Perfil Heights and distances DIGPER Blocks\en\Perfil Superelevations diagram E* Blocks\en\Perfil Graphic scale ESCALAS Blocks\en\Perfil Horizontal and vertical scales in profiles INTERVIAL Blocks\en\Perfil Road intersection TE Blocks\en\Perfil Entry tangent vertical transition curve TS Blocks\en\Perfil Exit tangent vertical transition curve
38 MDT Version 7.5 Program Files The following shows the usefulness of different application folders and their most important files. Every of the files inside each module are classified by language (
Blocks Block files for internal use or to be used in Point Codes Database. They are stored in folder
Config The following files are stored in folder
Name Directory Description Aplitop.css \Config\
Program Files\Common Files\Aplitop\Geodesy Geodesy module files
Name Description A66 National (13.09.01).gsb NTv2 grid for Australia BALEARES.gsb NTv2 grid for Baleares (Spain) BETA2007.gsb NTv2 grid for Germany CHENYX06.gsb NTv2 grid for Liechtenstein and Switzerland Countries.dat Listing of countries
Customization 39 Name Description EGM96.gde World geoid – NGA (U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency) EGM96-ES.gde Geoid for Spain from EGM96 (NGA) EGM2008-ES.gde Geoid for Spain from EGM2008 (NGA) EGM2008-REDNAP.gde Geiod for Península y Baleares – IGN Spain EGM2008-REDNAP-Canarias.gde Geoid para Canary Islands – IGN Spain EPSG - Terms of Use.htm EPSG database usage terms EPSG.db EPSG database GeodPT08.gde Geoid for Portugal – IGN Portugal IBERGEO95.gde Geoid for Península and Baleares – IGN Spain ICC2006.gde Geoid for Catalonia - ICC ICV2008.gde Geoid for Comunidad Valenciana – ICV Spain IGG2005.gde Geoid for Península and Baleares (Spain) – Universidad de Almería y Universidad Mohamed I (Oujda-Marruecos) National 84 (02.07.01).gsb NTv2 grid for Australia nzgd2kgrid0005.gsb NTv2 grid for New Zealand PENINSULA.gsb NTv2 grid for Spain rgf93_ntf.gsb NTv2 grid for France RGNC1991_IGN72GrandeTerre.gsb NTv2 for New Caledonia RGNC1991_NEA74Noumea.gsb NTv2 grid for New Caledonia (distrito de Noumea) sped2et.gsb NTv2 grid for Península and Baleares (Spain) sped2etv2.gsb NTv2 grid for Península and Baleares (Spain) – Version 2 UserEllipsoids.dat User ellipsoids UserGeocentricCRSs.dat Geocentric user CRS UserGeodeticDatums.dat Geodesic user datums UserGeodeticDatumShifts.dat Geodetic user datum shifts UserGeographicCRSs.dat Geographic user CRS UserProjectedCRSs.dat Projected user CRS UserVerticalCRSs.dat Vertical user CRS UserVerticalDatums.dat Vertical user datums UserVerticalDatumShifts.dat Vertical user datum shifts
Doc\7\
Dotnet Program files based in Microsoft .NET technology.
Bin Files part of MDT system from where among other things tapes or external editions AutoCAD profiles, shafts, risers are controlled ...
Formats The files that store the MDT commands have the ARX extension and are stored in the application’s root directory and in the
Help\
All the files contained by the program’s Help are stored in the
Projects Sample files used in the application’s User Manual.
40 MDT Version 7.5 Program modules folders
Folder Software R16 AutoCAD 2004, 2005 and 2006 R17 AutoCAD 2007, 2008 and 2009 R18 [x64] AutoCAD 2010, 2011 and 2012 R19 [x64] AutoCAD 2013 and 2014 R20 [x64] AutoCAD 2015 ZWP2012 ZwCAD 2012+ ZWP2014 ZwCAD 2014+ BC12 BrcisCAD 12 BC13 [x64] BrcisCAD 13 BC14 [x64] BricsCAD 14
Support/
Visor DirectX-based realistic image viewer.
Customization 41