An ongoing problem when using MicroStation, especially in mapping disciplines, arises when using filled shapes and complex shapes. Often a filled shape will print over the top of text and/or other elements that need to print over the fill to maintain the integrity of the map or drawing. Solutions to this problem have involved the use of pen tables, modifying printer settings and moving shapes to reference files. These work around’s work, but can be time consuming and are not always appropriate when transferring files to clients electronically. Here is a simple and very quick solution.
Step 1. Using Select By Attributes, select all elements in the file excluding shapes, complex shapes, text and text nodes.
Step 2: In the key-in window type "wset add" and press <enter>. This adds all of the selected elements to a working set.
Step 3: In the key-in window type "wset drop" and press <enter>. This drops the working set to the end of the design file.
Step 4: Using Select By Attributes, select all text and text nodes and repeat Step 2 and 3.
What you now have is a design file in which, when refreshed, the shapes and complex shapes will update first, followed by all other elements with text updating last.
Note: This procedure, performed once, can be quite easily recorded as a MicroStation macro, which can then be assigned to a pull down menu, bar menu, tool button, or as an entry in settings manager, turning a costly and frustrating problem into nothing more than a click on the mouse button.
Australian Data Systems Phone: +618 9479 1338 Fax:
+618 9479 1353
support@ozdata.com.au www.ozdata.com.au