VGE - Vertical Grading Editor

Icons/Access:        
   Icons/Access:        

Introduction

The Vertical Grading Editor is the central design feature of the software.  It provides for the full vertical grading (profile) design and cross section generation of multiple string types (roads, profiles, kerb returns, cul-de-sacs, knuckles, etc).

The Vertical Grading Editor is accessible:

Main Features and Benefits

This is an interactive and interconnected vertical grading (profile) and cross section design environment with the following features and benefits:

Marker/Tracker Display in the Drawing

The display of the 'tracker' that shows the relative location of the marker in the drawing is managed via a block in the Civil Site Design Settings (CSD Settings) folder.  Users are able to replace this drawing block as desired.  The CSD Settings folder can be opened in Windows Explorer via the Open Settings Folder command in the General menu/ribbon.  The block is named VGEMarker.dwg. 

Interface

The Vertical Grading Editor interface includes the following components:

  1. Ribbon Area (Top)
    • Users can start commands from here.  The ribbon is split into different panels covering different aspects of design, display, analysis and output.  Contextual ribbons will display when a IP is selected or group IP edits are required.
  2. Graphical Display Area
    • Displays the existing and design elevations, both graphically and textually.  Review longitudinal grades and vertical curve lengths. 
    • Select IP to edit and make selections for IP changes once a Ribbon command has been started
    • Zoom (roll middle mouse button), pan (hold down middle mouse button) and zoom extents (double click middle mouse button)
    • Right clicking will open the  Cross Section Viewer and lock onto the nearest chainage to the mouse position at the time of right clicking.  This cross section viewer window will automatically update the chainage following a right click by the user in the graphical display area.
    • Left clicking on a IP in the drawing will display a dynamic ribbon panel to enable direct IP editing

      Details are provided below for this contextual ribbon state
  3. Information Display Area (Bottom)
    • Save VGE
    • Close without saving edits
    • Minimise/Maximise ribbon
    • Enable a Grid Display
    • Change the tracker from a mouse to crosshairs
    • Describes any command currrently in progress
    • Details the design information of the nearest IP to the mouse pointer location
    • Details the exact elevation and distance of the mouse pointer location.
    • Includes zoom and pan commands:
      • Zoom in
      • Zoom out
      • Zoom window
      • Zoom extents
      • Pan

Marker/Tracker Display in the Drawing

The display of the 'tracker' that shows the relative location of the marker in the drawing is managed via a block in the Civil Site Design Settings (CSD Settings) folder.  Users are able to replace this drawing block as desired.  The CSD Settings folder can be opened in Windows Explorer via the Open Settings Folder command in the General menu/ribbon.  The block is named VGEMarker.dwg. 

Grid Lines and Crosshairs

The display of grid lines and crosshairs can be turned on/off for the Vertical Grading Editor Window, and can be set to defaults via the Settings form (see below)

Cross Section Window

Upon right click, one cross section window will open and match to the position of the mouse at the time of right clicking.  Also, right clicking will automatically update this cross section window to adopt the nearest chainage to the mouse.  More cross section windows can be opened using two methods:

  1. Use the Open Cross Section Window button on the Home Tab
  2. Hold down [shift]+[right click] the mouse to open additional cross section windows

The cross section window provides direct cross section edit capabilities - see the Cross Section Viewer help for more information.

Model Creation Behaviour - 'Mesh Refinement'

Whilst editing in the Vertical Grading Editor, rebuilds of the surfaces will exclude Mesh Refinement (additional sampling through vertical curves).  This improves surface rebuild performance during editing.

When the Vertical Grading Editor Window is closed, the models will be rebuilt with Mesh Refinement applied.

If it is required to review the surface with mesh refinement when the Vertical Grading Editor is open, the model/s should be rebuilt using commands from the ribbon/toolspace or by running the command Model tab > Update Model.

Command Shortcuts

Many commands accessed from the ribbon interface in the Vertical Grading Editor window can also be started using keyboard shortcuts, as follows:

These commands are described in the Details section below.

Civil 3D Interactions

All vertical grading edits made in the Vertical Grading Editor can be passed back to the Civil 3D profile by running the Create Profiles command. 

Profiles that are generated using the Create Profiles can be edited in AutoCAD Civil 3D and the changes to the profiles can update the CSD Vertical Grading designs by running the Update Profiles command.

 

Details

The Vertical Grading Editor provides multiple Vertical Grading Design windows to edit the design long sections (profiles) of any number of Roads, Strings/Profiles, Kerb Returns, Cul-de-sacs, Knuckles , Roundabouts simultaneously, whilst still maintaining interactivity between dependent components (eg: Side road vertical gradings match the cross section of the Main Road roadway at the intersections. Kerb returns, Cul-de-sacs and Knuckles automatically match the edge of the road for the Main Road and Side Road at their start and end).

Upon opening the Vertical Grading Editor the following form is displayed:

Details of the form are as follows:
    Ribbon Tabs (top)
  Left Click Contextual Ribbon Tab
    Left click on a design IP to open this tab.  This is direct edit functionality for the selected IP.
    Details Panel  
    IP Number IP identification
    Chainage Type in a change to the chainage.  Click Apply button to apply the change.
     Level (Elevation) Type in an elevation for the IP.  Click Apply button to apply the change.

Use the arrow toggles to move the IP up/down by the set Increment Amount.  This change is immediate upon clicking the up or down arrow shown.
    VC Length Type in a vertical curve length.  Click Apply button to apply the change.
    In Grade (%) Type in an incoming grade to the IP.  Click Apply button to apply the change.
    Out Grade (%) Type in an outgoing grade from the IP.  Click Apply button to apply the change.
    Tools Panel  
    Increment Amount Amount to raise/lower IP's when the up/down arrow located immediately right of the Level is pressed.
    Move to IP Reference elevation Click to move the IP elevation to match the surface/constraint referred to in the Home ribbon tab (IP Reference)
    Delete IP Click to delete the highlighted IP.
    Volumes Panel Displays the summary volume informaiton, updated as the IP is moved using the IP Editor tools.  Turn off Auto Update in the Model Tab to disable automatic updating of the volume information.
    Total Cut Displays summary of cut for the string
     Total Fill Displays summary of fill for the string
     Net Net summary volume
     Stripping Displays strip depth volume (as assigned in the Design Data Form)
    Pavement Total pavement material volume
    Auto Update Volumes Tick on to update the summary volume information when the up/down level (elevation) increment is selected or the Apply button is pressed.
Tick off to not update the volume summary data when edits are made.
     Apply Apply edits to the IP
    Close Close this ribbon tab.
  Home Ribbon Tab
    Design Panel  
     Add IP Adds an IP (PVI) to the Design Vertical Grading (Long Section/Profile).

Upon starting the command the Vertical Grading Editor prompt will display Click to Insert New IP.  Use the mouse pointer to graphically select a location in the Vertical Grading Design Window.  The following form is displayed:

Chainage Type in the chainage where the IP is required (the chainage is adopted from the Civil 3D Alignment Stations).  Note: editable subject to the Grade Selection being applied
Level Type in the level (elevation) required (editable subject to the Grade Selection being applied)
VC Length Type in the length of vertical curve required
Radius Type in a Radius as an alternative to the VC Length
In Grade Type in the grade required on the incoming tangent to the IP (editable subject to the Grade Selection being applied) - measured as % grade
Out Grade Type in the grade required on the outgoing tangent from the IP (editable subject to the Grade Selection being applied) - measured as % grade
Max. VC Length This is a reporting field identifying the maximum vertical curve that could be applied to the IP (based on the selected chainage) without overlapping another Vertical Curve or IP
Min. VC Length to Achieve K Factors This is a reporting field identifying the minimum Vertical Curve length that should be applied to achieve minimum K factors.

Note: The K factors are controlled from the Display Set Parameters form.
Range From Displays the Chainage range between two IP's within which an IP could be located without overlapping any Vertical Curve/s
Grade Selection Designers can establish the chainage and level of the IP by specifying grade controls into and/or out of the IP.  Inputs will be adjusted to suit the grade method specified
  Set Grades from IP Level Default method.  IP is defined by the Chainage and Level assigned.  The In Grade and Out Grade parameters are disabled.
  Set In Grade The IP level is defined by the incoming grade.  The In Grade is enabled.  The Level parameter is distabled.
  Set Out Grade The IP level is defined by the outgoing grade.  The Out Grade is enabled.  The Level parameter is distabled.
  Set In and Out Grade The IP level and chainage is defined by specifying both an incoming and outgoing grade for the IP.  The In Grade and Out Grade parameters are enabled.  The Chainage and Level parameters are disabled.
OK Create/Edit the IP and exit the form.
Cancel Exit the form without creating/editing the IP.
Apply Create/Edit the IP without exiting the form.
 
      Snap IP to 'Snap to' Constraint at Cross Section Creates an IP at a cross section nearest the selected location, with the level (elevation) being adopted from the surface or Design Constraint as shown in the Snap To field (by default, this is the sampled (existing) surface).

Upon starting the command the Vertical Grading Editor prompt will display Select Point on <Snap To>.  Use the mouse pointer to locate the nearest cross section where the IP is required.  An IP will be created with levels applied based on the surface/constraint shown in the Snap To field, with a VC length of .001m.

Example shown, below:

Command Started - Select Location

 

 Command Complete - New IP at Chainage
     Snap IP to 'Snap To' Constraint Creates an IP with the chainage adopted from the location selected by the user and with the level (elevation) being adopted from the surface or Design Constraint as shown in the Snap To field (by default, this is the sampled (existing) surface).

Upon starting the command the Vertical Grading Editor prompt will display Select Chainage on <Snap To>.  Use the mouse pointer to locate the chainage where the IP is required.  An IP will be created with levels applied based on the surface/constraint shown in the Snap To field, with a VC length of .001m.

Example shown, below:
Command Started - Select Location

 

 Command Complete - New IP at Select Location
     Delete IP Deletes an IP (PVI) from the Design Vertical Grading (Long Section/Profile).

Upon starting the command the Vertical Grading Editor prompt will display Click on IP to Delete.  Use the mouse pointer to graphically select an IP in the Vertical Grading Design Window.  The selected IP will be deleted from the design.  A new tangent will be created between the two adjoining IP's to form a continuous long section.
      Grid Editor

 
Grid View Displays the vertical design in a grid view.  As each item is clicked on a marker is displayed in plan at the vertical IP location. List items are described below

NOTE: Typing into the blank Distance cell at the bottom of the list and movign to another cell will create a new IP at that distance.
  Distance Chainage along string for IP location
  Level Elevation of the IP
  Elevation Change Elevation difference from the current IP to next IP
  Back Grade % Grade from the current IP to the previous IP
  Forward Grade % Grade from the current IP to the next IP
  VC Length Type in a vertical curve length to apply at the IP.  Leave at .001 for no Vertical Curve to be applied
  Min VC Length This column provides feedback on the required Vertical Curve length to achieve minimum sight distance along the string centreline.  Users must first establish speed criteria.    
  Icon (compliant/non-compliant) Tick or cross icon to highlight whether the curve provides suffiicient sight distance or not.
Add IP by selection Pick a location in the drawing along the grading string - an IP will be added at that location
Add IP by Reference Adds a vertical IP from a reference point selected in the drawing.  
At the command prompt, select a location in the drawing to use as a REFERENCE point for elevations to a new IP.
The following form will display:

 
List View of Elevations at the location selected.
  Objects Found Lists Surfaces and Strings located in proximity to the selected point
  Chainage/Station, Offset, Elevation Other columns describe the information type (Ch for chainage/station, Off for offset from alignment, Lev for level/elevation, z for surface elevation).
Users must select an elevation to apply (highlighted with a yellow background)
Select Apply the selected elevation to the x,y position selected.  This sets the Reference Point x,y,z position
Cancel Exit the command without creating a new IP
Set Level Tick on to override the elevation to a user specified value.  Type in a value in the cell provided
Show Tick on to draw text for the elevation of the Reference Point
Zoom to Point Zoom to the selected x,y point
Refresh Refresh enquiry tool and drawing display

Upon clicking Select, the user is prompted ('Pick point on String for new elevation) to graphically locate the location along the string C.L. to create the new IP.  Upon selection the following form displays:

 
Chainage/Station Confirm the location along the string to create the new IP.  Overtype as required
OK Proceed to next step
Cancel Cancel the command

Upon clicking OK, the user is prompted to select a grade/slope to apply from the REFERENCE Point to the selected location on the string.

 
Grade 1: or % Slope Toggle to select the method for setting the final elevation of the IP.  Input the value required (note: a Grade of 1:0 is not allowed)
OK Create a new IP
Cancel Cancel the command

Add IP's at horizontal geometry Adds vertical IP's at horizontal geometry points along the polyline.  The following form will display:

 
Yes Adds extra IP's at the horizontal geometry points, keeping the existing design IP's
No Replaces the current vertical design with IP's only at the horizontal geometry points.
Cancel Do not add IP's at horizontal geometry points
Add IP's to Match Surface Levels at Selected Sections Creates IP's at all sampled sections around the grading string and sets the elevation of the IP's to match the surface
Delete IP Deletes the first highlighted IP in the grid view
Raise/Lower All IP's Raises/Lowers all IP's by a user defined amount.  Inputs are as follows:

 
Input Type in an elevation change (positive up, negative down)
OK Apply elevation change
Cancel Do not apply and exit form
Edit Multiple IP's Select multiple rows in a column to edit that column.  Options are:
  Level column cells are highlighted

 
Input Type in an elevation change (positive up, negative down) to apply to all highlighted cells
OK Apply elevation change
Cancel Do not apply and exit form
 Grade % cells are highlighted

 
Input Type in a single grade (%) to apply to all highlighted cells
OK Apply grade (%) change
Cancel Do not apply and exit form
  VC Length column cells are highlighted

 
Input Type in a VC length to apply to all highlighted cells.  VC length will be truncated to prevent overlapping IP's or other VC's as required.
OK Apply elevation change
Cancel Do not apply and exit form
Edit by Reference This is an EDIT command.  Before running this command, users must first highlight the IP to edit, then select this command.
At the command prompt, select a location in the drawing to use as a REFERENCE point for elevations to the selected IP.  A graphic line shows the position of the current IP and the mouse location of the reference point.  Click to select the reference point location.
The following form will display:

 
List View of Elevations at the location selected.
  Objects Found Lists Surfaces and Strings located in proximity to the selected point
  Chainage/Station, Offset, Elevation Other columns describe the information type (Ch for chainage/station, Off for offset from alignment, Lev for level/elevation, z for surface elevation).
Users must select an elevation to apply (highlighted with a yellow background)
Select Apply the selected elevation to the x,y position selected.  This sets the Reference Point x,y,z position
Cancel Exit the command without creating a new IP
Set Level Tick on to override the elevation to a user specified value.  Type in a value in the cell provided
Show Tick on to draw text for the elevation of the Reference Point
Zoom to Point Zoom to the selected x,y point
Refresh Refresh enquiry tool and drawing display

Upon clicking Select, the user is prompted ('Pick point on String for new elevation) to graphically locate the location along the string C.L. to create the new IP.  Upon selection the following form displays:

 
Chainage/Station Confirm the location along the string to create the new IP.  Overtype as required
OK Proceed to next step
Cancel Cancel the command


 
Grade 1: or % Slope Toggle to select the method for setting the final elevation of the IP.  Input the value required (note: a Grade of 1:0 is not allowed)
OK Update the IP elevations
Cancel Cancel the command
Increment Chainages Increments all Chainages/Stations/Distances for highlighted rows.  Type in an increment and the selected IP's will be shifted by the set amount.
A warning message will display if the shift will result in IP's overlapping any vertical curves or other IP's and the edit will not be applied.

 
Input Type in an increment (+ or -) to adjust the chainage/station of the highlighted IP's.
OK Apply increment to chianages/stations.
Cancel Do not apply and exit form
Zoom IP Zooms to the selected IP in the drawing
Zoom All Zooms to the extents of the grading string
Fix VC This will increase the size of all vertical curves to achieve the minimum sight distance requirement, where the current vertical curve length is inadequate. 
Speed Tables Opens the Speed Table form to establish sight distance criteria to check.

Special Note: Once speed based design criteria have been applied, any non-compliant vertical curves will be drawn in RED in the graphical area
Auto Update If ticked on, the Vertical Grading Editor and associated surface/s will update as changes are applied in the grid view.
If unticked, making a change in the grid editor will display this button .  Click to update models.
    Editing Panel  
     Automate Vertical Design This command provides access to a variety of calculation methods to generate a vertical grading for the current CSD Object open in the Vertical Grading Editor.

As VC Methods are applied they are added to the list.  The Vertical Grading controls are applied in order, from the top to bottom of the list.  The list can be reordered using the up/down arrows on the right.
 
File Menu Command buttons enable the user to select the method desired for setting the vertical grading
  Import CSD Vertical Design The Import VC command allows the designer to import a vertical grading design to file. The file structure matches what is created when Export VC is used. It would be usual to use Export VC to create an exported vertical curve file, edit in a program such as Notedpad, then use this command to import the changed vertical design back in.

  Export CSD Vertical Design The Export VC command allows the designer to export a vertical grading design to file. The file exported can be opened in a program such as Notepad to be edited. A window will display to select a save location and a name for the export file.
  Calculate centreline elevations using the following methods
  Reference Surface This method allows the designer to create IP's at sampled sections (over a specified chainage range) and match the elevations of these IP's to a specified surface model. If the Use Fitting option is checked, the software will filter out the calculated IP's and smooth the design by inserting vertical curves. This option can also be used to add a level adjustment. For example, the designer might opt to match all levels to an existing surface and then raise this design by 50mm.

 
Start Chainage Apply from start chainage
End Chainage Apply to end chainage
Surface Pick list for surface to extract levels from
Use Fitting Toggle this on to 'smooth' out the design.  The software will apply a cut and fill factor to create an envelope of levels, then fit IP's so the tangents do not pass outside the envelope.
Cut Factor Allows for this amount of cut against the sampled surface before inserting a new IP
Fill Factor Allows for this amount of fill against the sampled surface before inserting a new IP
Min. Vertical Curve Length Sets the minimum desired vertical curve length
Sag K Factor Vertical curve lengths will be set from this K factor in sag situations, where possible
Crest K Factor Vertical curve lengths will be set from this K factor in crest situations, where possible
Level Adjustment Lifts/lowers the outputted fitted vertical grading
Active Untick to disable the entry
OK Apply and exit.
Cancel Exit the form without changing any data.
  Reference Point This method will create IP's at each sampled section based on selecting a Reference Point and slope projection to the current Vertical Grading.  This is the most versatile option for establishing levels based on existing or design data.

There are three Steps in the process:

  1. Define the Reference Point: The Reference Point is used as a reference for levels and offsets to the current Vertical Grading.  Designers select to extract levels from either the Design surface or the Sampled Surface, then select the method to determine the offsets.  Offset and levels provide the Reference Point
  2. Project Slopes from the Reference Point to the Current String: Designers are able to have the software calculate slopes from the Reference Point to the current Vertical Grading based on a variety of different methods
  3. Apply Slope and Level Adjustments: Users can elect to add a height adjustment to the calculated levels and/or use the reverse of the calculated slopes obtained from Step 2

The calculations of the Reference Point and Projected Slopes is made at EACH sampled section and an IP level established (with an optional height adjustment).

The image on the right side of the form adjusts to highlight relevant inputs based on the mouse hover location on the form.

Details of the Form and the steps are as follows:

 

Step 1 - Define the Reference Point
Surfaces Obtain Levels for Reference Point and Slope from - options are to use the Sampled Surface or Design
  From Sampled Surface Toggle - Levels are read from the Sampled surface in calculating the reference point and slopes (pending slope option used).  Form display is as follows:

  From Design Surface Toggle - Levels are read from either a design String or Code in calculating the reference point and slopes (pending slope option used).  Form display is as follows:

Reference Point Position Sets the offset at which to calculate the Reference Point - elevation is then calculated from the sampled or design surface, based on selected toggle option
   Reference String Use the pick list to select the Reference String.  Behaviour is as follows:
- From Sampled Surfaces selected.  This sets the new IP locations (by chainage/station) on the current string CL.  It would be usual to select the current design C.L. string.
- Drom Design String selected.  This sets the design surface from which to extract elevations (as well as setting the new IP locations (by chainage/station) ont the current string C.L.).
  From Alignment Select an alignment for the offset location of the Reference Point.
Only available if From Sampled Surfaces is selected.
  From Design Code Select a Code for from the Reference String to use for the offset location of the Reference Point.
Only available if From Design String is selected.
  Offset Reference Point User can 'shuffle' the Reference Point offset using this option - type in the required value (-ve for Left and +ve for Right)
  Maximum Offset Set a maximum offset to search for the Reference Point, measured from the alignment/string centreline

 

Step 2 - Project Slopes from the Reference Point to the Current String
Slope Selection Toggles to select the method of calculating the slope projections from the Reference Point.  The form display provides different inputs depending on the toggle option selected.
   Constant Allows for the specification of a single crossfall to apply from the Reference Point to obtain levels.

Hover over the Constant option to review the behaviour.

User input is as follows:

Constant Type in the % slope project required
  Single Point Calculates the Slope at a selected offset and uses the calculated slope to obtain levels.

Hover over the Constant option to review the behaviour.

User input is as follows:

  Slope Point 1 - Obtain Offset/Slope from: Use the Toggle to select the required method
Alignment Use the pick list to select an alignment to determine the offset location to calculate the slope
Offset Behaviour is subject ot the Surfaces option selected:
- From Sampled Surface selected. Type in a fixed offset from the string C.L. Alignment.  Convention is -ve left of the C.L. and +ve right of the C.L.
- From Design String selected. Type in a fixed offset from the Reference String.  Convention is -ve left of the C.L. and +ve right of the C.L.
  2 Points Calculates the Slope between two selected offsets and uses the calculated slope between the two points to obtain levels.

Hover over the Constant option to review the behaviour.

The average slope is calculated between the offset/level found for the two Slope Points and is then applied.

User input is as follows:

  Slope Point 1 - Obtain Offset/Slope from: This records the first offset value and then sets the level based on the Sampled Surface or Design Surface.  Use the Toggle to select the required method
Alignment Use the pick list to select an alignment to determine the offset location
Offset Behaviour is subject ot the Surfaces option selected:
- From Sampled Surface selected. Type in a fixed offset from the string C.L. Alignment.  Convention is -ve left of the C.L. and +ve right of the C.L.
- From Design String selected. Type in a fixed offset from the Reference String.  Convention is -ve left of the C.L. and +ve right of the C.L.
   
  Slope Point 2 - Obtain Offset from: This records the second offset value and then sets the level based on the Sampled Surface or Design Surface.  Use the Toggle to select the required method
Alignment Use the pick list to select an alignment to determine the offset location
Offset Behaviour is subject ot the Surfaces option selected:
- From Sampled Surface selected. Type in a fixed offset from the string C.L. Alignment.  Convention is -ve left of the C.L. and +ve right of the C.L.
- From Design String selected. Type in a fixed offset from the Reference String.  Convention is -ve left of the C.L. and +ve right of the C.L.
  Use Table User is able to set crossfall values in a table - the software applies the selected crossfalls based on chainage and crossfall entries in the table.  Interpolation occurs between the crossfall entries in the table.

Hover over the Constant option to review the behaviour.

User input is as follows:

  Table: inputs are as follows
Chainage Type in a chainage
Specified Crossfall % Type in a crossfall value
  Note: the software will interpolate crossfall values between the chainages in the table
Sort Sorts the chainage values in the table from lowest to highest, using the Start Chainage column.

 

Step 3 - Apply Slope and Level Adjustments
Adjustments Raise/lower the calculated elevation or reverse slope for calculation
  Height Adjustment Toggle ON if a height adjustment should be added to the calculated levels.

Type in a value to raise/lower (+ raises the IP's) the calculated levels.
  Reverse Slope Toggle ON to reverse the calculated/defined slope values and apply this to determine the calculated levels.
 Chainage Range  
  Start Chainage Apply from start chainage
  End Chainage Apply to end chainage
Active Untick to deactivate (not apply) the control.
OK Apply the inputs and exit the form
Cancel Exit without applying changes
  Reference Civil Points Click on this option to create IPs from Civil Points.  

 

User input is as follows:

Start Chainage Apply from start chainage
End Chainage Apply to end chainage
Point Group Select a Point Group containing Civil Points. 
Grade (%) Using the elevation of the Civil Point, apply the specified Grade to calculate the IP elevation.
Elevation Shift Type in an elevation change to apply to the calculated Civil Point elevation.
Max. Offset Type in a maximum offset (measured perpendicular to the current String) to search for Civil Points to apply.
Active Untick to deactivate (not apply) the control.
OK Apply the inputs and exit the form
  Reference Constraint Click on this option to create IPs at a constraint as defined in the design data form.  Form displays as follows:

 

User input is as follows:

Start Chainage Apply from start chainage
End Chainage Apply to end chainage
Constraint Choose a constraint that has been defined in the Design Constraints section of the Design Data form
Active Untick to deactivate (not apply) the control.
OK Apply the inputs and exit the form
Cancel Exit without applying changes
  Resheet Click on this option to set the road centreline levels to acheive a minimum overlay depth for resheeting.  Form displays as follows:

User input is as follows:

 
Left Side Alignment Select left side alignment
Right Side Alignment Select right side alignment
Minimum Overlay Depth Sets the minimum thickness for overlay
Use Crossfall Tables If ticked command will use the crossfall tables rather than the alignments
Crossfall Table input values for chainage and crossfall to be used to calculate the overlay / resheeting depths
Use Fitting Toggle this on to 'smooth' out the design
Cut Factor Allows for this amount of cut against the sampled surface before inserting a new IP
Fill Factor Allows for this amount of fill against the sampled surface before inserting a new IP
Min. Vertical Curve Length Sets the minimum desired vertical curve length
Sag K Factor Vertical curve lengths will be set from this K factor in sag situations, where possible
Crest K Factor Vertical curve lengths will be set from this K factor in crest situations, where possible
Level Adjustment Lifts/lowers the outputted fitted vertical grading
Start Chainage Apply from start chainage
End Chainage Apply to end chainage
Active Untick to deactivate (not apply) the control.
OK Apply and exit.
Cancel Exit the form without changing any data.
Profile Copies the vertical geometry from another String
  Copy String This method allows the current vertical grading to be created using the vertical grading of an existing string. All the IP's (chainage and level data) on the existing string will be re-created in the current vertical grading.

 
Copy from Select the String/Profile to copy the vertical design from
Start Chainage Apply from start chainage
End Chainage Apply to end chainage
Active Untick to deactivate (not apply) the control.
OK Apply and exit.
Cancel Exit the form without changing any data.
From String Click on this option to copy another String/Profile, with the capacity to adjust the IP levels based on grade or elevation controls. 

This routine was originally envisaged for road reconstruction works, where it was desired to take the design for one side of the road and project it across to the other side.  The copied profile IP's and Vertical Curves are transferred to the current Vertical Grading.

At least one other string must be available in the drawing.

Form display is (be default) as follows:


 

Under the heading Specify the Adjustment Method to Apply During String Copy select one of two calculation methods:

  • Apply Crossfall Adjustments
  • Use Level Difference

The graphic and inputs will adjust depending on the option selected.

User input is as follows:

 
  Apply Crossfall Adjustments: the original profile data is copied across, with the IP levels adjusted based on crossfalls from a selected profile to the current Vertical Grading
Select String to Copy Use the pick list to select the profile to copy data from
Select Road Alignment for CL Use the pick list to select a Road centreline
Crossfall to CL Type in a crossfall to adjust levels of the IP's to the CL
Crossfall to Current String Type in a crossfall from the CL to the current Vertical Grading
Start Chainage Apply from start chainage
End Chainage Apply to end chainage
Active Untick to deactivate (not apply) the control.
OK Apply and exit.
Cancel Exit the form without changing any data.
   
  Use Level Difference: the original profile data is copied across, with the IP levels adjusted by a fixed height change
 
Select String to Copy Use the pick list to select the profile to copy data from
Select Road Alignment for CL Use the pick list to select a Road centreline
Level Adjustment Type in a value to adjust the levels of the IP's copied to the current Vertical Grading
Start Chainage Apply from start chainage
End Chainage Apply to end chainage
Active Untick to deactivate (not apply) the control.
OK Apply the profile copy to the current Vertical Grading
Cancel Exit without applying vertical grading changes
Miscellaneous List of miscellaneous methods for establishing the string elevations
  Fixed Level Click on this option to create IP's at each sampled section and assign them all the same elevation.  Form displays as follows:

User input is as follows:

 
Required Level Type in the desired level
Start Chainage Apply from start chainage
End Chainage Apply to end chainage
Active Untick to deactivate (not apply) the control.
OK Apply and exit.
Cancel Exit the form without changing any data.
 3D Polyline Click on this option to check for a 3D polyline co-incident with the alignment and read the 3D levels into the Vertical Grading.

This is automatic - if a 3D polyline is not found an error message will display 'Unable to locate 3D polyline matching alignment <Alignment Name>'


 
Start Chainage Apply from start chainage
End Chainage Apply to end chainage
Active Untick to deactivate (not apply) the control.
OK Apply and exit.
Cancel Exit the form without changing any data.
  From File

 

 The From File command allows the designer to import a file of vertical geometry points and create IP's and vertical curves from this data. as well as fitting the data during import.
The expected file format is as follows (editable in a text editor) and matches the format of the file used in the Export VC command.  However, this command will allow import of ONLY a file with extension .txt.

<Chainage>,<Elevation>,<Vertical Curve Length> separated by an [Enter] per point.  Save the file with extension .txt.

Example file:
0, 110
60, 95,80
120, 93
[List View] List of each entry used to calculate centreline elevations
  Name Name of entry type
  Data Summary of data inputs
Edit Entry Edits the highlighted entry in the list
Delete Entry Deletes the highlighted entry in the list
Delete All Deletes all entries in the list
Fit Parameters Although some methods, such as the Match to Existing method contain Fitting parameters, this method allows for an overall Fit/Smooth to be applied over a calculated vertical design. A calculated design might consist of a combination of multiple methods and these Fit Parameters can be added as the final method to be applied. Alternatively, this method can only be applied when the Fitting command is used.

 
Start Chainage Apply from start chainage
End Chainage Apply to end chainage
Cut Factor Allows for this amount of cut against the sampled surface before inserting a new IP
Fill Factor Allows for this amount of fill against the sampled surface before inserting a new IP
Min. Vertical Curve Length Sets the minimum desired vertical curve length
Sag K Factor Vertical curve lengths will be set from this K factor in sag situations, where possible
Crest K Factor Vertical curve lengths will be set from this K factor in crest situations, where possible
Level Adjustment Lifts/lowers the outputted fitted vertical grading
OK Apply and exit.
Cancel Exit the form without deleting any data.
    Move Up Moves the selected entry up in the list.
    Move Down Moves the selected entry down in the list.
Information Panel Non-editable information panel describing command inputs as the mouse is hovered over each button.
Calculate Profile Calculate new design IP positions as per the inputs.
Disable Text File Reports A text file is created and displayed,  detailing the calculation results.  Tick this option to disable the text file creation.
'Refresh' button in VGE updated Auto Profile Defaults as ticked on.  When ticked on, clicking on the Sync/Refresh button in the Vertical Grading Editor window will automatically re-apply the Auto Profile actions.
Close Close the form
     Edit IP Numerically edit an IP by selecting it in the drawing.

Upon starting the command the Vertical Grading Editor prompt will display Click on IP to Edit.  Use the mouse pointer to graphically select an IP in the Vertical Grading Design Window.

Note: Except for the title of the form, the design inputs exactly match the Create IP command.  Please refer above for more details on these inputs

     Move IP Anywhere

 Graphically move an IP anywhere within the limits of the constraining vertical curves or other IPs.

Upon starting the command the Vertical Grading Editor prompt will display Click on IP to Move.  Click on or near an IP to select it for relocation.  After selecting an IP it can be moved using the mouse.  Click to store the new IP location.
     Move IP Up/Down by Mouse Graphically move an IP up or down whilst constraining movement along the chainage.

Upon starting the command the Vertical Grading Editor prompt will display Click on IP to Move.  Click on or near an IP to select it for relocation.  After selecting an IP it can be moved using the mouse.  Click to store the new IP location.
     Add to all IP Levels
Enter elevation change Type in the amount to raise/lower all IP's by
OK Exit the form and raise/lower all IP's by the change value
Cancel Exit the form without editing the IP's
     Edit IP's over a range Click here to open and focus on a new Ribbon Tab for editing of a group of IP's in a design:
Region tab Define the region over which to edit IP's.
  Start Chainage Start chainage to define a chainage range for editing IP's.
  End Chainage Start chainage to define a chainage range for editing IP's.
Setup tab Establish what to change and by how much
   Increment Level (Elevation) Tick on to apply a relative elevation change to the group
  Level Increment Type a value for relative elevation change
  Shift Chainage Tick on to apply a lateral move of the group.
  Chainage Shift Type a value for the lateral move
   Override VC Length Tick on to apply a vertical curve length to all IP's in the group
   VC Length Type in a vertical curve length
    Apply Click to apply selected changes to the group.
    Move to IP Reference elevation Click to move the IP elevation to match the surface/constraint referred to in the Home ribbon tab (IP Reference)
    Delete IP Click to delete the highlighted IP.
    Close  Close this ribbon tab.
     Slide IP on Grade Graphically slide an IP along an incoming or outgoing grade.

Upon starting the command the Vertical Grading Editor prompt will display Click on IP to Slide.  Click immediately to the left of an IP to hold the grade left of the IP.  Click immediately to the right of an IP to hold the grade right of the IP.  Use the mouse to set the new position of the IP.  Click to store the new IP location.
     Move IP Left/Right Graphically move a selected IP left/right and constrain any vertical movement.

Upon starting the command the Vertical Grading Editor prompt will display Click on IP to Move. Click on or near an IP to select it and use the mouse to drag the IP left or right to set the new position of the IP. Click to store the new IP location.
     Specify Elevation Edit an IP by setting a Chainage and Level that the design vertical grading must intersect.  The selected IP will be raised/lowered so that the design vertical grading passes through the specified chainage and level. 

Upon starting the command the Vertical Grading Editor prompt will display Select Required IP.  After selecting the IP to edit the following form is displayed:

Chainage Type in the required chainage
Level Type in the level (elevation) required
OK Exit the form and edit the IP level (elevation) so that the design vertical grading passes through the specified chainage and level
Cancel Exit the form without editing the IP
       Fit Vertical Curve/s Between IP's This command is used to insert a either a single vertical curve or a vertical curve pair based on the incoming grade to the first IP and the outgoing grade from the second IP.  The process is the same as is used for designing Kerb Returns and is as follows:
  • The intersection point of the two tangents is checked to see if it falls in the middle half of the distance between the two PVIs.
  • If it does, then a new IP is created at that point with vertical curve length equal to the half distance.

  • If it doesn't, then the two PVIs are deleted and 4 new PVIs are created.  Two at the quarter distance between the two original PVIs with vertical curve lengths of half the distance and two at the ends of the new vertical curves.

    Note: This command will only work if the IPs left and right of the selected location do NOT have vertical curves on them.

 
       Raise/Lower IP by Fixed Amount Move an IP up and down by a user defined increment.

Upon starting the command the Vertical Grading Editor prompt will display Select IP to Raise/Lower.  After selecting the IP the prompt changes to Use Up/Down. Select Drawing to End and a scroll icon appears.  The IP level is then changed by the value shown in the text box each time the scroll Icon is selected.  

As indicated by the prompt, stop the command by clicking the left mouse button in the graphics area.

Special Note: If the option 'Show Volumes' is toggled on in the Display Set Parameters form, then a Volume Summary window will display showing the total earthworks and volumes.  This information will update on movement of the selected IP up or down incrementally.
       Raise/Lower All IP's to achieve Balanced Earthworks
 
Note: Curve correction is always applied to this sectional volume calculation.  Trimming for intersections or other network strings is not accounted for.s
Enter required volume Type in the required volume (cut requires '-')
Use Chainage Range Pick to define a chainage range to balance volumes
  Start Chainage IP  Input start chainage from which IP's can be modified when the calculation is undertaken
  End Chainage IP  Input end chainage to which IP's can be modified when the calculation is undertaken
  Start Chainage Volumes Calc  Input the start chainage from which the volume calculation will start
  End Chainage Volumes Calc  Input the end chainage to which the volume calculation will end
OK Exit the form and raise/lower IP's to achieve the set volume
Cancel Exit the form without editing the IP's
      Enquire Elevation This command is used to query the elevation at a particular chainage. Inputs are as follows:
Enter Chainage Type in the chainage to report the level
OK Exit the form and display the level details at the defined chainage.  Example output as follows:

Cancel Exit the form without editing the IP's
     Undo Undo edits in the current section

     Redo

 Redo edits in the current session
      Refresh/Sync Updates intersection match-in, reapplies the Auto Profile controls (unless disabled) and display on screen, as required.
    Display Panel  
      IP Reference Sets the item to snap to when using the   "Snap IP to 'Snap to' Constraint at Cross Section" or   "Snap IP to 'Snap To' Constraint" options
      Exaggeration Sets the maximum scale exaggeration of the longsection
    Current Exaggeration Displays the current vertical exaggeration applied
    Reset Panel  
    Delete All IP's Deletes all design IP's and reinstates two IP's - one at the start and one at the end, both adopting the elevations of the sampled surface
    Common Panel  
     Open Template Editor Select this button to create/edit a typical cross section template.  Full details in the Create/Edit Section Template form.
     Open Volume Report Click on this icon to generate a report of the volumes.  

The details of this form can be found in the Volumes report command.  The Volumes command interface is exactly the same, except that a third panel is also shown on the left listing all Strings for selection.
     Open Design Data Form Select this button to access the Design Data Form.
     Open Cross Section Viewer Select this button to open an instance of the Cross Section Viewer. The designer will be prompted to select a location in the graphical area to initially load the nearest sampled cross section into the viewer.



  Model Ribbon Tab
    Auto Update Panel  
    Auto Update toggle Toggle on to automatically update models (linework and surfaces) when changes are applied to the string design (or cross sections)
    Update Model If automatic update is unticked, this will udpate the model/s in the drawing following design changes in the Vertical Grading Editor window
     String Surface Click to create an CSD Surface of the CSD Object being graded.  This surface is outputted without regard to any other CSD Object (eg: Road intersections are ignored).

The software applies the Surface Style assigned in the Active Drawing Settings - Modelling Tab.

If the rebuild mode is set to Automatic in the settings, the surface automatically rebuilds as changes are applied through the Vertical Grading Editor.
      Add Sampling Click on this button to add extra sampling (chainages) to the string.

Full details in the Add Extra Sections form.
      Control Surface Display Click to set the display options for the CSD Surface (as well as any other surfaces and model linework).  The full details of this form are described in the Toggle Display command.
      Control Surface Display Click to set the display options for the CSD Surface (as well as any other surfaces and model linework).  The full details of this form are described in the Toggle Display command.
     Rebuild Models Rebuilds all model and redraws the linework.
     Model Builder Opens the Model Builder interface to enable creation of surfaces using any collection of strings/codes.
     Model Viewer Review and analyse the design in a fully rendered 3D environment.  This will open the Model Viewer interface.
  Analyse Ribbon Tab
    Driveway Panel  
Driveway Check Click on this option to check vehicle clearance along a driveway alignment.

User inputs
Vehicle Select a Vehicle Clearance Template from the pulldown menu.
Chainage Increments Sets the sampling frequency for checking clearance along the vertical grading
VC Segments Sets how the vertical curves are managed - select a number of chords to describe the vertical curve.  Recommended value: 10.
Forward Checks vehicle clearance in forward direction.  Calculates and displays the lowest clearance line for the vehicle path on the Vertical Grading window.
Reverse Checks vehicle clearance in reverse direction.  Calculates and displays the lowest clearance line for the vehicle path on the Vertical Grading window.
Vehicle Drawing These options set what will be drawn on the screen of the Vertical Grading Editor.
Draw Nothing Show no vehicles.
Mouse Forward Places forward vehicle template in relation to mouse position on screen
Mouse Reverse Places reverse vehicle template in relation to mouse position on screen
Mouse Forward and Reverse Places forward & reverse vehicle template in relation to mouse position on screen
Draw at Specified Chainages Set the chainage to start drawing the vehicle and the increment at which the next vehicle will be drawn
Clash Positions Sets the clash position to place a vehicle at. Setting this to 2 will place vehicle at clash position 2
OK Apply and exit.
Cancel Exit the form without changing any data.
      Vehicle Forward

      Vehicle Reverse

      Use Mouse

 Toggles display depending on Vehicle Drawing options selected.
    Sight Distance Panel  
     Set Design Criteria Opens the Speed Table form to establish sight distance criteria to check.

Special Note: Once speed based design criteria have been applied, any non-compliant vertical curves will be drawn in RED in the graphical area
    Tools Panel  
   Enquire Pipe Click on a pipe displayed in the Graphical Display area to obtain details on the selected pipe:
      Enquire Elevation This command is used to query the elevation at a particular chainage. Inputs are as follows:
Enter Chainage Type in the chainage to report the level
OK Exit the form and display the level details at the defined chainage.  Example output as follows:

Cancel Exit the form without editing the IP's
  Design Constraints Ribbon Tab
    Design Constraints are a powerful design aid.  They provide the ability to show additional elevation information describing elevations and projections from other features (eg: left edge of road, left batter/daylight, a different string, another surface).  Users can snap design IP's onto these contraint profiles and visually compare them to the current design string elevations.

Find more information about the full range of Design Constraints via the Design Data form help information. Summary information will be provided below.
    Manage Panel  
    Type Select the type of Design Constraint from the picklist:
  • Project Design (Alignment)
    • User picks a design string and an alignment.  Using the horizontal positioning from the alignment, elevations are adopted from the design string surface.  Users can then apply a slope to project elevations from the reference point to the current string.  Slope projections are made perpendicular to the reference alignment.
    Project Design (Code)
    • User picks a design string and a code from the design string.  This sets the reference point elevations.  Users can then apply a slope to project elevations from the reference point to the current string.  Slope projections are made perpendicular to the reference string/code.
  • Project Surface (Alignment)
    • User picks a surface and an alignment.  This sets the reference point elevations.  Users can then apply a slope to project elevations from the reference point to the current string.  Slope projections are made perpendicular to the reference string/code.
  • Show String
    • User picks a string to display and an elevation adjustment.  The elevations from the string are projected directly onto the current string.
  • Show Surface (Alignment)
    • User picks a surface and an alignment.  This sets the reference point elevations and these are projected directly onto the current string.
  • Show Surface (Code)
    • User picks a surface, a design string and then a code.  This sets the reference point elevations and these are projected directly onto the current string.

Inputs are provided relevant to the type of constraint being applied
    List Lists the created design constraints.  Select one to make edits.  Click on the Apply button to apply the changes.
     Create New Constraint

Allows creation of a new constaint using the selected Type.  Users are prompted to name the constraint (required)
     Delete current constraint

Deletes the current Design Constraint shown in the List dropdown.
     Apply This is used to Create and Update design constraints.
     Update Forces a recalculation and update of the design constraint linework.
    Region Panel  
    Start Chainage Start position for the design constraint to display
    End Chainage End position for the design constraint to display
    Reference Panel Users establish the reference position (vertically and horizontally) for the projection.  Inputs here depend on the Type selected.  The horizontal position is firstly established and then elevations are assigned at that position.
All possible options shown:
    Alignment Select the alignment for horizontal position
    String Select the String for design elevations
    Code Select the Code for offset position (elevations adopted from the Code)
    Surface Surface for elevations
    Details Panel Move the location of the reference point position (to simulate kerb drop for example) and apply % grades (where relevant)
    Offset Offset the calculated position horizontally.  Positive moves to the right of the centreline of the current string, and negative values to the left
     Level Adjustment Raise/Lower the calculated position vertically.  Positive is increases the elevation, and negative decreases the elevation.
     Lower Crossfall (%) Only shown for some Types.  Allows a % grade projection from the calculated reference point location to the current string.
     Upper Crossfall (%) Only shown for some Types.  Allows a % grade projection from the calculated reference point location to the current string.
    Display Panel  
     Lower Colour/Colour Colour to draw the 'lower crossfall' projection.  
For Types where projections are not included, this will show as the Colour of the profile.
     Upper Colour Colour to draw the 'upper crossfall' projection.  
For Types where projections are not included, this will not display.
     Upper Crossfall (%) Only shown for some Types.  Allows a % grade projection from the calculated reference point location to the current string.
     Lower Active/Active Tick on to display lower crossfall.
     Upper Active Tick on to display the upper crossfall.
    Search Offset Specify a search distance for the constraint.  Provides control for cases where the alignment/code/string can be viewed twice at a cross section and users want the closest one.
  Survey Ribbon Tab
    Settings Panel  
    Point Groups Select a Point Group to display.  Points and Survey Linework will be displayed for this point group, within the Search Distance specified
     Show Survey Points Tick to display Survey Points in the graphical window.  Point information is projected onto the graphical window.
A marker and text will display for the points.  Text will consist of point property information such as the Point Description and Point Elevation (in brackets).
Points located outside the Search Distance will not be displayed.
     Show Survey Points Tick to display Survey Strings in the graphical window.
Survey Linework will be displayed as straight lines connecting sequential survey points
Note: If Survey Points is unticked, this will display the point markers and the survey strings.  A Survey String segment will only display if both Points connecting the start and end of the survey string are located within the Search Distance.
     Search Distance Type in an offset distance (measured from the String centreline) to display COGO Points.
All Points located outside this offset will not be displayed.
     Update Survey Data Updates the display of points in the selected Point Group and usign the input Search Distance.  Useful if points have been added/edited/deleted with the Vertical Grading Editor window open, or the Search Distance has been changed.
  Settings Ribbon Tab
    Settings Panel  
     Display Settings

The display of profile grades, high/low points, level information and text size can be controlled by the designer.  

Note: These controls are mirrored in the Active Drawing Settings - Vertical Grading tab. 

The controls of the form are graphically outlined below:


Design Aids These settings assist the designer in achieving design compliance
  Crest K Value Type in the required K value for creating crest curves.  At the time of Adding IP's in the Vertical Grading Editor the software will use the specified K factor to indicate a suitable vertical curve length to achieve the K factor required for crest curves.
  Sag K Value Type in the required K value for creating sag curves.  At the time of Adding IP's in the Vertical Grading Editor the software will use the specified K factor to indicate a suitable vertical curve length to achieve the K factor required for sag curves.
  Maximum Grade for Warning (%) Type in a desirable maximum grade (%).  If the incoming or outgoing grade from a IP exceeds the maximum the grade indicator will change colour.
  Minimum Grade for Warning (%) Type in a desirable minimum grade (%).  If the incoming or outgoing grade from a IP is less than the minimum the grade indicator will change colour.
Items to Display Set what textual and other graphical information is displayed in the Vertical Grading Editor Design Window.  Some of the relationships are shown, above
  Show Chainages Tick on to show the Chainage values in the Vertical Grading Editor window.  This will show the alignment chainages by default - if another road has been used for chainages (Use Other Road Chainages command), the other road chainages will display here.
  Show Design Levels Tick on to show the Design Levels (Elevations) of the long section in the Vertical Grading Editor window
  Show Level Differences Tick on to show the Level Difference between the Design Level of the vertical grading and the Sampled Surface in the Vertical Grading Editor window
  Show Existing Levels Tick on to show the Existing (Sampled) Surface Levels in the Vertical Grading Editor window
  Show High/Low Pt's Tick on to highlight the location of the high/low points in the Vertical Grading Editor window (small circle located along the design grading)
  Show Grades Tick on to textually display the grades either side of the IP's and the Vertical Curve Lengths in the Vertical Grading Editor window
  Show Volumes No longer operational.  Previously controlled whether volume summary displayed when using the up/down by increment command in the old command interface.
  Show Envelopes No longer operational.  Previously controlled whether design constraints displayed after adding them in the Design Data Form.
  Show Align. Chainages Tick on to display the chainages of the current alignment (this feature is only enabled subject to settings established via the  Use Other Road Chainages command).  
It is often useful to evaluate the levels of the current String in relation to another Road alignment.
  Show Text XSect Not used.
  Use Resheet For Level Diff. Tick on to display the difference between the Design Levels and applied Resheet Levels.
Note: This feature is only applied after a Resheet has been applied to the Road - see below for more information on applying a resheet to the design.
  Show Pipes Tick on to display Pipes designed using Civil Site Design on the Vertical Grading Editor window.  Perpendicular pipes will be shown as a crossing pipe - all other pipes are shown superimposed in full.
  Pipe Band Width Type in a value to set the search offset (relative to the current String being graded) to locate and display Pipes
  Text Height (pixels) for Grades Change the pixel size for grade text shown at the top of the Vertical Grading Editor (if displayed).  Minimum is 8 pixels.
  Text Height (pixels) for Chainages and Levels Change the pixel size for grade text shown along the bottom of the Vertical Grading Editor (vertical text, if displayed).  Minimum is 8 pixels.
  % of Display Reserved for Text This is the percentage of space 'reserved' for text display at the bottom of the form - the vertical grading minimum level will extend down to this display percentage.
Grid Settings Opens the Grid Settings form to control the defualts for grid and crosshair display:

Grid Tick on to have the Grid display by default when the Vertical Grading Editor Window opens
  X Spacing Type in an x offset for vertical grid lines
  Y Spacing Type in a y offset for horizontal grid lines
  Grid Colour Pick the colour of grid lines
  Grid Size Type in the total grid size (this is oriented about the CL point).  Be sure set a reasonable value to cover the cross section window
  Text Size Type in a text size
  Text Colour Pick a colour for the text
  Show Chainage Text Display text for the chainage (vertical) grid lines
  Show Level Text Display text for the elevation (horizontal) grid lines
Crosshair Tick on to have the crosshairs display by default when the Vertical Grading Editor Window opens
   Size Size of the crosshair in pixels
Reset Defaults Reset to default values
OK Save and exit
Cancel Exit without applying
Apply and Exit Apply and exit.
Cancel Exit the form without adjusting the display.
VGE Customise Display This command allows the designer to customise the display of the Vertical Grading Editor (VGE). Here, the designer can edit the size of text displayed and assign colours to text and other items, such as the VGE background colour.

 

The Set Vertical Grading Editor Window Colours command has further information on this form.
  Information Display Area (bottom)
   
Video Link Click to display Youtube videos related to the Vertical Grading Editor
Minimise View Click to minimise the Ribbon to display only icons for the Home tab.  Click again to restore full ribbon display
Save Save the design
Command Prompt Describes the command details and gives instruction on executing a command in the VGE.
Grid on/off Turn on/off the display of a Grid on the graphical display window
Crosshairs on/off Change the mouse position from a picker icon to crosshairs
Command Prompt Describes the command details and gives instruction on executing a command in the VGE.
Command Prompt Describes the command details and gives instruction on executing a command in the VGE.
IP, Ch and RL Displays the IP number (1 on left incrementing to the right), chainage and RL of IP closest to mouse position
Incoming Grade Displays the incoming grade to the IP.  Box will highlight blue if outside desirable limits as described in the Settings. 
Outgoing Grade Displays the outgoing grade from the IP.  Box will highlight blue if outside desirable limits as described in the Settings. 
Ch, Level Displays the chainage and level of the mouse position in the VGE window.
Zoom In Zooms in by 25%
Zoom Out Zooms out by 25%
Zoom Window Pick a left and right extents to zoom to those extents
Zoom Extents Zooms to the start/end extents of the String
Pan Pick a point to pan from a point to pan to.
Toggle On/Off Fast Mode Enable/disable the Auto Update toggle in the Vertical Grading Editor.  When 'Fast Mode' is toggled on, editing in the Vertical Grading Editor will not automatically update all models
Rebuild Model Uupdate all Models (and Surfaces) affected by edits made in the Vertical Grading Editor window

 

 

 

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