Section Views
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Section Views


Icon:    		    
Menu:   Roads > Section Views > Section Views
Ribbon:   Roads Tab > Plan Production Panel > Section Views Dropdown > Cross Section Plots

Introduction

The Treeview means that adding and editing entries in the section form is all achieved on the single screen. All items can be edited with a double click, whilst more mouse functionality has been incorporated with edit, delete & copy being available on the right click.

Entry items have been categorised for ease of use, making it easier to find and add items to the sections.

1.    All settings are now found at the top of the form, the user can choose to apply extra settings where appropriate, these include varying the section widths to removing the band heading borders.

 2.    All standard bands (typically used on sections) are available from the new pulldown at the bottom of the form. Less frequently used bands, such as codes & tagged objects are available in the Other Bands pulldown.

 3.    Any annotation or objects that are to be shown above the datum line are added from this new section of the form.

The Hyperlinks below can be used to jump to the relevant group of interest.

FORM CONTROLS    |    SETTINGS    |    ADD BANDS AND PRE-SET BANDS    |    OTHER BANDS    |    ANNOTATIONS
 

Upon starting the command a new layout tab is created named Section Preview, and a preview of the output section sheets is displayed in that layout.  The sections in that layout are updated as the section plot output is edited.  Each sheet can subsequently be output to individual layouts, or each sheet can be output to individual files.

General Process

  1. On starting the section plot command the Designer is requested to "Select Alignment or Press Enter to Select from a List:".  So either select a Road Object in the drawing or if you press [Enter] a list box is displayed for selection of a String to plot.  Select a string and click OK, or Cancel to exit.  A Selection panel enables filtering of the list to particular types of Strings.
  2. Following selection of a String the user will be prompted to select the sections to include in the section plot.  Options include using the Selected Sections list or all Sections.  Users can edit the Selected Sections list and will see a form and interface matching the Select Sections to Plot command.  The Selected Sections can be overridden by applying a Station (Station) list.
  3. Following this, the Cross Section Plotting form will display.  Details are below.

Dynamics During Editing

When the Cross Section Plot window is displayed, any edits made to the vertical grading of the string, or other edits that trigger a rebuild of the model, will result in an immediate update of the sections presented in the Plotting Preview layout tab.

Navigation


Right Click functionality has be added to provide access to a number of tools. Double clicking has also been added to provide quick access item edits.

  
 
Right Click Selection  
Edit Select this option to edit the entry
Update Select this option to update the entry
 
Edit Select this option to edit the entry
Delete Select this option to delete the entry
Copy Select this option to copy the entry
Update Select this option to update the entry
 

About Adding Bands

For USA style plotting, it is usual to provide label annotations directly on the section view and not in a band/row above/below the section view window.

Bands can be included in the section views - they will be attached to the border of the section view window, top or bottom.  It is up to the user to limit the horizontal grid labels to bottom or top to avoid overlap with the bands.

Details

 

Cross Section Plotting - General

The section plotting provides a great deal of flexibility in displaying section data. The section plotting process can create a series of Layout tabs within the current drawing. Alternatively the process can create a series of separate drawing files which can be plotted or used as a external reference file (XREF).

Using the Plot Controls 

 
Plot Range Controls  
Start Pick the start station to plot
End Pick the end station to plot
Keep Range Keep the range of stations between the start and end station
Plot with Start/End Use the start and end values for the output profile view
Sheet Pick which sheet to view
Station Select which station to view in the preview
Plot All Sheets Pick tickbox to plot all sheets otherwise the form will plot selected sheet
Load/Save Plot Style This allows the user to save the current plotting setup as style that can be later loaded for use on other jobs.
Save a copy (style set) of the current output settings.  Note: All plot style settings are saved in the 'common' folder where configuration files are stored - click here for more information regarding storage of configuration files.
Load a saved plot style set from the Save Style command.
Global/Local Update  
Changes made to this form will set the defaults for all new projects only
Changes made to this form will set the defaults for the current project only
  When to Update 
Vertical Grading Update  Any changes made in the Vertical Grading Editor (VGE) will automatically update the plotted section layouts / files
Plot Form Closing  Any changes made in the Cross Section plot form will automatically update the plotted sectionsn layouts / files  
From this form  Any changes made in the Global/Local update form will automatically update the plotted sections layouts / files
What to Update 
Layout  Changes that are made to the above forms will automatically update the plotted section layouts
Files  Changes that are made to the above forms will automatically update the plotted section files 
Overrides 
  Select to update all plotted section layouts / files in the current drawing 
  Select to set all roads to use the defaults in this form
  Click ok to confirm changes made in the form
  Click cancel to dismiss changes made in the form
Chainage (Station) List Apply a named list to manage the section views that are displayed.
  Chainage (Station) List
 Use the pick list to select a Chainage (Station) list - if a list is selected, the sections that are presented will be controlled by the named list instead of the Selected Sections.
The form is shown, below:

For information on creating and editing Chainage (Station) lists, see the Section Manager command.
  Edit List  Select the icon to edit the selected Chainage (Station) list.
Display Update Status  

Any updates made to the section plotting form will not update the preview state of the sections. Selecting Update Display will update the preview.
Any updates made to the section plotting form will automatically update the preview state of the sections.
Plotting Options  
This button will output the plot sheets into separate Layout tabs within the current drawing.
This button will output the plot sheets as separate drawing files.  
By default, files will be generated in the same directory as the drawing file in the folder /'[drawing file name]-Data'/AdvRoads-10/Xsects unless set to a different location in the Layout Format settings form.
Exit this command without Plotting.
  Help Open the Help file and display this information.

SETTINGS, BAND AND ANNOTATION CONTROLS

Data has been grouped into settings, band and annotation controls.  All options are listed below in the relevant groups.  Use the Hyperlinks below to jump to the relevant group of interest.

SETTINGS    |    ADD BANDS AND PRE SET BANDS    |    OTHER BANDS    |    ANNOTATIONS

 

Settings 

 

Basic Settings

Scales and Layout
 

 
  Horiz Scale 1: Input the horizontal scale of the sections 
  Vertical Scale 1: Input the vertical scale of the sections
  Title Block Select title block to use. Title Blocks should be stored in the following folder: C:\ProgramData\CSS\ARD\Common\common-10 Click here to view help on Title Blocks
  Title Block Layer Select the layer for the Title Block
  Row Clearance This is the height between each sections row. The value is in plotted millimetres/inches.
  Column Spacing Spacing between columns of section data. BAND HEADINGS ARE IGNORED. The value is in plotted millimetres/inches.
  Left Margin Set the offset from the left edge of the plotting area to the start of the plotting.BAND HEADINGS ARE IGNORED. The value is in plotted millimetres/inches.
  Right Margin Set the minimum offset from the right edge of the plotting area to the end of the plotting.  If this distance is exceeded the program will start additional tabs/drawings as required.  The value is in plotted millimetres/inches.
  Bottom Margin Set the offset from the bottom edge of the plotting area to the start of the plotting.  The value is in plotted millimetres/inches.
  Top Margin Set the minimum offset from the top edge of the plotting area to the start of the plotting.  The value is in plotted millimetres/inches.
Default Band Height Specify the default band height.
Datum and Specification
 
  Datum Selection
Lowest Point
NS C.L.
Design C.L.
  Position  Not used
  Text Justification Not used
  Text X Offset Not used
   Text Y Offset Not used
  Rounding Not used
  Minimum Distance  Not used
  Fixed Datum Pick tickbox to confirm a fixed datum for all sections
  Cranking Distance 1 Changes the value of the high crank. Value must need exceed the minimum distance.

(Not applied)
  Cranking Distance 2 Changes the value of the low crank. Value must be less than Cranking Distance 1.

(Not applied)
   
Datum/Drawing
 
   Text Layer From the drop list provided, select the Text layer to be used.
   Text Style  From the drop list provided, select the Text style to be used.
   Text Height Enter the Height (in mm) for the text size.
   Prefix Enter a prefix for the text in the data band.
  Suffix Enter a suffix for the text in the data band.
   Decimal Places From the drop list provided, select the number of decimals for the text.
  Remove Trailing Zeros Select tickbox to remove plotting trailing zeroes. ie. RL 447.000 = RL 447
  Remove Trailing Decimal Select tickbox to remove plotting trailing decimals. ie. RL 447. = RL 447
Widths & Text

The functional buttons available from all Tabs are described below:
 Symmetric Ticking the box will allow the user to have the same distance of section either side of zero:
 
  Left Text This distance is the extend of the displayed text on the section to the left of zero
  Right Text This distance is the extend of the displayed text on the section to the right of zero
  Left Lines This distance is the extend of the displayed linework on the section to the left of zero
  Right Lines This distance is the extend of the displayed linework on the section to the right of zero.
Linework and Text Settings
   Basic Linework Layer Select the layer for the linework
Offset for Start/End of Text from a Line (D) Enter a value to define where the band text is positioned vertically from the top band line (Default is 1)
Offset for Top/Bottom of Text Above/Below Line (D) Enter a value to define where the band text is positioned horizontally from the offset line (Default is 1)
   Basic Linework Layer Setting these values will automatically populate the bands that are added to the sections
Heading Layer Enter a value to define the default Heading text layer
Heading Text Style Enter a value to define the default Heading text style
Heading Text Height Enter a value to define the default Heading text height
Text Layer Enter a value to define the default Band text layer
Text Style Enter a value to define the default Band text style
Text Height / Decimals Enter a value to define the default Band text height & default decimal places
Line Layer Enter a value to define the default Linework layer
H Axis - manages the horizontal axes labels and grid    

 

      
 Offsets and Text Location Show grid labels top and or bottom of the grid    
Major Grid Details    
  Interval Set the major grid interval    
  Line Layer layer for the grid lines    
  Tick size length of tick lines that extend outwards from the edge of the view frame    
  Tick Layer layer for tick lines    
  Text Height  height of text    
  Decimals Number of decimals to display    
  Text Layer layer to draw the text on at each grid    
  Rotation Text rotation - use pick list    
  Text style select a text style    
  x offset x offset from insertion point    
  y offset y offset from insertion point    
Minor Grid Details    
  Interval Set the minor grid interval    
  Line Layer layer for the grid lines    
  Tick size length of tick lines that extend outwards from the edge of the view frame    
  Tick Layer layer for tick lines    
  Text Height  height of text    
  Decimals Number of decimals to display    
  Text Layer layer to draw the text on at each grid    
  Rotation Text rotation - use pick list    
  Text style select a text style    
  x offset x offset from insertion point    
  y offset y offset from insertion point    
V Axis - manages the vertical axes labels and grid    

 

    
Major Grid Details    
  Interval Set the major grid interval    
  Line Layer layer for the grid lines    
  Tick size length of tick lines that extend outwards from the edge of the view frame    
  Tick Layer layer for tick lines    
  Text Height  height of text    
  Decimals Number of decimals to display    
  Text Layer layer to draw the text on at each grid    
  Rotation Text rotation - use pick list    
  Text style select a text style    
  x offset x offset from insertion point    
  y offset y offset from insertion point    
Minor Grid Details    
  Interval Set the minor grid interval    
  Line Layer layer for the grid lines    
  Tick size length of tick lines that extend outwards from the edge of the view frame    
  Tick Layer layer for tick lines    
  Text Height  height of text    
  Decimals Number of decimals to display    
  Text Layer layer to draw the text on at each grid    
  Rotation Text rotation - use pick list    
  Text style select a text style    
  x offset x offset from insertion point    
  y offset y offset from insertion point    
Grid    

 

    
Grid Clipping    
   Horizontal The horizontal lines can be clipped to the existing or highest section.  Optionally omit the grid display in padded regions    
   Vertical The vertical lines can be clipped to the existing or highest section.  Optionally omit the grid display in padded regions    
 Grid Padding Add a padding value    
    Above Highest Elevation enter a value    
    Below lowest elevation enter a value    
   To left enter a value    
   To right enter a value    
 Grid Border Adds and offset between the grid and the border of the profile view    
    Above Highest Elevation enter a value    
    Below lowest elevation enter a value    
   To left enter a value    
   To right enter a value    
Station Label
   Prefix Enter a Prefix for the text in the data band.
   Suffix Enter a Suffix for the text in the data band.
   Decimal Places From the drop list provided, select the number of decimals for the text.
   Trailing Zeroes Select tickbox to remove plotting trailing zeroes. ie. CH 150.000 = CH 150
   Trailing Decimal Select tickbox to remove plotting trailing decimals. ie. CH 150. = CH 150
   Km or Metres A tick box is provided.  Recommended to tick ON for a Model and OFF for a surface (unless it is desired to show all grade breaks of the surface in the bands/rows).
   Position From the drop list provided, select the text position under the section
   X Offset Enter a X Offset (in mm) for the text from the Position
   Y Offset Enter a Y Offset (in mm) for the text from the Position
  Text Layer From the drop list provided, select the Text layer to be used.
   Text Style From the drop list provided, select the Text style to be used.
   Text Height Enter the Height (in mm) for the text size.
   Box Around Label Select tickbox to add a box border around the text
   Box Offset Enter the Height (in mm) for the text size.
   Line Layer From the drop list provided, select the Box linework layer to be used.

 

Extra Settings

Layout Naming

This form controls how the layout tabs are named during plotting
   Plot to Layout - Name Controls  
   Prefix Enter a Prefix for the text in the layout.
   Add Road Name Select tickbox to include the road name in the layout name
   Suffix Enter a Suffix for the text in the layout.
   Start Number for Sheet  Enter a number to define the start sheet number for the plots
   No. Digits for Sheet Number From the drop list provided, select the number of digits for the layout number
   Layout Name Setting
Use Settings Select this option to always use the settings in the form when plotting
Prompt to change settings Select this option to always be prompted with this form when plotting
   File Output  
   Use Layout Name for Files Select tickbox to use the layout naming for the file name
   Folder for Files Select Pick to choose where the Plot to File is saved. If left empty / default is the drawing -data folder.

 

Formatting

   No Bands Select tickbox to remove bands from the sections
   Omit Heading Borders Select tickbox to remove the heading borders
   Sample Line Under Headings Select tickbox to include a sample line underneath the headings text
   Overlaps  
  Enable Overlaps Select tickbox to enable overlaps
  Minimum Left Value  Enter a value (mm) for the left offset
  Maximum Right Offset Enter a value (mm) for the right offset
  Maximum Overlap  Enter a value (mm) for the maximum offset
   Plot Direction  
  Reverse Station Order in Columns Select tickbox to reverse the order of sections on the sheet
   Reversed Plot Method
Align Bottom Base All sections are aligned at the bottom of the sheet using the bases on the sections
Top Row - Highest Points Align All sections are aligned at the top of the sheet using the highest points on the sections
Top Row - Bases Align All sections are aligned at the top of the sheet using the bases on the sections
Legacy Formats  
    From the drop list provided, select the legacy plotting styles. Rural & QLD Rural.
Both of these apply default formatting which includes removal of all bands from the section display.
When applied, the Design and Existing band items in the list of items control the display of the text for design and existing elevations.
   Use all offsets Select this option to use all offsets
   Design Offsets only Select this option to use all design offsets
    Existing Offsets only Select this option to use all existing offsets

 

Headings Label


Controls the heading text & linework for all the bands
  Show Headings on all Sections  Select tickbox to enable headings on all sections
Heading Controls  
  Frame Length (mm), 0 for Default Enter a value (mm) to specify the heading box width
   Offset from Frame (mm) Enter a value (mm) for the text to be offset from the box
   Text Justification in Heading Box
Left Justify Text Select to justify text to the left side of the heading box
Centre Text Select to justify text to the centre of the heading box
Right Justify Text Select to justify text to the right side of the heading box
Heading Override Enter a value (mm) for the maximum offset
  Enable Overlaps Select to justify the band heading text from the centre of the box.
  Minimum Left Value  Select to justify the band heading text from the right of the box.
  Maximum Right Offset Enter length (in mm) of the headings box. Default is 0.

 

Vertical Line

This control draws a vertical line at the alignment control line.
  Distance from Top of Frame Enter the distance to stop the line from the top of the Frame, in millimetres/inches.
  Distance from Bottom of Frame Enter the distance to start the line from the bottom of the Frame, in millimetres/inches.
  Layer Select the layer for the line to be drawn on, from the drop list provided.

 

Volume Surfaces

This control is used to display Check lines for volume calculations, either to the Design or Datum surface for Pavement and either Design with Datum and Stripping for Bulk Earthworks.  These lines can then be used to check the areas at each section and perform a manual check on volume calculations.
  Pavement Calculations This will draw lines to the limits of the pavement extents to check pavement volumes.
    Design A tick box is provided. Placing a tick means the item is active and will be plotted. Leaving the box empty, means that this will not be plotted.
    Layer Select the layer for the line to be drawn on, from the drop list provided.
    Datum Surface A tick box is provided. Placing a tick means the item is active and will be plotted. Leaving the box empty, means that this will not be plotted.
    Layer Select the layer for the line to be drawn on, from the drop list provided.
  Bulk Earthworks Calculations This will draw lines to the earthworks limits and can include the stripped surface to check earthworks volumes.
    Design Surface with Datum A tick box is provided. Placing a tick means the item is active and will be plotted. Leaving the box empty, means that this will not be plotted.
    Layer Select the layer for the line to be drawn on, from the drop list provided.
    Stripping Surface A tick box is provided. Placing a tick means the item is active and will be plotted. Leaving the box empty, means that this will not be plotted.
    Layer Select the layer for the line to be drawn on, from the drop list provided.

 

Section Widths

This control allows the width of the plotted section to vary depending of the variable selected, for both linework and text, independent of what is set on the General Tab.
Linework Options are provided so that the Left and Right sides can be controlled independently.
  Fixed Width Set on General Tab Select this Toggle and the width will be set to match that on the General Tab.
  Alignment Select this Toggle and then an Alignment from the drop down list provided to control the width of the section. Note: The required alignments need to exist.
  Batters Plus Offset of Select this Toggle and then enter a distance (in metres) in the box provided to add to the batter intersection point offset.
Text Options are provided so that the Left and Right sides can be controlled independently.
  Fixed Width Set on General Tab Select this Toggle and the width will be set to match that on the General Tab.
  Alignment Select this Toggle and then an Alignment from the drop down list provided to control the width of the section. Note: The required alignments need to exist.
  Batters Plus Offset of Select this Toggle and then enter a distance (in metres) in the box provided to add to the batter intersection point offset.

 

Title Information

This command opens the above form where the Designer can add Title Information.
Text Items  
  Line Number Choose the line number to assign the text content
  Item Choose which item to display on the line:
- Heading
- Spacing
- Horizontal Scale
- Vertical Scale
- Road Name
  Prefix (Spacing) Input a prefix for the start of the text content
  Suffix Input a prefix for the end of the text content
  Decimals Select the decimals be place with any numeric values
  Omit Tick this box to omit the line from the overall title information
Text Settings  
  Line Number Preset value representing each line of the title (not editable)
  Layer Select a layer for the text on the line
  Text Style  Select a style for the text on the line
  Text Height Input a text height
Text Positioning  
  Location Choose which item to position the title information under the section
- Left
- Right
- Centre
  Distance below Plot Enter a value to define how far the Line 1 will be positioned underneath the section
  Default Line Spacing Enter a value to define the spacing between each title line
  X Offset Enter a value to move the title text on the X axis underneath the section

 

BAND AND ANNOTATION CONTROLS

Select the band and annotation controls of interest to jump to that location.

ADD BANDS AND PRE SET BANDS    |    OTHER BANDS    |    ANNOTATIONS

 

Add Bands and Pre-Set Bands

The Add Band command button allows users to create a band by firstly selecting the Data Source to use in the band: this could be the design string elevations, design codes, existing surface elevations, height difference, offset or other source.  Following this, users establish the heading controls, band text details, offset controls and any labelling (as relevant) on the sections.

This is a fully confgurable band.

The Pre Set Bands automate the assignment of a Data Source by selecting a particular type of band - additionally some other items may be disabled in the form as they are not applicable to that band.

For this help, we will be covering the Add Band command and explaining configuration required for certain Source Data selected in the band.

Add Band

Add Band


OVERALL CONTROLS
Control Tabs The tabs along the top of the form provide user control over the data being applied and how it is displayed
Apply Whenever the form is edited, the Apply button can be used to update the Section Sheet display without closing the form
OK Save and apply changes
Cancel Cancel
BASIC SETTINGS TAB  
Data Source Select what data to use in the bands and presented (where applicable) as section lines.  Some bands require configuration.
  Standard Standard bands typically do not need to be configured.  Any items in square brackets, [ ], represent data created or managed by the software.  Other items in the list allow inclusion of named surfaces.  Options are as listed below:
[Offsets] Select this to display offset values
Note: The Offsets band reports offset information at offsets as defined by the selected Offset Group only.
[Existing] Includes offsets and displays information for the Sampled Surface (as defined by the String)
[Design] Includes offsets and displays information for the Design String sections.  The offset locations are defined by the applied Template codes and whether they are set a Plot Codes.  Normally used to show elevations.
[Blank] Includes a blank band - offset information is from other bands
[Codes] Includes offsets and displays information for the Design String Codes - normally the code names.  The offset locations are defined by the applied Template codes and whether they are set a Plot Codes.  Normally used to show elevations.  The Code names can be configured by clicking on the Set Code Name button:
Lookup table Lists Raw Code and Plot (renamed) Code.  Users can specify this to apply over a selected range
  Start Station Start station to apply code name change
  Start Station End station to apply code name change
  Raw Code Code as defined in the Template or upon code insert
   Plot Code Renamed code to display for plotting
Various Surfaces Every surface in the drawing is listed - users can pick a Surface to be a data source.
  Configure Configure bands typically require the user to configure how the data is to be applied.  Band options are as listed below
Height Difference Provides the height difference between two selected surfaces.  
Click on to display the following controls:
Comparison Surface Select a surface to compare against (normally design)
  Use Offsets Tick to use the offsets from this source as the contributing offsets from this band.  It is usual to leave this inticked.
[Design] uses the Design Codes of the string for offsets and applies the Plot Code status for offsets (see [Design] above
[Existing] uses the sampled surface for the string
Named surfaces can be selected in the list.
Minus Base Surface Select a surface to be the base elevations.  The comparison elevations are subtracted from the Base Surface elevations
  Use Offsets Tick to use the offsets from this source as the contributing offsets from this band.  It is usual to leave this inticked.
[Design] uses the Design Codes of the string for offsets and applies the Plot Code status for offsets (see [Design] above
[Existing] uses the sampled surface for the string
Named surfaces can be selected in the list.
Show Absolute Value If ticked on the negative sign is removed from the values.
  Units for Height Difference Set this to the required units to display.
Use Layers/Tags Allows layers and tagged objects to be used for adding offset sampling on the sections.  This finds all objects that cut the section and are tagged with a name (using the Tag Objects command) or on selected layer/s.  

Users must configure whether to use the tagged object data, selected layers, or both for the offset information and band.
Click on to display the following controls:
  Layers Only (Tags Ignored) Only objects on specified layers will be displayed on the sections
  UNTAGGED items on Layers Only objects on specified layers and are not tagged will be displayed on the sections
  Tags Only (Layers Ignored) All tagged objects will be displayed on the sections.
  Tagged Items on Layers Only tagged objects on specified layers will be displayed on the sections
  Tags and Layers Objects on specified layers and tagged objects will be displayed on the sections
Layer Selections  
   From the pulldown, the chosen layers can be selected for display on the sections.
Mulitple layers can be added in combination with the selection preferences above.
Search Offset  
  Left Offset (signed) In the box provided enter the offset to control the amount of information plotted or searched. Note: -ve for Left and +ve for Right of the Alignment.
  Right Offset (signed) In the box provided enter the offset to control the amount of information plotted or searched. Note: -ve for Left and +ve for Right of the Alignment.
Object Elevation Controls Objects can be 3D (eg: Strings) or 2D (eg: polylines).  Users can select how to make use of 3D and 2D objects.  2D objects must be assigned surface information for elevations, whilst 3D objects can have the full elevation position of the 3D object overridden by using a surface.
This affects the position of section objects, as well as the reported elevation, if reported in the bands.
   Interpolation Surface Primary surface to display section objects on.
[Design] uses the Design Codes of the string for offsets and applies the Plot Code status for offsets (see [Design] above
[Existing] uses the sampled surface for the string
Named surfaces can be selected in the list.
   Alternate Surface Secondary surface to display section objects on, if the Interpolation Surface is not availabel.
[Design] uses the Design Codes of the string for offsets and applies the Plot Code status for offsets (see [Design] above
[Existing] uses the sampled surface for the string
Named surfaces can be selected in the list.
  Interpolate level for 2D Data Sets 2D objects to use the surfaces for elevations - this is recommended to be ticked on for any 2D data. 
  Interpolate level for 3D Data (overrides object level) Tick on to override the 3D object elevation and instead reference the surface elevation/s
CSD Built Models Designers can select a Built Model (from the Model Builder) command to be a data source.  This has added benefit over a surface, because the user can select the Design Codes to be used for offsets rather than adding every grade break (which is the case when a TIN surface is selected).
Click on to display the following controls:
Model Builder Model Select a model created using Model Builder (includes Auto Model)
Select Code Names
Lookup table Lists Raw Code and Plot (renamed) Code.  Users can specify this to apply over a selected range
  Start Station Start station to apply code name change
  Start Station End station to apply code name change
  Raw Code Code as defined in the Template or upon code insert
   Plot Code Renamed code to display for plotting
Select Plot Codes for Models Click here to edit the Codes that are to be displayed and reported in the bands.  All codes from the Model are displayed - tick on the ones that are to be included for offsets.  Form is shown, below:

Click OK to save the codes, or Cancel to exit without saving settings
Code list Lists all codes used in the project, with user control over whether to Plot (include offset information in) the Section Views.
  Code List of all Codes used in the project
  Plot Tick on to include the Code as an offset on the sections.  Untick to ignore the code as an offset.
OK Save and exit
Cancel Exit without applying changes.
Display Controls Select what data to use in the bands and presented (where applicable) as section lines.  Some bands require configuration.
  Draw Band Tick on to draw a band (row) below or above the section draw window.  A Band consists of a heading (optional) and offset locations where information (such as elevation, offset, code) are reported.  If ticked on, the Band can be configured by the Band Controls tab and Offset Controls tab.
  Draw Section Line Where a Type is selected that can be drawn (such as a surface, or design sections), this tick box will draw the section lines on the output sections. 
    Layer Select a layer to draw the section lines on
  Draw Section  Labels Tick on to draw objects on the plotted sections, including text information and crossfall annotation.  If ticked on, the Section Labels can be controlled by the Section Labels tab.
Band Identifier The information stored in a band (such as offset or elevation) can be merged (added) into another band.  The Band Identifier is used to select a band to merge into.
BAND CONTROLS TAB  
  Row Height Override  Enter a value to override the default band height (default height specified in the Basic Settings form)
Heading Display Set the heading display controls
  Line 1 Enter the Heading for the particular Data Band being entered.
  Line 2 Enter the Heading for the particular Data Band being entered.
  Layer From the drop list provided, select the Text layer to be used.
  Text Style  From the drop list provided, select the Text style to be used.
  Text Height  Enter the Height for the text size.
Band Text Label Method The band text can be represented as simple text, or managed by a Label Style for more control
  Apply Label Style From the drop list provided, select a Label Style to use within the data band.
Note: The label style controls differ in the following respects when applied to a Band:
Text Components - additional controls for the text Insert Position - text can be inserted relative to the Top of the Band, Middle of the Band or Bottom of the Band
Line Components - additional controls per entry for start position - pick From Top to be relative to top of band or From Bottom to be relative to the bottom of band
     Pick to edit the selected Label Style
Band Text Display If Apply Label Style is unticked, these text settings apply.  Text is always rotated 90 degrees to be parallel with the vertical offset line that defines the offset location.
  Layer  From the drop list provided, select the Text layer to be used.
  Style  From the drop list provided, select the Text style to be used.
  Text Height Enter the Height (in mm) for the text size.
  Decimals  From the drop list provided, select the number of decimals for the text.
  Text Offset from Top Line  Sets the distance of the text from the top of the band.
Label Styles If Apply Label Style is ticked, these Label Styles apply. 
  Leftmost Label This is an override - set a different Label Style to apply to the leftmost label (first offset on left) on each section
  Line Labels This is an override - set a different Label Style to apply to offsets that are reported but do not originate from the data source.
Note: Offsets can created by the data source, or else be reported for a different data source (a different band).  If the offsets did not come from this data source, it may be desired to display it differently (eg: just a line and no text).
Override band border line display Tick on to override the display of the band borders for the heading and data.
  Band Line Display Tick boxes for the top, bottom, left and right lines of the heading and data frame can be toggled on/off
OFFSET CONTROLS TAB  
Add Band Offsets to Group Most Band sources contribute offsets to the band (eg: grade breaks on a surface).  These are placed in a Band Group so the offsets can also be reported and used in another band.  This delivers consistent offset sampling through all bands.  The default band is called Global - this is normally used consistently to add offsets from each band to all other bands.

If no Group is selected, then the offsets generated by this band will not be shown in any other band.
  Group to Add Select all the Group/s that the offsets of this band contribute to.  Recommended default is Global. 
Offset Controls This sets what Offsets are shown in the band.  Users can elect to show only the offsets created by the band, or the offsets of a Group.
  Offset Group Select the Group to use for the band offsets. 
  Show all offsets from the selected Offset Group
All offsets from the Group including all text information.  This is the default condition
  Show offsets for this band only (ignore Group) 
Only the offsets created by this Band are shown - any offsets from any other Band are not shown.
  Show a line only for Offsets not from this band
The offsets from this band are shown completely.  For offsets from other bands, only the line is shown (if Apply Label Styles is selected, then the Line Labels style is applied for these cases).
Text Crank Controls Sets how text cranking is managed.  By default, cranking occurs above the topmost band, however users can elect to add cranking inside the current band, or ignore cranking for the current band.
  Text Crank Settings 
None Text and Offset Line are not moved
Move Text Text only is moved. Offset is not moved.
Default Cranking Text and Offset Line are moved to match the section cranking
  In Band Crank Distance 
Enter the Y crank distance for the data band.  Leave zero to not show the crank line.
This value comes from the Band Controls tab and Text Offset from Top Line value.
   
Offset Filtering for Plotting Allows the user to filter (remove) offsets from the band.  This does not remove offsets that come from other bands (the Offset Group) 
  Grade Break (%) Filtering will be determined on the maximum grade break between offsets.
  Height Difference  Filtering will be determined on the maximum height difference between offsets.
  Minimum Offset  Filtering will be determined on the minimum distance between offsets.
  Chord Height Difference Filtering will be determined on the maximum chord height difference between offsets.
  Direction of Processing  User can choose the direction in which the filtering occurs.  Options are:
- Left to Right
- Right to Left
- from CL - from Centreline out
- from Outside - from left/right extents toward the centreline
SECTION LABELS TAB  
Section Label Style Select a Section Label Style to apply to the section view at the offsets.  The elevation position of these is subject to the Band Data Source selected.
Label Styles can consist of Symbols (Blocks), Lines (Polylines) and Text.  Text elements can include the following Items (object properties):
Alignment Station Reports the station (station) along the selected alignment
Offsets Reports the offset from the CL
Level Reports the elevation (using the Data Source)
X Coordinate Reports the X coordinate
Y Coordinate Reports the Y coordinate
Tag Name Reports the Tag name OR the Design Code, pending the Data Source.  If the source is from a Layer/Tagged Object control, then the tag is reported.  If the data source is the design Codes, design string or built model, then the Code is reported
Alignment Name Reports the alignment name
Layer Name Reports the Layer name, pending the Data Source being for Layers/Tagged Objects.
Entity Type Reports the entity type - this is used for adding Layers/Tagged objects
Height Difference Reports the height difference, pending the Data Source being Height Difference
Extra Adds a second line in the text string
Blank Blank entry - used if static text is required.

Refer to the Label Styles command for information on how label styles are constructed and where Text Items are applied.
Show Cross Falls Each Band can be set to display crossfalls.  By default crossfalls are displayed on the first sections per page/sheet, and where it changes along the sheet.
For further control over how crossfalls are displayed, users can add a Crossfall Annotation control.
  Layer Layer to display crossfalls
  Text Style  Select a text style to use
  Text Height Type in a text height
  Decimals Set the number of decimal places to display.  To manage trailing decimals, add a Crossfall Annotation entry.
Display as a slope (1:X) when crossfall exceeds Type a % value.  If this value is exceeded, then that label will display with a slope format instead of a percentage format.

 

 

Pre Set Bands

 
Pre Set Bands can be selected, which will open the Add Bands form and pre-populate the Data Source.

 

Other Bands

Below is listed each of the Other Bands that can be added.  Typically, these bands manage overall band display and behaviour. 
Subgrade This draws a line for the subgrade, as designed on the String being plotted.  Inputs as follows:
  Linework Layer From the drop down list provided select the required layer to use.
   Active Tick this box confirm the subgrade will update with the design linework
Top Band This entry enables bands to be displayed above the sections,  Any Band entries listed below this band will show ABOVE the sections.  Example of the Top Bands entry being added and entries being moved below:
Top Band is the last entry:


Top Band is not the last entry:

 Inputs are as follows:
Heading Blocks
  1st Section Block
   Subsequent Block
  Layer
Spacing
  Fixed
  From Highest Plotted
  Spacings
Settings
  Add Down Leaders
Comment Adds a comment field in the Band list.  Inputs as follows:
 Comment Type in a comment
OK Add note
Cancel Exit without applying changes

 

  

Annotation Items

Add Symbols from Code

This control is for the display of Boundary Line Labels which is based on an Alignment, Code or Fixed Distance.  This control can be used for any other feature to be drawn on the sections, for example line marking, fences, guard rails or building line.
Select the layer for the symbols
Select to edit the Label Styles to use with the symbol
   Start Station Set the start station for Symbols to be plotted from.
   Start Station Set the start station for Symbols to be plotted from.
  Scale by X Set the end station for Symbols to be plotted.
  Scale by Y Set the start station for Symbols to be plotted from.
  X Offset Set the end station for Symbols to be plotted.
  Y Offset Set the end station for Symbols to be plotted.
  Road Label Select the required label from the pick list.
  Selected Symbol Select the required symbol.  The list of symbols is obtained from the drawings in the ARD Settings folder (click on the Open Settings Folder command button on the ARD General Ribbon Tab to open the Settings folder in Windows Explorer). The symbol is inserted at the 0,0.
  Label  Select the required Label Style to be applied with the symbol - these are the same Label Styles as can be applied with the Add Band entry.

 

Crossfall Label Adjustment

This control gives users the ability to manipulate the way the crossfalls are displayed.  Up to three ranges of crossfalls can be user defined and the controls for each are described below:
  From % Indicate the starting (lower) value for this range.
  To % Indicate the ending (higher) value for this range.
  Make It Fit A tick box is provided. Placing a tick means the item is 'moved' to fit. Leaving the box empty, means that this will not be moved.
  Oversize % Enter a value that allows the Crossfall text length can exceed its corresponding line length. Typical values would be less than 20%.
  Size (mm) Enter the Height (in mm) for the text size.
  Layer Select the layer for the line to be drawn on, from the drop list provided.
  Angle Enter an angle (decimal degrees) to draw the text at.
  Add Angle A tick box is provided. Placing a tick means that the text angle will be the addition of the crossfall slope and the Angle specified in the previous field. Leaving the box empty, means the angle will not be added.
  X Offset (mm) Enter a X offset (in mm) to shift the starting point for the textual information.  Note: -ve for Left and +ve for Right.
  Y Offset (mm) Enter a Y offset (in mm) to shift the starting point for the textual information.  Note: -ve for Down and +ve for Up.
  Horiz Insert From the drop list provided, select either Left, Middle or Right to control the horizontal start position of the text.
  Vert Insert From the drop list provided, select either Bottom, Middle or Top to control the vertical start position of the text.
  Omit A tick box is provided. Placing a tick means the item is OMITTED from the plot. Leaving the box empty, means that this will be plotted.

 

Crossfalls

This control gives users the ability to display crossfalls, as well as manage crossfalls that have been added using the Add Band command.  Some inputs below do not override the Add Band entries (such as the Apply to controls).
  Crossfall Setting
Apply to Design Apply the crossfall text to the design surface
Apply to Existing Apply the crossfall text to the existing surface
Apply to subgrade Apply the crossfall text to the subgrade
Text Display  
  Font From the drop list provided, select the font for the text
  Height (mm) Enter a value (mm) for the text height
  Layer From the drop list provided, select the style for the text
   Decimals Select 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 for number of decimals places required.
  Show Trailing Zeroes Select from a list of Yes and No to plot trailing zeroes.
  Show Trailing Decimal Select from a list of Yes and No to plot trailing decimals.
Position Settings for Columns  
From the options, the user can pick which sections display the crossfall annotation

 

Dimension Labels

This allows dimensions to be added across the top of the section. This command works in conjunction with the Section Label Style command

  
  Dimension Label Template From the drop down list provided select the required Section Label Style.
  Position From the drop down list provided select the required position Highest or Design
Text Display  
  Font From the drop list provided, select the font for the text
  Height (mm) Enter a value (mm) for the text height
  Layer From the drop list provided, select the style for the text
Linework Display  
  Layer Select the Layer for the linework

 

Hatching

This allows Hatching to be created on the sections between two nominated surfaces.

BricsCAD Hatch Patterns

Historically (versions pre 16.01), ARD BricsCAD accessed the AutoCAD hatch patterns. Due to pattern naming differences, certain AutoCAD Hatch patterns in ARD BricsCAD would not display. ie. Honey. 

To rectify this, the hatch pattern file that is used by ARD BricsCAD, has been modified to access all BricsCAD hatch patterns.

If you are a BricsCAD user, you can copy the attached HatchingPats.txt file and overwrite the file in the following folder: C:\ProgramData\CSS\ARD\Common\common-10.

This will enable all BricsCAD hatch patterns to be available for use on Cross Sections.
  Surface 1 From the drop down list provided select the required Surface to use.
  Surface 2 From the drop down list provided select the required Surface to use.
  Fill Pattern Select a Pattern to use from the drop down list.
  Fill Scale Enter a suitable scale. If the scale is incorrect, there will be too much hatching and it will be very slow.
  Fill Layer Select the Layer for the fill pattern.
  Cut Pattern Select a Pattern to use from the drop down list.
  Cut Scale Enter a suitable scale.
  Cut Layer Select the Layer for the cut pattern.
  Start and End Station Specify the range for where the Hatching is to be applied.

 

Line/Label from Offset

This control is for the display of Boundary Line Labels which is based on an Alignment, Code or Fixed Distance.  This control can be used for any other feature to be drawn on the sections, for example line marking, fences, guard rails or building line.
Offset Control This provides control on which offset is used to define the boundary line.  Note: This will label the Boundary on one side only. Two entries will be needed to label the left and right boundary lines, which may have different offset controls.
  Alignment If the boundary follows a particular alignment (already created), select this option then select the Alignment from the drop down list provided.
  Code If the boundary is required along a particular code, select this option then select the code from the drop down list provided.
  Fixed Distance from CL If the boundary is at fixed offset from the control alignment, select this option and enter the offset in the box provided.
Surface This provides level control for where the information is to be added.
  Surface From the drop down list provided select the required Surface to use.
  Alternate Surface From the drop down list provided select an Alternate Surface to use, should the first surface not exist at the nominated Offset.
  Line Distance Above (mm) Enter the length of the line to be drawn (in mm), upward starting from the nominated surface.
  Line Distance Below (mm) Enter the length of the line to be drawn (in mm), downward starting from the nominated surface.
  Line Layer Select the layer for this line to be drawn on, from the drop down list provided.
Text Controls (Optional) An optional control is provided to place text, indicating the boundary or similar.
  Add Text A tick box is provided. Placing a tick means the Text will be added at the nominated offset. Leaving the box empty, means that this will not be occur.
  Text Enter the required text to display on the section plot.
  Show Offset with Prefix A tick box is provided. Placing a tick means the Prefix will be added to the Offset value. Then enter the Prefix in the box provided. Leaving the box empty, means that this will not be occur.
  Decimals for Offset Select 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 for the number of decimals places required.
  Show Level with Prefix A tick box is provided. Placing a tick means the Prefix will be added to the Level value. Then enter the Prefix in the box provided. Leaving the box empty, means that this will not be occur.
  Decimals for Level Select 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 for the number of decimals places required.
  Data Text Height (mm) Enter the Height (in mm) for the text size.
  Data Text Font From the drop list provided, select the Text Font style to be used.
  Data Text Layer Select the layer for this text to be drawn on, from the drop list provided.
  Text Angle Enter an angle (decimal degrees) to draw the text at.
  X Offset (mm) Enter a X offset (in mm) to shift the starting point for the textual information.  Note: -ve for Left and +ve for Right.
  Y Offset (mm) Enter a Y offset (in mm) to shift the starting point for the textual information.  Note: -ve for Down and +ve for Up
  Text Origin Horizontal From the drop list provided, select either Left, Middle or Right to control the horizontal start position of the text.
  Text Origin Vertical From the drop list provided, select either Bottom, Middle or Top to control the vertical start position of the text.
Block Controls (Optional) An optional control to add a Block at the nominated offset.  This block must exist in the common folder.
  Attach Block A tick box is provided. Placing a tick means the selected Block will be added at the nominated offset. Leaving the box empty, means that this will not be occur.
  Block Name Select the block to be placed, from the drop list provided.
  X Offset (mm) Enter a X offset (in mm) to shift the starting point.  Note: -ve for Left and +ve for Right.
  Y Offset (mm) Enter a Y offset (in mm) to shift the starting point.  Note: -ve for Down and +ve for Up
  Block Layer Select the layer to place this block on, from the drop list provided.

 

Line/Label from Layer

This control is for the display of Boundary Line Labels which is based on a Layer or Layers.
Layer Offset Controls This provides control on which layer is used to define the boundary line.
  Layer (Edit and Use * for Wildcard) Select a layer, from the drop down list provided or enter the layer name in the box provided. If a layer is selected, it can be edited and wildcards are permitted to select multiple layers.
  Maximum Offset Enter the maximum offset (each side of the alignment) to search for lines from the nominated layer(s).
  Points Select 1 of the 3 toggles provided:
  • Closest Points will only draw a Boundary mark at the offset nearest to the alignment, when more than one is found.
  • Furthest Points will only draw a Boundary mark at the offset furthest from the alignment, when more than one is found.
  • All Points will draw Boundary marks at the all offset found.
Surface This provides level control for where the information is to be added.
  Surface From the drop down list provided select the required Surface to use.
  Alternate Surface From the drop down list provided select an Alternate Surface to use, should the first surface not exist at the nominated Offset.
  Line Distance Above (mm) Enter the length of the line to be drawn (in mm), upward starting from the nominated surface.
  Line Distance Below (mm) Enter the length of the line to be drawn (in mm), downward starting from the nominated surface.
  Line Layer Select the layer for this line to be drawn on, from the drop down list provided.
Text Controls (Optional) An optional control is provided to place text, indicating the boundary or similar.
  Add Text A tick box is provided. Placing a tick means the Text will be added at the nominated offset. Leaving the box empty, means that this will not be occur.
  Text Enter the required text to display on the section plot.
  Show Offset with Prefix A tick box is provided. Placing a tick means the Prefix will be added to the Offset value. Then enter the Prefix in the box provided. Leaving the box empty, means that this will not be occur.
  Decimals for Offset Select 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 for the number of decimals places required.
  Show Level with Prefix A tick box is provided. Placing a tick means the Prefix will be added to the Level value. Then enter the Prefix in the box provided. Leaving the box empty, means that this will not be occur.
  Decimals for Level Select 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 for the number of decimals places required.
  Data Text Height (mm) Enter the Height (in mm) for the text size.
  Data Text Font From the drop list provided, select the Text Font style to be used.
  Data Text Layer Select the layer for this text to be drawn on, from the drop list provided.
  Text Angle Enter an angle (decimal degrees) to draw the text at.
  X Offset (mm) Enter a X offset (in mm) to shift the starting point for the textual information.  Note: -ve for Left and +ve for Right.
  Y Offset (mm) Enter a Y offset (in mm) to shift the starting point for the textual information.  Note: -ve for Down and +ve for Up
  Text Origin Horizontal From the drop list provided, select either Left, Middle or Right to control the horizontal start position of the text.
  Text Origin Vertical From the drop list provided, select either Bottom, Middle or Top to control the vertical start position of the text.
Block Controls (Optional) An optional control to add a Block at the nominated offset.  This block must exist in the common folder.
  Attach Block A tick box is provided. Placing a tick means the selected Block will be added at the nominated offset. Leaving the box empty, means that this will not be occur.
  Block Name Select the block to be placed, from the drop list provided.
  X Offset (mm) Enter a X offset (in mm) to shift the starting point.  Note: -ve for Left and +ve for Right.
  Y Offset (mm) Enter a Y offset (in mm) to shift the starting point.  Note: -ve for Down and +ve for Up
  Block Layer Select the layer to place this block on, from the drop list provided.

 

Pipes

This control is for the display of Boundary Line Labels which is based on a Layer or Layers.
  To show ARD Pipes on the Road Cross Sections, select any or all of the followings items:
  Plot Pipes A tick box is provided. Placing a tick means the Pipes will plot.
  Plot Diameter A tick box is provided. Placing a tick means the Pipe Diameters will plot.
  Plot Invert RL A tick box is provided. Placing a tick means the Invert RL will plot.
  Plot Description A tick box is provided. Placing a tick means the Plot description will plot.
  Text Layer Select the layer for this text to be drawn on, from the drop list provided.
  Text Style From the drop list provided, select the Text Font style to be used.
  Show Offset with Prefix A tick box is provided. Placing a tick means the Prefix will be added to the Offset value. Then enter the Prefix in the box provided. Leaving the box empty, means that this will not be occur.
  Height (mm) Enter the Height (in mm) for the text size.
  Pipe Layer Select the layer for this pipe to be drawn on, from the drop list provided.

 

Specify Offsets

This allows specific offsets to be created on the sections

  
  Start Station Specify the start station for the offsets to be applied
  End Station Specify the end station for the offsets to be applied
  Ignore all other offsets and just use these offsets  A tickbox is provided. Select this to display specified offsets only.
  By Value Enter an offset value. Note: -ve for Left and +ve for Right.
  By Code  Select a code from the list
  Active A tickbox is provided. Select this to display to update the display.