Bentley International User’s Bentley International User’s ConferenceConference

Civil SelectCAD SessionCivil SelectCAD SessionCSC – 6CSC – 6

SelectCAD Implementation and Management SelectCAD Implementation and Management StrategiesStrategies

Presenter: Jeff Martin, P. E.Presenter: Jeff Martin, P. E.Civil Civil XLR8XLR8

SelectCAD Implementation and SelectCAD Implementation and Management StrategiesManagement Strategies

High Level Overview of SelectCADHigh Level Overview of SelectCAD

Look at SelectCAD management tools Look at SelectCAD management tools

Discuss implementation concepts and Discuss implementation concepts and tipstips

Target Audience: CADD Managers; Target Audience: CADD Managers; Implementation Leads; Alpha UsersImplementation Leads; Alpha Users

SelectCAD Implementation and SelectCAD Implementation and Management StrategiesManagement Strategies

Turn Hindsight to Foresight: talk to Turn Hindsight to Foresight: talk to people who have already rolled out v8.people who have already rolled out v8.

Implementing v8Implementing v8

Building a city. InRoads.Building a city. InRoads.

You can build a city without planning its You can build a city without planning its development.development.

You can use v8 without planning its You can use v8 without planning its implementation.implementation.

Why you want to plan your rollout Why you want to plan your rollout wellwell

Given a well-planned implementation, Given a well-planned implementation, intelligence can be added by the user in intelligence can be added by the user in almost transparent manner with little almost transparent manner with little additional overhead.additional overhead.

v8: What’s the big deal?v8: What’s the big deal?

Enhanced DTMEnhanced DTMA More Intelligent Data StructureA More Intelligent Data Structure

More than just points and breaklinesMore than just points and breaklines

User-Definable Data TypesUser-Definable Data Types

Ability to store objects NOT At-GradeAbility to store objects NOT At-Grade

The enhanced-data structure is known as The enhanced-data structure is known as “Features”“Features”

What you want in an intelligent What you want in an intelligent modelmodel

Minimal layers of abstractionMinimal layers of abstraction

IntuitiveIntuitive

Easy to add, access intelligenceEasy to add, access intelligence

Minimize ReWorkMinimize ReWorkAutomate the things that should be automatedAutomate the things that should be automated

Maintain IntelligenceMaintain Intelligence

Modify Parent, Update ChildrenModify Parent, Update Children

Minimize "Stupefication" in the WorkflowMinimize "Stupefication" in the WorkflowDumb GraphicsDumb Graphics

The Holy Grail:The Holy Grail:

Why InRoads v8 is a better, Why InRoads v8 is a better, more-intelligent modeler.more-intelligent modeler.

V8 Architecture is data-centric and V8 Architecture is data-centric and designed for intelligence.designed for intelligence.

Intelligence, once added, stays for the Intelligence, once added, stays for the remainder of the workflow.remainder of the workflow.

minimizes Stupeficationminimizes Stupefication

(Dumb) Graphics are byproducts.(Dumb) Graphics are byproducts.

Minimizes rework. E.G., Edit Feature, Minimizes rework. E.G., Edit Feature, Update all graphics.Update all graphics.

Pre-V8 WorkflowPre-V8 Workflow

V8 WorkflowV8 Workflow

Example of v8 minimizing Example of v8 minimizing “Stupefication”“Stupefication”

Feature-based DTM maintains Survey Feature-based DTM maintains Survey Feature Model intelligence.Feature Model intelligence.

Transition Control Lines: v8 Transition Control Lines: v8 Maintains IntelligenceMaintains Intelligence

Transition Control Lines: v8 Transition Control Lines: v8 Maintains IntelligenceMaintains Intelligence

V8: intelligence V8: intelligence maintained, massively maintained, massively editableeditable

Why InRoads v8 is a better, Why InRoads v8 is a better, more-intelligent modeler more-intelligent modeler

Given a well-planned implementation, Given a well-planned implementation, intelligence can be added by the user in intelligence can be added by the user in almost transparent manner with little almost transparent manner with little additional overhead.additional overhead.

““Features”Features”Enhanced Data ArchitectureEnhanced Data Architecture

Enhanced Tools (NEW)Enhanced Tools (NEW)Design/Editing ToolsDesign/Editing Tools

Place/Edit FeaturePlace/Edit Feature

View Features/Feature FilterView Features/Feature Filter

Cross-Section EditCross-Section Edit

Update ChildrenUpdate Children

LocksLocks

Management ToolsManagement ToolsSymbology Manager Symbology Manager

Feature Style ManagerFeature Style Manager

Preference ManagerPreference Manager

Symbology ManagerSymbology Manager

Create New Named Symbology...Create New Named Symbology...

Setting Default Line Symbology...Setting Default Line Symbology...

Setting Text Properties...Setting Text Properties...

Specifying Cross-Section Cell Specifying Cross-Section Cell Display...Display...

Feature Style ManagerFeature Style Manager

Preference ManagerPreference Manager

Implementing v8Implementing v8

Building a city. InRoads.Building a city. InRoads.

You can build a city without planning its You can build a city without planning its development.development.

You can use v8 without planning its You can use v8 without planning its implementation.implementation.

Why you want to plan your rollout Why you want to plan your rollout wellwell

Given a well-planned implementation, Given a well-planned implementation, intelligence can be added by the user in intelligence can be added by the user in almost transparent manner with little almost transparent manner with little additional overhead.additional overhead.

Why you want to plan your rolloutWhy you want to plan your rollout

Make it easy for Make it easy for the user to focus the user to focus on the on the engineering.engineering.

E.G.: when the E.G.: when the designer wants to designer wants to add a transition add a transition control, make sure control, make sure it’s available.it’s available.

Goals of a well-planned v8 Goals of a well-planned v8 Implementation:Implementation:

Immediate ImpactsImmediate ImpactsFrom v7.x SelectCAD there are “un-From v7.x SelectCAD there are “un-ignorable” differencesignorable” differences

Locks are differentLocks are different

prf --> iniprf --> ini

v8 files cannot be read by v7.x or priorv8 files cannot be read by v7.x or prior(can be saved as v7.x or prior)(can be saved as v7.x or prior)

Upgrading From pre-SelectCAD Upgrading From pre-SelectCAD

Immediate ImpactsImmediate ImpactsLocks are differentLocks are different

prf --> iniprf --> ini

v8 files cannot be read by v7.x or priorv8 files cannot be read by v7.x or prior(can be saved as v7.x or prior)(can be saved as v7.x or prior)

SelectCAD Explorer is new (but easy)SelectCAD Explorer is new (but easy)

Commands: same function, different location Commands: same function, different location (better)(better)

Immediate GoalsImmediate Goals

Maintain current user efficiencyMaintain current user efficiencyMinimize user "GUI-Shock"Minimize user "GUI-Shock"

(SelectCAD Explorer vs. old Menu Bar)(SelectCAD Explorer vs. old Menu Bar)

Immediate TasksImmediate Tasks

Set up good default settings (your custom Set up good default settings (your custom environment) that minimize the impact of environment) that minimize the impact of upgrade differencesupgrade differences

Lock SettingsLock Settings

Custom ToolbarsCustom Toolbars

Run v7 workflows under v8???Run v7 workflows under v8???

Immediate TasksImmediate Tasks

User trainingUser trainingFile CompatibilityFile Compatibility

Immediate/UnavoidablesImmediate/Unavoidables

Sell Intelligence in the workflowSell Intelligence in the workflow

Set the Stage for using the new Set the Stage for using the new technologytechnology

Ultimate Goals: Ultimate Goals:

Take advantage of v8's IntelligenceTake advantage of v8's Intelligence

Exploit Productivity and QC OpportunitiesExploit Productivity and QC Opportunities

How?How?Educate the advantagesEducate the advantages

minimize the costs (make it easy)minimize the costs (make it easy)

Educate: Shift to the Data-Centric Educate: Shift to the Data-Centric ParadigmParadigm

Stop editing the graphics! (Edit the Stop editing the graphics! (Edit the model).model).

Use the feature editing commandsUse the feature editing commandsEdits and maintains intelligent features (as Edits and maintains intelligent features (as opposed to dumb graphics).opposed to dumb graphics).

Change the model, update the graphicsChange the model, update the graphics"Instant Updates" of plan, profile, & cross-sections"Instant Updates" of plan, profile, & cross-sections

Modify parent, auto-update the childrenModify parent, auto-update the childrenExample: x-sec edit feature across a station range Example: x-sec edit feature across a station range along with dependent features…along with dependent features…

Implementation StrategiesImplementation Strategies

Manage the new technologies Manage the new technologies

Have Gamma Testers, get Buy-offHave Gamma Testers, get Buy-off

Have your immediate rollout support Have your immediate rollout support your long-term goalsyour long-term goals

make the new technology easy to usemake the new technology easy to useanticipate user’s needsanticipate user’s needs

have the workflow “infrastructure” set uphave the workflow “infrastructure” set up

Have the “Intelligence” Have the “Intelligence” Infrastructure Infrastructure set up.set up.

If set up If set up properly, the properly, the designer can designer can focus on the focus on the engineering.engineering.

Have the “Intelligence” Have the “Intelligence” Infrastructure set up.Infrastructure set up.

If not, the If not, the user must do user must do it himself, it himself, which costs which costs time and time and consistency.consistency.

Verifying cell exists...Verifying cell exists...

Create New Named Symbology...Create New Named Symbology...

Setting Default Line Symbology...Setting Default Line Symbology...

Setting Text Properties...Setting Text Properties...

Specifying Cross-Section Cell Specifying Cross-Section Cell Display...Display...

Creating the New Feature Style...Creating the New Feature Style...

Creating the New Transition Creating the New Transition Control...Control...

Ready to Ready to Continue...Continue...

Manage the New TechnologiesManage the New Technologies

Behind the scenesBehind the scenesSet up appropriate settings defaultsSet up appropriate settings defaults

units, etc.units, etc.

Have Named Symbologies set up wellHave Named Symbologies set up well

Have Feature Styles already set upHave Feature Styles already set up

Use Preference Manager to ensure consistencyUse Preference Manager to ensure consistencyHave appropriate preference setsHave appropriate preference sets

Have default preference selector at front-endHave default preference selector at front-end

Have a preference file planHave a preference file planStandards and Changes/UpdatesStandards and Changes/Updates

Software RolloutSoftware Rollout

Have custom environment readyHave custom environment ready

If upgrading from earlier InRoads, have If upgrading from earlier InRoads, have training for ready immediately especially training for ready immediately especially for the "Immediate impacts"for the "Immediate impacts"

Provide Workflow Upgrade TrainingProvide Workflow Upgrade Training

New Implementations...New Implementations...

Managing Named SymbologiesManaging Named Symbologies

Why use Named Symbologies?Why use Named Symbologies?Reason #1: Feature Styles Require them.Reason #1: Feature Styles Require them.

Reason #2: Pre-defines SelectCAD-created Reason #2: Pre-defines SelectCAD-created graphics symbology. Good QA/QC.graphics symbology. Good QA/QC.

Reason #3: Easier to make changes.Reason #3: Easier to make changes.

Reason #4: It's easy.Reason #4: It's easy.

How?How?

Named Symbology: EasierNamed Symbology: Easier

Managing Named SymbologiesManaging Named Symbologies

Naming ConventionsNaming ConventionsMultiple agency standardsMultiple agency standards

Do you have separate civil.ini's or one segregated Do you have separate civil.ini's or one segregated master.master.

<<maybe a slide of venn diagrams for overlapping <<maybe a slide of venn diagrams for overlapping standards (multiple users)>>standards (multiple users)>>

FL: Face of CurbFL: Face of Curb

SD: Face of CurbSD: Face of Curb

Curb, Face: FLCurb, Face: FL

Curb, Face: SDCurb, Face: SD

Named Symbology: Naming Named Symbology: Naming ConventionsConventions

Named Symbology: Text HeightNamed Symbology: Text HeightText Size Text Size ConventionsConventions

Text height = Text height = 1? 1?

Use with Text Use with Text Scale FactorScale Factor

Managing Feature StylesManaging Feature Styles

Features are your mechanism for Features are your mechanism for managing intelligence in the model.managing intelligence in the model.

For each type of object you want to For each type of object you want to model, create a Feature Style (and model, create a Feature Style (and consequently a Named Symbology)consequently a Named Symbology)

This is how the user will control This is how the user will control plan/cross-section displayplan/cross-section display

Feature Style ManagerFeature Style Manager

Managing PreferencesManaging Preferences

Users will create Preferences ad-hoc.Users will create Preferences ad-hoc.

Have a plan to integrate new preferences Have a plan to integrate new preferences into your standards.into your standards.

Using the Preference ManagerUsing the Preference ManagerProvides an easy Provides an easy method to manage method to manage all preferences of a all preferences of a given name.given name.

Helps provide Helps provide preference preference consistency consistency throughout the throughout the programprogram

By Default the By Default the Default Preference is Default Preference is DefaultDefault

But it can be set But it can be set to something to something elseelse

Preference FilesPreference Files

The Preference File (civil.ini) contains the The Preference File (civil.ini) contains the great majority of your customizations.great majority of your customizations.

24K+ lines of settings24K+ lines of settings

The default is correct no where on Earth.The default is correct no where on Earth.

This will be updated continually by the users.This will be updated continually by the users.

Managing Custom/Support FilesManaging Custom/Support Files

You will want a management strategyYou will want a management strategyMinimizes reworkMinimizes rework

Helps ensure QC/QAHelps ensure QC/QA

Have a procedure for updating the standardsHave a procedure for updating the standards

Managing your environment: It helps to have Managing your environment: It helps to have a "standards owner"a "standards owner"

Preference File Management Preference File Management

To Prevent Chaos (maximum ReWork) To Prevent Chaos (maximum ReWork) have a coordination planhave a coordination plan

Preference File Management Preference File Management Where in the middle do you want to be?Where in the middle do you want to be?

Have users prefix or suffix new preferences with a Have users prefix or suffix new preferences with a searchable Flagsearchable Flag

Cut out the modified section from the civil.ini, email Cut out the modified section from the civil.ini, email it to the "standards cop"it to the "standards cop"

Configuration files (MicroStation: Project Configuration files (MicroStation: Project Configuration files).Configuration files).

Make a "Preference Reset" button or Make a "Preference Reset" button or “auto-update/spray” script“auto-update/spray” script

Other files: template libraries report libraries, query Other files: template libraries report libraries, query librarieslibraries

Probably will be edited less frequentlyProbably will be edited less frequently

Downloading Master civil.iniDownloading Master civil.ini

Automatic push from serverAutomatic push from server

Manual push from serverManual push from server

Automatic pull via client logon scriptAutomatic pull via client logon script

Manual pull via custom buttonManual pull via custom button

How do you upload changes?How do you upload changes?

Use a Keyword as SuffixUse a Keyword as Suffix

E.G., use E.G., use

“ “ - NewPref” as a - NewPref” as a suffixsuffix

Search the civil.ini for the KeywordSearch the civil.ini for the Keyword

Cut modification into an email to Cut modification into an email to “standards owner”“standards owner”

Preference File ManagementPreference File Management

One all-inclusive file vs. files separated One all-inclusive file vs. files separated by agencyby agency

Civil.ini vs. Project.iniCivil.ini vs. Project.ini

How to manage non-standard preference How to manage non-standard preference files?files?

How to incorporate new standards into How to incorporate new standards into non-standard files?non-standard files?

Project Code Suffices and Cut-and-PasteProject Code Suffices and Cut-and-Paste

Project Configurator (v8.1)Project Configurator (v8.1)

The Holy Grail:The Holy Grail:

Civil Engineering WorkflowCivil Engineering Workflow

Pre-Electronic WorkflowPre-Electronic Workflow

Pre-V8 WorkflowPre-V8 Workflow

V8 WorkflowV8 Workflow

Optimum Workflow Optimum Workflow (v10?)(v10?)