Purpose

The purpose of this technote is to provide a comprehensive guide on how to export linework from TopoDOT as an ASCII file using the Feature Code Export or export the linework as graphical elements using the different export options that MicroStation provides. The document is intended to serve as a reference material for users who use MicroStation and TopoDOT software to create 3D models and use AutoCAD/Civil 3D to produce the final deliverables. The Technote will provide a step by step instructions onhow to export linework from MicroStation in various formats, including ASCII (*.csv) and DWG. Additionally, It will cover topics such as selecting the appropriate export options in the Feature Code Export, configuring export settings, and troubleshooting common issues that may arise during the export process.

What are our options and what can we do?

As previously discussed, there are several options available for exporting TopoDOT work into AutoCAD. The recommended approach is to use the Feature Code Export tool to export the entire work using the appropiate settings to match your project needs. An alternative method is to export the work through the MicroStation DWG export tool, which is suitable for simple graphics but may result in issues when dealing with more complex graphical elements such as arcs, bsplines, and cells.

Another approach that can be employed is a hybrid method, which involves using the Feature Code Export tool to export complex graphics, where cells are represented as a point with specific feature code or layer, and the DWG export to export primitive graphics such as polylines and points. This approach can be useful when dealing with a combination of complex and simple graphical elements.

Lastly, it is possible to work directly from a DWG in MicroStaion. However, working directly in DWG is not recommended due to the fact that Mapped Position Icons may not draw correctly. This could result in inaccuracies and inconsistencies in the final geospatial data product.

• How to set up MS environment closely to the AutoCAD:
  • Cells, Levels, Units, Coordinate System, etc.
• Using feature code export (see Jeff Clays workflow) to pull out everything (recommended) for both line work and assets
  • Assets will be point elements with a level or feature code designation.
• Use export to DWG for linework but feature code export for assets, this will be a hybrid
  • Graphics are usually okay if you avoid arcs (specifically within a complex string) and bsplines. As long as your graphics are either primitive or all polylines you should be good.
• Working in a DWG (not recommended) but doable
  • Turn auto save off as this will unload everything in memory
  • Mapped Icons break when

How to bring in levels and cells?

Option 1 - Using Feature Code Export

This tool is responsible for exporting x, y, z information along with feature code, line code and element type information which is all bundled into an ASCII file format. All of this information is extracted from the CAD elements themselves and placed within an indexed list for modification and exportation. This is the preferred method for exporting any CAD information (points, lines, poly-lines, cells, shapes).

To Export TopoDOT work through the Feature Code Export:

1. Launch "Feature Code Export" tool located in the Export tab or search
2. Click 'Options' and adjust settings for user specified results
3. An Output list must be generated and reviewed before exportation
4. Import elements from the design file. There are two possible ways to do this:
   • Manual Extraction within the Manual Tab
   1. From the 'Level Extraction', 'drop down menu', select a level to import and click 'Extract Level'. Elements of a particular level at one time
   2. From the design file, select elements to import and click 'Extract Selected Elements'. Elements of all levels and quantities
   • Automatic Extraction within the Auto Tab
   1. Click 'Insert' to set up the 'List'. Here a Level will be chosen with a corresponding Feature Code. Once inserted, this coupling will appear in the 'List'.
   2. Repeat to add more Level and Feature Code couples.
   3. Click 'Save' to store this list for future use. If the list already exists, go ahead and 'Load'. File format will be *.csv
      • To further clarify: this is a 'sub-list' for storing the couplings and not the actual x,y,z,etc. information.
   4. Proceed to 'Process', which will automatically extract based on the provided 'List'. The results will be found in the 'Output Preview'.
5. Review 'Output Preview' (will appear above the list of imported features) because this is the format that will be exported. Modify if necessary. See Tool Settings for details.
   • Note: The list shows all available information, while the 'Output Preview' shows what will actually be exported, and the format of this preview is within the tool options.
   • Note: If this tool has been opened, the preview will appear blank. Click an imported feature within the list to update this preview.
6. Click 'Save' and save list as a .csv file, .fxml file or .LandXML file

Option 2 - Using DWG and Feature Code Export

Option 3 - Working directly in a DWG instead of a DGN

Additional Notes

• Drawing file dates or version years. Matters most for AutoCAD.
• There are many ways to get things into AutoCAD: macros, manual import, etc. We aren't the experts on this, you are!
• Graphics are built in one platform and we need to somehow rebuild them in another, that is essentially the problem. Also point to a few available articles online.