Be Newsletter: Issue #77

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Bentley tips      

Plotting tip: Using "_LASTSAVEDTIME_"

MicroStation XM pen tables now support "_LASTSAVEDTIME_" as a text-substitution replacement string. Just as _LASTSAVEDDATE_ has the date the file was last saved inserted, _LASTSAVEDTIME_ instructs the printing process to insert the time the design file was last saved. The format for the time string is obtained from the Windows regional settings, but the format can be specified manually using the MS_PENTABLE_SYSTIME_FORMAT configuration variable.

Also, the replacement string "_LASTSAVEDDATETIME_" can be used to combine the _LASTSAVEDDATE_ and _LASTSAVEDTIME_ string as a single text substitution.

Submitted by: Ed Yepes, Plotting Support

Bentley Architecture tip: Keypoints

While using Bentley Architecture v08.09.04.30, have you ever noticed that sometimes it seems that you cannot snap to all vertices of objects such as doors and windows? Perhaps you can only snap to a few specific points, regardless of the active Snap mode, even when using "Nearest?” It might occur to you that you never noticed this behavior in earlier versions, even previous versions of the V8 XM Edition? If so, there is a reason.

In Bentley Architecture v08.09.04.30, we made changes to improve the behavior and dependability of associative dimensions. As part of this work, we created what we refer to as “keypoints.” Keypoints are similar to snap points or vertices, but they are maintained even if a door, window, wall, or other object is modified. In previous versions, adding or deleting a feature could cause the object’s internal sub-element IDs to be renumbered, which could result in existing dimensions losing their associativity. Keypoints prevent this from happening.

However, in some cases, keypoints may override standard MicroStation snap points. If this happens, you can turn keypoints off by choosing Workspace > Preferences > TriForma > and uncheck the Turn On Dimensioning Keypoints option.

Submitted by: Stephen Herrick, ProjectWise technical support analyst

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Client Server articles     

InterPlot products are now part of the ProjectWise family: What does this mean to today’s InterPlot user?
InterPlot Client and Digital InterPlot are now part of the ProjectWise family of products and have been renamed. InterPlot Client is now named ProjectWise.
>> more 

Using VBA to Programmatically Import a VBA Project's Components and References
This article is a continuation of the Dec. 2, 2004, Client Server article entitled “Using VBA to Programmatically Export a VBA Project."
>> more

Recovering Corrupt DGN and DWG Files
Have you ever said, "My deadline is tomorrow and my file won't open!" when you were working on a design that was critical to your project?
>> more 

Enhanced Selection Set Features from WaterCAD and WaterGEMS
Bentley developers have enhanced the original Selection Set feature from WaterCAD and WaterGEMS to create a trio of powerful modeling tools for the V8 release.
>> more 

Frequently Asked Questions About Bentley Building Electrical Systems
In a new file, none of the BBES commands are working. Why? How can I access projects on our network using the Project Navigator tool? More . . .
 >> more 

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Be User Group Events     

Bentley Community UKI Winter Conference
Feb. 28-29, Heathrow Sheraton Hotel, Middlesex, U.K.

Nebraska User Group Spring Conference 2008
March 18-19, Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, Lincoln, Neb.

Be User Group Officers meeting
May 18-20, Baltimore, Md.
The Be Conference will host the Be User Group Officers meeting.

Florida Local Users Group (FLUG)
May 28-30, Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Fla.

Watch for more upcoming Be User Group events.
>> more

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Bentley eSeminars      

Find the most recent and most popular MicroStation/ProjectWise, Building, Civil, Geospatial, and Plant eSeminars from Bentley, with links to Bentley resources in each vertical.
>> more

Video spotlights Barge Waggoner’s ProjectWise success
See how Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon is using ProjectWise to connect people and information across project teams – no matter where they are located – to improve quality, reduce rework, and meet deadlines. The firm has created a solution that integrates ProjectWise with Microsoft SharePoint to enable work sharing among 12 offices across three states.
 
“People not being utilized 100 percent of the time is a cost and an inefficiency for us,” said David Davidson, president and COO of Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon. “Through organization-wide adoption of ProjectWise and SharePoint, we have been able to increase utilization and raise the revenue per head by approximately 25 percent.”

Independent ROI reports verify that all engineers in an organization can save up to 15 percent of their annual cost when sharing work with ProjectWise.

“The quality of our projects has really been enhanced through the ProjectWise and SharePoint portals because we can disseminate information so quickly and because we can tie everyone together through one standard,” Davidson said.

>> Watch the video now!

Structural eSeminars

Bentley offers a series of exciting new structural eSeminars this year. The series will provide an overview of our RAM Structural System, and we will share valuable tips and tricks that will help you achieve significant time savings.
We will kick off our eSeminar series with a shared eSeminar about the RAM / Revit link and will be joined by Scott Hammond, technical marketing manager for structural engineering solutions at Autodesk for a Q/A session.

Please join us for the following live eSeminars:

Integration of the RAM Structural System and Revit Structure
Presenter: Steve Crabtree & Scott Hammond
When: Wed., Feb. 13
Look for the recording of this seminar among our on-demand seminars.
>> more 

Integrated generation of dynamic contract drawings for steel structures using Bentley Structural
Presenter: Chris Garrell, PE, Bentley Structural Product Manager
When: Wed., Feb. 20 - 1 p.m. EST

Integration of the RAM Structural System and RAM Connection
Presenter: Francisco Diego, RAM Connection Product Manager
When: Wed., Feb. 27 - 1 p.m. EST

AISC 360-05, the new steel design specification, in the RAM Structural System
Presenter: Allen Adams, Chief Structural Engineer
When: Wed., March 5 - 1 p.m. EST

Bentley Map XM Edition-- the new desktop GIS for mapping and engineering the world’s infrastructure

This one-hour eSeminar demonstrates how Bentley Map, a full desktop GIS, addresses the specific needs of organizations that map, plan, design, build, and operate the world’s infrastructure. The core desktop product in the Bentley geospatial architecture, it integrates seamlessly with the Bentley Geospatial Server and Bentley’s mobile, Web-publishing and industry-specific applications. It is also the preferred platform for customized geospatial workflows delivered by third parties. Bentley Map is one way that Bentley is advancing GIS for infrastructure.
>> more

Information Program for PDS Users

See our video and links to a new utility for ProjectWise and PDS users that enables ProjectWise to automatically manage PDS deliverables.
>> more (video, white paper, and contact point for the free utility)

Bentley LEARN
This OnDemand eSeminar was created by recording a live, instructor-led distance learning session delivered by the Bentley Institute. You will experience how this learning environment delivers real-time instruction and collaboration right to your desktop. You’ll see how live, instructor-led distance learning
 * Delivers live instruction to any desktop
 * Provides real-time interaction with the instructor
 * Offers an excellent learning environment
 * Is effective for individuals and groups
 * Provides a virtual classroom for simultaneously training users from multiple offices
 * Reduces time away from the office
 * Requires no travel
>> more 

eSeminars available from Integrated Structural Solutions Seminar
Bentley’s Structural Engineering Group held a seminar on integrated structural solutions for plant applications in Houston. One of the attendees, James Yong, PE, SE with TechnipUSA, said, “I was very impressed with the seminar. In fact, I am requesting that my company purchase RAM Connection and STAAD.foundation licenses after viewing the capabilities of the programs.”
 
The seminar highlighted the new version of STAAD.Pro, as well as the integration with RAM Connection and STAAD.foundation. The seminar demonstrated an integrated workflow for industrial structures utilizing STAAD.Pro 2007, STAAD.foundation and RAM Connection.

View the seminar:
Integrated Structural Design for Industrial Structures (STAAD.Pro - Part 1)
 

Integrated Structural Design for Industrial Structures (STAAD.Pro - Part 2)
 

Integrated Structural Design for Industrial Structures (RAM Connection)
 

Integrated Structural Design for Industrial Structures (STAAD.foundation)
 

ProjectWise Navigator
Learn more about ProjectWise Navigator and find out what this visual collaboration tool can do for you. You’ll learn how to assemble 2D/3D content, how to check-in/check-out transactions, how to review project designs, and more.
>> more

Bentley Data Manager/Bentley Datasheets eSeminar
Learn about Bentley Data Manager and Bentley Datasheets, including how to create views in the database, what datasheets are, datasheet synchronization, and more.
>> more 

AutoPLANT P&ID
Learn more about AutoPLANT P&ID, including how to use the symbol manager, what P&ID is, how to use the assembly manager, and more.
>> more 

AutoPLANT Equipment
Learn what AutoPLANT Equipment can do for you, including how to model parametric equipment, how to place and orient nozzles, how to create custom equipment, and more.
>> more 

AutoPLANT Piping
Learn more about AutoPLANT Piping, including how to route and place piping components in a 3D environment, how to automatically generate bills of materials, and more.
>> more 

Create PDF with MicroStation V8 XM Edition
Watch this eSeminar to learn about the immutable PDF file-publishing capabilities of MicroStation. See how easy it is to add comments to PDF files using Adobe Acrobat. Learn how to attach PDF files as references in a DGN, and learn how to create interactive 3D PDF files that contain rendered models with switchable level or layer structures and pre-defined animations for playback and review.
>> more 

ProjectWise Passport
Did you know that every MicroStation license covered by a current Bentley SELECT agreement is eligible for a ProjectWise Passport at no additional charge? And did you know that each ProjectWise Passport licenses its holder to use a number of Bentley products, including ProjectWise StartPoint, ProjectWise Navigator, and ProjectWise InterPlot Organizer?
>> more 

Visual Collaboration with ProjectWise Navigator
Joe Croser, global marketing director, Bentley Platform and SELECT, highlights the challenges associated with assembling a variety of project content in one place for design review and analysis. You can learn to:
• Assemble 2D/3D content from hundreds of applications and file stores
• Review designs and models in an immersive and homogenous environment
• Enrich content by adding comments, project links, and materials for visualization
• Analyze and simulate construction schedules and assess buildability
• Produce portable and intelligent work packages for downstream activities
>>more

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Bentley Institute training calendar     

Find the Bentley Institute training that best filts your needs.
>> more 

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Bentley white papers      

Making PDS Interoperable
In a recent user survey taken by Bentley, 90 percent said the transition from PDS is important to them. However, only 28 percent said they had enough information to make a decision on which route to take.

This paper is intended to fill that information gap. It sets out options for PDS users to continue gaining value from their PDS systems, and to take an evolutionary approach toward a transition using the components of Bentley's DigitalPlant solution. It also provides information about future developments that will help users work out the timing of investments.
>>more

Managing PDS Documents Effectively
Failing to manage and track all the work-in-progress design files for the complete project makes the synchronization between distributed design teams virtually impossible, and can have disastrous consequences for the project. This white paper investigates the processes involved in managing PDS projects and makes recommendations for process improvements.
>>more

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MicroStation tips from aksinga.com     

(Free registration required)

Customized Standards Checker reports
MicroStation V8 introduced a utility with which you can compare a number of aspects of selected DGNs – levels, text styles, dimension styles, element templates, and line style properties – to established standards. The Standards Checker can be run on individual design files or as a batch process against multiple files. In addition, you can run this utility interactively or generate a report showing which files were processed, the standards that were checked, and the problems encountered. (With thanks to Van Woods for this contribution.)
>> more 

Place north arrow at correct orientation on rotated view
To quickly place a north arrow cell on a rotated view, use one of these key-ins:
MicroStation Pre-XM:
ac=north1;aa=0;accudraw dialog;accudraw rotate top;%d;accudraw rotate view;accudraw quit;reset
MicroStation XM:
ac=north3;aa=0;accudraw dialog;accudraw setorigin;accudraw rotate top;%d;accudraw rotate view;accudraw quit;reset

(With thanks to David Hann for providing this great tip!)
>> more 

Calculating the transparency of overlapping areas
MicroStation XM uses the following formula to calculate the combined transparency of overlapping areas:

1-((1 - Opacity_of_A)*(1 - Opacity_of_B))

>> more

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