Please prepare your display model in such a way that it contains all the information for the printout. Add background maps, such as property boundaries, or street maps.
Adding shape files to the display model
Using shape files in a display model has the disadvantage that it slows down the display speed. Furthermore, external data connections using DocPack and a separate display model do not output the external data. Therefore, shape files and other external data connections should always be converted into SDF files. This is done as follows:
Open an empty AutoCAD drawing.
Drag and drop the shape file into your AutoCAD drawing.
Export the layer data to an SDF file by right-clicking on the layer and “Export
Layer Data to SDF”.
Now close the drawing, take the SDF file and insert it into the project by drag and drop.
To prevent important data from being obscured by the newly added layer, drag it to the end of the drawing sequence.
Different maps for different tasks
If you want to create network maps for different purposes (e.g., approval plan and construction plan), you can use different display maps with the same sheet-frame sequences. To do this, you can simply copy and edit an existing display map:
Click on “Maps” in the display management and select the “Duplicate” option.
Enter a name and a background color for the new display map.
Edit the style and layers as necessary.
Exporting a display model
Once you have prepared your display model, you will need to choose between two ways of using the display model in DocPack.
- Exported display model:
In this case, all maps of your display model must be stored in separate folders. The display model for use in DocPack is loaded from these folders. This is the preferred option if you want to use your display models for several projects. Read below how to save a display model. - Project-related display model:
In this variant, you use the display model that is anchored in the project. This variant is simpler, but you cannot use the display model for other projects. If you use this variant, you can skip the following “Saving a display model” section.
Saving a display model
The following procedures must be repeated for each map of your display model:
In the “Start” tab of the tab menu, select the “Save display model as...” option.
Enter a name for the display model. Select all layers displayed using the CTRL+A keys and uncheck “Limit to viewport”.
Click on “Save” and you will be prompted to specify a destination folder for saving the display model. Make sure that you use an empty folder.
With a text editor, open the Map1.tbdmmap file of the display model you have just saved.
Remove the “CoordinateSystem” and “LastViewport” sections from the file. Save your changes and close the editor.
Your display model is now ready for use.