Preparing the plot layout

Before you can output plans to a printer/plotter, you should create a template file (DWG or DWT format) in which you can save the desired layouts with the required paper formats and text fields.

Open this template in Map 3D. You can now switch to the prepared layouts and print the planned areas. Output is possible to a printer/plotter as well as in PDF format.

Creating a template

Open a new drawing file via “New” > “Drawing”.

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Create blocks for the legend and the text field. Enter the required lines, texts and attributes in corresponding, separate layers. Add images if necessary.

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Adding text 

Define the text style using the DDSTYLE or _STYLE command in the dialog that opens.

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You have the option of editing existing text styles or creating new ones.
Insert texts using the TEXT command. There are two choices:

  • Select the text style you want to use with S or the default text style will be used.
  • Specify the position of the text in the graphic.
  • Enter the text height.
  • Enter the angle of rotation.
  • Enter the content of the text.

Adding attributes 

Define a new attribute with the “ATTDEF” command.

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  1. Select the options in “Mode”
  2. Specify an “insertion point” using coordinates or define it in the graphic.
  3. Define the “designation”, the “input prompt” and, if applicable, select a “default” from the list.
  4. Select the text options of the attribute.

If the “Define on screen” option has been selected for “Insertion point”, the “Insertion point” of the attribute must be defined in the graphic after closing the dialog.

Upload lines

Digitize the lines on the corresponding layer with the required colors, line types and widths.

Note

Pay attention to the selected object snap (switch on and off with F3 or with CTRL + right mouse button).

Work in the ortho mode (switch on and off using F8).

Adding images 

Using the “MAPIINSERT” command or clicking the “Insert Image” button in the “Insert” tab in the “Image” group opens the dialog for inserting an image.

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Select the image file. 

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“Image correlation” input values

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1.  Make sure that the “units” for the image are the same as in the drawings where the image is to be used.
2a.  Specify an “insertion point” using coordinates, enter a “angle of rotation” and a “scale” or
2b.  define the “insertion point” in the graphic. If the insertion point has been selected in the graphic, the “angle of rotation” and the “scaling” must then be specified.
3. A “color” for the image frame can be selected.

With the IMAGEFRAME command, the display of the frame is controlled by 3 values:

0 The image frame is not displayed or plotted. The image cannot be selected via the frame!
1 The image frame is displayed and plotted.
2 The image frame is displayed but not plotted.

 

Creating a block 

Start creating a block using the “BLOCK” command or the “Create” button on the “Insert” tab in the AutoCAD block group.

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This will open the dialog for the block definition.

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1. Enter a “name” for the block.
2. Specify an “insertion point” using coordinates or define it in the graphic.
3. Select the “objects” in the graphic or via filter options.
4. Specify what is to happen to the “block components”.
5. Define the “behavior” of the block.
6. Select the “units” set in the drawings where the block is to be used.
7. You can enter a “Description” for the block.
8. The block created can then be opened and edited in the “Block editor”.
9. Click “OK” to create the block.

Creating a layout 

Specify the paper size for the layout. 

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New layouts can be created, existing layouts can be edited and layouts of other files can be imported.

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The page-setup manager will open for you to make changes.

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  1. Select a printer/plotter
  2. The plotter-configuration dialog opens.
  3. Select the paper format from the list.
  4. The plot area can be selected, but should be set to Layout.
  5. The orientation of the drawing can be selected.

Additional settings can be used. Click OK to create the layout accordingly

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The dashed lines indicate the area that can be plotted. 

Creating a viewport

A new viewport can be created using the “MANSFEN” command or in the “Layout tools” tab in the Viewports group.

Digitize the viewport within the printable area. Ensure that the “Ortho mode” is activated. Do not include the legend and the text field in the preview window. 

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Double-click within the viewport to zoom in on the area to be printed.

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The objects are displayed according to the display model.