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QuickStart for OpenRoads Designer

This information is intended to provide OpenRoads Designer users with background about how the software is configured to provide ODOT standard symbologies.

Below, you will see ordered steps that are typically taken for design activities in a small project. When you expand each step, you will see links to documentation that explain the configuration and choices you may have when operating the software.

​With the CONNECT Edition, you'll want to ensure that the ProjectWise project you are working in is a CONNECT Design Platform and has a 9_WorkSet folder, or if not, you will need to launch ORD in a way that allows you to select the ODOT WorkSet from your C: drive.

- How to Open DGNs and Access ODOT Standards

Create New DGNs

​If your project is in ProjectWise - then use ProjectWise to create new DGNs! The ODOT Naming Tool works best (not perfectly) when using New>Document and the Advanced Wizard. Select your "template" from the CAD_Resources\Seed folder at the top of the ProjectWise Documents folder list.​

Starting a CONNECT Project for OpenRoads Designer - vid​​eo 33:49​

Picture flowchart of How to Create New CONNECT DGN File​s in a network share or C: drive, or in ProjectWise

Create An OITL from the ODOT_ORD_seed.itl

A template library (.itl) is always loaded when you launch ORD/OSD. By default, the read-only ODOT_ORD_seed.itl is loaded from the WorkSpace in C:\ODOT\V10\Organization-Civil\ODOT_Standards\Template Library. This makes it easy to use the example templates or standard components in a quick corridor. Changes cannot be made to the ODOT_ORD_seed.itl. If custom templates are needed for modeling, use a discipline-specific (.itl) or create a project-specific (.itl) that auto-loads.​

​Work only in the Default model in any DGN file where you are creating civil data like geometries or corridors.

Do not create new models for civil things with different names. ORD needs to be able to create and manage the Default-3D model. Using models with names other than Default for civil stuff may interfere with ORD's ability to create the managed model and correctly attach it as a reference. Just don't go there.

Create other DGN FILES from seed (with their own Default model) when you need to separate your data. Then attach it as a reference - Default to Default. Use the sequential file naming like, GEOM_01, GEOM_02, etc. along with a good description. Use container files to reference together civil data by type.

Review the information in the OpenRoads Designer - ODOT training manual, Appendix C: Managed Models and Appendix D-1: Container files for Referencing​

​ODOT provides default preferences which include the Explorer and the Properties dialogs both docked and pinned open at the left. The Level Display dialog is open and shares a group with the Explorer. The Models dialog and References dialog share a group that is docked at the bottom and unpinned, so you only see tabs. The Feature Definition Toolbar and Civil Accudraw toolbox are open and docked at the bottom.

To make any changes to your Preferences, use the back stage: File>Settings>User - and you will see Preferences and much more.

​The behavior, appearance and annotation of civil elements are controlled by the feature definition assigned to it.​ Feature definitions have assigned feature symbologies and the symbologies are assigned to use element templates. The feature symbology can also be assigned to annotate the element.

- ODOT Alignment Feature Definitions​ and Annotations​

​Engineering Tips Webinar on 2/16/2022 used an older project that was completed using InRoads V8i to demonstrate the following tasks. The entire webinar is just over 56 minutes long. The links below will take you to specific times during the webinar.

- Setup, Process, and Create the 3D File for the Terrain

- Create a Terrain from a Fieldbook from a DTM

- Explore an Original Ground Terrain​

- Create Horizontal Geometry

- Display Profile of the Terrain

- Cut Stacked Cross Sections

- Cut Plan/Profile Sheets​

A more detailed explanation of these two design deliverables is located in the OpenRoads Designer User Guide:

Plans Production Process and Design Deliverables - Webinar 5/4/22

​OPNP File Creation

XSEC_bas File Creation

Using OpenRoads Designer and the ODOT Drawing Boundary Seeds

Civil Profile and Alternating Plan and Profile - Webinar 11/9/22, Slides​

Below is a series of four webinars that explore key concepts that every designer and CAD technician using the ODOT standards and Bentley CAD software should understand about the design deliverables and plans production process.

Foundations: Models, Container Files, Live Nesting and Design Deliverables - (Slides) (56:35 Webinar)

Drawing Boundaries for the Plans Production Process - (Slides) (54:22 Webinar)

Civil Profile and Alternating Plan & Profile - (Slides) (57:16 Webinar)

Design Deliverables and Plan Sheet Production - (Slides) (56:58 Webinar)