2D File Setup in OpenRoads Designer

Table of contents

  1. Creating SWPPP, utility, or drainage design files
  2. Creating working design files
  3. Archiving files

This document will guide you through the proper set up of 2D ITD Project files. Proper setup is essential to data management and a project’s future success.

Setting up a 2D file is the second step when starting on a new project. The first step is to review our Pre-Design Resources and make sure you understand the fundamental concepts behind the project you’re undertaking. Generally, we have one 2D file per discipline: SWPPP, utility, and/or drainage. Which disciplines will require which file will depend on the project.

2D files are used for SWPPP and utility projects, as well as drainage design files. For creating a 3D file for 3D drainage modeling, see 3D File Setup.

Creating SWPPP, utility, or drainage design files

  1. Navigate to the project in ITD ProjectWise.

    • The project is usually located in PWITD > Documents > District or HDR_US_West_01. You’ll be given the appropriate file path and name at the start of the project.

  2. Find the project-specific seed file, usually located in the Design folder or in the Project Resources folder.

    • The seed file, created by the prime, contain coordinate information. Using this file creates a standard across the project and eliminates any errors in file setup. ITD standard line styles, text, and cell libraries will be imported by using the prime’s seed file Always use the seed files created by the prime.

  3. Right click on the 2D seed file.

  4. Select Copy.

  5. Paste the file into the Design folder.

  6. Select No Wizard in the pop-up window and continue.

  7. Rename the pasted file to the appropriate convention.

    • Typical naming convention for SWPPP: 20442_SWPPP_S01.dgn

    • Typical naming convention for Utility: 20442_UTIL_S01.dgn

    • Typical naming convention for a 3D Drainage file: 20442_DRAIN_S02.dgn

      • The letter delineator, here “S”, is set by the prime, typically in a CAD Tech memo. This is to show which firm has ownership of each file. S&C typically uses “S” as its delineator. If “S” is unavailable, we default to “C”.

    • Add a description (e.g., SWPPP Design file, Utility Design file, 2D Drainage Design)

  8. Open the renamed file.

  9. Attach any pertinent reference files. See Tips & Tricks for information on referencing. Make sure all references are attached using Coincident World.

    • Typical references for all files:

      • Topo
      • Existing Surface
      • Proposed Surface (often not available in early stages of a project)
      • Aerial Imagery
      • Design Files
      • Alignment

  10. Click Fit View in the View menu bar.

  11. Close the file.

Creating working design files

Working files are files that are not yet ready to be available for others to reference or view.

  1. Navigate to the project in ITD ProjectWise.

  2. Navigate to Design > Working > S&C >Your Working Folder.

    • If a Working folder does not yet exist in the Design folder, create it.
      • To create a new folder in ProjectWise, in the menu bar, click the Folder > New Folder
    • Add a folder with your first initial and last name:

  3. Find the project-specific seed file, usually located in the Design folder or in the Project Resources folder.

    • The seed files, created by the prime, contain coordinate information. Using this file creates a standard across the project and eliminates any errors in file set up. ITD standard line styles, text, and cell libraries will be imported by the prime’s seed file. Always use the Seed files created by the prime.

  4. Right click the 2D seed file.

  5. Select Copy.

  6. Paste the file into your working Design folder.

  7. Rename the pasted file to the appropriate convention with _Working.dgnat the end.

    • Typical naming convention for SWPPP: 20442_SWPPP_S01_Working.dgn

    • Typical naming Convention for Utility: 20442_UTIL_S01_Working.dgn

    • Typical naming convention for a 3D Drainage file: 20442_DRAIN_S02_Working.dgn

      • The letter delineator, here “S”, is set by the prime, typically in a CAD Tech memo. This is to show which firm has ownership of each file. S&C typically uses “S” as its delineator. If “S” is unavailable, we default to “C”.

  8. Open the renamed file.

  9. Attach any pertinent references.

    • Typical references for all files:

      • Topo
      • Existing Surface
      • Proposed Surface (often not available in early stages of a project)
      • Aerial Imagery
      • Design Files
      • Alignment

  10. When you are ready to move the file to the Design folder for others to use and reference, remove _Working from the end. Right click on the file, select Cut, and Paste it into the Design folder.

Archiving files

Once you are done with a file, move it to Design > Working > S&C > Archive. This will help with data management. Never delete files, always archive them. If an Archive folder doesn’t exist yet, create one.