Comparison between Old and New Data

You can use this tool to compare the previous state of the design phase with the current state and to visually display differences. The Comparison between Old and New Data tool can be applied to both modifications and comparisons of nominal/actual data.

Allplan compares 2D lines and 2D circles and, in addition, the lines of architectural elements in plan (e.g. walls, column, ...). The result is always displayed as 2D lines. Note, however, that you cannot compare quantity takeoff operations.

If you wish to compare views or sections, you need to prepare the sources accordingly: for example, generate a hidden line image or wireframe model first.

To compare data

• The results of the comparison are attached to the crosshairs and can be placed in the current document. If you want, you can open an empty drawing file/document.
• Save the current document.
  
  If you want to place the results of the comparison in the document with the design, select this document before you execute the Comparison between Old and New Data tool.

1. Click Comparison between Old and New Data (Tools menu).

   The Comparison between Old and New Data dialog box opens.

2. Select one or more documents in the Select initial state (existing data) area on the left:
   • Click Drawing file and select files in the 'Select File' dialog box by checking the relevant boxes.
   • Click NDW file, specify the path and select a file.
3. Select one or more documents in the Select target state (including changes) area on the right:
   • Click Drawing file and select files in the 'Select File' dialog box by checking the relevant boxes.
   • Click NDW file, specify the path and select a file.
4. Specify the elements’ format properties for the result, which is generated in the current document.

   Note: By checking or unchecking the boxes, you can exclude elements from the comparison and/or hide format properties.

   • Missing stands for elements that are only in the source document.
   • Added stands for elements that are only in the target document.
   • Same is only assigned to elements that are congruent in the initial and target documents.
5. Click OK to confirm the dialog box.

   The result is displayed attached to the crosshairs and can be placed in the active document.

   Tip: To place the result of the comparison so that its coordinates stay exactly the same, click in the workspace with the right mouse button and select Last Point on the shortcut menu.