Marking critical model data

Module(s): 3D Modeling + Bridge and Civil Engineering

You can use the Mark Critical Model Data tool to find critical model data (3D solids and architectural elements) in the active document or in the current drawing file and in all drawing files open in edit mode. Critical model data are not displayed correctly in animated models, hidden line images, associate views and above all in sections.

In this context, the term "critical model data" refers to components that look correct but that are damaged. Apart from damaged, the edges of these components can also differ from the system angle or these components have coordinates that are more than 1,000 m from the origin. Such data can be from earlier versions. Or you have imported files from other CAD systems, inadvertently producing critical data. Gaps in custom planes can also lead to problems.

Note: Objects of which the angles differ from the system angle are not damaged. However, they can cause problems when you try to join components or calculate quantities. Most components are usually parallel or at right angles to the system angle. So you can quickly and easily find and correct these differences.

To check documents for critical model data

1. Click Mark Critical Model Data (How).
   

   Activate Mark Critical Model Data in one of the following ways

   • Menu bar: Change Bonus Tools 3D Modeling

   • Palette: Tools Change area in the following module(s):

   3D Modeling

   Bridge and Civil Engineering

2. The Mark Critical Model Data dialog box opens. Specify the criteria for checking and marking 3D data:
   • Incorrect objects
     (For example, open solids, damaged walls)
   • Objects with large coordinates
     (For example, imported files include objects that are far away from the global point.)
     

     The global point is the origin of the CAD system and it has the following coordinates: 0,0,0. You should always design near the global point as otherwise problems may arise in the case of large coordinates.

   • Objects with differing angles
     The program checks the difference between the angle of an edge and the basic angle in the X and Y directions.
     Define the basic angle (you can usually use the current system angle). In addition, define the range between which the program is to check for differing angles.
     
     Note: You will only get reasonable results if the initial value is not too small. The default setting is 0.05°. Allplan has no problems processing smaller differences.
     
     Note: Start by using Objects with differing angles together with Objects with large coordinates. The program can have problems detecting differing angles in objects that are far away from the global point. So move the objects towards the global point first and check for differing angles afterwards.
3. Select the model data you want to check.
   

   • To select a single element, click it.
   • To select elements in a region, use the left mouse button to open a selection rectangle around the elements you want to select
   • To include all the elements in the current document, click All in the Input options or press CTRL+A. Please note that this option is not available for all tools.

   For more information on the options available for selecting elements in Allplan, see Selecting elements, overview.

   When selecting elements, you can use the Filter Assistant to apply a filter based on element types and/or properties. For more information, see Filter Assistant.

   The program displays a message with the results. If the program has found critical model data, it creates red marker objects from these data.

4. Click OK to confirm the message.

   Tip: Open an animation window so that you can see better.

5. Select more model data or press ESC to quit.

   If the program has found critical model data, you can see the following message: Would you like to save the markings in the current document?

6. If you click Yes, the program saves the marker objects of the critical model data in the current document. These objects are given the CO_COMMENT layer. You can now isolate, check and correct the data. The original data are retained.
7. Press ESC to quit the tool.