| Applies To | |||
| Product(s): | Raster Manager | ||
| Version(s): | V8 | ||
| Environment: | N/A | ||
| Area: | N/A | ||
| Subarea: | N/A | ||
| Original Author: | Bentley Technical Support Group | ||
I just installed MicroStation V8 and neither Image Manager nor Raster Reference is available in the menu, have they been replaced?
Image Manager and Raster Reference have been combined to create the Raster Manager utility.
What is Raster Manager?
Raster Manager is the main raster engine that allows the display of raster reference files in MicroStation. Raster Manager provides users with a variety of image manipulation tools, such as warping, image navigation, interactive placement modification, and non-destructive raster clipping tools.
Does Raster Manager replace Bentley Descartes' Image Manager?
Raster Manager is now the standard default raster engine used in Descartes.
Are my existing .PRJ files still compatible with Raster Manager?
Two types of PRJ files can be imported in Raster Manager. The files are categorized by the applications that generated them. They are:
Image Manager and Raster Manager for MicroStation/J: These applications generated PRJ files versions 2.4 and 7.1, containing standard Raster Manager image settings.
Descartes and ReproGraphics for MicroStation/J: These special projects hold multiple color transparency attributes specific to Descartes and ReproGraphics.
In MicroStation V8, Raster Manager will not save raster information in project files or create new PRJ files. Instead, all information is stored within the MicroStation Raster Reference (Type 90 element), which is the new standard for raster attachments in MicroStation V8 design files.
Here are the existing scenarios when importing PRJ files:
With project files already attached to the V7 DGN, Raster Manager will automatically load version 2.4 and 7.1 project files. Descartes and ReproGraphics project files will not be loaded and because the DGN is being imported in MicroStation V8, they will be detached from the V7 DGN.
Project files can also be loaded manually with the File > Raster Manager > Project > Import menu. This operation will load all types of PRJ files, no matter which application they originate from. The project attachments (Type 66 elements) will automatically be converted into raster reference attachments (Type 90 elements), therefore the PRJ file will be detached from the DGN.
For PRJ files created with Image Manager and Raster Manager for MicroStation/J, you can create the RASTERMGR_PROJECT_READ_ALL configuration variable in the Workspace > Configuration menu. If it is set to 0, only Image Manager and Raster Manager projects (versions 2.4 and 7.1 ) are loaded automatically.
For projects generated with Descartes and ReproGraphics, create the RASTMNGR_PROJECT_READ_ALL configuration variable and set its value to "1". When set to "1", this variable causes all existing (attached) project files to be read and converted automatically.
Both variables can be used for the exact same task, but the variable's name is slightly different depending on the application that generated the PRJ files.
Note: All of these operations will cause the PRJ file to be detached from the design file, meaning that a MicroStation V8 DGN exported to MicroStation/J format will not recreate the attachment. The PRJ file must be sent with the MicroStation/J DGN file if it is to be reopened under a MicroStation/J environment. To preserve raster project attachments within your design file, open the DGN in read-only mode in MicroStation V8. Once back in MicroStation/J, you will be able to reattach the project or import raster reference attachments in Image Manager or Raster Manager 7.11.
I exported the MicroStation V8 DGN in a MicroStation/J application or in AutoCAD. Some raster formats no longer display. Why is this?
Raster Manager for MicroStation V8 now supports more raster formats than in previous versions. When exporting MicroStation V8 DGNs to other file formats, keep in mind that some raster formats might not be supported.
Here is a list of unsupported raster formats by application:
Image Manager: iTIFF, BIL, GIF, ECW, MrSID, 11-bit TIFs, Intergraph c30, Intergraph c31.
Raster Reference: Same list as Image Manager plus HMR.
MicroStation/J's Descartes and ReproGraphics: Same list as Image Manager.
Raster Manager versions 7.11 and 7.14: BIL, GIF, ECW, MrSID, 11-bit TIFs, Intergraph c30 and Intergraph c31.
AutoCAD 2000i: Intergraph formats, BIL, HMR, iTIFF, GeoTIFF, IMG 24-bit (.A), IMG (.P), Sun Raster, 11-bit TIFs, ECW, MrSID.
If I have a PRJ file from MicroStation ReproGraphics or MicroStation Descartes that has more than one color set to transparent or translucent, will this be retained when I convert the PRJ file to Raster Manager type 90 attachments?
Yes. Multiple color transparencies will be retained when the project is opened in Raster Manager. However, when you re-open this image with more than one color set to either translucent or transparent, you will no longer have the ability to remove or add color transparencies.
How many images can be opened with Raster Manager?
No limit is inferred by the Raster Manager software itself. Realistically, however, as with any software program, hardware memory and computing power will, at some point, limit the feasibility of opening additional images.
Where can I find Documentation about Raster Manager?
Raster Manager documentation is now delivered in the MicroStation CHM file that is located in the ..\Bentley\Documentation directory. You can also access this information in the MicroStation Help under the "Raster Manager Guide" topic.
How are BIL, GIF, MrSid, RLC, C30 and C31 files supported within Raster Manager?
Raster Manager supports BIL, GIF, MrSid, RLC, Intergraph C30 and Intergraph C31 files for viewing and conversion to other supported file formats. These files cannot be used as Save As or Batch Convert output formats by Raster Manager.
When I attempt to open some of my Intergraph TIFF or GeoTIFF files, the images are not properly located, how can this be remedied?
In older design files created with different MicroStation/J applications (for example I/RASB, and some Geotiff and Intergraph TIFF attachments created with Raster Manager version 07.11.36.38 or earlier), the Raster Attachment found in the design file may give a different georeference than the one found in the Raster file's header. If the file header georeference has to take precedence over the design file's Raster Attachment georeference, it is suggested to use the Workspace > Preferences dialog box and enable the "File Georeference Has Priority When Raster Is Loaded" checkbox in the Raster Manager Category. When the design file is closed, then reopened, this will allow the images to place themselves according to the raster file header's georeference and to overwrite the georeference found in the design file's Raster Attachments. Previously, it was necessary to detach and reattach the images to overcome this problem.
I have a DGN with many non-georeferenced raster attachments (for example: BMP or JPG). Is it possible to create World files for these images without having to modify their location?
Yes. Two key-ins allow you to save location info files (HGR or World files) or plain georeference information directly from your raster attachments to World files or georeferenced file headers, without having to modify the raster locations.
Note: The rasters have to comply with these two conditions in order for the operation to work:
Files must be in read-write mode (make sure they are not opened in read only mode in Raster Manager).
The file format must be one of the output formats that are supported by Raster Manager.
The key-ins are:
RASTER SAVEALL: Saves all images listed in the Raster Manager dialog box and generates a World file for each of them.
RASTER SAVESELECTED: Saves the selected images in the Raster Manager dialog box and generates a World file for that particular raster.
To ensure that your World file has the TFW extension, use the following key-in:
RASTER DEFAULTSISTERTYPE WORLD
Why are TIFF files (with World files) found on the Web not opened at the right location in Raster Manager?
The main reason for this problem is that most of the time, these files are in fact GeoTIFF files. World files provide georeference information for applications that do not support the GeoTIFF format. In order for Raster Manager to read the values contained in the World file, simply turn OFF "File Georeference Has Priority when Raster Is Loaded" in the Raster Manager Category of the Workspace > Preferences dialog box and enable the "Use Sister File, if Present, for Georeferenced Files" check box to make the World file location values override the geotiff header's location information.
Is it possible to customize search paths for image files?
Yes. MicroStation handles raster reference paths in a way similar to DGN reference paths. A directory path is assigned to a configuration variable, and this variable may contain as many directories as necessary. Here are the most common ways to use this feature:
- The MS_RFDIR configuration variable is the default variable to which raster paths are appended. It is controlled by the "Update MS_RFDIR Automatically for Raster Attachments" toggle.
-
If on, the attached raster image paths are automatically appended to the MS_RFDIR configuration variable. The raster attachments will be searched for in the directories named by the configuration variable.
If off, the paths will not be appended to the configuration variable and the images will be searched for only in the paths that are already listed in the MS_RFDIR configuration variable.
- For larger projects, configuration variables can be created in the MicroStation Workspace > Configuration dialog box. These configuration variables are stored in user files (.UCF), and they become part of the MicroStation Manager Workspaces. They can also be appended to project files (.PCF) and be listed with the reference DGN search paths.
To learn how to format configuration variable entries in workspace files, please refer to the MicroStation Help topics titled "Modifying the Project Configuration File" and "Configuration Variable File Syntax".
If your computer is linked to a network, you can either map network drives to the remote system directory or you can use the Universal Naming Convention (UNC) in your search paths.
To use configuration variables, in the Attach Raster Reference dialog box (Raster Manager dialog box: File > Attach), select the Directory menu and click the "Select Configuration Variable" item, then choose the configuration variable created to contain your raster search paths. The first search path listed in the configuration variable will become the default path to attach your images, and raster attachments will be searched for in all directories listed under the configuration variable.
Why does an image open at different locations in MicroStation V8 and MicroStation/J?
This occurs when the working units are not properly defined. Raster Manager for MicroStation/J reads the Sub Unit label and matches that label with the one from the units.ini file. As an example, you cannot have kilometers as the Master Unit and inches as the Sub Unit. This problem also occurs if "SU" is used as the Sub Unit label, and the Master Unit label is anything other than "MU". For the HMR and TIF formats, "SU" is equal to 1 meter. If the Master Unit label defines a unit that is smaller than the one defined by the Sub Unit label (MU is smaller than SU), then MicroStation/J opens the image at a different location. There are two workarounds to fix this:
- Change "SU" for a valid Sub Unit label (m, cm, mm, etc.), that is a Sub Unit label that fits with the Master Unit, and make sure that the value entered for the Sub Unit per Master Unit is valid. For instance, if the Master Unit is feet then the Sub Unit is inches, and the value in the Sub Unit field must be 12 (12 inches per foot).
- If you want to keep the original SU label, you can edit the units.ini file and assign the proper value to the "SU" label entry. The units.ini file is located under the Bentley\Workspace\System\tables\raster directory. You should keep in mind that the SU label is defined as 1 meter. It is possible to assign any value you want to the SU label, but it must be expressed in meters and it must be defined in the units.ini file under the SU label.
For example, in MicroStation, if one SU is to be equal to 1/10th of a foot, you need to convert this value into meters. Hence, you would use the following formula:
0.3048/10=0.0348, where 0.3048 is 1 foot expressed in meters.
Thus, the SU label in the units.ini file will be defined as: SU,0.03048.
How much disk space will I need to clip a 100MB image?
Raster Manager's clipping is done entirely in memory (RAM).
When plotting monochrome raster data, how can the background color be set?
The following parameter can be used to specify the background color of monochrome raster at printout:
- Go to the MicroStation File > Print > Settings > Raster Options dialog and set the Monochrome Background list to the required value (White, Black or No Invert).
- Set the background color directly in the .PLT driver.
To set the background color, edit the following variable in the .PLT driver used to generate the plot: BACKGROUND = 0 where 0=white, 1=black, 2=color.
NOTE: For the ripwin32_rgb.plt and the ripwin32_gray8.plt drivers, the variable has to be edited in the rip_std_options.inc driver. Refer to the MicroStation Help "Printing Guide > Printing Using Raster Manager" topic for more information.
After moving and/or scaling raster files, where can I find a Save option to save the new georeference information?
Updated georeference data is stored in the DGN type 90 reference. When the image is detached or the design file closed, the georeference information is automatically written in the image header, or in a sister file. To avoid modification of either file, open your images as read-only. To do so, when attaching the raster simply turn on the "Open Raster Files Read-Only" toggle in the Attach Raster Reference File dialog box. By doing so, only the type 90 reference will be updated.
How is a raster file saved in Raster Manager?
The file is automatically saved when the design file is closed and/or when the raster file is detached. The file can also be manually saved using all the available options with the Raster Manager File > Save As menu.
In 1-bit images, how are the foreground and background colors managed in Raster Manager?
The foreground color is identified by the color index "1" and the background is color index "0". Transparency is set to the background color by default. The weight of each color is irrelevant.
Are the contrast and brightness settings saved in the raster file?
No. Contrast and brightness settings are stored in the Raster Reference attachment (type 90).
Is it possible to set more than one transparent color?
Possible values are one single color or all colors.
Is it possible to disable the Raster Preview after opening a large raster file to speed up subsequent opening of other images?
Use the "Escape" key to halt Raster Preview and still be able to open image files.
Loading a 1-bit image with the MicroStation/J background color set to white makes it impossible to view the image because the foreground color is the same as the background color. How can this be resolved?
If this problem occurs, simply modify the background or foreground color and the image will appear. To modify the color settings, click the "Show Image Settings" arrow at the bottom of the main Raster Manager dialog box, or choose File > Settings > Attachment > Color from the Raster Manager menu.
When clipping, only the vector or raster is clipped. Why is this?
Clipping of vector and raster are independent from each other. To clip raster, choose File > Clip from the Raster Manager menu.
Some images are displayed in black, what can I do to resolve this?
This can result from a memory problem: it occurs when there is not enough free space on disk to create the cached files on the drive where the default TEMP file is located. To resolve the issue, delete useless files in order to make room on the drive where the cached files are located. The cached files are found under your computer's temporary directory.
How can I specify the location to store cached files?
Add the HMRTempDirectory variable to your System Environment variables and set it to a drive/directory combination of your choice.
Is LZW compression supported?
Starting with MicroStation version 08.05.01.25 and higher, Raster Manager supports LZW compression in TIFF and GIF raster formats.
How do I view the default unit for my GeoTIFF and World file unit?
It is possible to view or set the GeoTIFF and World file unit under the MicroStation menu Workspace > Preferences > Raster Manager.
Are GeoTiff files using unknown units supported?
Yes, when a GeoTiff has an unknown unit, you can set the default values in Raster Manager Category of the Workspace > Preferences dialog box under the "GeoTiff Default Unit Label" field.
- Choose Workspace > Preferences.
- From the Category list, select Raster Manager.
- Locate the item "GeoTiff Default Unit Label".
- Enter the required unit label.
- Click OK.
Can I read my World file in different units?
Yes, you can set your own units in the Raster Manager Category of the Workspace > Preferences dialog box under the "WorldFile Default Unit Label" field. The default unit is set to Meters.
- Choose Workspace > Preferences.
- From the Category list, select Raster Manager.
- Locate the item "WorldFile Default Unit Label."
- Enter the unit label you want.
- Click OK.
Why is the location of my Intergraph files lost when I use the offline raster conversion utility?
When converting file formats which refer to a DGN file for georeference information, because "rastconv.ma" operates offline, the utility cannot access the referenced DGN file and the proper creation of Intergraph format output files is impossible. Use Raster Manager's Batch Conversion tool for these formats.
What image formats does Raster Manager support?
See the chart below:
| Input/Output supported formats (READ-WRITE) | Raster formats supported READ-ONLY | Supported Color Modes | Supported Compressions | Other Features and Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CALS (TYPE1) (.cal) | BIL (.bil) | 2 Colors (1-bit) | BMP RLE8 | Sister File Support: HGR and World File |
| Georeferenced TIFF (.tif) | ER Mapper ECW (.ecw) | 256 Colors (8-bits) | CCITT FAX4 | Tiled and untiled raster format support |
| HMR (.hmr) | Intergraph C30 (.c30) | 16 Colors (4-bits) | Deflate | |
| IMG (.p) | Intergraph C31 (.c31) | 24 Bit Color | Flashpix | |
| IMG (24 Bit) (.a) | Intergraph TIF (.tif) | Grey Scale | JPEG Minimum Loss | |
| Intergraph 29 (.c29) | MrSID (.sid) | Monochrome | JPEG Low Loss | |
| Intergraph CIT (.cit) | Compuserve GIF (.GIF) | RGB Alpha (32 bits) | JPEG Medium Loss | |
| Intergraph COT (.cot) | RLC | JPEG High Loss | ||
| Intergraph RGB (.rgb) | None | |||
| Intergraph RLE (.rle) | PackBits | |||
| Intergraph TG4 (.tg4) | RLE1 | |||
| Internet TIFF (.iTIFF) | RLE8 | |||
| JPEG (JFIF) (.jpg) | Wavelet | |||
| PCX (.pcx) | LZW | |||
| PNG (.png) | BMP RLE4 | |||
| Sun Raster (.rs) | ||||
| Targa (.tga) | ||||
| TIFF (.tif) | ||||
| Windows BMP (.bmp) | ||||
| 11-bit TIF (.tif) |
Can Raster Manager create 11-bit TIFF files?
11-bit TIFF files can be opened in Read-Write mode but cannot be created. Once a 11-bit TIFF file is opened in Raster Manager, if any modifications are made to it, the changes have to be saved in another file format such as TIFF 24 Bits or CAL monochrome files.
Q: I have added transparency to my rasters, but when I send them to print, either the transparency does not apply or the images do not display. Why is this?
A: Only the ripwin32_rgb.plt and the ripwin32_gray8.plt support raster transparency when printing. Refer to the MicroStation Help "Printing Using Raster Manager" topic for more information on the use of different print drivers with Raster Manager.
I have created a small MDL program with Raster Manager key-ins and they are no longer recognized. Were any changes made to the syntax of Raster Manager keyins in MicroStation V8.5?
Yes. In MDL programming one can send a keyin by specifying the application's TASKID. If the TASKID used to launch the keyin was "REF", it must now be replaced by "RASTMGR" in MicroStation V8.5. The most convenient way to set this parameter is to use the RASTMGR_TASKID define entry found in the ...Bentley\Program\MicroStation\mdl\include\rmdlgids.h file.
How can I optimize my image display time with MicroStation 2004 Edition's Raster Manager utility?
In MicroStation 2004 Edition, there is a special setting specifically designed to enhance opening speed when attaching an image via a network drive. To enable this feature, you must create the following configuration variable: MS_RASTER_LOADMODE
Set this variable to "3" in order to speed up the attach/display operation for any image accessed through a network drive. A cache file will be created on the local drive in the folder pointed to by the Windows Environment variable TMP or TEMP. You may control the location of these cached files by specifying a System Environment variable HMRTempDirectory and setting it to the desired folder on your local drive.
If images are opened from a local drive, the default value will optimize speed for local raster files (loadmode is not set in the configuration).
See Also
Raster Product TechNotes And FAQs
External Links
Bentley Technical Support KnowledgeBase
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