Overview
This command provides a dynamic slice through the 3D model perpendicularly to a baseline reference to allow detailed analysis along the baseline for greater insight into the model.
Finding the command
From the Default Frontstage main toolbar, open the Civil Tools icon and select Perpendicular Cross Section icon
In the Civil Frontstage main toolbar, open the Section menu and select Perpendicular Cross Section
Perpendicular Cross Section Selection Tool Settings
You will be prompted to pick and Alignment or Element (depending on Tool settings) followed by a location for the section.
Perpendicular Cross Section selection can be controlled by the Tool Settings and can be made by two modes
- Alignment – Note only available where Alignments are present as a result of having Civil schema present.
The graphics will auto highlight Alignment to aid in selection.
A named selection is available using ‘Identify’ option where a named list of Alignments is presented to select from. The ‘Fit View’ option can be used for larger models, limiting the list to those contained in the current view.
- Element
Requires selection from the graphics of a ‘3D linear element’.
XSection View
Once an Alignment or Element is selected a new view will be opened and resized when docked (vertically only) or undocked. The view can be pinned open and closed using the icons on the top right of the view frame.
On opening a ‘loading counter’ will display in the top of the view indicating the status of the view as it loads elements and surfaces, for detailed sections with multiple surfaces it may be possible to view the graphics loading.
- The Xsection view can be zoomed in and out using the mouse wheel and panning is achieved depressing the mouse wheel.
- Vertical exaggeration is applied by the view control tool.
- The vertical axis view decorators provides the elevation range for the current vertical exaggeration in the current model units.
- The horizontal axis view decorators provides the offset range from the reference element / alignment in the current model units.
- The cursor in the Xsection view provides dynamic tracking of the cursor and display the eleveation / offset on the respective axis.
Xsection View Options
Provides Linear Geometry cut in the section the ability to have a point weight scale that aids in identification in the view
XSection Location Navigation
The view frame provides text entry control for the location Station / Distance Along as forward / backward navigation controls to previous / next and first / last sections.
The section step interval is controlled in the Navigation Options panel withy the following modes.
- Intervals – this is the default step applied to the current location. Note if rounded / whole station locations are required a text entry to define the start is required.
[Note: If vertical clearance and Superelevation are also enabled, key locations identified by these options will be indicated in the frame.]
- Superelevation – this mode will stop at key changes in crossfall identified by Superelevation Analysis option.
[Note : If this analysis has not been carried out this option will not have any effect. Turning off interval / vertical clearance and leaving Superelevation on will allow navigation between key identified superelevation cross fall changes.]
- Vertical Clearance – when toggled, this mode will consume any vertical clearance location points for the reference alignment and open the cross section on those locations.
[Note : If this analysis has not been carried out this option will not have any effect. Turning off interval / superelevation but leaving vertical clearance on, will allow navigation between identified vertical clearance locations.]
XSection Location Navigation in Plan
When a section is cut, the plan view shows a cutting plane with grab handles. These allow for
- Dynamic drag along the reference alignment
- Widening the offset left and right for the cutting plane
Note : manipulation in plan is best in Top view mode with Camera off
Measurements
Measurements can be applied to the section view for:
- Horizontal between anchor points
- Vertically between anchor points
- These modes require selection of two nodes and the drag placement of the measurement in the view.
- 2D Area (requires aclosed shape coming from a mesh ie a road pavement
- The area measurement is placed at the centroid of the area
[Note - When moving between section locations these measurements are preserved and displayed on the next section. If the anchor point is not available on the next section the dimension is removed from the display and applied again when the anchor is available.]
Dimensions are temporary to the session and can be cleared from the view by Selecting from the Tool Palette or shared (not working)
Please refer to this video, for details: