Changing the unit of measure in MicroStation can be crucial for ensuring that your designs and drawings are accurate and conform to specific project requirements. This process involves accessing the design file settings where you can switch between various working units. Below are the detailed steps to effectively change the unit of measure in MicroStation.
Accessing the Design File Settings
Open MicroStation: Launch the application to begin.
Navigate to Settings: At the top menu, locate the "Settings" option. Click on it to reveal a dropdown menu.
- Select Design File: From the dropdown, find and select "Design File." This action will bring up the design file settings dialog box.
Adjusting Working Units
Locate Working Units: In the dialog box that appears, look for a list on the left side. Click on the entry labeled "Working Units."
Change Master Units: Within the Working Units section, you will see options to set the master units. Choose the desired unit from the dropdown (e.g., feet, meters, inches).
Adjust Sub Units (if applicable): If your project requires sub units (like decimal fractions of inches or feet), locate that option in the same section and select the appropriate sub unit.
- Apply the Changes: Once you have selected both master and sub units, confirm your changes by clicking the "OK" or "Apply" button on the dialog box.
Verifying Unit Changes
Check New Units: After applying the changes, create a new design element or modify an existing one. Ensure that the dimensions are reflecting the new units of measure correctly.
- Adjust Scale Settings: If necessary, revisit the design file settings and adjust the scaling options to align your elements with the newly selected units, ensuring accurate representation in the workspace.
FAQ
Q1: What are master units and sub units?
Master units refer to the primary measurement system you will be using (like meters or feet), while sub units are smaller divisions within the master unit that may be necessary for precision (like inches or centimeters).
Q2: Can I change units for an existing drawing?
Yes, you can change the units for an existing drawing. Access the design file settings as described and apply new master and sub units. However, understand that changing units might affect how existing dimensions and elements are viewed and scaled.
Q3: What should I do if elements do not scale properly after changing units?
If elements do not appear scaled correctly after changing units, check the scale settings within the design file options or revisit the properties of the elements to ensure they align with the new unit measurements. Adjusting the scale factors may be necessary to maintain accuracy.
