Consultant Resource Center

The purpose of this document is to provide a basis for exchange of CADD files and data between all divisions of the WVDOT and outside organizations. Please note that this information is updated periodically. Organizations exchanging CADD data with WVDOT are responsible for ensuring those current versions of all standards are being used.

Please select the following links for more information:
• Reference Manuals
• Survey Data
• Construction Plans
• Photogrammetry & Mapping
• Working Units and Global Origins
• Cells
• Graphic File Format
• Identification
• Media Data Formats
• Current Software Versions used by the WVDOT

Reference Manuals
WVDOT is no longer producing hard copies of the CADD Standards Manual.
Instead, a MicroStation macro has been developed that contains all of the CADD Standards data the current version of which can be downloaded from the MicroStation section of the WVDOT web site.

Survey Data
The WVDOT currently uses Topcon FC-1 data collectors running Intergraph’s MGE_ETI software. All raw survey data is in a MGE_ETI .fld file format which can be processed on an Intergraph workstation-running MGE_ETI. In order to process this data a program must be able to read a MGE_ETI field (*.fld) or fieldbook file (*.fbk). The WVDOT can also provide survey data in a unedited Intergraph *.ics cogo file. The WVDOT provides electronic survey data “as is”. It is the consultant’s responsibility to verify that the data is reduced and utilized correctly.

Construction Plans
Construction plan files can be provided in two forms. First as a design plan or model ( .mbm file), which will be provided in a properly oriented continuous strip (much like a strip map). Second by plan sheets where the continuous design model is broken into appropriately sized sections bordered by WVDOT standard plan or plan & profile border sheets as directed by the project engineer. The form to be used for a given project shall be designated by the Project Engineer.

All files submitted to the WVDOT are to follow the naming and level conventions defined in the WVDOT Division of Highways Roadway Design Division CADD Standards.

All information shown on the hard copy drawings will be reflected in the CADD files. Making changes to just the hard copy will not be permitted.

All standard plan and profile sheet borders are defined in WVDOT cell libraries. WVDOT prefers that final plan sheets utilize MicroStation’s reference file features. This permits plotting of final drawing using a “virtual” copy of the continuous design so design changes only have to be made in one place.

Photogrammetry & Mapping
All mapping shall conform to design directive DD-85-1 dated February 7, 1994. WVDOT Photogrammetry Section currently creates models using Intergraph ImageStations and software. Single files should not be larger than 5000 blocks (1 block = 512 bytes), but should be of convenient size for transfer to the WVDOT on approved media.

Within the WVDOT all scanning is performed on an Intergraph Photoscan (PS1). The WVDOH scans 9”x9” photo film diapositives. The most commonly used format is INGR 65 JPEG compressed. Currently, files are scanned black and white photography at various scales with a scan resolution of 15 microns and compressed with a Q factor of 25 and a tile factor of 256. The department can also scan using Uncompressed and TIFF formats using black and white or color diapositives. An average scanned image size is 130,000 blocks and is stored on 8mm tapes.

All photogrammetric digitizing is collected utilizing the Intergraph Imagestation. After the photography has been scanned and orientation run an Intergraph 3-D file is created. Using the Intergraph Map Feature Coding (MFC) and a WVDOT feature table the planimetrics are stereo digitized into the m.dgn file. A second file contains all surface information. Using the Intergraph Imagestation Data Collection (ISDC) software graphic points are placed at a specified interval on the stereo image ground. These points are all on one level. On another level breaklines are digitized. These elements make up the d.dgn file.

Once all surface and planimetric information has been collected the files are transferred to an Intergraph workstation for final clean up, surfacing, and sheeting. Surfacing is accomplished with InRoads software. The d.dgn file is loaded by importing the graphic elements and triangulating the points into a usable Digital Terrain Model. Then a sheet file is created with the referenced d.dgn, or sometimes a .sur file which is several d.dgn files merged together, and a m.dgn file. All text and any contour cleanup are done directly to the m.dgn and d.dgn files using MicroStation 5.0.

Working Units and Global Origins
Working units for all Roadway and Bridge design files will be as follows;

WVDOT Seed Files (in English Units) are available that have Working Units and Global Origin defined so that they meet the above standard and can be used with the West Virginia State Plane Coordinate System.  

For photogrammetric design files the following working units are to be used;

All photogrammetric files will have a global origin of 0, 0, 2,147,483.6480 positional units. This places the origin of the file in the lower left-hand corner midway up the design cube.

Cells
The Engineering Computer Services Division distributes the following standard MicroStation cell and font libraries via the web site.

• Cross-sectional cells
• Metric cross-sectional cells
• Standard English borders
• Metric borders for standard
• English size sheets
• Quantities and charts
• Standard symbols
• Photogrammetric feature table
• Photogrammetric cells, including sheets
• Symbols and grid cells
• MicroStation version 5.0 font library
  

The above standard files are available upon request, in MicroStation 5.0 format ONLY to any organization working for WVDOT.

Graphic File Format
The WVDOT requires that all CADD files must be in a MicroStation 5.x .dgn format. This requirement ensures that files received by the WVDOT are directly usable on its’ CADD systems without additional work. The responsibility for providing complete, correct CADD data files to the WVDOT rests solely with the submitting organization.

All CADD and data files provided by the WVDOT will be in MicroStation 5.x format.

Identification
All magnetic media (diskettes, tapes, etc.) provided to the WVDOT must be labeled with the consultant’s name, the contents of the media, description of the media format (density, means of creation), the date the media was created and proper project identification. Non-conforming media will not be accepted. An example of proper format is:

Project name:
Project Number:
Creation date:
Creation method:
Format:
Density:
Contents:
Contact person:
Firm:

In addition a written directory listing of all media and a description of the files should accompany all submissions. Any questions on proper identification should be directed to the Project Engineer.

Media Data Formats
WVDOT currently distributes CADD files ONLY on DOS formatted 1.44mb 3.5” diskettes, with the files either in native DOS format or in a pkzip version 2.4 format, depending on the file’s sizes. Due to current changes at WVDOT we can only accept CADD data on DOS formatted diskettes. If this causes a problem please contact Engineering Computer Services Division for additional information and guidance.

Photogrammetry data may be submitted to the WVDOT on a CLIX formatted 8mm-tape cartridge.

Current Software Versions used by WVDOT

• Windows NT (Version 4.0 SP 5)
• MicroStation/J (Version 07.01.00.62)
• InRoads SelectCADD (Version 8.1)
• Suvey SelectCADD (Version 8.1)
• IPlot (Version 09.00.00.35)
• Huskey FS2 Collectors using TDS and TRF Plotter software.
• DarWIN 3.0 and DarWIN 3.1