Release History V17-2 Build 8600

General Points

  • In version 17-2, we have considerably improved the definition and readability of the fonts and measures.
  • As of now, the menu layer switch is a non-modal window. Thus, the layer switch (which is next to the F7 quick selection) can now remain open while working and users can quickly switch on and off layers without having to open or close the window repeatedly.
  • Users can now activate the new toolbar “Selection outline, members, coverings” in the customize menu (=> right click next to the toolbars).
    This toolbar will automatically be fixed above the “Program selection”.
    These three new icons enable users to switch between outline, members and coverings within the systems roof, wall and floor with only one click.
    When users, for example, work in the “Wall outline”, the icons for “Wall members” and “Wall coverings” are available – “Rafter system” and “Roof coverings” are available when switching to “Roof design”.
    The entire screen build-up of the drawing is, thus, for example, eliminated when switching from “Roof design” to “Rafter system”.
    The new commands are also available in the “customize menu” under category “Program selection” and can, therefore, also be allocated to existing or new toolbars. All other commands of the “Program selection” will now also be listed under this new category.
  • The icon “Mark objects last selected at opposite component end again” has been added to the visibility feature. By means of this new function, it is possible to click (1x) and mark the objects last selected at the opposite end for the appropriate editing. This function can also be carried out by using the shortcut key “shift + space bar”.

GRD, CAD, DIM, MCAD

  • The menu of the layer switch has been revised in order to increase the clarity and ease of operation. Only those layers of the current system with which users are currently working will be opened due to the new tree structure. Needless to say, all other branches can be opened or closed via the “+/-” switches in front of the layer groups. In addition, users can now open or close all branches by means of the new icons “Open all levels” or “Close all levels”.
  • Two additional symbols have been added to the height dimension. Now it is also possible to create filled and unfilled rotated triangles. Opens external link in new window<Feature Film Important Details for Timber Construction>

Profile

  • A specific detail regarding eaves purlins for the roof of a lap-jointed purlin has been corrected. (France)
  • As of now, it is possible to bevel eaves purlins to the top edge of the rafter directly in the profile assistant. This new option of the assistant is now available for all roof profiles, pitched-roof dormers, hip dormers and shed dormers.

Roof Coverings

  • Two new icons are available in the “Customize Menu”, category “View”. The icons enable users to switch roof layers to visible/ invisible in the 3D or Top View.
  • The complete roof structure has been enhanced in Version 17-2 in order to achieve an even more detailed and efficient material evaluation and display.
    Each roof layer can now be optimised by means of manual editing commands and construction members can be created in these roof layers.
    There are obvious advantages of members compared to materials: members can be given end types, almost all editing commands can be used, members participate in the member optimisation of the material list and can be prefabricated by joinery machines.
    Roof layers can be selected by opening with the new “Layers” switch. The layer switch has been incorporated into the program parts “Roof design”, “Rafter system” and “Roof coverings”. This switch enables users to select the roof layer desired as predefined in the master data of the roof detail. An even more detailed selection can be achieved by using the filters "Roof detail” or "Roof structure". The colours and textures displayed will be adopted from the colour settings of the components. Roof layers manually edited will be given an asterisk (*) to indicate that they are “fixed” roof layers no longer participating in manual changes of the roof design. The same status will also be indicated for an individual roof layer in the component hint. All manual changes of these roof layers can be abandoned by the “Modify"(F5) key.
    The commands “Punch” and “Add” (box, freeform, object), “Delete”, “Modify” and the changing of the “Texture” are available for the manual editing of roof layers. Edges of roof layers can be shifted via “Position”. What is more, users can define manual settings regarding the “Type of edge” and “Edge allocation” for the material evaluation.
    As usual, the roof structure will be determined via the “Roof detail” master data with the roof layers from “Top1” to “Top 6” of “Tile coverings” and a “Sheet metal layer”. An individual roof layer can contain up to three different areas/ranges, such as total range, hidden area or exposed area. A layer material can be allocated to each individual range/area. As of now, not only group “Coverings”, but also group “Rafter system” – and, thus, members – are available for “Material”.
    The various types of covering, on “Area”, “on rafters” and “on rafters + elements”, determine the way the material or timber will be applied in the entire respective area.
    The material from group “Coverings” will be evaluated for the entire areas set by means of the option "Area”.
    By using "on rafter", for example, counter frames from the group “Rafter system” will be created over the rafters or the material of the next subjacent roof layer with the type of covering setting “on rafter” or “on rafters + elements”.
    In addition, materials or members are drawn on elements, for example, for the creation of counter battens with the option “on rafters + elements”.
    Users can now also predefine the material evaluation and the display in 3D by means of the options “Components”, “Components and layer” and “Components or layer” for the individual ranges of area via the new tab “Evaluations”.
    By using "Components", only the components created in the layer region will be evaluated. There is a 90 % transparency of the layer in the 3D mode – when components are created, the layer is switched to invisible.
    Option "Components and layer" evaluates the layer region and components created. The optics of the layer is normal in the 3D mode – when components are created, the layer is switched to 25 % transparency.
    By using the option “Components or layer”, the components created, if any, will be evaluated – otherwise the layer region will be evaluated. The view of the layer is normal in the 3D mode – when components are created, the layer becomes invisible.
    Since the planed area in roof layers may differ from the planed areas of the roof area, it is possible to define all planed areas separately for the individual roof layers by means of the options “No”, “Exposed area” and “all areas”. As usual, these can be switched to visible with the “Display settings” (F7) – here, the planed area for the selected roof layer (layer switch) will always be displayed in the top view. The usual commands are available for editing. The planed area for the layer can be created anew by marking the roof layer with the command “Re-calculate planed area(s)”, => “Others”. The option “Plane components” must be ticked in the “Pre-settings” (Alt F7) to make sure that the desired components will be planed.
    Users can now determine the notch for the eaves boarding, set in the “Pre-settings” (Alt F7), for each separate roof detail. It is possible to predefine the notch for eaves boarding for the roof area and the roof layers “Top 1” to “Top 6”.
    Users can, for example, place the overlaying roof layer into a notch with the option “Lowering of a layer”. The option “same as eaves boarding” (same value of notch for eaves boarding as in Alt F7) or the entering of any value is available.
    After defining and saving this roof structure, it can be allocated to each roof area via the roof detail gripper.
    Users can now create construction members in these predefined roof layers in the rafter system. The creation commands for “Rafters”, Hips/Valleys”, “Trimmers”, “Purlins”, “Lap-jointed purlins” and “Closing boards” are made available by selecting the respective roof layer in the layer switch.
    Here, the construction member automatically identifies the layer outline and will be created in this layer. If the height of rafters is set to “automatic”, they will also adjust to the layer height. The intersection and working with members in roof layers functions identically to the roof area.
    If a material from the group “Rafter system” has been allocated to a range of area of the roof layer, layer members can be created automatically by means of the option “Create layer members” via the “Roof automatism” (F9). For this purpose, the options “all roof layers” and only “marked roof layers” have been added to the menu of the “Roof automatism”.
    The layers for construction members in roof layers have been added to the layer switch. Members and their corresponding dimensions, CAD and MCAD objects created in roof layers will, thus, end up in the respective layer.
    Construction members in roof layers can be managed in the “Display settings” (F7) under “Roof”, category “Layers” and “Rafter system”. The layer “Member” can now also be switched off quickly in the roof layer-settings. The options “inactive” and “normal” have been incorporated into the 2D Top view in order to make working with members in the roof layers clearer, better structured and more convenient. The new "F7" default setting for the roof layers in the 2D Top view is “off”, whereas it is “on” in the 3D View. Opens external link in new window<Feature Film Construction in Roof Layers>

Rafter System

  • Rafters in the roof area and in roof layers will be teased apart by purlins if the purlins’ penetration of the rafter height is 90 %.
  • Rafters in roof areas and roof layers will be created centred to a reference component in the roof area selected by means of the new command “Rafters with component reference”.
  • The command options “Place freely”, “On 2 heights” and “Ridge purlin” enable the creation of purlins in roof areas and roof layers without requiring the prior creation of rafters. The defined rafter height of the roof area or the layer height in roof layers is the reference for the position of the purlin.

Wall Floor

  • The behaviour of the layer projections has been enhanced in some detail. (Machleidt)
  • It is now possible to display the position of walls previously integrated into multi walls via the display settings (F7). The new option “Reference to multi wall” is available for the top view and view under “Walls” => “Wall shape”. The designation of the multi wall will be displayed in brackets after activating this option so that users can see at once in which multi wall a wall is positioned. In addition to this, the placeholder “@B-WANDBEZUG@” has been made available under the point “Component”. This placeholder evaluates the component number of the original wall. Opens external link in new window<Feature Film Important Details for Timber Construction>
  • As of now, the component number of the original wall will also be displayed automatically in the rotated wall after rotating a wall via the editing command “Others”, “Rotate wall”. Furthermore, it is also possible to display the component number of the rotated wall when in the original wall via the display setting (F7) for the top view and view under “Walls” => “Wall shape”. This is enabled by the new option “Reference to rotated wall”. The placeholder “@B-WANDBEZUG@” for the evaluation of the component number of the original wall has been made available under “Component”. Opens external link in new window<Feature Film Important Details for Timber Construction>
  • The additional option “Swap top view symbolism and effect (Alt+1)” when creating macros has been enabled in the wall view and in roof and floor elements. In addition, this command can also be used for the subsequent shifting of macros via the editing command “Position”. Opens external link in new window<Feature Film Important Details for Timber Construction>

Sheet Metal

  • The display of the angles in the drawing and a data block have been added to the profile editor. The drawing of the profile editor, including dimensioning and data block, can be copied into the SEMA clipboard via the new icon “Profile as CAD” and, for example, pasted again in the ground plan, sectional view or an image via Strg+V. After pasting. it is a CAD group which can, for example, additionally be dimensioned or replenished. The data block lists the profile name, material, thickness and gross width (developed view width), so that a sheet metal folding profile can obtain additional information and be printed out. Opens external link in new window<Feature Film New Features Sheet Metal Components>
  • The production strategy and evaluation of all sheet metal components (sheet metal panels, panels) which cover areas have been enhanced. So far, the production strategy “Cut-to size coil” has been evaluated, which means that, firstly, sheet metal will be cut to size and then folded by means of a bending machine. A “Cut-to size profile” is required when panels are folded first and then cut to size. This may, for example, be required when components are adjusted and cut only after arriving at the construction site. Here, the coil is first cut to length at right angles and then produced with the bending machine. Each firm has their own production strategy – the strategy can be set in the master data of the sheet metal panel or panel. The new option “Type of production” has been added to the tab “Sta” so that it is possible to determine the respective type of production – either “Cut-to size coil” or “Cut-to size profile” – for the evaluation of each component. In the production drawing, as before, the option “Cut-to size coil” creates and evaluates a maximum rectangular area around the view developed. The resulting length will be required if the component is evenly bevelled directly from the coil. The “Cut-to size profile” option creates and evaluates a maximum rectangular area around the developed-view covering area of the component. Here, the resulting length will be required if the component is bevelled only after folding. The production drawing and the gross width in the material list will adapt depending on the respective setting. In addition, the option “Type of production” has been added to the screen field of the material list. Therefore, sheet metal components can be selected in the material list according to the production type determined.
    The default setting for the production type of sheet metal panels and panels is “Cut-to size coil”. Opens external link in new window<Feature Film New Features Sheet Metal Components>

Placing of Elements

  • Currently, pieces of timber that are created in a roof or ceiling element can also be displayed in the top view. For this purpose, the pieces of timber have to be activated in the roof or ceiling element for the top view of the display settings (F7) so that activated evaluation numbers, component values or various views of the timbers will not only be displayed in the element view, but also in the top view. Of course, all editing commands for timbers can also be used in the top view. Due to this new feature, it is now possible for example, to use relevant components from other storeys for construction. Opens external link in new window<Feature Film New Features Roof/Floor-Placing of Elements>
  • The create command “Element macro” has also been added to the program part of the “Roof design” and “Floor structure” to enable the creation of macros in the top view of the roof and floor elements. Therefore, it is now possible to include those storeys above or below in the top view when placing elements. Element macros can be created in the top view either way: via a “Click” or via two points. After selecting the function desired, the master data of the macro will open and the element in which the element macro is to be created has to be entered. The macros can then be placed via a reference point with distance or via the “from – to” option in the element.
    Another new feature is the possibility to additionally shift or copy macros in the top view, via the editing commands “Position” and “Copy”. Opens external link in new window<Feature Film New Features Roof/Floor-Placing of Elements>

PHP Automatisms

  • The function “No updating of the zero point of the drawing for nailing” has been incorporated into the pre-settings (Alt+F7) under point “Walls/Outline”, tab “Other”. By ticking this function, the zero point of the drawing will not be updated in wall calculations via the F10 “Auto-frame walls” function if nailing is the only option ticked and active in the F10 auto function. The new function is especially useful in the case of walls that have been lengthened or shortened at the zero point of the drawing. (Strüby)

Stairs

  • Version 17-2 provides various new components for the railing and rail such as capping, gooseneck, fillet,
    S- Fitting and Y-Fitting for the design of attractive transitions.
    The new category “Transitions” has been added to the data record of the railing and rail (=> tab “Des”/Design. On this tab, users can allocate a fillet or a gooseneck to the transition at the “Beginning of the landing”, “End of the landing”, “Final landing” and at the “Transition corner”. Thus, the fillet or gooseneck will be created automatically when a stairs is being created.
    If users want to insert one of these new components at only one transition or position, they can use the edit command “Abut”. The new options “Transition”, “Capping” and “S-Y Fitting” are available for this.
    “Abut” command: At first the two components between which a transition shall be inserted have to be marked. Then the data record “Transition” with the type of connection “Fillet” or “Gooseneck” opens. Now the data existing for the respective type of connection can be entered or a master data previously created can be allocated (button: Fetch data from working master data). The transition desired will be created by clicking “Adopt” (Strg+Q) in the data record and then “OK” in the input line.
    Abutting with “Capping” or “S-Y-Fitting”: Users only have to mark the component on which the command shall have effect. Then the values desired for the capping can be entered or a master data previously created can be allocated. The Capping will be created by clicking “Adopt” (Strg+Q) in the data record and then “OK” in the input line to confirm the position.
    “S-Y- Fitting“: Again, users can enter data or allocate a master data previously created. The S-Y-Fitting desired will be created by clicking “Adopt” (Strg+Q) in the data record and then “OK” in the input line.
    It is also possible to allocate or replace a gooseneck or a fillet via the “Stairs Container”.
    Allocation: At first the component desired has to be selected in the “Stairs Container”. The component end of the first component at the transition has to be clicked and then the transition desired will be created.
    It is only possible to replace a transition via the Stairs Container if such a component exists in the building project. At first, the transition desired is selected in the “Stairs Container” and then the transition can be replaced by clicking the existing transition.
    Capping: Users can define a leg 1 (straight piece in front of the Capping) and a leg 2 (straight piece behind the Capping). The radius of the capping is defined via “Radius Outside. The transition between the straight part of the capping and the fillet is defined via the fillet radius. If no value is entered, then the circle and the straight of the capping will taper at each other. If a value is entered, then the circle and the straight will be rounded accordingly. The additional definition “Radius Type” defines the behaviour of cappings positioned on the corner of the railing. Either a capping or a fillet can be created. Various inside or outside radiuses can be entered if option “Fillet” has been selected. The fillet radius of a side can be adopted with “RO+ Thickness“ (Radius Outside+ Thickness) or “RI+ Thickness“ (Radius Inside+ Thickness). It is also possible to allocate a capping in the reference field “Volute, bottom step” or “Volute, last step”. Additionally, the connection parameters (for the definition of a distance to the bottom or last step, or the height definition of the capping’s height position) take effect here. These settings are identical to the height definition for component “Volute”.
    A gooseneck is used to bridge height differences between two handrails – using a gooseneck thus only makes sense for curve calculations “Curve, interrupted” and “Straight” since height differences between the components occur only here. A gooseneck is used in order to achieve a continuous handrail despite interrupted curve calculation.
    A radius, top and bottom, can be set for goosenecks. This is the transition for normal handrail boards. Options “Distance, bottom” and “Distance, top” serve to define the horizontal components of the gooseneck. Each distance will be created from the point of intersection of the handrail axis. A gooseneck can also be combined with a capping. The values entered for “Leg 1” and “Leg 2” prevail over the values “Distance, bottom” and “Distance, top” if a capping has been allocated to the gooseneck.
    Option S-Y- Fitting: The wall offsets along which the handrail runs will be bridged with a component. There are two different fittings: The S-Fitting which runs parallel to the wall and the Y-Fitting with the additional option to define a wall connection.
    S-Fitting: By entering a Length 1 and a Length 2, the connection to normal handrail boards, starting from the point of intersection of the axes, is defined here. The behaviour of the component at the railing corners is determined by “Radius Type 1“ and “Radius Type 2“. The fillet and “RO+ Thickness (Radius Outside+ Thickness) or “RI+ Thickness” (Radius Inside+ Thickness) are available in each case. The radiuses are defined by the respective outside or inside radius.
    S-Fittings and Y-Fittings work almost the same way. For Y-Fittings it is however possible to set the extension and the fillet radius for a wall connection (under “Extension Y-Fitting”).
    The new groups “Capping”, “S-Y Fitting” and “Transition” (including their respective sub-groups) with the example components created are available in the master data. All components have a screen image and a help image.
    All components can be sent to a plotter or printer via a production drawing or the “Automatic Stair Output”,=> “Print job” or exported to a machine via the => “Machine export”. Opens external link in new window<Feature Film New Components for Railings>
  • Another new feature is the milling over/shaping of hidden tread cut-outs (of strings and posts). This feature helps to reduce the amount of manual finishing work that accrues for machined strings and posts. The respective settings are made in the “Inifile” where users can determine how many millimetres the hidden cut-out is shaped/milled over. Normally, the value of the milling tool radius for the production of the cut-out is used. The example entry for a roughing mill with a diameter of 16 millimetres would be:
    TS_ VERDECKT_WA=8
    TS_VERDECKT_PF=8
    Additionally, a safety distance is provided. The safety distance serves to prevent the total penetration of a component that might occur due to the shaping/milling over. Users can determine the minimum value for the timber that is to remain unmachined. One possible example is:
    TS_VERDECKT_WA_RESTHOLZ=5
    TS_VERDECKT_PF_RESTHOLZ=5 Opens external link in new window<Feature Film Stair Details>
  • The stairs geometry will now be recalculated and adapted automatically if the polygon on which a stairs has been created is changed subsequently. During the quotation phase, users will often create a stairs that resembles the actual ground plan on site so that they can quickly achieve the quotation for their customer. Now it is possible to adapt the polygon to the conditions at the building site for stairs created on a polygon. The major benefit provided by Version 17-2 is that stairs created on a polygon will be recalculated automatically if the polygon of the stairs ground plan is changed. Thus, users will no longer have to delete the stairs on a polygon that has been changed and create the entire stairs again. This function provides many advantages also during the planning phase. The width of a stairs can be changed quickly, the edges desired can be rotated at right angles or a wall offset can be punched from the stairs. Based on the data record allocated, the stairs will always be created again automatically. Opens external link in new window<Feature Film Stair Details>

3D Objects

  • All fields of the ML tabs of the new components “3D Line” and “3D Point have been activated. These components will be transferred to the respective system of the material list (e.g. roof material) by switching to the “Transfer yes” option depending on where the components have been created or the destination of the allocation set.
    It is thus also possible to exchange data with a calculation program (e.g. WGsystem) via the calculation link on the ML tab. (Pfletschinger, Moobie)

Room

  • As of now, rooms can also be entered as boxes. This has been enabled by adding the creation command “Room as box” under “Walls” => “Room”. As usual, there are six options available – with the additional option of an offset. Rooms can now be created even more quickly. Opens external link in new window<Feature Film Important Details for Timber Construction>

Master Data Macros, Contents & Revisions

  • Screen images have been stored for the type of master data “Roof Layer”. The screen images adapt automatically to the settings for the ranges of area, material, type of covering and evaluation. Opens external link in new window<Feature Film Construction in Roof Layers>

Material List

  • The new option “Microsoft Excel with template current list” has been added to the Excel export of the material list with template. Only the current partial list will be exported to Excel by means of this new export function. It is also possible to export partial lists not explicitly set for Excel export. Needless to say, the specific Excel export settings made for partial lists will be taken into account as usual. (Strüby)
  • A specific error that occurred during the transfer of walls with openings to the material list has been corrected. (Pflugfelder, Gumpp & Maier)

Single Member

  • The new category “Cutout” has been added to the general settings for the CMP Export. Users can determine whether a cutout will be exported as cutout (CMP editing 4-039) or scarf joint (CMP editing 4-030).
  • Users can now define whether a free profiling will be exported as free profiling (CMP editing 3-250) or notch in the Outline G2 (CMP editing 4-252) by means of the setting “Export continuous contours as notch” under category “Free Contour” (=> General settings for the CMP Export).
  • Users can determine whether the component outline will be calculated with the smallest possible rectangle by means of the entry “VOLLHOLZ WANDUMRISS ENDE” (cross-laminated timber wall outline end) under the “Additional data” tab of the component. This entry is used for components in cross-laminated timber walls. Originally, the outline of a component is calculated relating to the width and length of a component. In the case of gable walls, it may for example happen that the outline of the component is much larger than the actual component and thus also all editings will be calculated with the component outline – resulting in additional production expenditure for machining. Users can avoid this problem by reducing the size of the component outline to the size of the wall outline. For this purpose, they have to use the entry mentioned above and then perform a F5 calculation.
  • Scarf joints will be shortened to the outline during the transfer to the “Single Member”. The 3CAD editing “Scarf Joint” will often be created far beyond the component to be edited. This is for example the case when users want to edit several component with one scarf joint. In previous versions, this scarf joint has been exported to the “Single Member“ in its original size – resulting in increased production times for machining, particularly during the CMP Export. As of Version 17-2, these scarf joints will be shortened to the outline even during the export to the “Single Member”.

DXF Interface

  • The speed of the DXF Import has been enhanced significantly. Furthermore, many of those geometries not imported in the previous versions will now be imported correctly.
  • The DXF-Export has been enhanced again. As of now, only those layers actually required will be exported. (Strüby)
  • When DXF or DWG files are dragged and dropped into the SEMA Program, the import dialogue will open automatically, so that the import of these file formats into the SEMA Program can be realised even more quickly.
  • DXF and DWG import have been enhanced in some detail.

IFC Import/Export

  • Standard steel components have been added to the IFC Export. As of now, all SEMA standard steel profiles (L-, U-, T-, Z- and I-profiles, rectangular and round profiles) in the IFC Standard will be exported as defined steel components. In addition, the correct export of the steel component in timbers with the inscription of a standard component has been enabled. The import of such standard steel components has already been realised in Version 16-2 – the export now completes this.
    Furthermore, options for the import/export of “IFC properties” have been added to the IFC Import/Export. This is concerning the additional pieces of information the objects can carry. During the import of an IFC file, SEMA automatically collects all “IFC properties” of the file to list these in the new section “Properties” in the import dialogue, column “IFC property”. Column “ML tab attribute” is available along with column “Ifc property“. A select menu with all ML tab fields is available for each “Ifc property” in this column (“ML tab attribute”), so that each “Ifc property” can be allocated to the ML tab field desired. During the import of the file, the properties will be entered into the respective fields of the objects/components automatically and are, thus, ready for calling up and evaluation in the SEMA project at any time.
    Users can save their designated import setting as a template and allocate it easily in the import dialogue via the quick selection.
    The protocol regarding the import process has been enhanced. The reason for an import failing will now be given in the protocol (e.g. “no valid 3D representation of object exists”).
    The IFC export of the enveloping body of roof and floor elements has been realised.
    The point “ML tab data” has also been added to the IFC export. This point can be found in the export dialogue under “Properties”. Specific “ML tab fields” here can additionally be exported as “IFC property”. Users decide whether or not the field is to be exported by checking the box (column ML field). They can enter the name desired in column “Ifc property”. The corresponding ML field will automatically be proposed. These export settings can be saved and loaded as required – just as all other export settings.
    In addition, many detail adjustments and specific requirements have been implemented in the course of Version 17-2. Opens external link in new window<Feature Film BIM with SEMA - Further Enhancement of the IFC Interface>

Quantity Systems

  • The new input option ”3D Line” has been added to the quantity system module and the 3CAD program part. It is thus now possible to create 3D lines in the SEMA program by means of a theodolite. The determination of quantities has become clearer and more convenient thanks to this new feature. Users can now, for example, determine the outlines of an existing frame construction or the actual course of electrical cables on sites. What’s more, the new feature can also be used to create auxiliary lines for the determination of quantities.
    The new 3D lines are available in the master data, under “Visualisation/3D Objects“. The desired length of a line can be determined under the tab “CMP”, setting “fix”. The line will be created between the points entered if setting “var” (variable) is selected. The same setting is required if a user wants to enter 3D lines with theodolite or create 3D lines via the 3CAD module. The setting “fix” is used to enter one or several lines with predefined length. The first point entered becomes the reference point and the second point is used for the direction of the line. The line will be created with the predefined length.
    The input options can be predefined under the tab “3D”. Users can create a 3D line from a reference point, behind a second reference point, from a reference point with angle and length or at the point of intersection of two reference planes.
    Information about the 3D line (file attachments or hyperlinks) can be stored under tab “Ot” (other).
    The colour of the line, the line thickness and the type of line can be set under tab “O” (Optics). The line thickness and the type of line will only have an effect in the 2D mode – in the 3D mode the lines will be displayed in the form of continuous lines with their respective colours.
    Information about the designation, annotation and description can be entered under the tab “ML” (Material list). The information entered in field “designation” can be activated in the “F7 Display Settings”. The information entered will thus be displayed in the display of dimensions if box “designation” has been ticked. In order to increment the 3D lines entered, users can first input the desired designation, followed by three hash keys (###). For example: “Building” ###”. The information entered in the fields “annotation” and “description” can be displayed on the surface by means of placeholders in the “Free Component Labelling”. The 3D lines do not participate in the material list transfer.
    The commands “Create 3D line” and “Switch 3D line visible/ invisible” have been added to the toolbar “Quantity Systems” which can be activated via the “Customize Menu”.
    The commands “Enter measuring point” and “Measuring points visible/ invisible” (used in previous versions) have been renamed as “Create 3D point” and “Switch 3D point visible/ invisible and provided with a new icon. Functionality itself has not been changed.
    Users can select the desired 3D line by means of the new command “Create 3D line”. At the bottom left of the screen, users will automatically start with the input option saved for the 3D line – users are thus ready for the information sent by the theodolite. At the bottom right of the input area, users will find the options “Distance input active” and “Use end point of last input as starting point”. The input of the “Distance” can be activated or deactivated by means of the option “Distance input active”. In addition to the sending of the points that determine the length of the line it is also possible to send the point to which the 3D line is to be shifted if the option is set to active. Users can determine whether they always want to create a 3D line from point to point or enter a polyline.
    The new commands “3D Point” and “3D Line” are now available in the 3CAD program part. Users just have to click the respective command and they will be directed to the corresponding master data. The handling of the commands is identical to the handling under the input via theodolite, with the sole difference that the points are not sent to the program - instead, users can work with the input line or the mouse in the customary SEMA manner.
    The categories “3D Points” and “3D Lines” are available in the Display Settings (F7), under point “3CAD”. The category “3D Points” used to be the category “Measuring Points” in the previous versions. Only the category’s name has been changed. The settings have not been changed. The category “3D Line” is a new category where the designation, value abbreviation and line length can be displayed. The “X-Coordinate for starting and end point”, “Y-Coordinate for starting and end point” and “Z- Coordinate for starting and end point” are displayed via the display of dimensions (at the beginning and end) of a 3D line. It is possible to have additional information displayed on the surface by means of the Free Component Labelling feature. However, this information, will only be displayed in the 2D view.
    The commands “3D Point visible” and “3D Line visible” have been added to the top toolbar, button “Switch 3D Module visible/ invisible”.
    These new features have significantly enhanced the determining of quantities for SEMA users. What is more, the new commands “3D Point” and “3D Line” are powerful and valuable tools also for 3D constructions without theodolite.
    Opens external link in new window<Feature Film Quantity Systems with 3D Lines>