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The 3D sign configuration function serves as a centralized tool within the software, offering comprehensive capabilities for managing all aspects of three-dimensional sign design and implementation. This robust functionality empowers users with two primary operational modes: the ability to initiate the creation of an entirely new 3D sign configuration from its initial conceptualization, or the flexibility to modify and adapt an existing configuration to meet evolving project requirements. The "central tool" aspect emphasizes its role as the go-to interface for all 3D sign-related tasks, integrating various functionalities under one intuitive platform. This ensures consistency in design, facilitates collaboration among team members, and optimizes the overall workflow for sign management within the software. Ultimately, this comprehensive function empowers users to efficiently and accurately handle diverse signage needs, from initial design to final implementation, across a multitude of project types and complexities.
Not in use.
Display the position number for selected reference line.
Settings for the different signs.
Select signs in the list for "Sign names" and make any changes for "Eccentricity" or "Rotation".
Note which sign is active under "Sign used for vertical distance".
Used to set the correct value for the terrain height of the reference point. Enter the value manually or automatically calculate a value from the current Quadri for Windows project.
Select which "Elevation from Surface" task is to be used by the reference type "Fixed xy".
Two different choices.
"Fixed xyz" - the user enters a z-value in the dialog box and confirms by pressing "Update" to set the value.
"Fixed xy" - z-value will automatically be calculated based on the task name selected under "Task name".
Z-value in m for reference point (X).
Accurate selection of both the mast type and its corresponding foundation is a critical step in the design and installation of road signs. This decision requires careful consideration of multiple factors to ensure stability, longevity, safety, and adherence to local rules and engineering standards.
Begin by specifying the necessary number of masts for the sign combination and then choose the appropriate mast type and its corresponding foundation.
By activating this option, you can define that the sign should be mounted in its own sign holder.
This specific value allows for the vertical adjustment of the top foundation point, effectively moving it either up or down relative to its current Z-coordinate (elevation). This functionality is often critical because certain road sign foundations have precise and mandatory requirements for their installation depth and positioning in relation to the surrounding or finished terrain height.
For configurations utilizing multiple masts, the center-to-center distance must be specified. Although the program provides an automatic suggestion for this value, which is half of the sign's width by default, it still requires user verification.
Executing this function updates the 3D geometry in the drawing to reflect the current values set across the function's dialog boxes. This step is crucial for maintaining design integrity and accurate visualization. For example, if a user changes a value, such as the height of a signpost, the 3D model will not show this modification until the “Update 3D” function is run.
Selecting this option generates a 3D geometry representing the reflective sheeting underlying the sign face. This geometry is what carries the sign's texturing (for visualization) when saved to Quadri.
Enabling this specific generation option is crucial for achieving a complete and visually accurate representation of the road sign within the CAD environment. When activated, the system processes the design data and generates the content that appears on the sign face—including all text, symbols, and regulatory markings—as a three-dimensional planar surface geometry. This 3D surface representation offers a distinct advantage over only a single colored representation, as it fully integrates the sign's face into the overall CAD drawing model.
The primary benefit of generating the sign face as 3D Surface (Planar) geometry is the enhanced visualization it affords. By representing the sign in three dimensions, designers and engineers can observe its appearance, placement, and potential visual impact from any angle within the design space. For the best possible viewing experience and clarity, it is highly recommended to activate the shading feature within the 3D view of the CAD application.
This section allows users to define and manage specific property values for various objects. Users can input, review, and modify the necessary parameters and attributes here, ensuring these values are consistently saved and maintained for the objects modeled within the Quadri project structure. Effectively utilizing this Properties area is crucial for maintaining a comprehensive, information-rich model throughout the project's entire lifecycle.
Select the desired type of object that you want to edit and the list of possible properties will be updated according to selected type.
General settings for the 3D Sign Configuration function. The choices made here apply not only to the current position number, but to the entire drawing.
Layer settings for the various object types for the 3D sign's CAD geometry.
The values under "Color mapping" and "Image quality" are used by the function "Store to Quadri" to determine the quality of the sign faces that are saved.
In this dialog, you can control the position of each individual sign in the layout. The values that can be edited will depend on how many signs are defined for the configuration.
The signs are given a "name" in the dialog in accordance with the order they were "Added" to the reference line.
First sign = S1
Second sign = S2
Third sign = S3
Etc.
Running this function will reset many parameters and user-defined values to their default values. This is typically done to resolve unexpected software behavior, remove potentially problematic configurations, or simply restore the software to a reliable, stable state. This provides a clean starting point for easier troubleshooting.
The function is closed and data is stored on the reference line.
Important Note Regarding Sign Geometry Updates: When modifying the road sign within the 2D editing environment, it is crucial to understand the workflow for updating its corresponding 3D model. The 2D sign data and the 3D geometry are not dynamically linked for automatic, real-time synchronization upon every 2D change. Any alterations made to the sign's graphical elements, text, size, or orientation in the 2D view will not automatically be reflected in the 3D model of the sign. To ensure that the three-dimensional representation in the design visualization correctly reflects your latest 2D modifications, you must manually execute the "Update 3D" command, as the "OK" button typically serves to save general settings and properties. This mandatory manual step is essential for refreshing the 3D geometry based on the new 2D specifications. Neglecting to run the "Update 3D" function will result in the 3D model becoming outdated and inconsistent with the current 2D design, potentially leading to errors in clash detection, quantity take-offs, and final project visualization. Always confirm that you have run "Update 3D" after finalizing any changes to the 2D sign definition.
Interoperability via Export:
Once the road sign geometry resides within the Quadri project, its utility extends far beyond the native modeling environment through robust export capabilities. The software facilitates the export of this data, crucially including all associated metadata and complex properties.
This comprehensive data, geometry and properties, can be exported using widely accepted, open-standard file formats, most notably the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format. The use of IFC is essential for achieving true interoperability. By exporting to IFC, the detailed geometry and all critical properties of the road sign—including the information required to correctly visualize the sign face—are packaged together.
The ultimate benefit is that these exported IFC files can then be imported into a multitude of external applications. The key is that in these external applications, users can accurately visualize the sign face as designed, allowing for comprehensive design review, coordination with other infrastructure elements, and stakeholder communication based on the correct, final representation of the road sign.