Create alignment for objects

Warning: It is preferred that you use the layout tools to build alignments. This prevents gaps in alignment objects that can cause problems in stationing, targeting, and other advanced functions. If you need to translate AutoCAD objects into alignment objects it is preferred that these objects be transformed into singular polylines prior to conversion. This will prevent tangent segments that are not properly snapped from ending an alignment early.

Open drawing file

1. Quick Access > Open
2. Open File dialog box
   1. Look in: browse to folder dataset is saved.
   2. Select AliProf-All-ali-creat-frm-objct-clnup.dwg
   3. Open

Connect lines and arcs into a polyline

1. Ribbon > Modify tab > Modify panel dropdown > Polyline Edit command ORCommandline:PEEnter for polyline edit.
2. Commandline:MEnter for multiple.
3. Select objects: Click and drag cursor over all lines and arcs.
4. Convert lines, arcs, and splines to polylines:YEnter
5. Enter an option:JEnter for join.
6. Enter to end command
7. Select polyline to verify all are connected.
   Info: If there are lines/arcs not connected to the polyline it might be because the endpoints are not snapped together. To correct this:

   1. Select object
   2. Shift + Right-click > Endpoint
   3. Select connecting end grip point
   4. Enter to end command.
   5. Commandline:J Enter to join.
   6. Select objects to join: Click and drag cursor over objects.
   7. Enter

Video: ali-creat-frm-objct-02.mp4 3:12

Open drawing file

1. Quick Access > Open
2. Open File dialog box
   1. Look in: browse to folder dataset is saved.
   2. Select AliProf-All-ali-creat-frm-objct-dialg.dwg
   3. Open

Create alignment from objects

1. Select object to verify it is a polyline; one complete/joined object.
2. Ribbon > Home tab > Create Design panel > Alignment dropdown > Create Alignment from Objects command
3. Select the first line/arc/polyline: Select object south end of polyline.

   Tip: Direction of an alignment should be west to east or south to north. When converting an alignment, selecting the west/south point will force the directional path of the alignment. If the path is in the wrong direction, the commandline will prompt you the option reverse the path.

4. Press enter to accept alignment direction or (R)everse:Enter
5. Create Alignment from Objects dialog box
   1. Name: type AliProf-All
   2. Starting station: delete what is there and type 33000
   3. General tab
      1. Site: <None>
      2. Leave Alignment style, layer, and label set as is.
      3. Conversion options:
         1. Uncheck box Add curves between tangents
         2. Check box Erase existing entities
   4. Design Criteria tab
      1. Starting design speed: 45m/h
      2. Check box Use criteria-based design
      3. Check box Use design criteria file
      4. ...
         1. Look in: browse to Local Drive:\ProgramData\Autodesk\C3D 20xx\enu\Data\Corridor Design Standards\Imperial
         2. Select file _WisDot Design Criteria 2009.xml
         3. Open
      5. Default criteria
         1. Minimum Radius Table: WisDOT eMax 4%
         2. Transition Length Table: 1LaneRamp, 2LaneUnDiv@CL
         3. Attainment Method: Crowned Roadway
   5. OK

Video: ali-creat-frm-objct-03.mp4 1:30

Open drawing file

1. Quick Access > Open
2. Open File dialog box
   1. Look in: browse to folder dataset is saved.
   2. Select AliProf-All-ali-creat-frm-objct-rvrs-dring.dwg
   3. Open

Create alignment from objects

1. Select object to verify it is a polyline; one complete/joined object.
2. Ribbon > Home tab > Create Design panel > Alignment dropdown > Create Alignment from Objects command
3. Select the first line/arc/polyline: Select object north end of polyline.
4. Press enter to accept alignment direction or (R)everse:R Enter

   Tip: Direction of an alignment should be west to east or south to north.

5. Create Alignment from Objects dialog box
   1. Name: type AliProf-All
   2. Starting station: delete what is there and type 33000
   3. General tab
      1. Site: <None>
      2. Leave Alignment style, layer, and label set as is.
      3. Conversion options:
         1. Uncheck box Add curves between tangents
   4. OK

Station numbers should increase going south to north on the alignment.

Video: ali-creat-frm-objct-04.mp4 2:02

Open drawing file

1. Quick Access > Open
2. Open File dialog box
   1. Look in: browse to folder dataset is saved.
   2. Select AliProf-All-ali-creat-frm-objct-rvrs-aftr.dwg
   3. Open

Correct alignment label direction

When you select the alignment, notice the stationing numbers decrease going south to north.

1. Select alignment.
2. Contextual Ribbon > Modify panel dropdown > Reverse Direction
3. Warning! dialog box: OK

Confirm station numbers are reversed.

Video: ali-creat-frm-objct-05.mp4 3:52

Open drawing file

1. Quick Access > Open
2. Open File dialog box
   1. Look in: browse to folder dataset is saved.
   2. Select AliProf-All-ali-creat-frm-objct-exrcs.dwg
   3. Open

Cleanup and join all objects into a polyline

1. Ribbon > Modify tab > Modify panel dropdown > Polyline Edit command ORCommandline:PEEnter for polyline edit.
2. Commandline:MEnter for multiple.
3. Select objects: Click and drag cursor over all lines and arcs.
4. Convert lines, arcs, and splines to polylines:YEnter
5. Enter an option:JEnter for join.
6. Enter to end command
7. Select polyline to verify all are connected.

Convert polyline to alignment

1. Ribbon > Home tab > Modify panel dropdown > Create Alignment from Objects command
2. Select the first line/arc/polyline: Select south end of polyline, forcing direction/path to go north.
3. Press Enter to accept alignment direction or (R)everse:Enter
4. Create Alignment from Objects dialog box
   1. Name: type AliProf-All
   2. Starting station: delete what is there and type 33000
   3. General tab
      1. Site: <None>
      2. Leave Alignment style, layer, and label set as is.
      3. Conversion options:
         1. Check box Add curves between tangents
         2. Default radius: 2865
         3. Check box Erase existing entities
   4. Design Criteria tab
      1. Starting design speed: 45m/h
      2. Check box Use criteria-based design
      3. Check box Use design criteria file
      4. ...
         1. Look in: browse to Local Drive:\ProgramData\Autodesk\C3D 20xx\enu\Data\Corridor Design Standards\Imperial
         2. Select file _WisDot Design Criteria 2009.xml
         3. Open
   5. Default criteria
      1. Minimum Radius Table: WisDOT eMax 4%
      2. Transition Length Table: 1LaneRamp, 2LaneUnDiv@CL
      3. Attainment Method: Crowned Roadway
   6. OK

Polyline is converted to an alignment. Curve is added to north end of alignment.