JSpace® MicroStation®

Connection
V8 XM Edition

User Guide
DAA018950-1/0004
JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide June 8, 2006
Trademarks

AccuDraw, Bentley, the “B” Bentley logo, MDL, MicroStation and SmartLine are
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Other brands and product names are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Patents

United States Patent Nos. 5,8.15,415 and 5,784,068 and 6,199,125.

Copyrights

©2000-2006 Bentley Systems, Incorporated.

MicroStation ©1998 Bentley Systems, Incorporated.
IGDS file formats ©1981-1988 Intergraph Corporation.
Intergraph Raster File Formats ©1993 Intergraph Corporation.
Portions ©1992 – 1994 Summit Software Company.
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Copyright © 2006 Bentley Systems, Incorporated Do Not Duplicate

6/8/06 i
 Copyright © 2006 Bentley Systems, Incorporated Do Not Duplicate

6/8/06 ii
 About This User Guide

About This User Guide

The JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide explains how to
use the JSpace MicroStation Connection to create JSM/ZGL files
used in JSpace-based applications. This User Guide also serves as
a reference because of the organization of the content. Each
chapter begins with an explanation or description of the concepts
of a topic and then provides the procedures. The procedures are
written from a task-oriented approach, that is, from the way you
would use the software to perform tasks on your job.

Who This Book Is For

This book is for users who need to extract data from a
MicroStation design file and create a JSM/ZGL file.

How This Book Is Organized

Chapter 1 — Introduction
This chapter provides an overview of the MicroStation
Connection including its features and its procedure for starting
and quitting.
Chapter 2 — Navigating the MicroStation Connection
This chapter explains how to navigate the MicroStation
Connection.
Chapter 3 — Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Graphical
Menu
This chapter explains how to extract design files and to create
JSM/ZLG files using a graphical menu.
Chapter 4 — Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Command Line
This chapter explains how to extract design files and to create
JSM/ZGL files from a command line and also includes a
description of the command switches used in the extraction
process.

How to Use This Book

If you are new to using the JSpace MicroStation Connection, you
should begin by reading Chapter 1 and Chapter 2. If you want to
create JSM/ZGL files from a graphical menu, you should read
Chapter 3. If you want to create JSM/ZGL files from a command
line, you should read Chapter 4.

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide iii

 Style Conventions
The following conventions explain the style of the text in this
User Guide.

Style Convention Use in Text

ALL CAPITAL Names of acronyms and terms in object-

LETTERS oriented programming, such as classes,
properties, and methods
Letter Gothic Messages displayed online and program-
ming code or syntax

Bold Names of files, directories, commands,

menus, buttons, and items that you select
and text that you type in a field
Italic Terms defined in text and names of
books used as references

Important information that you must

know (for example, to avoid losing data)

Information of note that is useful to

know

Related Documentation
The following related publications provide supporting
information.

JSpace Concepts and Technical Reference

This Reference provides a comprehensive overview of the JSpace
object-oriented environment. It also provides technical
information about the fundamental aspects of JSpace that are
employed in JSpace-based applications.

JSpace Class Editor User Guide

This Guide provides information on using the Class Editor and the
technical details about object classes, properties, methods,
relationships, and inference rules.

Bentley Interference Manager User Guide

This Guide explains how to set up the data, run interference
detection, and review the results.

iv JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide August 30, 2002

 About This User Guide

Online Documentation
All documentation is provided in PDF (Portable Document
Format) files.

PDF Files
PDF files are platform independent. You can browse, search, and
print them, regardless of your operating system, by using the
Acrobat Reader utility from Adobe Systems, Incorporated.
PDF files are displayed on the Help menu within the software
product. The online book titles are indicated by the Acrobat
Reader icon.
For more information on using the Acrobat Reader to browse,
search, and print PDF files, see the Help menu in the Acrobat
Reader program.

Customer Support
For support, you can call Bentley Systems, Incorporated at:
(800) BENTLEY or (610) 458-5000
For requests to obtain license, you can contact Bentley Systems,
Incorporated at:
Americas headquarters, Fax (610) 458-1060
European headquarters, Fax +31 23 556 0565
Asia-Pacific headquarters, Fax +61 3 9699 8677
For more information about the Bentley family of software
products, you can send an e-mail to:
family@bentley.com
For support, problems, and questions regarding Bentley software,
you can send an e-mail to:
support@bentley.com
For more information about Bentley Systems, Incorporated,
please visit our Internet web site at:
http://www.bentley.com

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide v

vi JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide August 30, 2002
Table of Contents

About This User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

1. Introduction

Understanding the JSpace MicroStation Connection . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Summarizing the Features of the MicroStation Connection . . . . 1-2

Starting and Quitting the MicroStation Connection . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

2. Navigating the MicroStation Connection

Understanding the GUI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

JSpace MicroStation Connection Dialog Box . . . .... .. . . . . . . 2-4

Select JSM File Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... .. . . . . . . 2-8
Select Volume File Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . .... .. . . . . . . 2-8
Selecting Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... .. . . . . . . 2-10
Applications To Extract Dialog Box . . . . . . .... .. . . . . . . 2-11
Elements To Extract Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . .... .. . . . . . . 2-12
Grouping Class Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . .... .. . . . . . . 2-13
Select Class Library Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . .... .. . . . . . . 2-14
Levels To Extract Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . .... .. . . . . . . 2-15
Areas To Extract Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . .... .. . . . . . . 2-15

Log File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide vii

 Table of Contents

3. Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Graphical Menu

Understanding the Extraction Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

Extracting Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... .3-1

Selecting the Files for Extraction . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... .3-2
Specifying the Extraction Settings . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... .3-4
Executing the Extraction Process . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... .3-6

Processing PDS and PDMS Ex-Plant Attributes

from a Graphical Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
Additional Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7

Processing OMNI Attributes from a Graphical Menu . . . . . . . . . .3-8

Additional Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8

4. Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Command Line

Understanding Command Line Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1

Using the Command Line Extraction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1

Defining Command Switches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2

Appendix A — Configuration Variables

Glossary

Index

viii JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide August 30, 2002

1 Introduction
Welcome to the JSpace MicroStation Connection, the software based on JSpace
technology that enables you to create JSpace object model files, JSpace
command queue files, and ZGL files from data in existing MicroStation V8
design files, such as DGNs, DWGs, or DXFs.

This chapter provides an overview of the MicroStation Connection including its

features and its procedure for starting and quitting.

Understanding the JSpace MicroStation Connection

The JSpace MicroStation Connection, or simply the MicroStation
Connection, is a tool located in the MicroStation TriForma. This
tool enables you to extract and process the elements found in
MicroStation V8-compatible design files, such as DGNs, DWGs, or
DXFs, and also, if it exists, in the corresponding attribute data.
The extraction process converts the MicroStation elements into
files of the following formats:
• JSpace object model files
• JSpace command queue files
• ZGL files
You can restrict the conversion process to elements of a specified
type or to elements on a specified level. Also, you can group
elements into collections in the resulting JSpace object model
files.
Because the extracted files are saved on a local drive or on a
network drive, you can access that data for use in another JSpace-
based application, such as the Bentley Interference Manager, the
Bentley Navigator, or Bentley Model Streaming.
The MicroStation Connection is an MDL application called
JSUSTNXN.MA.
This chapter discusses the following topics:
• Summarizing the Features of the MicroStation Connection on
page 1-2
• Starting and Quitting the MicroStation Connection on
page 1-2

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide 1-1

1 Introduction
Summarizing the Features of the MicroStation Connection

Summarizing the Features of the MicroStation Connection

The features of the MicroStation Connection include the
following:
• Creates JSM/ZGL files from MicroStation design files, such as
DGNs, DWGs, or DXFs
• Extracts geometric data from elements according to specified
options
• Extracts attribute data, if available, from MicroStation elements
by various means, such as from tag data, user data, or by
traversing MSLinks to external associated database files
• Contains options to extract attribute data from several popular
MicroStation-based applications
• Possesses a graphical user interface for interactive use
• Possesses a command line function for batch processing of
multiple design files
• Ships with the MicroStation TriForma

✍ The JSpace object model files are also referred to as JSpace

models, JSpace (JSM) files, or JSM files.

Starting and Quitting the MicroStation Connection

You can use the MicroStation Connection in the same way that
you use other TriForma tools.

W To avoid accidentally overwriting the delivered JSM files, you may

want to make a copy of them before beginning to use the
software. By default, the sample JSMs are located at ...\Program
Files\Bentley\Workspace\Projects\Examples\TriForma_Imperial\
intmgr\out.

➤ To start and quit the MicroStation Connection

1. From the Windows Start menu, choose Programs >
TriForma V8 > MicroStation TriForma V8.

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 Introduction
Starting and Quitting the MicroStation Connection

The MicroStation Manager dialog box opens.

2. Select a design file.

3. Select a workspace based on TriForma.
4. Optionally, from the Project drop-down list box in the
Workspace section, select No Project.

✍ To enable the selection of a JSM file in the JSpace

MicroStation Connection dialog box later, you must
select No Project.
5. Click OK.
6. From the TriForma menu bar, choose TriForma > Tools >
Drawings and Reports > Reports
7. In the Reports tool frame, click the Interference Manager
tool.

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide 1-3

1 Introduction
Starting and Quitting the MicroStation Connection

8. In the Interference Manager tool box, click the Extract

Object Model tool.

The JSpace MicroStation Connection dialog box opens.

9. After performing extractions, close the JSpace MicroStation

Connection dialog box.

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2 Navigating the MicroStation
Connection
The MicroStation Connection possesses a graphical user interface (GUI) that is
intuitive and easy to use.

This chapter explains how to navigate the MicroStation Connection.

Understanding the GUI

The following illustrations show how to navigate the MicroStation
Connection.

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide 2-1

2 Navigating the MicroStation Connection
Understanding the GUI

Continued:

2-2 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide August 30, 2002

 Navigating the MicroStation Connection
Understanding the GUI

.
Continued:

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide 2-3

2 Navigating the MicroStation Connection
JSpace MicroStation Connection Dialog Box

To use the MicroStation Connection, you should have a working

knowledge of the following areas:
• JSpace MicroStation Connection Dialog Box on page 2-4
• Log File on page 2-17

JSpace MicroStation Connection Dialog Box

The JSpace MicroStation Connection dialog box enables you to
convert a design file to a JSM/ZGL file.
For more information about opening the JSpace MicroStation
Connection dialog box, see the section Starting and Quitting the
MicroStation Connection on page 1-2.
The JSpace MicroStation Connection dialog box opens.

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 Navigating the MicroStation Connection
JSpace MicroStation Connection Dialog Box

Setting Effect
JSM File Sets the desired directory location and name of the JSpace object model file that
you want to create.
Notes:
• If you set the File Format to Queue, the created queue file has the same name
as the JSM file, has a JSM file extension, and is placed in the same directory
that you set for the JSM file.
• If you set the File Format to ZGL, the created ZGL file has the same name as
the JSM file, has a ZGL file extension, and is placed in the same directory that
you set for the JSM file.
Browse Opens the Select JSM File dialog box.
For more information, see the section Select JSM File Dialog Box on page 2-8.
Note: If the configuration variable JSUSTNXN_JSMDIR is set, the Browse button
is disabled.
Volume File Sets the name of the desired volume file, which is used only with the PlantSpace
Design Series.
Browse Opens the Select Volume File dialog box.
For more information, see the section Select Volume File Dialog Box on page 2-8.
Settings section
• Group Sets the name to the option selected from the respective drop-down list box.
• Units For more information, see the section Selecting Settings on page 2-10.
• Color
• Selection
• Collection
• Model Creation
• Options subsection The Options subsection contains miscellaneous settings.
— Use Global Controls the setting of the JSM file coordinates relative to the global origin if it is
Origin defined in your MicroStation file, as follows:
• If selected, sets the origin to the center of the JSM file.
• If cleared, sets the origin to the center of the design cube in the JSM file.
By default, Use Global Origin is selected.
— Hilite Elements Controls the highlighting of the elements being processed during extraction, as
Processed follows:
• If selected, highlights the elements.
• If cleared, does NOT highlight the elements.
By default, Hilite Elements Processed is selected.
— Extract Controls the extracting of the elements from the reference files, as follows:
Reference • If selected, extracts the elements in the reference files scaled and positioned as
Relative To defined by the reference file manipulations in the open file.
Active • If cleared, ignores the reference file manipulations.
By default, Extract Reference Relative To Active is selected.

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide 2-5

2 Navigating the MicroStation Connection
JSpace MicroStation Connection Dialog Box

Setting Effect
— Enable Object Controls the compressing of object groups during extraction, as follows:
Compression • If selected, compresses the objects.
• If cleared, does NOT compress the objects.
By default, Enable Object Compression is cleared.
Note: For objects to be compressed, the grouping class must be a child of the
COMPRESSABLE_GROUP class from the class library JCLASS.LIB.
— Extract View Controls the extracting of the elements in the displayed levels of the selected
view, as follows:
• If selected, enables the Select View button and extracts the elements based on
the selected view.
• If cleared, disables the Select View button.
By default, Extract View is cleared.
Note: Because you can extract the elements in the displayed levels of both the
active file and the attached reference files of the selected view, you can extract
the elements from different levels of different design files.
• Attributes The Attributes subsection determines the types of non-graphical properties to
subsection extract.
Note: Because the MicroStation Connection can not add properties to the class
library, the class libraries must contain these properties. To review these
attributes in JSpace-based applications, you must create a grouping class that
defines the properties for these attributes.
— MSLinks Controls the extracting of the MSLink numbers from the element, as follows:
• If selected, extracts the MSLink numbers.
• If cleared, does NOT extract the MSLink numbers.
By default, MSLinks is cleared.
Note: If you create an associated database, the MSLinks option queries that
database for the properties associated with the element.
— Tag Data Controls the extracting of the data that is associated with an element. The format
for the property name is TAGSETNAME^TAGNAME.
• If selected, extracts the tag data.
• If cleared, does NOT extract the tag data.
By default, Tag Data is cleared.
— User Data Controls the extracting of the user data associated with an element. Because the
user data format is unique to each application, the MicroStation Connection
does not evaluate the data. The format of the data is an array of short integers
that another application can evaluate later.
• If selected, extracts the user data.
• If cleared, does NOT extract the user data.
By default, User Data is cleared.

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 Navigating the MicroStation Connection
JSpace MicroStation Connection Dialog Box

Setting Effect
• File Format Controls the format for the extracted file. The File Format options are:
subsection • Object Model — Creates a JSpace object model file.
• Queue — Creates a JSpace command queue file.
• ZGL — Creates a ZGL file.
By default, Object Model is selected.
• Applications... Opens the Applications to Extract dialog box.
For more information, see the section Applications To Extract Dialog Box on
page 2-11.
• Elements... Opens the Elements to Extract dialog box.
For more information, see the section Elements To Extract Dialog Box on
page 2-12.
• Grouping Class... Opens the Grouping Class dialog box.
For more information, see the section Grouping Class Dialog Box on page 2-13.
• Levels... Opens the Levels to Extract dialog box.
For more information, see the section Levels To Extract Dialog Box on page 2-15.
Note: To enable the Levels button, you must clear the Extract View setting in the
Options subsection.
• Areas... Opens the Areas to Extract dialog box.
For more information, see the section Areas To Extract Dialog Box on page 2-15.
Note: To enable the Areas button, you must select a volume file, which is used
only with the PlantSpace Design Series.
Extract Starts the process of creating JSM/ZGL files from design files.
For more information, see the chapter Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Graphical
Menu on page 3-1.

To use the JSpace MicroStation Connection dialog box, you

should have a working knowledge of the following areas:
• Select JSM File Dialog Box on page 2-8
• Select Volume File Dialog Box on page 2-8
• Selecting Settings on page 2-10
• Applications To Extract Dialog Box on page 2-11
• Elements To Extract Dialog Box on page 2-12
• Grouping Class Dialog Box on page 2-13
• Select Class Library Dialog Box on page 2-14
• Levels To Extract Dialog Box on page 2-15
• Areas To Extract Dialog Box on page 2-15

✍ If you want to create JSM/ZGL files from a different design file,

you should open that file by choosing Files > Open from the
TriForma menu bar.

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide 2-7

2 Navigating the MicroStation Connection
JSpace MicroStation Connection Dialog Box

Select JSM File Dialog Box

The Select JSM File dialog box enables you to locate a different
JSM file. You can open the Select JSM File dialog box by clicking
the Browse button to the right of the JSM File field in the JSpace
MicroStation Connection dialog box. The Select JSM File dialog
box opens.

Setting Effect
Files Sets the desired name for the JSM file.
Directories Sets the name of the desired directory location for the JSM file.
List Files of Type Sets the name of the file type selected from the drop-down list box, such as JSM.
Drives Sets the name of the drive selected from the drop-down list box.
OK Selects the desired file name and closes the dialog box.
Cancel Closes the dialog box without selecting the file name.
Help Opens Help for MicroStation V8.

Select Volume File Dialog Box

The Select Volume File dialog box enables you to select a volume
file, which is used only with the PlantSpace Design Series. You
can open the Select Volume File dialog box by clicking the
Browse button to the right of the Volume File field in the JSpace

2-8 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide August 30, 2002

 Navigating the MicroStation Connection
Select Volume File Dialog Box

MicroStation Connection dialog box. The Select Volume File

dialog box opens.

Setting Effect
Files Sets the name of the desired volume file.
Directories Sets the name of the directory location of the desired volume file.
List Files of Type Sets the name of the file type selected from the drop-down list, such as VOL.
Drives Sets the name of the drive selected from the drop-down list box.
OK Selects the desired file name and closes the dialog box.
Cancel Closes the dialog box without selecting the file name.
Help Opens Help for MicroStation V8.

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide 2-9

2 Navigating the MicroStation Connection
JSpace MicroStation Connection Dialog Box

Selecting Settings
You can select the desired option for the following settings from
the drop-down list box that follows the name of each setting in
the JSpace MicroStation Connection dialog box.

Setting Effect
Group Displays the selected setting that controls how the design elements are grouped in
the extracted JSM files. The Group options are:
• Applications — Groups elements contained in the design file into physical groups
based on predefined application objects. The Group is optimized for the
predefined applications and includes application attributes. For example, the PDS
objects include data from the associated DRV file.
• Cells — Groups all elements within a cell into one physical group object.
• Graphic Group — Groups all elements within the same graphic group number
into one physical group object. If an element is not part of the graphic group, the
MicroStation Connection extracts it but does not group it with other elements. The
MicroStation Connection groups elements together within cells. If the cell is part of
a graphic group, then the cell becomes a sub-group of the graphic group object.
• Level — Groups all the elements on the same level into one physical group object.
Because the MicroStation Connection does not group cells by level, elements of a
cell are split if these elements are on different levels.
• None — Does not place elements in physical groups.
By default, the Group option is set to Applications.
Units Displays the selected setting that determines the units for the extracted JSM file. The
Units options are:
• Feet — Sets the units in the JSM file based on units of feet from the design file.
• Inches — Sets the units in the JSM file based on units of inches from the design
file.
• Meters — Sets the units in the JSM file based on units of meters from the design
file.
• Millimeters — Sets the units in the JSM file based on units of millimeters from the
design file.
By default, the Units option is set to Feet.
Color Displays the selected setting that determines the color of the extracted objects. The
Color options are:
• By RGB Values — Sets the color of the JSpace object based on the RGB value of
the design element.
• By Numbers — Sets the color number of the JSpace object based on the number
of the design element.
By default, the Color option is set to By RGB Values.
Note: If your files use multiple MicroStation color tables, you should set the Color
option to By RGB Values.

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 Navigating the MicroStation Connection
Applications To Extract Dialog Box

Setting Effect
Selection Displays the selected setting that determines the elements to extract. The Selection
options are:
• All Elements — Extracts all elements contained in the design files.
• Fence — Extracts the elements contained by the fence.
• Selection Set — Extracts the elements contained in a selection set.
By default, the Selection option is set to All Elements.
Collections Displays the selected setting that determines how objects are grouped into logical
collections. The Collection options are:
• None — Creates no logical collections.
• Level — Creates a logical collection of all elements on each level.
• Graphic Group — Creates a logical collection of all elements in each graphic
group. You can not create a collection for graphic group number zero.
By default, the Collection option is set to Level.
Model Creation Displays the selected setting that determines the types of files extracted and the
number of JSM/ZGL files created. The Model Creation options are:
• Active -> One File — Extracts the active design file and creates one JSM/ZGL file.
• Active & Ref -> One File — Extracts the active design file and all reference files
and creates one JSM/ZGL file.
• Active & Ref -> Two Files — Extracts the active design file into one JSM/ZGL file
and extracts all reference files into another JSM/ZGL file.
• Active & Ref -> Separate Files — Extracts the active design file and each
reference file into separate JSM/ZGL files.
• Reference -> One File — Extracts all reference files and creates one JSM/ZGL file.
• Reference -> Separate Files — Extracts each reference file into a separate JSM/
ZGL file.
By default, the Model Creation option is set to Active -> One File.

Applications To Extract Dialog Box

The Applications to Extract dialog box specifies the applications
that you want to include in the extraction process. You can open
the Applications to Extract dialog box by clicking the Applications
button in the JSpace MicroStation Connection dialog box. The
Applications to Extract dialog box opens.

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide 2-11

2 Navigating the MicroStation Connection
JSpace MicroStation Connection Dialog Box

Setting Effect
Design Series Performs cell grouping and reads attribute information from the Design Series label.
PDS Performs grouping and reads attribute information from an associated DRV file.
OMNI Performs Graphic Group grouping and reads properties from the OMNI external
database.
TriForma Performs grouping and reads properties from the TriForma design files.
PDMS Ex-Plant Performs cell grouping and reads attribute information from an associated DRV file.
Frame Works Performs grouping and reads attribute information from the user data of the elements
contained in the Frame Works files.
OK Accepts the changes and closes the dialog box.
Cancel Closes the dialog box without making the changes.

Because the MicroStation Connection knows the design elements

and the associated data for the listed applications, it can group
the design elements from these application for efficient use by
other JSpace-based applications, such as the Bentley Interference
Manager and the Bentley Navigator. Although the PlantSpace
Design Series and MicroStation TriForma use predefined JSpace
classes, you must create your own grouping class to use the
application data to extract the PDS, OMNI, PDMS Ex-Plant, and
Frame Works files.

Elements To Extract Dialog Box

The Elements to Extract dialog box specifies the element types
that you want to include in the extraction process. You can open
the Elements to Extract dialog box by clicking the Elements
button in the JSpace MicroStation Connection dialog box. The
Elements to Extract dialog box opens.

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 Navigating the MicroStation Connection
Grouping Class Dialog Box

By default, the selected setting include all the element types

except Points and Construction Elements. Usually, you do not
want to included Points and Construction Elements in the model.

Grouping Class Dialog Box

The Grouping Class dialog box specifies the class library and class
name that you want to instance as a grouping class. You can open
the Grouping Class dialog box by clicking the Grouping Class
button in the JSpace MicroStation Connection dialog box. The
Grouping Class dialog box opens.

Setting Effect
Class Library Displays the name of the class library selected with the Browse button and that
contains the desired class.
Browse Opens the Select Class Library dialog box used to specify the directory location
and the name of the desired class library.
For more information, see the section Select Class Library Dialog Box on
page 2-14.
Class Name Displays the name of the desired class selected from the drop-down list box.
OK Accepts the changes and closes the dialog box.
Cancel Closes the dialog box without making the changes.

By default, when you create groups, the MicroStation Connection

uses the JSpace class library JCLASS.LIB, which is located by
default in the ...\Program Files\Bentley\Program\triforma\
mdlapps directory, and the JSpace group class defined in that
class library. For example,
• If you select the Applications to Extract option PDS, the
MicroStation Connection uses the PDS_GROUP group class.
• If you select the Applications to Extract option OMNI, the
MicroStation Connection uses the OMNI_GROUP group class.
However, the default group classes do not contain the property
definitions for the non-graphic information that is included with
these elements. To extract the property definitions, you must
create your own group classes that define properties for your

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide 2-13

2 Navigating the MicroStation Connection
JSpace MicroStation Connection Dialog Box

projects. Then, using the Grouping Class dialog box, you can
instruct the MicroStation Connection to use your new classes
rather than the default classes. For example, if you create the class
PDS_PIPING in the class library MYCLASS.LIB, you can use the
Browse button to display MYCLASS.LIB in the Class Library field
and select PDS_PIPING in the Class Name field.

Select Class Library Dialog Box

The Select Class Library dialog box enables you to locate a class
library (LIB) file. You can open the Select Class Library dialog box
by clicking the Browse button to the right of the Class Library
field in the Grouping Class dialog box. The Select Class Library
dialog box opens.

Setting Effect
Files Sets the name of the desired class library file.
Directories Sets the name of the directory location for the desired class library file.
List Files of Type Sets the name of the file type selected from the drop-down list box, such as LIB.
Drives Sets the name of the drive selected from the drop-down list box.
OK Selects the desired class library and closes the dialog box.
Cancel Closes the dialog box without selecting the class library.
Help Opens Help for MicroStation V8.

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 Navigating the MicroStation Connection
Levels To Extract Dialog Box

Levels To Extract Dialog Box

The Levels to Extract dialog box specifies the desired levels that
you want to include in the extraction process. You can open the
Levels to Extract dialog box by clicking the Levels button in the
JSpace MicroStation Connection dialog box. The Levels to Extract
dialog box opens.

Setting Effect
Choose File Displays the name of the design file selected from the drop-down list box.
Select Levels list box:
• Name Provides the names of the levels in the selected design file.
• Used Indicates whether or not the selected level contains elements.
Set from View Highlights the same levels that are displayed in the selected view.
Clear All Does NOT highlight any levels.
Select All Highlights all levels.
Invert All Reverses the selection of levels so that the previously highlighted levels are now
NOT highlighted and vice versa.
OK Accepts the changes and closes the dialog box.
Cancel Closes the dialog box without making the changes.

Areas To Extract Dialog Box

The Areas to Extract dialog box, which is used only with the
PlantSpace Design Series, specifies the areas that you want to
include in the extraction process. To enable the Areas to Extract
dialog box, you must select a volume (VOL) file, such as ...\
Workspace\Projects\Examples\Triforma_Imperial\intmgr\
setting\project.vol. Then you can open the Areas to Extract dialog

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide 2-15

2 Navigating the MicroStation Connection
JSpace MicroStation Connection Dialog Box

box by clicking the Areas button in the JSpace MicroStation

Connection dialog box. The Areas to Extract dialog box opens.

Setting Effect
Available Areas Lists the remaining areas that are not selected for inclusion in the extraction
process.
Note: The Areas to Extract dialog box is used only with the PlantSpace Design
Series.
Selected Areas Lists the areas to include in the extraction process.
All Moves all areas from the Available Areas list box to the Selected Areas list box.
>> Moves the highlighted areas from the Available Areas list box to the Selected
Areas list box.
If you want to select multiple areas, you can use one or both of the following
operations:
• To select a range of areas, you can click the first area and then hold down the
<Shift> key when you click the last area.
• To select individual areas, you can hold down the <Ctrl> key as you click each
area.
<< Moves the highlighted areas from the Selected Area list box to the Available
Areas list box.
If you want to select multiple areas, you can use one or both of the following
operations:
• To select a range of areas, you can click the first area and then hold down the
<Shift> key when you click the last area.
• To select individual areas, you can hold down the <Ctrl> key as you click each
area.
None Moves all areas from the Selected Areas list box to the Available Areas list box.
OK Accepts the changes and closes the dialog box.
Cancel Closes the dialog box without making the changes.

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 Navigating the MicroStation Connection
Log File

Log File
The MicroStation Connection creates a log file that lists the
selected settings, records the events that occur during the
extraction process, and documents any errors that occur, such as
unsupported elements.
The log file has the same name as the JSM file, has a LOG file
extension, and is placed in the same directory as the JSM file,
which is by default ...\Program Files\Bentley\Workspace\
Projects\Examples\TriForma_Imperial\intmgr\out. You can view
the log file using a text editor, such as Notepad. The following is a
sample log file.

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2-18 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide August 30, 2002
3 Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a
Graphical Menu
The MicroStation Connection enables you to create JSM/ZGL files using a
graphical menu.

This chapter explains how to extract design files and to create JSM/ZGL files
using a graphical menu.

Understanding the Extraction Options

Using the MicroStation Connection, you can extract design files
and create JSM/ZGL files in one of the following two ways:
• From a graphical menu
The procedures in this chapter explain the standard process
of extraction from a graphical menu.
For information about extracting data, such as PlantSpace
Design Series data, see the section Extracting Data on
page 3-1. For more information about extracting PDS data,
see the section Processing PDS and PDMS Ex-Plant Attributes
from a Graphical Menu on page 3-6. For more information
about extracting OMNI data, see the section Processing OMNI
Attributes from a Graphical Menu on page 3-8.
• From a command line
If you prefer to work in batch mode, you can extract design
files from a command line.
For information about using a command line, see the chapter
Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Command Line on page 4-1.

Extracting Data
The standard extraction process involves the following processes:
• Selecting the Files for Extraction on page 3-2
• Specifying the Extraction Settings on page 3-4
• Executing the Extraction Process on page 3-6

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide 3-1

3 Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Graphical Menu
Extracting Data

Selecting the Files for Extraction

By default, the design file to be extracted is open in the TriForma
workspace.
By default, the name of the JSM file displayed in the JSpace
MicroStation Connection dialog box is the name of the open
design file with a JSM file extension.
The Volume file is used only with the PlantSpace Design Series.
By default, the Volume File field is blank.
However, you can change the name and directory location of the
DGN file, the JSM file, and the Volume file.

➤ To select the files for extraction

1. Open the MicroStation Connection.
As necessary, see the procedure To start and quit the
MicroStation Connection on page 1-2.
The JSpace MicroStation Connection dialog box opens.

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 Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Graphical Menu
Selecting the Files for Extraction

2. To select a different design file, use the following steps:

• From the Triforma menu bar, choose File > Open
The Open dialog box is displayed.

• Specify the name and directory location of the desired

design file, such as ...\Workspace\Projects\Examples\
Triforma_Imperial\models\_master.dgn
• Click the OK button
The Triforma title bar displays the name of the selected
design file.
3. To select a different JSM file, use the following steps:
• In the JSpace MicroStation Connection dialog box, click
the Browse button to the right of the JSM File field
As necessary, you can clear the configuration variable
JSUSTNXN_JSMDIR to enable the Browse button.
The Select JSM File dialog box opens.

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide 3-3

3 Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Graphical Menu
Extracting Data

• Specify the file and directory location of the desired JSM

file, such as ...\Workspace\Projects\Examples\
Triforma_Imperial\intmgr\out\_master.jsm
• Click the OK button
The JSpace MicroStation Connection dialog box is
displayed with the name of the desired JSM file.
4. To select a volume file for use with the PlantSpace Design
Series, use the following steps:

✍ By default, the Volume File field is blank.

• Click the Browse button to the right of the Volume File
field
The Select Volume File dialog box opens.

• Specify the file and directory location of the desired

volume file, such as ...\Workspace\Projects\Examples\
TriForma_Imperial\intmgr\setting\project.vol
• Click the OK button
The JSpace MicroStation Connection dialog box is
displayed with the name of the desired volume file.
5. Close the JSpace MicroStation Connection dialog box.

Specifying the Extraction Settings

After you select the desired files, you should specify the
extraction settings.

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 Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Graphical Menu
Specifying the Extraction Settings

➤ To specify the extraction settings

1. Open the MicroStation Connection.
As necessary, see the procedure To start and quit the
MicroStation Connection on page 1-2.
2. Select the desired files.
As necessary, see the procedure To select the files for
extraction on page 3-2.
3. In the Settings section, select the desired settings for the
following:
• Group
• Units
• Color
• Selection
• Collection
• Model Creation
• Options
• Attributes
• File Format
• Applications
• Elements
• Grouping Class
• Levels
• Areas
For more information about these settings, see the section
JSpace MicroStation Connection Dialog Box on page 2-4.
4. Close the JSpace MicroStation Connection dialog box.

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide 3-5

3 Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Graphical Menu
Processing PDS and PDMS Ex-Plant Attributes from a Graphical Menu

Executing the Extraction Process

After you select the desired files and set the desired settings, you
can perform the extraction process.

➤ To execute the extraction process

1. Open the MicroStation Connection.
As necessary, see the procedure To start and quit the
MicroStation Connection on page 1-2.
2. Select the desired files.
As necessary, see the procedure To select the files for
extraction on page 3-2.
3. In the Settings section, select the desired settings.
As necessary, see the section about the procedure To specify
the extraction settings on page 3-5 and the JSpace
MicroStation Connection Dialog Box on page 2-4.
4. To perform the extraction, click the Extract button.
A status bar at the bottom of the JSpace MicroStation
Connection dialog box tracks the progress of the application
in creating objects from each of the design file elements.
5. After the processing is finished, close the JSpace MicroStation
Connection dialog box.

Processing PDS and PDMS Ex-Plant Attributes from a

Graphical Menu
In addition to making the standard selections of settings to extract
your data, you may need the following information specific to
PDS.
If you select the PDS option from the Applications to Extract
dialog box and if a PDS design file is detected, the MicroStation
Connection searches for a design review (DRV) file that
corresponds to the design file that is to be extracted. The DRV file
is connected to the graphics through the DMRS linkage and
contains information about the PDS objects in the design. The
MicroStation Connection places attribute information from the
DRV into the JSM/ZGL file.

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 Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Graphical Menu
Additional Considerations

For the MicroStation Connection to understand the information

included in the DRV file, you must:
• Create a new JSpace class
• Add the properties from the DRV file to this new class
The JSpace Class Editor can perform these processes
automatically.

✍ For more information about using the Class Editor, see the JSpace
Class Editor User Guide.

Additional Considerations
After you define the new class, you must tell the MicroStation
Connection to use your new class instead of the PDS_GROUP
class by using one of the following processes:
• The Grouping Class dialog box of the JSpace MicroStation
Connection dialog box
For more information, see the section Grouping Class Dialog
Box on page 2-13.
• The -icl option in batch mode
For more information about batch mode, see the chapter
Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Command Line on page 4-1.
Also, you need to specify the class library that contains your new
class by using one of the following processes:
• The Grouping Class dialog box of the JSpace MicroStation
Connection dialog box
For more information, see the section Grouping Class Dialog
Box on page 2-13.
• The -ilib option in batch mode
For more information about batch mode, see the chapter
Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Command Line on page 4-1.
For example, you can create the following command line to
process the design file using your new class:
ustation -wajsustnxn -ifyour.dgn -ipds
-iclYOUR_CLASS -ilibyour.lib
Each commodity in the PDS project contains a different record
format. For example, piping has a different format than
equipment. Therefore, you must define a JSpace class for each
record type.

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide 3-7

3 Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Graphical Menu
Processing OMNI Attributes from a Graphical Menu

Processing OMNI Attributes from a Graphical Menu

In addition to making the standard selections of settings to extract
your data, you may need the following information specific to
OMNI.
If you select the OMNI option from the Applications to Extract
dialog box and if an OMNI design file is detected, the
MicroStation Connection extracts data from the OMNI database
and places it in the JSM file. The database is connected to the
graphics by the MicroStation database links. For the extraction to
work correctly, you must set up the MicroStation database
connection.
For the MicroStation Connection to understand the information
included in the extraction, you must:
• Create a new JSpace class
This new class must be a child of the default class
OMNI_GROUP from the class library JCLASS.LIB.
• Add the properties from the OMNI database to this new class
The software has one property for each field in the database.
Because OMNI field names can have spaces and other
characters that are not allowed in JSpace property names, you
must substitute an underscore character (_) for spaces and
symbols. For example, the file name LINE SIZE becomes the
JSpace property LINE_SIZE.
The JSpace Class Editor can perform these processes
automatically.

✍ For more information about using the Class Editor, see the JSpace
Class Editor User Guide.

Additional Considerations
After you define the new class, you must tell the MicroStation
Connection to use your new class instead of the OMNI_GROUP
class by using one of the following processes:
• The Grouping Class dialog box of the JSpace MicroStation
Connection dialog box
For more information, see the section Grouping Class Dialog
Box on page 2-13.
• The -icl option in batch mode
For more information about batch mode, see the chapter
Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Command Line on page 4-1.

3-8 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide August 30, 2002

 Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Graphical Menu
Additional Considerations

Also, you need to specify the class library that contains your new
class by using one of the following procedures:
• The Grouping Class dialog box of the JSpace MicroStation
Connection dialog box
For more information, see the section Grouping Class Dialog
Box on page 2-13.
• The -ilib option in batch mode
For more information about batch mode, see the chapter
Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Command Line on page 4-1.
For example, you can create the following command line to
process the design file using your new class:
ustation -wajsustnxn -ifyour.dgn -iomni
-iclYOUR_CLASS -ilibyour.lib
Each commodity in the OMNI project database is in a different
field. For example, piping is not the same as equipment.
Therefore, you must define a JSpace class for each database type.

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3-10 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide August 30, 2002
4 Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a
Command Line
The MicroStation Connection enables you to create JSM/ZGL files in batch
mode from a command line.

This chapter explains how to extract design files and to create JSM/ZGL files
from a command line and also includes a description of the command switches
used in the extraction process.

Understanding Command Line Processing

If you want to work from a command line, you can perform the
same operations that you perform using the JSpace MicroStation
Connection dialog box. The batch mode extraction process
involves two parts:
• Using the Command Line Extraction Procedure on page 4-1
• Defining Command Switches on page 4-2

Using the Command Line Extraction Procedure

The following procedure explains the standard batch mode
extraction process using a command line. You can customize the
extraction procedure by substituting different parameters for the
command switches.

➤ To extract design files from a command line

1. At a DOS prompt, type the following format:
ustation -wu<workspace user> -wp<workspace
proj> -wc<app configuration file>
-wajsustnxn <command_switches>
For example,
ustation -wuTriForma -wppsdstut -wcC:\
Program Files\Bentley\Program\triforma\
config\tflocal.cfg -wajsustnxn
-ifmodel.dgn

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide 4-1

4 Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Command Line
Defining Command Switches

2. Select the parameters for the command_switches.

You can type the parameters in any order.
For more information on the command switches, see the
section Defining Command Switches on page 4-2.
3. Press the <Enter> key.

Defining Command Switches

When using a command line, the command switches provide the
settings for the extraction process. The following table lists the
command switch parameters and also provides a description and
an example for each parameter.

✍ The JSM files are also referred to as JSpace object model files,
JSpace models, or JSpace (JSM) files.

Parameter Description and Example

-ia Specifies that a JSpace command queue file should be created.

Example: -ia
-ib Specifies that a JSM file should be created.

Example: -ib
-ic<collection Instructs the MicroStation Connection to create logical collections in the
name> JSM file. If you do not specify this optional parameter, the MicroStation
Connection creates no collections. The collection name options are:
• 0 = Does NOT create a collection
• 1 = Creates a collection for each level
• 2 = Creates a collection for each graphic group

Example: -ic1
-icl<class name> Specifies the class to be instanced (object to be created) for group objects.

Example: -iclPDS_NOZZLE
-icomp Enables the JSpace object compression option. If you do not specify this
optional parameter, the compression option is disabled.

Example: -icomp
-iconst Extracts construction elements. If you do not specify this optional
parameter, the MicroStation Connection does not extract construction
elements.

Example: -iconst

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 Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Command Line
Defining Command Switches

Parameter Description and Example

-idrv<drv name> Specifies the DRV file from which the MicroStation Connection extracts data
for the PDS option.

Example: -idrvsample.drv
-if<dgn name> Specifies the name of the DGN file. Using the * or ? characters, you can
define more than one file. This parameter is required.

Example: -ifmodel.dgn or -if*.dgn

-iframe Extracts intelligent data from Frame Works files.

Example: -iframe
-ig<grouping Specifies how the MicroStation Connection should group the MicroStation
option> elements within JSpace. If you do not specify this optional parameter, the
MicroStation elements are grouped by cell. The grouping options are:
• 0 = Group by cell
• 1 = Group by graphic group
• 2 = Group by level
• 3 = No grouping

Example: -ig0
-igoff Instructs the MicroStation Connection NOT to use the Global Origin
function.

Example: -igoff
-igon Instructs the MicroStation Connection to use the Global Origin function.

Example: -igon
-iinc Specifies that the JSM file is only created if the DGN file has a newer date
than the JSM file. By default, the JSM file is always created.

Example: -iinc
-ijsm<jsm name> Specifies the name of the JSM file that the queue file creates. This parameter
is only valid if the -ia parameter is set. If you do not specify this optional
parameter, the name of the JSM file is the name of the queue file with a JSM
file extension.

Example: -ijsmmodel.jsm

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide 4-3

4 Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Command Line
Defining Command Switches

Parameter Description and Example

-il<levels> Specifies the levels to extract. If you do not specify this optional parameter,
the MicroStation Connection extracts all levels. The guidelines are as
follows:
• List the levels by name.
• Use a comma (,) to separate the levels.
• Use the wild card character (*) to select levels with similar names.
• If the name of a level includes a space, enclose the argument in quotes
(").

Example: -il*3D,*walls or "-ilLevel one,Level two"

-ilib<class Specifies the library that the MicroStation Connection loads in addition to
library> the class library JCLASS.LIB.

Example: -ilibjpds.lib
-ilog<file name> Specifies the name of the log file. If you do not specify this optional
parameter, the name of the log file is the name of the DGN file with a LOG
file extension.

Example: -ilogmyfile.log
- ilx<levels> Specifies the levels to exclude from extraction. If you do not specify this
optional parameter, the MicroStation Connection extracts all levels. The
guidelines are as follows:
• List the levels by name.
• Use a comma (,) to separate the levels.
• Use the wild card character (*) to select levels with similar names.
• If the name of a level includes a space, enclose the argument in quotes
(").
Note: You should not use both -il and -ilx on the same command line.
Because the -ilx parameter must follow the -il parameter to override it, the
MicroStation Connection extracts all levels defined by the -il if the -ilx
precedes the -il.

Example: -ilx*2D or "-ilxLevel one,Level two"

-im<model Specifies the model creation mode. The model creation mode options are:
creation number> • 0 = Active -> One File
• 1 = Active and Reference -> One File
• 2 = Active and Reference -> Two Files
• 3 = Active and Reference -> Separate Files
• 4 = Reference -> One File
• 5 = Reference -> Separate Files

• Example: -im0

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 Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Command Line
Defining Command Switches

Parameter Description and Example

-imslink Instructs the MicroStation Connection to extract MSLink numbers into the
JSM file. If MicroStation is connected to a database, the MicroStation
Connection uses the MSLink numbers to extract data associated with the
3D graphic elements from the database.

Example: -imslink
-io<output name> Specifies the name of the output file, as follows:
• If the -ia parameter is specified, this parameter defines the name of the
queue file.
• If the -ib parameter is specified, this parameter defines the name of the
JSM file.
• If you do not specify this optional parameter, the name of the output file
is the name of the DGN file with a JSM file extension.

Example: -iooutput.jsm
-iomni Extracts intelligent data from Omnipipe files.

Example: -iomni
-ioutdir<dir name> Specifies the name of the output directory for the files.

Example: -ioutdirmydirectory
-ipdms Extracts intelligent data from PDMS files.

Example: -ipdms
-ipds Extracts intelligent data from PDS design review files. If you do not specify
a DRV file by using the -idrv<drv name> parameter, the MicroStation
Connection extracts DRV data using a file with the name of the DGN file
and a DRV file extension.

Example: -ipds
-ips Extracts data from the PlantSpace Design Series files using the RIMREF.DAT
file. The RIMREF.DAT file contains the definition for PlantSpace Design
Series data.

Note: The configuration variable PS_PROJ must point to the directory

containing the RIMREF.DAT file.

Example: -ips
-ipt Extracts points. If you do not specify this optional parameter, the
MicroStation Connection does not extract points.

Example: -ipt

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide 4-5

4 Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Command Line
Defining Command Switches

Parameter Description and Example

-irgb Uses RGB values for the colors of the JSpace objects. If you do not specify
this optional parameter, the MicroStation Connection assigns the color
numbers to the JSpace objects.

Example: -irgb
-irm Extracts elements from the reference file relative to the active file. If you do
not specify this optional parameter, the elements in the reference files are
not scaled and positioned as defined by the reference file manipulations in
the open file.

Example: -irm
-it<types> Specifies the types of elements to extract. If you do not specify this optional
parameter, the MicroStation Connection extracts all supported element
types. The element types options are:

• 3 = Line • 16 = Arc
• 4 = Line String • 18 = Surface
• 6 = Shape • 19 = Solid
• 11 = Curve • 23 = Cylinder/Cone
• 12 = Complex Chain • 24 = B-Spline Surface
• 14 = Complex Shape • 27 = B-Spline Curve
• 15 = Ellipse
The guidelines are as follows:
• Use a colon (:) to separate the specified levels
• Use a hyphen (-) to indicate the desired ranges of levels

Note: You must NOT use a comma (,) to specify a range.

Example: -it3:6-9:18:19
-itd Instructs the MicroStation Connection to include tag data in the JSM file.

Example: -itd
-itf Extracts intelligent data from TriForma elements.

Example: -itf

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 Creating JSM/ZGL Files using a Command Line
Defining Command Switches

Parameter Description and Example

-itx<types> Specifies the types of elements to exclude from extraction. If you do not
specify this optional parameter, the MicroStation Connection extracts the
supported elements or the elements specified by the -it parameter. The
guidelines are as follows:
• Use a colon (:) to separate the specified levels
• Use a hyphen (-) to indicate the desired ranges of levels

Note: You must NOT use a comma (,) to specify a range. You should not
use both -it and -itx on the same command line. Because the -itx parameter
must follow the -it parameter to override it, the MicroStation Connection
extracts all levels defined by the -it if the -itx precedes the -it.

Example: -itx3-5:7:9
-iv<view number> Extracts elements in the displayed levels of the selected view. If you do not
specify this optional parameter, the MicroStation Connection does not
extract the elements from the selected view. By default, the view number
is 1.

Example: -iv2
-iud Instructs the MicroStation Connection to extract existing user data into the
JSM file. The MicroStation Connection extracts the user data as an array of
short integers.

Example: -iud
-iun<units name> Specifies the name for the units. The units name options are:
• ft = feet
• in = inches
• m = meters
• mm = millimeters

Example: -iunft
-ixgl Specifies that a ZGL file is created at the same time as the JSM file. The
name of the ZGL file is the name of the JSM file with a ZGL file extension.

Example: -ixgl

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4-8 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide August 30, 2002
Appendix A — Configuration Variables

The MicroStation Connection uses the following three

configuration variables.

Configuration Variable Description and Example

JSUSTNXN_JSMDIR Sets the name of the directory to which the JSM file is outputted. If
this variable is not defined, the JSM file is outputted to the same
directory as the DGN file.

Example: JSUSTNXN_JSMDIR=c:\projects\jsm\
JSUSTNXN_DRVPATH Sets the name of the directory search path to locate DRV files. If this
variable is not defined, the MicroStation Connection searches for the
DRV file in the same directory as the DGN file.

Examples: JSUSTNXN_DRVPATH=c:\projects\area1\;
c:\projects\area2\
PS_PROJ Sets the name of the directory that contains the rimref.dat file for the
project. Usually, this variable is set in the Design Series project
configuration file.

Example: PS_PROJ=c:\projects\project1\

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide A-1

A-2 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide August 30, 2002
Glossary

B
Bentley A JSpace-based application that you can use to detect, review, and
Interference manage interferences in 3D CAD models
Manager

Bentley A separately-licensed JSpace-based application that detects

Interference interferences using the JSM files created in the JSpace MicroStation
Manager Engine Connection and their specified parameters.

Bentley Model A JSpace-based application than enables you to interact with

Streaming 3D models through a Web browser.

Bentley Navigator A JSpace-based, real-time, 3-dimensional visualization application

that enables you to view and interact with JSpace models and
related data.

D
Design file A MicroStation V8-compatible file, such as a DGN file, a DWG file,
or a DXF file.

J
JSM file A JSpace-based, binary file that is extracted from a
MicroStation V8-compatible file, such as DGN, DWG, and DXF.
Also referred to as a JSpace object model file, JSpace model, or
JSpace (JSM) file.

August 30, 2002 Bentley MicroStation Connection User Guide GL-1

 Glossary

JSpace command An ASCII file that has a JSM file extension. The Bentley ModelServer
queue file Integrator can execute this script or list of instructions. Also,
because the queue file created by the JSpace MicroStation
Connection has a JSM file extension, it becomes a JSM file when it
is opened in a JSpace-based application, such as the Bentley
Navigator or the Bentley Interference Manager Engine.

JSpace A JSpace-based application that enables you to create JSpace

MicroStation object model files, JSpace command queue files, and ZGL files
Connection from data in existing MicroStation design files, such as DGNs,
DWGs, and DXFs.

V
Volume file A file that is used only with the PlantSpace Design Series.

Z
ZGL file The compressed equivalent of an XGL file with a ZGL file
extension. The XGL is the file format used to export data from
3D programs to an XGL viewing program on a local machine or
across the Internet.

GL-2 Bentley MicroStation Connection User Guide August 30, 2002

Index

A C
Applications button 2-7 Collections setting 2-11
Applications To Extract dialog box 2-11 Color setting 2-10
Areas button 2-7 Command line processing 4-1
Areas To Extract dialog box 2-15 Command switches 4-2
Attributes -ia 4-2
MSLinks 2-6 -ib 4-2
Tag Data 2-6 -ic<collection name> 4-2
User Data 2-6 -icl<class name> 4-2
-icomp 4-2
-iconst 4-2
B -idrv<drv name> 4-3
Bentley Interference Manager -if<dgn name> 4-3
definition of GL-1 -iframe 4-3
using grouped elements 2-12 -ig<grouping option> 4-3
using JSM files 1-1 -igoff 4-3
Bentley Interference Manager Engine -igon 4-3
definition of GL-1 -ijsm<jsm name> 4-3
using queue files GL-2 -il<levels> 4-4
Bentley Model Streaming -ilib<class library> 4-4
definition of GL-1 -ilog<file name> 4-4
using JSM files 1-1 -ilx<levels> 4-4
Bentley ModelServer Integrator -im<model creation number> 4-4
using queue files GL-2 -imslink 4-5
Bentley Navigator -io<output name> 4-5
definition of GL-1 -iomni 4-5
using grouped elements 2-12 -ioutdir<dir name> 4-5
using JSM files 1-1 -ipdms 4-5
using queue files GL-2 -ipds 4-5
Buttons -ips 4-5
Applications 2-7 -ipt 4-5
Areas 2-7 -irgb 4-6
Elements 2-7 -irm 4-6
Extract 2-7 -it<types> 4-6
Grouping Class 2-7 -itd 4-6
Levels 2-7 -itf 4-6

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide IN-1

 Index
D

-itx<types> 4-7 F
-iud 4-7 File formats
-iun<units name> 4-7 Object Model 2-7
-iv<view number> 4-7 Queue 2-7
-ixgl 4-7 ZGL 2-7
Configuration variables Frame Works
JSUSTNXN_DRVPATH A-1 extracting 2-12
JSUSTNXN_JSMDIR 2-5, A-1
PS_PROJ 4-5, A-1
G
Group setting 2-10
D Grouping Class button 2-7
Design files Grouping Class dialog box 2-13
definition of GL-1 GUI 2-1
choosing 2-7
using DGNs, DWGs, or DXFs 1-1
Dialog boxes H
Applications To Extract 2-11 Hilite Elements Processed option 2-5
Areas To Extract 2-15
Elements To Extract 2-12
Grouping Class 2-13 I
JSpace MicroStation Connection 2-4 -ia 4-2
Levels To Extract 2-15 -ib 4-2
Select Class Library 2-14 -ic<collection name> 4-2
Select JSM File 2-8 -icl<class name> 4-2
Select Volume File 2-8 -icomp 4-2
-iconst 4-2
-idrv<drv name> 4-3
E -if<dgn name> 4-3
Elements button 2-7 -iframe 4-3
Elements To Extract dialog box 2-12 -ig<grouping option> 4-3
Enable Object Compression option 2-6 -igoff 4-3
Extract button 2-7 -igon 4-3
Extract Reference Relative To Active option 2-5 -ijsm<jsm name> 4-3
Extract View option 2-6 -il<levels> 4-4
Extracting -ilib<class library> 4-4
using a command line 4-1 -ilog<file name> 4-4
adding command switches 4-2 -ilx<levels> 4-4
customizing the procedure 4-1 -im<model creation number> 4-4
understanding the process 4-1 -imslink 4-5
using a graphical menu 3-1 -io<output name> 4-5
executing process 3-6 -iomni 4-5
selecting files 3-2 -ioutdir<dir name> 4-5
specifying settings 3-4 -ipdms 4-5
with OMNI attributes 3-8 -ipds 4-5
with PDS and PDMS Ex-Plant attributes -ips 4-5
3-6 -ipt 4-5

IN-2 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide August 30, 2002

 Index
J

-irgb 4-6 O
-irm 4-6 Object Model file format 2-7
-it<types> 4-6 OMNI
-itd 4-6 extracting 2-12
-itf 4-6 processing attributes from a graphical 3-8
-itx<types> 4-7 using grouped elements 2-13
-iud 4-7 Options
-iun<units name> 4-7 Enable Object Compression 2-6
-iv<view number> 4-7 Extract Reference Relative To Active 2-5
-ixgl 4-7 Extract View 2-6
Hilite Elements Processed 2-5
Use Global Origin 2-5
J
JSM files
definition of GL-1 P
delivered samples 1-2 PDMS Ex-Plant
selecting 2-5 extracting 2-12
JSpace command queue files processing attributes from a graphical menu
definition of GL-2 3-6
JSpace MicroStation Connection PDS
definition of GL-2 extracting 2-12
features 1-2 processing attributes from a graphical menu
GUI 2-1 3-6
starting and quitting 1-2 using grouped elements 2-13
understanding 1-1 PlantSpace Design Series
JSpace MicroStation Connection dialog box 2-4 extracting 2-12
JSpace object model files, Also called JSpace using grouped elements 2-12
models, JSpace (JSM) files, or JSM files 1-2 using Volume files 2-5
JSUSTNXN.MA 1-1 PS_PROJ 4-5, A-1
JSUSTNXN_DRVPATH A-1
JSUSTNXN_JSMDIR 2-5, A-1
Q
Queue file format 2-7
L
Levels button 2-7
Levels To Extract dialog box 2-15 S
Log files 2-17 Select Class Library dialog box 2-14
Select JSM File dialog box 2-8
Select Volume File dialog box 2-8
M Selection setting 2-11
MicroStation Connection, See JSpace Settings
MicroStation Connection Collections 2-11
MicroStation TriForma Color 2-10
extracting 2-12 Group 2-10
using grouped elements 2-12 Model Creation 2-11
Model Creation setting 2-11 Selection 2-11
MSLinks attribute 2-6 Units 2-10

August 30, 2002 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide IN-3

 Index
T

T V
Tag Data attribute 2-6 Volume files
definition of GL-2
in PlantSpace Design Series 2-5
U selecting 2-5
Units setting 2-10
Use Global Origin option 2-5
User Data attribute 2-6 Z
ZGL file format 2-7
ZGL files
definition of GL-2

IN-4 JSpace MicroStation Connection User Guide August 30, 2002