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This document outlines the steps necessary to move various InRoads project files from earlier software versions to newer software versions.
There are two primary steps in moving InRoads V7.1 project files forward. Step 1 is to convert the preference files from .prf to .ini. Step 2 is to convert the cross section and profile graphics.
Software required: MicroStation/J - 07.01.04.16
InRoads V7.1 used binary .prf files (civil.prf and wysiwyg.prf) for preferences and styles. Releases of InRoads V8.0 and 8.1 included preference translators – MDL files. These files can be used to convert the .prf files to the .ini files (civil.ini and wysiwyg.ini) used in InRoads V8.0-V8.5; however, it is often easier to simply create them from scratch in V8.5 starting with the default .ini files delivered with the product.
The following .ma files are used to translate InRoads V7 preference files (.prf) to InRoads V8 preference files (.ini).
The following steps outline the conversion process: Start MicroStation/J.
Note: These .ma files do not run in MicroStation V8. Select Utilities MDL Applications. On the MDL dialog box, select the Browse button. On the Select MDL Application dialog box, navigate to the location of the .ma files. Select prfini.ma and then select OK. On the Open Civil Preference File dialog box, select the civil.prf file to be converted. On the Open Civil Initialization File dialog box, select the directory and enter the new file name - civil.ini. The civil.prf file is converted to civil.ini. Repeat the above process for the wysiwyg.prf file using the wysiwyg.ma file.
Software required: MicroStation V8 - 08.05.xx.xx
The format of cross sections and profiles changed for InRoads V8.2. If you intend to use profiles or cross sections that were created with any version of software prior to V8.2, you must translate those profiles or cross sections.
Starting with V8.2, cross sections carry a set name on the graphic elements, providing a descriptive way to name the cross section sets. The set name is 32 characters long. Profiles also store a set name and ID on the graphic elements. Information about surface data lines, offset data lines, and features is also now stored on the graphic elements. This gives more control over the surface data line and offset symbology, as well as the ability to display features in profiles.
An Application Add-In is delivered with versions 8.2 through 8.5 that will translate cross sections and profiles created prior to V8.2. (Note: This translator is not available in V8.7.) The following steps outline the translation process:
Optional: Convert MicroStation/J design files to MicroStation V8 format. Start MicroStation V08.05.xx and from the MicroStation Manager dialog box, select File Upgrade Files to V8. Follow dialogs to convert files.
Start InRoads and open a graphics file containing profiles or cross sections created in a pre-8.2 version of software. Select Tools Application Add-Ins.
Scroll down the list and toggle on the Translate Graphic Elements Add-In. Load the geometry projects (.alg) and surfaces (.dtm) that were originally used to create the profiles and cross sections.
Select File Translators Translate Graphic Elements.
Note: The geometry project that contains the necessary alignments needs to be the ‘active’ geometry project.
Note: This command will assign GUIDS and associate the data files to the graphic elements as well as create the set names. If an .alg or .dtm is not loaded or active, an information box will display listing the data that is missing. Save all .alg and .dtm files.
Note: When the ‘old’ files are opened, they are automatically assigned a GUID that is used to associate the particular alignment or surface to the graphics in the cross sections and profiles. This GUID assignment needs to be saved in the files so that the connection between the files and the graphics can be maintained.
Optional: Before saving .dtm files, select Surface Surface Properties – Advanced tab and select an appropriate Named Symbology for the surface to use for cross section and profile displays.
Virtually all of the project files have format changes for V8.7. The following list indicates what has changed and what needs to be done to convert the files to the new V8.7 formats.
Software required: MicroStation V8 - 08.05.xx.xx
InRoads 08.05.xx.xx (optional, but recommended)
InRoads 08.07.xx.xx
DTM – new format, just open and save
ALG – new format, just open and save
SDB – new format, just open and save
FWD – no change to format
TML – template library file is replaced with a new XML formatted file and extension of ITL. TML files can be imported into the new format by selecting Modeler Create Template File Import TML. See the on-line Help for details on the translation. RWL – roadway library file is replaced with a new XML formatted file and extension of IRD. RWL files can be imported into the new format by selecting Modeler Roadway Designer File Import RWL. The Import RWL command has an option to translate the TML file to an ITL file while translating the RWL file. See the on-line Help for details on the translation.
DBA – these report files are no longer used. Reports are now all created using XML reports and XSL stylesheets. Report customization is now done with the XSL stylesheets.
INI – preference and style files (civil.ini and wysiwyg.ini) are replaced with a new XML formatted file and extension of XIN. Translate preferences from INI to XIN using the INI to XIN Translator command found at Start All Programs Bentley InRoads Group. See the on-line Help for details on the translation. (It is optional, but recommended that InRoads V8.5 be on the machine along with V8.7 for converting the INI to XIN files so that the Impexp.ini and Tiw.ini files are available for the translation.)
FXP – included in the new XIN file
FWF – included in the new XIN file
IMPEXP.ini – included in the new XIN file
TIW.ini – included in the new XIN file
In order to retain intelligence on the cross section and profile graphics from V7.1 projects, the data files need to be converted to from V7.1 to V8.5 format files, and then into V8.7. Follow the steps as outlined in the previous two sections.