In a previous tip we demonstrated how to obtain geographic coordinate readouts in MicroStation V8i and later releases. It is also possible to enter coordinate values in Longitude, Latitude units. When a geographic coordinate system is selected using the Geographic tool box MicroStation automatically creates an Auxiliary Coordinate System based on the selected geographic coordinate system. By activating the geographic auxiliary coordinate system MicroStation can accept coordinate values in Longitude, Latitude units.

1. From the Primary Tools tool box select the Auxiliary Coordinates icon.
   
   
2. In the Auxiliary Coordinates dialog double click on the geographic auxiliary coordinate system to make it active.
   
3. Using either the MicroStation Key-in Browser or AccuDraw coordinate values can be input in Longitude, Latitude units.

   Key-in Browser using the ax= key-in command
   



AccuDraw using either the P or M shortcuts

   

4. Geographic coordinates can be entered in any of the following input formats
   • Decimal Degrees: -91.8905,45.2170
   • Degrees Minutes Seconds: -91d53m24.0,45d12m36.0
   • Degrees Minutes Seconds: -91:53’24.0,45:12’36.0

   Note: MicroStation will not accept mixed input formats on the same command line (i.e. DD for Longitude, DMS for Latitude).