Written by Bob Mecham.

Placing elements in MicroStation is usually done one of two ways: absolute coordinates or relative to an existing point. Workflows for placing those elements to absolute coordinates can be done one of two ways: using the Key-in Browser dialog or using AccuDraw’s Data Point Key-in.

Via the Key-in Browser:

Absolute Coordinates

1. Select a placement tool

2. In the key-in browser type the coordinates: “XY=1000,1000,0″

3. Hit the Enter key on the keyboard or the Run icon from the key-in browser. The element will be placed at the keyed in coordinate value.

4. Continue to use the key-in browser and the “XY=” key-in to finish placing elements/vertices/cells…

– “P” – will open the Data Point Key-in dialog for a one time key-in value and will then close when it is accepted.

– “M” – will open the Data Point Key-in dialog and will remain open after each value is accepted.

Absolute Coordinates

1. Select a placement tool

2. With the Focus with the AccuDraw dialog use the “M” shortcut key. The Data Point Key-in dialog will appear.

3. From the drop down list select the “Absolute (xy=)” and enter the values in the key-in field.

4. Hit the Enter key on the keyboard. The element will be placed at the keyed in coordinate value.

5. Continue to use the Data Point Key-in and the “Absolute (xy=)” option to continue placing elements/vertices/cells…

Relative Point

1. Select a placement tool.

2. Tentative snap to the relative origin point.

3. With the Focus with the AccuDraw dialog use the “M” shortcut key. The Data Point Key-in dialog will appear.

4. From the drop down list select the “Delta (dl=)” and enter the values in the key-in field.

5. Hit the Enter key on the keyboard. The element will be moved 20 units in the X direction and 10 units in the Y direction.