Users Guide

RasterDgn
Easily edit color, grayscale and monochrome raster
reference files without leaving MicroStation!
Version 8.5 for MicroStation V8.5, XM and V8i

Axiom
1805 Drew Street
Clearwater, Florida 33765
727-442-7774 voice
727-442-8344 fax
AxiomInt@AxiomInt.com
www.AxiomInt.com

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RasterDgn

Copyright 2008-2009 Axiom.

All rights reserved.
This document was last modified on 11 August 2009 7:17 PM.
Limited Warranty (Excerpted from the Axiom End User Software License
Agreement, see the full text of your Axiom End User Software License Agreement for
complete details.) LICENSEE is advised to test the SOFTWARE thoroughly before
relying on it. The SOFTWARE is provided as is without warranty of any kind, either
expressed or implied, including, but not limited to the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose and the entire risk as to the quality
and performance of the SOFTWARE is with LICENSEE.
Governing Law This Agreement (Axiom End User Software License Agreement)
shall be governed by the laws of the State of Florida, United States of America. Venue
for the resolution of any dispute arising out of this Agreement shall be Pinellas County,
Florida, USA or, if that is not possible, the nearest court of competent jurisdiction thereto.

MicroStation is a registered trademark of Bentley Systems, Incorporated.

RasterDgn is a trademark of Axiom.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction--------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
Introducing RasterDgn ------------------------------------------------------------------------------7

Chapter 2 Installation----------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
Before You Install ---------------------------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
Typical Installation from CD --------------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
Congratulations------------------------------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.

Chapter 3 Uninstalling --------------------------------------------------------------------15

Uninstalling Axiom products --------------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.

Chapter 4 Quick Start ---------------------------------------------------------------------16

RasterDgn basics ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
Demonstration Versions --------------------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
Quick Start Instructions --------------------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
Introduction ----------------------------------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
Quick Start 1 RasterDgn Deskew ------------------------ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Quick Start 2 RasterDgn Resize Canvas ---------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.
Quick Start 3 RasterDgn Copy --------------------------- Error! Bookmark not defined.

Chapter 5 Using RasterDgn -------------------------------------------------------------21

Loading RasterDgn -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21
MicroStation Version Compatibility ------------------------------------------------------- 21
The RasterDgn menu ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 21
Menu or Toolbar Are Optional ------------------------------------------------------------- 22
Table of Features on Menu and Toolbar--------------------------------------------------- 22
Tool Settings ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23
Mode (all tools)------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23
Method (Delete tool)------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24
Method (Crop tool)--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25
Modify (Copy, Move, Delete tools)-------------------------------------------------------- 25
Fence Mode (Copy, Move, Delete tools)-------------------------------------------------- 26
Rotate (Copy, Move tools) ------------------------------------------------------------------ 26
X Scale (Copy, Move tools) ---------------------------------------------------------------- 26
Y Scale (Copy, Move tools)----------------------------------------------------------------- 26
[] Merge source/destination pixels (Copy, Move tools) --------------------------------- 27
[] Create new file (Copy, Move tools)----------------------------------------------------- 27
Copy
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28
Color Depth Note----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28
Move
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 29
Color Depth Note----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29

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Delete
Crop

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30

Stamp
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 30
[] Delete original elements ------------------------------------------------------------------ 31
Technical Notes on Stamp------------------------------------------------------------------- 31
Stamp Settings -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31
Deskew

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32

Despeckle
Resize Canvas

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33

Raster Scratch Area

-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34
How It Works --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34
Change Settings
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34
Help | Contents ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35
Help | About-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35
Exit --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35
Support for MicroStations Undo <Ctrl-Z>----------------------------------------------------- 35

Chapter 6 Supported Raster File Types ---------------------------------------------36

Supported Raster File Types ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 36
Unsupported Raster File Types------------------------------------------------------------------- 36
What About Other Raster File Types?----------------------------------------------------------- 37
Adding Support For Other Raster File Types--------------------------------------------- 37
MicroStation Version Support -------------------------------------------------------------------- 37

Chapter 7 RasterDgn Settings ---------------------------------------------------------38

The RasterDgn Settings box ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 38
Interface --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 38
Backups---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39
File Names ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 40
Stamp Line Styles ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 41
MicroStation Line Style to Pixel Style: How It Works---------------------------------- 41
Stamp Line Weights-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 42

Chapter 8 Troubleshooting--------------------------------------------------------------43
Using PowerDraft?--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 44
Using MicroStation/J? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 44
Weird Copy/Move Results Due to Mismatched Raster Affinity and Rotation------------- 45
Stamp and Resize take multiple undo operations to be completely undone. --------------- 45
Raster data (pixels) inside the holes in filled fonts (like Arial) is deleted on Stamp if Fill view
attribute was turned on.---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 45
XM-only: Text always displays as filled even if Fill view attribute is turned off. RasterDgn
Stamp, however, honors the Fill view attribute. ----------------------------------------------- 46

Table of Contents

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XM-only: Stamp doesnt work on a recently attached raster reference file attachment unless you
wait a few seconds after attaching it. ------------------------------------------------------------ 46

Chapter 9 Well Make (Almost) Any Enhancements You Want---------------47

Chapter 10 New Features and Fixes--------------------------------------------------48
8.4a 23 December 2008------------------------------------------------------------------------ 48
8.3b 3 October 2008---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 49
8.3a 19 August 2008 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 49

Chapter 1 Introduction

Page 7

Chapter 1 Intr oduction

Introducing RasterDgn
Axiom is proud to announce the release of RasterDgn the easiest way to edit your
color and monochrome raster reference files. RasterDgn keeps MicroStation users in
control of their raster reference files with little or no training.
RasterDgns features include:

Copy/Move/Delete raster data by fence or user-defined area Edit color and

monochrome raster reference files directly from within MicroStation!

Stamp Vector Rasterize vector data, writing it to a color or monochrome raster

reference file. Supports fence area, user-defined block and selection sets.

Deskew Easily and automatically rotate color and monochrome raster reference
files to make them level.

Despeckle Instantly remove speckling from monochrome raster reference files.

Works on entire raster file, fence or rectangular user-defined area.

Resize Canvas Easily add working area to your raster file. Changes raster files
dimensions without scaling the image.

Undo Use MicroStations Undo (<Ctrl-Z>) to undo RasterDgn operations.

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RasterDgn

Chapter 2 Inst allation

Installation of RasterDgn is quick and easy. Just follow the instructions below for the
operating system on which RasterDgn is being installed.
Your computer must have MicroStation up and running. The plotting system should also
be installed, configured and running.

Before You Install

This chapter will walk you through a typical Axiom product installation. These
instructions apply to both MicroStation V7 and V8. V7 products are used in the
examples.
To install one or more Axiom products, you need:

The latest Axiom product CD; and

A license file on floppy disk for the product(s) you are about to install.

Please shut down all MicroStation sessions on your computer before continuing.

Typical Installation from CD

1. Insert the Axiom product CD into your CD drive.
2. The dialog box below should come up automatically. This may take a few moments
depending on computer and CD drive speed.
CONDITIONAL: In some cases Windows is set to suppress auto-running executables.
If the installation process does not begin automatically when you insert the CD, you will
need to start the process manually. From the Windows Start Menu, choose Run and
type in the following:
D:\Setup.exe
where D is your CD drive letter.

Chapter 2 Installation

Page 9

3. Click the <OK> button and the first installation dialog box (below) will appear.

4. Select MicroStation V7 or MicroStation V8 and click <Next>.

5. Choose which type of installation you want to perform. The Typical installation is
best for most situations and asks the user to make very few decisions.

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6. These instructions will describe only the Typical installation path. Choose
Typical and click <Next>.
7. Choose the license file for this installation. Toggle on I have a license file
somewhere else. And press <Next>.

8. Browse to the axiom.lic file on the CD and click <Open>. The licenses in the
specified license file will display in the next dialog box. Press <Next>.
Although you have already selected the MicroStation family (V7 or V8) for which
you want to install Axiom tools, it is common for one computer to have more than
one instance of MicroStation installed on it. For example, you might have two
versions of MicroStation/J installed (07.01.04.16 and 07.02.04.20). You must choose
which of the two you want to associate your Axiom tools with.

Chapter 2 Installation

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9. Highlight the version of MicroStation you want to associate the Axiom tools with and
click <Next>.

Since this is a Typical installation, all programs for which an Axiom license was
found will already be checked-on to be installed. Other items that are also
automatically checked-on for installation are the product Users Guides, individual
product sample files and Axioms MicroStation pull-down menu.

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RasterDgn

10. To proceed with default selections click <Next>.

Youve now completed the Pre-Setup.

11. Click <Next> to proceed with the installation.

12. The <Next>button is grayed-out unless you accept the agreement.

If you accept the license and click <Next>, the installation will begin. You can click

Chapter 2 Installation

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<Cancel> at any time to abort the installation.

13. This is the final dialog box. It shows that the installation is complete. By default the
View Readme.pdf option is toggled on and will display the Readme.pdf document
when you click <Finish>.

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RasterDgn

Congratulations
Thats it! You have successfully completed the installation of your Axiom tools.

Chapter 3 Uninstalling

Page 15

Chapter 3 Uni nstalling

Uninstalling Axiom products

Axiom products can be uninstalled easily through the Windows Start Menu.
1. Go to <Start>, Programs | Axiom.
2. Select Uninstall V7 products or Uninstall V8 products depending on the products
you want to uninstall.

3. Choose Select all. or Select components to uninstall. If you choose Select

components to uninstall. then each product in the list can be manually checked or
unchecked. This allows for any combination of products to be uninstalled. Only
installed products will be shown in the list.
Note: At the bottom of the list of products you also have the option to uninstall sample
design files, users guides and even the Axiom pull-down menu.
4. Once youve made your selections, click the <Uninstall> button to complete the
uninstall process.

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Chapter 4 Qui ck Start

RasterDgn basics
Once RasterDgn has been installed as described above, you can run it from your Axiom
menu in MicroStation. When you do, youll see a RasterDgn menu and a toolbar. Well
be using the three indicated tools:

Chapter 4 Quick Start

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Demonstration Versions
The demonstration version of RasterDgn

Expires after 30 days.

Only runs for five minutes at a time.

Displays an <OK> button that you must click after a delay. The delay gets longer
each time you run RasterDgn.

Only runs on design files that are 200KB or smaller.

Needless to say, your permanent version of RasterDgn will not have these restrictions.

Quick Start Instructions

These three quick starts are intended to be run together and in order.

Introduction
If you can use one of RasterDgns features, you can use them all. Its really quite simple.
Well get you started learning RasterDgn by deskewing a 24-bit (16-million color) TIFF
attached to a design file.

Quick Start 1 RasterDgn Deskew

RasterDgn Deskew easily and automatically deskews (rotates) a raster reference file to
make it level.
1. Open the design file \RasterDgn\sample\Axiom.dgn file in MicroStation V8.5.
This file is installed with RasterDgn. It is usually c:\Program
Files\Axiom\V8\RasterDgn\sample\Axiom.dgn.
2. Notice that the attached 16-million color raster reference file (Axiom.tif) is not
level.
3. Load RasterDgn from your Axiom menu. RasterDgns menu and toolbar will appear.
4. From the RasterDgn menu, choose Deskew. This box will display:

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RasterDgn

5. Push <Calculate>. RasterDgn will calculate the angle necessary to level the raster
file.

6. Click <Apply> to accept the suggested rotation angle.

7. Notice that the raster file has now been deskewed!
Done! Thats all it takes to deskew a raster reference file with RasterDgn. The next step
is to trim the raster file with RasterDgn Resize Canvas.

Quick Start 2 RasterDgn Resize Canvas

RasterDgn Resize Canvas lets you interactively change the dimensions of a raster
reference file without scaling the image in that file. This means you can add empty
working area to a raster reference file or crop it.
1. Choose Resize Canvas from your RasterDgn menu in MicroStation. The following
box opens:

Were going to resize the raster file interactively instead of entering pixel values in that
box. Float your mouse over the raster reference file. It should look like this:

Chapter 4 Quick Start

Page 19

2. Notice those arrows. Click and drag on any of them to extend or reduce that raster
file border. In this case, move the left and bottom arrows inward and upward until the
picture in your raster reference file is rectangular again.
3. Push <Apply> in the RasterDgn Resize Raster tool settings box. Your raster
reference file will then look like this:

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RasterDgn

Your raster reference file has now been automatically deskewed and interactively
cropped with RasterDgn! Next well copy some raster data from it to instantly create a
new raster reference file.

Quick Start 3 RasterDgn Copy

RasterDgn Copy makes it easy to copy raster data (pixels from one part of a raster
reference file into another. It can even copy pixels between raster reference files just as
easily. Or you can create a brand new raster reference file from the copied pixels.
1. Choose Copy from your RasterDgn menu in MicroStation. The following box
opens:

2. Turn on Create new file.

3. Place two points in our raster reference file to define a block (rectangle) that youd
like to copy.
4. Now place a point to copy from and then a point to copy to. Make sure your point to
copy to places your chosen pixels outside your raster reference file so your new raster
reference file isnt overlapped by the old one.
A brand new raster reference file is created from the pixels you chose!
Youre done! Thats how easy it is to use RasterDgn. Please explore RasterDgns various
tools to see how it can help you.
The rest of RasterDgn is just as easy to use.
Enjoy!

Chapter 5 Using RasterDgn

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Chapter 5 Usi ng RasterDgn

Loading RasterDgn
Load RasterDgn from the Axiom menu in your MicroStation menu bar.

MicroStation Version Compatibility

RasterDgn works with MicroStation V8.5 (2004 Edition), V8.9 (XM) and V8.11 (V8i).

The RasterDgn menu

As soon as RasterDgn is loaded, its menu appears on the MicroStation menu bar and its
toolbar loads.

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RasterDgn

There are only two things you cannot do from the toolbar:

Detach a RasterDgn temporary raster reference attachment (Raster Scratch Area

Detach). Such attachments detach automatically when you close their design files
so most users should never need this feature.

Convert Read-only Attachments

Menu or Toolbar Are Optional

You can control whether RasterDgn loads the menu, the toolbar or both on startup. Go to
RasterDgns Settings box via the menu or the toolbar button to control this.

Table of Features on Menu and Toolbar

The following table shows what features are available on the RasterDgn menu and the
RasterDgn toolbar, including their toolbar icons:

RasterDgn Feature

Menu

Toolbar

Icon

Copy

Yes

Yes

Move

Yes

Yes

Delete

Yes

Yes

Crop

Yes

Yes

Stamp

Yes

Yes

Deskew

Yes

Yes

Despeckle

Yes

Yes

Resize Canvas

Yes

Yes

Raster Scratch Attach

Yes

Yes

Raster Scratch Detach

Yes

No

N/A

Convert Read-only Attachments

Yes

No

N/A

Open RasterDgn Toolbar

Yes

N/A

N/A

Change Settings

Yes

Yes

Chapter 5 Using RasterDgn

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Tool Settings
The following tool settings are shared by RasterDgn tools. Theyre documented here
once for all the tools which use them.

Tool Setting

Copy

Move

Delete

Crop

Stamp

Despeckle

Mode

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Method

N/A

N/A

Yes

Yes

N/A

N/A

Modify

Yes

Yes

Yes

N/A

N/A

N/A

Fence Mode

Yes

Yes

Yes

N/A

No

N/A

Rotate

Yes

Yes

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

X Scale

Yes

Yes

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Y Scale

Yes

Yes

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

[] Merge

Yes

Yes

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

[] Create new file

Yes

Yes

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Mode (every tool that uses it)

Mode defines how you select the raster (and sometimes vector) data you want to process
with RasterDgn. The choices for Mode are

All: (Stamp only) Default setting. Your Stamp operation will apply to the entire area
of the raster reference file you choose, not to a user-defined block or fence or
selected elements.

Block: (Copy, Move, Delete only) Default setting. You will be prompted to enter two
points on your raster reference file to define a block of raster data (pixels) to process.
After you use a tool in Block Mode, you will be prompted to use the tool again and
again. Block is simple and easy to use. Block operations work only on raster data
(pixels) and ignore vector elements. The only tool that doesnt allow you to reuse a
Block is Despeckle.

Fence: More advanced than Block. Usually used with an already-placed fence. If no
fence already exists, RasterDgn will prompt you to place a rectangular (block)
fence of type inside. To choose other fence types, place your fence before choosing
a RasterDgn tool.
One benefit of Fence over Block is that you can predefine a complicated fence of any
type (Block, Shape, Circle or Element) and use that with RasterDgn. The other
benefit of Fence over Block is that Fence allows you to include raster data (elements)
in your RasterDgn Copy/Move/Delete operations.

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Fence Tip: If you dont create your fence before choosing a RasterDgn tool
(Copy/Move/Delete/Stamp and Mode = Fence) that tool will only run one time so that it
leaves your fence intact, in case you still need it. You can still reuse the tool with Mode =
Block or re-run the tool to, say, run it again with the same fence but a different Fence
Mode setting.
If you dont place a fence before choosing a RasterDgn tool, you can run that tool
repeatedly, placing a new rectangular (inside only) fence each time. Just like Mode =
Block but with vector data (elements) included.

Selection: (Stamp only) Select the elements you want to stamp into your raster
reference file before you choose the Stamp tool. You will not be prompted to select
elements after choosing Stamp because MicroStations element section tool would
then close the RasterDgn Stamp tool.

Table of Mode Choices

This table lists the RasterDgn tools that share the Mode option button. Bold items are the
default choice for that tool.

Modes

Copy

Move

Delete

Crop

Stamp

Despeckle

All

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Yes

Yes

Block

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

N/A

Yes

Fence

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Selection

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Yes

N/A

Method (Delete tool)

Method defines whether the actual raster file will be modified or whether it will only
appear to be modified by modifying the raster reference file attachment information in
your design file. The choices for Method are

Delete: The default. Pixels inside the area defined by the Mode tool setting will be
deleted from the raster reference file. If Modify = Raster and Vector then raster data
included in the fence (take careful note of the Fence Mode you use) will also be
deleted. Fence Mode has no effect on which pixels will be deleted.

Clip Mask: The area defined by the Model tool setting will be masked in the raster
reference file attachment in your design file. The actual raster file will no be
modified.

Chapter 5 Using RasterDgn

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Method (Crop tool)

Method defines whether the actual raster file will be modified or whether it will only
appear to be modified by modifying the raster reference file attachment information in
your design file. The choices for Method are

Crop File: The default. The raster reference files border will be cropped
(deleted) along the rectangular area defined by the Mode tool setting. Raster file
dimensions will change.

Clip Boundary: The rectangular area defined by the Mode tool setting will have a
clipping boundary applied to it. Its dimensions will appear to change in your design
file but the raster reference file will not actually change.

Table of Method Choices

This table lists the RasterDgn tools that share the Method option button. Bold items are
the default choice for that tool.

Methods

Delete

Crop

Delete

Yes

N/A

Clip Mask

Yes

N/A

Crop File

N/A

Yes

Clip Boundary

N/A

Yes

Modify (Copy, Move, Delete tools)

Requires: Mode = Fence
RasterDgns Copy, Move and Delete tools always apply to raster data (pixels.) Modify
controls whether those tools also process (copy, move or delete) the parts of vector
elements that exist inside the area being processed. The choices for Modify are

Raster Only: The default. Only raster data (pixels) will be affected. Vector elements
will be ignored.

Raster and Vector: Raster data (pixels) and vector elements (or portions of them)
will be affected.

Technical Note: Modify doesnt apply to Stamp because Stamps input is only vector
data (elements), never raster data (pixels).

Table of Modify Choices

This table lists the RasterDgn tools that share the Modify option button. Bold items are
the default choice for that tool.

Modify Choices
Raster Only

Copy

Move

Delete

Crop

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

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RasterDgn

Modify Choices

Copy

Move

Delete

Crop

Raster and Vector

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Fence Mode (Copy, Move, Delete tools)

Requires: Modify = Raster and Vector
RasterDgns Copy, Move and Delete tools always process the raster data (pixels) inside
the user-defined area being processed. When you want RasterDgn to copy, move or
delete raster and vector data (elements) by setting Modify = Raster and Vector
Fence Mode lets you control which vector data (elements) to include in your fence and
how much of each element to process in the case of elements overlapping your fence.
For more on Fence Modes, see MicroStations help.
Use Fence Mode when you want to copy, move or delete vector data along with your
raster data and the vector data is partially or totally outside the fence.
Fence Mode only applies to vector data (not raster) and fence operations. To enable
Fence Mode, set Mode to Fence and Modify to Raster and Vector.

Table of Fence Mode Choices

This table lists the RasterDgn tools that share the Fence Mode option button. Bold items
are the default choice for that tool.

Fence Modes

Copy

Move

Delete

Inside

Yes

Yes

Yes

All other standard

MicroStation Fence
Modes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Rotate (Copy, Move tools)

Use this to rotate the raster or vector data in your RasterDgn Copy or Move operation by
multiples of 90 degrees.

X Scale (Copy, Move tools)

Use this to scale (resize) the raster or vector data in your RasterDgn Copy or Move
operation.

Y Scale (Copy, Move tools)

Use this to scale (resize) the raster or vector data in your RasterDgn Copy or Move
operation.

Chapter 5 Using RasterDgn

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[] Merge source/destination pixels (Copy, Move tools)

This is a checkbox. The choices are

Off: The default. All existing pixels in the destination area will be erased by the
RasterDgn Copy or Move operation, being totally replaced with the raster data
(pixels and blank space) from the source area.

On: All existing pixels in the destination area will be commingled with the pixels
from the source area. Mostly for use with binary raster reference files.

[] Create new file (Copy, Move tools)

This is a checkbox. The choices are

Off: The default. Copied or moved raster and vector data can only be placed in an
existing raster reference file. Your fence or block must fall completely within one
raster reference file.

On: Copied or moved raster and vector data will be placed in a brand new raster
reference file and instantly attached to your DGN file. The new raster file will be
named after your original raster reference file but with a filename suffix of
-copiedN added. Where N is a unique number starting at 1 and incrementing into
infinity.
Technical Note: If you create a new raster reference file with RasterDgns Move
tool (not Copy) why doesnt it get named -movedN instead of -copiedN?
Because we believe that would give the casual observer of the containing folder the
incorrect impression that that file had been moved from some other folder. A small
point, we agree. Well likely add a feature to let the user control these suffixes in the
future, depending on customer interest. If youd like such a feature, please email
Support@AxiomInt.com.

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RasterDgn

Copy

Use RasterDgn Copy to copy raster data (pixels) from one part of your raster reference
file to

Another part of that file or

Another raster reference file entirely or

A brand new raster reference file, created automatically by RasterDgn.

Copy also supports copying vector data with your raster data.

Color Depth Note

When copying data between raster reference files, both files have to have the same color
depth.

Chapter 5 Using RasterDgn

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Move

Use RasterDgn Move to move raster data (pixels) from one part of your raster reference
file to

Another part of that file or

Another raster reference file entirely or

A brand new raster reference file, created automatically by RasterDgn.

Move also supports moving vector data with your raster data.
Undo Tip: Use Undo twice to undo a Move operation. (Because a Move is really a Copy
followed by a Delete of the old data.)

Color Depth Note

When moving data between raster reference files, both files have to have the same color
depth.

Delete

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RasterDgn

Use RasterDgn Delete to do the following in a raster reference file:

Delete raster data (pixels) in a user-defined area.

Delete raster data (pixels) and vector data (elements) in a user-defined area.

Add a clipping mask (hiding pixels) in a user-defined area.

Crop

Use Crop to crop your raster reference file or mask the reference file attachment, which
wont change the actual raster reference file.
Crop has no effect on vector elements. This is a subtle way in which it differs from
Delete (besides the obvious fact that theyre opposites.)
Crop is a very easy way to trim the outside boundary of a raster reference file. Crop
Raster does exactly what it sounds like: It crops your raster file. The raster file is resized
along the fence boundary and reattached as a new raster reference file.
Technical Note: RasterDgn will automatically turn on the Clipping property in the
raster reference file attachment (a setting you can also change in MicroStations Raster
Manager) if you perform a RasterDgn Clip on the attachment. If RasterDgn didnt do
this, it would incorrectly appear that the clipping operation was unsuccessful.

Stamp

RasterDgn Stamp may seem simple but its actually quite powerful and intelligent.
Stamping is the process of turning vector elements drawn with MicroStation into raster
pixels in a raster reference file. RasterDgn Stamp can significantly extend the life of your
raster files.
Stamp works on a fence, block, selection set or all vector elements overlapping the raster
reference file.

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[] Delete original elements

Turn this checkbox on to have Stamp delete the stamped vector data (elements) when it is
done stamping them into the raster reference file.
Undo Note: If you turn on Delete original elements, it will take two Undos (<Ctrl-Z>
two times) to undo the Stamp operation completely: One for the delete, one for the Stamp
itself.

Technical Notes on Stamp

Here are a few important things that are special about how Stamp operates:

When Mode = All, Block or Fence, Stamp only works on elements displayed in the
view in which you selected the raster file to process. If you cannot see it, it wont be
stamped. So, for example, if you have a level turned off, those elements wont be
stamped. View area is not important but things like displayed levels in that view are
important.

When Mode = All or Selection and user elects to Delete original elements,
RasterDgn deletes displayed elements overlapping the raster area, truncating them at
the raster boundary.

When Mode = Block or Fence and user elects to Delete original elements,
RasterDgn deletes displayed elements overlapping the fence/block by truncating
them at the boundary of the fence/block, not at the raster boundary.

When Mode = All or Selection, Stamp prompts you to select the raster reference file,
even if you only have one raster file attached. This prevents premature stamping and
an inability to change Mode from Selection or All to anything else.

Be aware of the state of the MicroStation preference Workspace | Preferences |

Operation | Optimized Fence Clipping when using RasterDgn Stamp. If that
preference is checked on, MicroStation will convert elements clipped by RasterDgn
Stamp into closed elements when possible. When turned off, MicroStation will not
try to convert those clipped elements into closed elements. If the elements being
clipped are filled, its probably a good idea to turn this MicroStation preference on.

Stamp Settings
You can control the pixel weights and the look of raster line styles in the RasterDgn
Settings box, documented later in this guide.

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Deskew

If your raster reference file is not level, use RasterDgn Deskew to fix it.
You will be asked to select the raster reference file with a data point if you have more
than one raster reference file attached.
Press <Calculate> to have RasterDgn automatically recommend a rotation angle for you.
You can either use RasterDgns suggestion or enter your own rotation angle.

RasterDgn analyzed the raster reference file and suggested the above angle.

Despeckle

Use RasterDgn Despeckle to remove unwanted speckling from your monochrome raster
reference files. Speckles are stray pixels or noise in a raster file. You can define a
speckle as up to 10x10 pixels. Despeckle works on the entire raster file, a fenced area or
an area defined by a user-defined block.
Before the raster reference file is actually changed, RasterDgn will tell you how many
pixels will be removed and prompt you to continue.

Chapter 5 Using RasterDgn

Page 33

Resize Canvas

RasterDgn Resize Canvas is remarkable! It lets you add blank working area to your raster
reference files by changing their dimensions without scaling them. This makes your
working canvas bigger. Or, if you wish, you can make it smaller.
You can enter the pixels by which to increase or decrease your raster reference file or you
can use the following arrows to do this interactively. Just press <Apply> when youre
done with either method.

Technical Note: Resize Canvas does partially overlap RasterDgn Crop functionalitywise. They can both decrease the dimensions of a raster reference file without scaling it
down, which is the definition of cropping. But their purposes are really quite different:
Resize Canvas is really for making your raster file bigger without scaling it up. And Crop

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RasterDgn

can also optionally just clip your raster reference file instead of cropping it, leaving the
actual raster file unchanged.
Tip: If you want to crop your raster file by a certain number of pixels, use Resize Canvas
and type in your negative pixel values.

Raster Scratch Area

RasterDgns Raster Scratch Area tool will create a temporary raster reference file
attachment. It will be detached automatically when you close your design file (or you can
detach it yourself from the RasterDgn menu or Raster Manager or by placing another
temporary attachment with RasterDgns Attach Scratch Area tool.)

How It Works
This temporary raster reference file will use an existing raster reference file as a
template/seed for color depth, type, compression, display settings and more. And you
enter your desired dimensions and placement corners. Unless you choose other
dimensions, the temporary raster reference files dimensions will match your template
raster reference file.
You can Copy and Move raster data freely between the raster scratch area and other
raster reference files with RasterDgn. Just be sure the two raster reference files have the
same color depth and that those raster files are attached with the same affinity and
rotation.
Use Raster Scratch Area when you need a temporary working area for your raster data
juggling but dont want to or cannot use your production raster reference attachments.
Warning: Be sure not to leave your only copy of raster data in one of these temporary
raster reference files when you close your design file as youll lose that data.

Convert Read-only Attachments

This command does two things:

It converts all attached Intergraph TIFF format raster reference files (used by
I/RAS B) into non-proprietary TIFF files that software other than I/RAS B (such
as RasterDgn) can edit.

Chapter 5 Using RasterDgn

Page 35

It turns the Read-only flag off in MicroStations Raster Manager box (File |
Raster Manager) for all possible raster reference attachments.

Change Settings
This opens the RasterDgn Settings box, which is documented elsewhere in this guide.

Help | Contents
This opens RasterDgns online help file, which contains the full product documentation
in Windows help file format.

Help | About
This opens your default web browser and displays an HTML page with information about
your current RasterDgn version.

Exit
This unloads RasterDgn.

Support for MicroStations Undo <Ctrl-Z>

All of RasterDgns features except Crop support MicroStations Undo. To get
approximately the same result as Crop without giving up Undo, you can use Clip instead.

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RasterDgn

Chapter 6 Sup ported Raster File Types

Supported Raster File Types

The following types of raster reference files are known to work well with RasterDgn.

Type

Compression

Color

Status

TIFF

None, LZW, PackBits

1-bit (binary), 24bit (16M color)

Supported

CIT

CCITT FAX4

1-bit (binary)

Supported

JPG

JPEG

24-bit (16M color)

Supported

CALS

CCITT FAX4

1-bit (binary)

Supported

Any

Any

4-bit (16 color)

Unsupported

RLE

RLE1

1-bit (binary)

Unsupported

On Combinations: All listed file types have been tested with all listed compression
types and all listed color depths but not necessarily every combination of those
compression types and color depths.
Despeckle Note: You can only Despeckle 1-bit (binary/monochrome) raster files.

Unsupported Raster File Types

The following raster reference file combinations are known to be unsupported by
RasterDgn. In most cases, this is due to MicroStations lack of internal support for
writing to those types of raster files.

Type

Compression

Color

Status

Why Not?

Any

Any

4-bit (16 color)

Unsupported

Read-only to
MicroStation

JP2

None

24-bit (16M)

Unsupported

Read-only to
MicroStation

SID

None

24-bit (16M)

Unsupported

Read-only to
MicroStation

RLE

Any, RLE1

1-bit (binary)

Unsupported

Pending demand

Although this table lists tested compression types, it is likely that the specifically
mentioned file types are unsupported regardless of compression type.

Chapter 6 Supported Raster File Types

Page 37

What About Other Raster File Types?

RasterDgn may work well with file types, compression types or color depths not listed in
this guide. As we certify support for other file types, we will update this guide.

Adding Support For Other Raster File Types

If you need support for some combination not listed here, please email your request to
Support@AxiomInt.com along with sample files.

MicroStation Version Support

RasterDgn supports raster reference files attached to the following file types in the noted
MicroStation versions.

MicroStation

V8 DGN

V7 DGN

DWG

V8.5

Supported

Untested

Supported

XM (V8.9)

Supported

Untested

Untested

V8i (V8.11)

Supported

Untested

Untested

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Chapter 7 Ras terDgn Settings

The RasterDgn Settings box

You can open the RasterDgn Settings box

With Change Settings on the RasterDgn menu in MicroStation or

From the Change settings button on the RasterDgn toolbar.

Interface

These settings are pretty self-explanatory. You can control whether to open the
RasterDgn toolbar or menu or both when RasterDgn starts.

Chapter 7 RasterDgn Settings

Page 39

Backups

When creating a backup file, RasterDgn uses the raster files original name and adds the
suffix -backupN. Where N is a number starting at 1 and going into infinity. Raster
reference files are backed up only the first time RasterDgn modifies them in a session.
The session ends when RasterDgn is unloaded (exited) not when another design file is
opened.
RasterDgn never overwrites an existing backup file. When a backup of some raster file
already exists, RasterDgn creates a new backup file and increments the backup number
suffix in its filename.
If RasterDgn is set to work on a copy of the file rather than the original, there is no need
to backup the original file. This applies only to Resize and Crop tools. See File Names
settings category for more.
Large Files Note: Backing up a very large raster reference file can delay file
modification for some seconds. But it doesn't affect subsequent operations once the
backup is made.

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RasterDgn

File Names

Crop and Resize Canvas are special features. Due to MicroStations design, cropped or
resized raster reference files must be renamed in order to make them Undoable.
When you choose Create a copy of original raster file. (Supports Undo.) then raster
reference files modified by that command (Crop or Canvas) do not need to be backed up.
The copies of your raster reference files will have a suffix of -resizedN or -cropped1
added to their file names.
If you choose Modify original raster file. (Makes Undo impossible.) then those raster
reference files will be backed up as the original files will be getting modified.
If you dont the names of your attached raster reference files to change (suffixes like cropped1 or -resized1 added to copies of them and the original files left unchanged),
choose Modify original raster file. (Makes Undo impossible.) Just make sure you leave
the Backup original files before modifying. turned on in the Backups settings category.

Chapter 7 RasterDgn Settings

Page 41

Stamp Line Styles

Here you control how RasterDgn Stamp simulates MicroStation line styles using pixels
in the raster reference file.

MicroStation Line Style to Pixel Style: How It Works

You can define a different pixel pattern for each of MicroStations eight basic
linestyles. The value before the first comma specifies the length of the first dash in
the raster file. The second value specifies the length of the first space and so on.
For custom styles, Stamp doesn't use this style table. Instead, Stamp converts custom
style elements to vector primitives (in memory only) and stamps those primitives.

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RasterDgn

Stamp Line Weights

Here you control how RasterDgn Stamp simulates MicroStation line weights in the raster
file. Each Line Weight in MicroStation (0 to 31) will be drawn in the raster reference file
using the pixel width (number of pixels) shown in the Pixel Width column.
For example, by default a weight 0 element will be drawn 1 pixel wide in the raster
reference file and a weight 9 element will be drawn 10 pixels wide. Change the Pixel
Width values to get the pixels widths you need in your raster reference files.

Chapter 8 Tips

Page 43

Chapter 8 Tips

RASDGN_DISABLE
RasterDgn 8.5a introduced the ability to disable items on its menu and toolbar. Items will
be disabled, not hidden.
To use this, create a MicroStation configuration variable (Workspace | Configuration
in MicroStation) named RASDGN_DISABLE and give it a value that is a commaseparated list of the names of the RasterDgn commands you want to disable. The
command names of the commands to use with this configuration variable are:
Copy, Move, Delete, Crop, Stamp, Deskew, Despeckle,
Resize, Scratch, Convert
Command names must be spelled exactly as above, not abbreviated. They are case
insensitive. Quotes are not supported.

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RasterDgn

Chapter 9 Tro ubleshooting

We want this Troubleshooting section to be comprehensive. As a result, weve even
listed things that no customers have ever reported, just in case you encounter them and
turn to this guide for help. So just because a problem is listed here does not mean it is
serious or that many people will ever encounter it.

V8i-only: Hangups using RasterDgn in MicroStation V8i?

If MicroStation hangs up while you are using RasterDgn in MicroStation V8i, please turn
off the MicroStation preference Workspace > Preferences > Raster Manager > Display
Raster Using an Independent Process".

Which V8i versions have this issue?

This has been observed in MicroStation V8i 08.11.05.17. A future release of
MicroStation may fix this problem.
Technical Note: This preference only exists in MicroStation V8i (not V8.5 and not
XM) and causes the MicroStation function mdlRaster_bitmapSet() to misbehave. Here is
a link to a discussion group in which Bentley recommends turning this same preference
off to handle a raster display problem:
http://communities.bentley.com/forums/thread/59290.aspx

Using PowerDraft?
If you need RasterDgn for MicroStation PowerDraft V8, please let us know at
Support@AxiomInt.com. If there is sufficient interest, we may add PowerDraft support
in a future version.

Using MicroStation/J?
RasterDgn is V8-only. If you need a raster reference file editor for MicroStation V7 (J or
SE), please check out Axioms RasEdit, a powerful, easy to use monochrome-only raster
reference file editor for MicroStation SE, J and V8. RasterDgn supports both
monochrome and color raster reference files but is available only for MicroStation V8,
not V7.

Chapter 9 Troubleshooting

Page 45

Weird Copy/Move Results Due to Mismatched Raster Affinity

and Rotation
When copying or moving data between two raster reference files, be sure they have
identical Rotation and Affinity settings or you will likely get strange looking results. To
check this, go to File | Raster Manager in MicroStation. From there, double click on the
attachment and choose the Location tab. Then note the Rotation and Affinity values.
Heres an example:

The values are not important. Whats important is that both raster reference file
attachments have identical Rotation values to one another and identical Affinity values to
one another.

Resize takes multiple undo operations to be completely

undone.
Currently, this is necessary in order to make to make Resize undoable at all. Multiple
operations are performed behind the scenes by Resize that must each be undone. It may
be possible to reduce this to one undo operation in a future version of RasterDgn. This is
Axiom case 7366.

Raster data (pixels) inside the holes in filled fonts (like

Arial) is deleted on Stamp if Fill view attribute was turned on.
For example, the hole in the letter a or A has all its pixels erased when stamped in this
case. To avoid this, you can use fonts that are not filled. For example, you could use
the MicroStation font ENGINEERING instead of the filled TrueType font Arial to avoid
this. Or you could turn off the Fill view attribute when using RasterDgn Stamp, but this
would result in the text being stamped as unfilled inner and outer lines rather than as a
thick, filled font.
This is a design tradeoff which allows Stamp to support many other combinations of
element characteristics than would otherwise be possible. We believe its a good trade but
wed prefer it to be perfect in every way so we hope to improve this in the future. This is
Axiom case 7101. If you need this changed/improved/fixed, please let us know at
Support@AxiomInt.com.

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RasterDgn

XM-only: Text always displays as filled even if Fill view

attribute is turned off. RasterDgn Stamp, however, honors the
Fill view attribute.
This means that, due to this MicroStation XM idiosyncracy, Stamp may produce a
different result (fonts not being filled in the raster file) than what you see on the screen
before the Stamp (fonts filled). To get around this, turn on the Fill view attribute before
running Stamp. This is Axiom case 7386. It remains to be seen whether this is a
MicroStation XM bug or feature so were interested in your input. Just email
Support@AxiomInt.com to weigh in. Depending on user feedback, future versions of
RasterDgn may be changed to behave like MicroStation XM in this regard.

XM-only: Stamp doesnt work on a recently attached raster

reference file attachment unless you wait a few seconds after
attaching it.
It takes a little while for MicroStation XM or V8i to fully register the existence of a new
raster reference file attachment and to make it editable by RasterDgn. The current
solution is to wait a few seconds after unchecking Read-only on a recently attached
raster reference file attachment in MicroStations Raster Manager. Youll usually notice
the raster reference file blink, after which you can Stamp away with impunity. This
problem also doesnt occur if you reopen the design file after attaching it before running
RasterDgn Stamp on it. This is logged as Axiom case 7373. MicroStation V8.5 does not
have this problem. We hope to find a way to work around this MicroStation XM/V8i
problem eventually but wed like to hear from you if youre running into it. Just email
Support@AxiomInt.com.

Chapter 10 Well Make (Almost) Any Enhancements You Want

Page 47

Chapter 10 We ll Make (Almost) Any

Enhancements You Want
RasterDgn is a very powerful program. Nonetheless, we realize that you, a skilled and
creative MicroStation user, will think of ways in which it can be improved. We invite you
to tell us your ideas.
For ten years weve listened to you, the skilled MicroStation professional, and have
implemented the features youve requested. Every widely acclaimed product weve ever
developed, including FileFixer, evolved in this manner.
Wed like to make RasterDgn perform every function you could ever imagine such a
product being able to do. We intend to make you such a satisfied RasterDgn customer
that you cant wait for the next user group meeting so you can tell your friends and
associates how much you like RasterDgn and how strongly you recommend it.
Your suggestions on how to improve RasterDgn are most welcome. You may email your
suggestions to Support@AxiomInt.com, or call us.

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RasterDgn

Chapter 11 New Features and Fixes

8.5a 13 August 2009

New: Added menu item Convert Read-only Attachments that converts I/RAS Bs
Intergraph TIFF files to non-proprietary TIFF files and turns off MicroStation Raster
Managers Read-only flag for all possible references.
New: Added Block and Fence Modes to Despeckle. Previously, Despeckle only worked
on the entire raster file.
New: Added ability to disable commands on RasterDgns menu and toolbar. Requires
use of a new configuration variable named RASDGN_DISABLE.
Fixed: Fixed polarity handling in various situations. Fixed all known problem cases.
Fixed: Stamp and Despeckle now create only one undo event each instead of multiple
undo events.
Fixed: Fixed an abort on loading RasterDgn when MicroStations Workspace |
Preferences | Look and Feel | Tool Size: was set to Large.
Fixed: Delete Block would sometimes leave a colored border around deleted areas in
MicroStation XM.
Fixed: Using Delete with a rotated view could result in the wrong pixels being modified.
Fixed: Using Stamp with a warped raster reference file could result in the wrong raster
area being stamped to.
Changed: The temporary raster reference file created by RasterDgn Scratch Attach is
now created in a Windows temporary folder. Previously, it was created in the same folder
as the design file it was attached to.

8.4a 23 December 2008

New: RasterDgn is now certified for use with MicroStation V8i (V8.11.)
Fixed: It is now possible to run RasterDgn via MS_DGNAPPS so it starts automatically
with MicroStation.
Improved: RasterDgn now displays a better warning when the active model is read-only.
Improved: Changed default Pixel Style setting value for Line Style 0 from blank to 1.
The effect is the same but 1 is clearer than blank.

Chapter 11 New Features and Fixes

Page 49

8.3b 3 October 2008

New: RasterDgn is now certified for use with MicroStation XM (V8.9.)
Improved: RasterDgn Stamp now presents a confirmation box. This box includes the
number of elements that will be stamped.
Improved: Improved the message displayed when there are zero points to despeckle.
Improved documentation: Added a table under each option button section showing
which tool includes each option button choice.
Fixed: User can no longer enter a Pixel Weight value of 0 for Line Weight = 0 in the
Stamp Line Weight settings category.
Fixed: Fixed some hotkeys in the settings box.

8.3a 19 August 2008

Initial RasterDgn release.
RasterDgn 8.3a is certified for use with MicroStation V8.5. MicroStation XM support is
planned for a release in the very near future.
RasterDgn is the successor to RasEdit. It is designed to be able to do the same things
RasEdit can do, only better. Plus things RasEdit cannot do, like editing color raster
reference files.
Like RasEdit, RasterDgn supports binary (monochrome/1-bit-per-pixel) raster reference
files. Only RasterDgn supports more than just CIT and TIFF files. For example, CALS
files are supported. Another example: RasterDgn supports LZW compression, which
RasEdit did not support.
RasterDgn supports many types of color, grayscale and monochrome raster reference
files. This guide contains details about the exact raster file types it has been tested with.
This guide will be updated as we confirm support for even more types.
It will be easier to add new features to RasterDgn than to RasEdit.
RasterDgn automatically determines raster reference polarity. RasEdit had a checkbox
for polarity, requiring the user to guess at the correct setting.