Using the Level Manager in Microstation

Working with Level Libraries

• So, where do the levels come from? Levels are obtained from a level library. A level library is a master template of levels, which is attached to your active design file. Libraries can be separated by type: (Bridge, Roadway Design, Survey, etc. Users can then attach multiple level libraries to an active file.

• Level libraries are attached as a file type DGNLIB. A DGNLIB file is the same format as a DGN file (they can be opened just like a DGN file in MicroStation) but with a .dgnlib extension. Typically there are no graphics in a DGNLIB file – just level setups. DGNLIB files can also be used to store text styles and dimension styles.

Using the Level Manager

The Level Manager is used to set level properties (name, description, number,

display, plot, symbologies, etc.) and is located next to Level Display on the Primary toolbar.

You can also access Level Manager from Settings > Level > Manager

The Level Manager shows a list of all levels attached and the library the level is in. Additional information can be displayed by right-clicking in the column headings and turning columns on/ off – information such as the level number, description, and its ByLevel Symbology..

ByLevel symbology

ByLevel symbology is the color, line style and line weight assigned to a level. When graphics are placed on that level, the elements take on the level’s symbology. The combination of naming levels and using ByLevel symbology is a good way to ensure CADD standards are maintained.

Working with Level Filters Level filters are named groups of levels that can be

turned on or off as a group (e.g. all road design levels, all survey levels, all topo

levels). You can filter on many criteria (name, number, etc.) to create the groups.