KeySIGNEire Eire/KeySIGN...-4-2.2.6‘Exploding’ablockwithoutlosingPermittedVariants:UNBLOCK 58...

KeySIGN EireCOMPLIANT SIGN DESIGN

PROGRAM FOR THEREPUBLIC OF IRELAND

Version 11.4

- 2 -

TOC

Copyright Notice 7

Chapter 1 Introduction 8

1.1 Welcome to KeySIGN 8

1.2 Overview of the Manual 9

1.3 Conventions used in this manual 10

1.4 Help is at hand 10

Chapter 2 KeySIGN Eire Specific Commands 12

2.1 Object Creation Commands 12

2.1.1 KeySIGN Transport font text 12

2.1.2 The Transport Heavy script for English text: ENGLISHTRANSPORT 14

2.1.3 The Irish italicised script: IRISHTRANSPORT 16

2.1.4 Bilingual text, Place Name Gazetteer: BILINGDEST 17

2.1.5 Offsetting the Destination Script: OFFSETSCRIPT 21

2.1.6 Condensing Destination text: CONDENSE 22

2.1.7 Indentation – Splitting a Destination onto two lines: SPLITTEXT 23

2.1.8 Display Text as Outlines: PRINTTEXTFILL 23

2.1.9 Route Text: EIROUTE 23

2.1.10 Direction arrows: EIARROW 26

2.1.11 Sign borders: ONESTACK, TWOSTACK and THREESTACK 28

- 3 -

2.1.12 Direction (Flag) sign border: FLAG 31

2.1.13 Sign Detail: EISDETAIL 32

2.1.14 Text Limits – adding corner mark ‘extents’ to text: EICMARK 35

2.1.15 Panel Borders: PANEL 36

2.1.16 ‘L’ shaped or Cut-out Panels: LPAN 39

2.1.17 Route Patches: PATCH 42

2.1.18 Panel Details: PANDET 43

2.1.19 Map Symbols – ‘Bend Ahead’: TIGHTCURVE, FASTCURVE 46

2.1.20 Adding a Baffle or Side Extension to the sign: BAFFLE 47

2.1.21 Creating a Sign of Specific Dimensions: XBLOCK 48

2.1.22 Stretching a Map Type Symbol Approach (Entry) Arm: ENTRY 49

2.1.23 Posts and Light Units: WBPOST, PPOST & LIGHT 50

2.1.24 ADS Sign Junction numbers: MJUNCT 51

2.1.25 Drawing Lane Signs – the image menu of lane sign elements 52

2.1.26 Diversion and Other Symbols 52

2.1.27 Tourist Symbols 53

2.2 Utility Commands 54

2.2.1 Alignment Tools: various commands 54

2.2.2 Move Tools: ASIGNMOVE 56

2.2.3 Construction Box: SBOX 56

2.2.4 Selection Tools 57

2.2.5 Editing a Sign’s Permitted Variants: SDDATTE 58

- 4 -

2.2.6 ‘Exploding’ a block without losing Permitted Variants: UNBLOCK 58

2.2.7 Creating Dimensions: SET_XHT 58

2.2.8 Font Display Options: DUPLEX, DOTON and DOTOFF 60

2.2.9 Toggle the Visibility of the Construction Layer: NOGO 60

2.2.10 Toggle the Visibility of the Text Corner Marks Layer: TILE 61

2.2.11 Toggle the visibility of colour fill layers: BFIL 61

2.2.12 Adding Drawing Frame 1, 2, 3 or 4 62

2.2.13 Automatically Purging the Drawing: APURGE 62

2.3 Other Features 65

2.3.1 Standard Signs 65

2.3.2 Colour filling a sign for that ‘Just Manufactured’ look: BORDERFILL 65

2.3.3 Filling Map Type Symbols: MAPSYMBOLJOIN 66

2.3.4 Summary of Chapter 2 67

Chapter 3 Post and Foundation Design (Wind Loading) 68

3.1 Exporting Sign Face designs from KeySIGN 68

3.2 Launching KeyPOST from KeySIGN 70

3.3 Returning results to KeySIGN 71

Chapter 4 Manufacturing Features: REALTEXT 73

4.1 RealText 73

4.1.1 RealText and True Type fonts 73

4.1.2 RealText and Kerning Rules 73

4.1.3 Command Options 74

- 5 -

4.1.4 The command procedure 74

Chapter 5 Customising KeySIGN 76

5.1 The Options Dialog 76

5.1.1 General - command name: EIASIGNCONFIG 76

5.1.2 The Detail Block 76

5.1 The Options Dialog 77

5.1.1 General - command name: EIASIGNCONFIG 77

5.1.2 The Detail Block 78

5.1.3 Sign Dimension rounding 78

5.1.4 Post and Foundation Design Options 79

5.1.5 Sign Face Materials 80

5.1.6 Edge of Carriageway Clearance 81

5.1.7 AutoZooming 81

5.1.8 ‘NOGO’ points 81

5.2 Editing the Materials List and Rates 82

5.3 Other items 84

5.3.1 Colours 84

5.3.2 The Template drawing 85

5.3.3 Drawing window background colours 85

5.3.4 Other AutoCAD Options 86

Chapter 6 Revision History 87

7.1 Before you start 88

- 6 -

7.1 Before you start 88

7.2 Hardware and Software Requirements 89

7.3 The Installation 91

7.3.1 Installation of the Files from the CD 91

7.3.2 Starting and Running the Installation Routine 91

7.3.3 KeySIGN Shortcut Properties 92

7.3.4 The Licence System 93

7.3.5 Creating the KeySIGN shortcut and AutoCAD profile manually 93

7.3.6 Starting KeySIGN for the first time 95

Glossary 96

Index 97

- 7 -

Copyright Notice

KeySIGN Eire – Copyright © 2018 by Keysoft Solutions Limited. 1998 – 2018

All rights reserved.

You may use KeySIGN Eire software only under the terms of your Licence Agreementfrom Keysoft Solutions Ltd.

KeySIGN Eire software is, and remains, the property of, and copyrighted by, KeysoftSolutions Ltd.

KeySIGN Eire documentation is the copyright of Keysoft Solutions Ltd. Any reproductionin whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

- 8 -

Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 Welcome to KeySIGN

We are grateful that you have purchased our product and trust that you will find it of greatassistance in the production of Traffic Sign drawings.

KeySIGN originated as a joint development between Traffic Engineers from HumbersideCounty Council and Key Systems. Since its launch at the beginning of 1987, KeySIGNhas become the Traffic Sign Design program in the British Isles. At the present time over1000 different Authorities, Consultants and Manufacturers are using the system and anactive User Group has been formed. KeySIGN Eire was first launched in 1989. TheKeySIGN Eire User Group is held in Ireland once a year to discuss developments andissues. Those who take out the Service Agreement automatically join the Group and aremost welcome to send representatives to attend the meetings.

You will discover that not only will KeySIGN save time in the production of drawings butthe flexible way in which sign layouts can be altered easily will enable more efficientdesigns to be achieved. Savings in time and materials mean a saving of money. We feelsure that this system will soon repay its cost.

KeySIGN does not remove the need for the expertise of the Traffic Sign Designer. It isassumed that the operator is familiar with the rules for Traffic Sign Design contained incurrent DoT publications including “The Traffic Signs Manual 2010”, the "Road Traffic(Sign) Regulations 1997" [SI 181 of 1997] and the "Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking)Regulations" [SI 182 of 1997].

- 9 -

What KeySIGN does do, is enable designers to make more efficient use of their time andcreate a more enjoyable and satisfying atmosphere in which to practise their art.

Users will soon appreciate the opportunities available to modify the system to meet theirown needs. KeySIGN will continue to be developed and updates will be available fromtime to time. We are grateful for any suggestions for improvements to the routines andmanual. A forms is included at the end of this manual for you to use if you have any com-ments about KeySIGN. Users who have paid the Annual Service Fee are entitled toupdates at no extra charge.

1.2 Overview of the Manual

This Manual details the many features of KeySIGN Eire. A brief summary is given of theway in which users can customise KeySIGN to their own needs and this is followed by aGlossary of the way in which the more frequently used commands operate. Finally a His-tory of Revisions is given.

For information about how to install and run KeySIGN see 7.1 Before you start

This Manual assumes that the following pieces of hardware are installed and func-tioning:

1) IBM compatible Microcomputer with AutoCAD R2014, AutoCAD Map 3D R2014 orCivil 3D R2014 or later (R2018 based products are supported);

2) Colour screen, with resolution 1280 x 768 or greater;

3) Mouse (or digitiser) preferably with a third wheel button and

4) Plotter or printer.

- 10 -

See paragraph 7.2 Hardware and Software Requirements on page 7.2 Hardware andSoftware Requirements for a more detailed hardware and software specification.

1.3 Conventions used in this manual

In order to avoid unnecessary repetition of words, the following conventions are used:

ENTER - means press the ENTER key. This is also known as the RETURN key orNEWLINE key. You will also find that the right button on the mouse usually performs thesame function as the ENTER key, although this behaviour can be customised inAutoCAD.

PICK - means press the left hand mouse button to select an item from a menu, an iconfrom a toolbar, or an object or coordinate on screen.

CTRL –The ‘Ctrl’ key usually on the left hand end of the keyboard.

SHIFT – The ‘Shift’ key to be found on either side of the keyboard. This key is normallyused for capital letters.

1.4 Help is at hand

Those that have a Service Agreement are encouraged to use the telephone helpline.Although you are unlikely to face many problems, when you do you can spend unne-cessary time trying to resolve it yourself. A phone call will usually resolve the problem in

- 11 -

a matter of minutes. Feel free to call us, we are here to help. We can be contacted in anyof the following ways:

By Post

Keysoft Solutions Ltd

Ardencroft Court

Ardens Grafton

Alcester

Warwickshire

B49 6DP

By Telephone

Tel - 03451 30 30 40

By Email or Web

Email - [email protected]

Web - http://www.keysoftsolutions.com

mailto:[email protected]://www.keytraffic.com/

- 12 -

Chapter 2 KeySIGN Eire Specific Commands

2.1 Object Creation Commands

2.1.1 KeySIGN Transport font text

AutoCAD is supplied with a set of standard text fonts, but for the purposes of KeySIGN anew set has been designed, based on the Eire Heavy italicised font and the TransportHeavy and Motorway fonts.

Figure 2.1 - Character and Tile Heights

These fonts have been created to be a close representation to the characters on the fin-ished sign. The text will be enclosed in a dotted line rectangle indicating the extents ofthe text.

- 13 -

Note: it is possible for there to be more than one dotted line rectangle. For certain lettercombinations a font spacing rule called ‘kerning’ applies, which requires the text to besplit into separate text objects. In this case a dotted box is applied to each. This can beseen in Figure 2.4 where a split due to kerning rules has been applied between the ‘W’and the ‘N’ in NEWTOWN.

Transport font text will normally be created using dialog based entry (see sections 2.1.3The Irish italicised script: IRISHTRANSPORT and 2.1.2 The Transport Heavy scriptfor English text: ENGLISHTRANSPORT) However, although it is not recommended,text can also be typed using AutoCAD text commands. In this case it must be noted thatthere are a couple of rules about the use of the keyboard when typing with these fonts tobe aware of. Firstly, not every character on a key board has a shape definition and there-fore will not be accepted. For example only the letter M, N and R, and the numerals arevalid in the Route text font, and there are no Js or Ks in the Irish alphabet. Secondly,there are several special keys. These are shown in Figure 2.2 - Special Keyboard Map-ping.

Keyboard Entry Font ‘shape’

Space Bar 3 s/w space (used in destinations)

’|’ character (Shift + ‘\’) 1 s/w space (used in routes)

the '

- 14 -

2.1.2 The Transport Heavy script for English text: ENGLISHTRANSPORT

Please note that this command, and the equivalent for Irish text, covered below, is sup-plied to provide for any text to be created. If you wish to create a place name for a dir-ection sign, the BILINGDEST command, covered in section 2.1.4 Bilingual text, PlaceName Gazetteer: BILINGDEST is recommended.

Figure 2.3 - Examples of bilingual destinations showing outline text box

Click on the icon, shown above, on the main KeySIGN toolbar, or select ‘English Trans-port Text’ from the main KeySIGN pull-down menu to start the command.

This command is dialog based, the required text is entered in the edit box next to the‘Add’ button (NEWTOWN GORE in Figure 2.4). Enter each line as required, pressing‘Add’ to create multiple lines, listed in the box above. In the case of the English trans-lation of the Irish destination, this is normally shown on road traffic signs in upper case. Ifthe toggle is ticked text will be converted to upper case when it is added. The order of

- 15 -

lines can be changed by selecting a line and moving it up or down using the relevant but-ton to the right of the list. Justification options can also be selected before the ‘Draw’ but-ton is pressed.

AutoCAD will prompt for a location for the required text. It is advisable to select a pointwhich lines up with the Grid. After selecting this, the text is drawn at a default height of8.0 i.e. 8 stroke widths, i.e. 2 times x-height (see Figure 2.1). Adjustments are made at alater stage to cater for actual x-heights.

Figure 2.4 – The text entry dialog for transport text

- 16 -

2.1.3 The Irish italicised script: IRISHTRANSPORT

Click on the icon, shown above, on the KeySIGN ribbon menu, toolbar, or select ‘IrishScript’ from the main KeySIGN pull-down menu to start the command. This command isdialog based, and is the same one used for both English and Irish Transport text. Seesection 2.1.2 The Transport Heavy script for English text: ENGLISHTRANSPORTfor information about this command.

Figure 2.5 - Text entry dialog for Irish Transport text

- 17 -

2.1.4 Bilingual text, Place Name Gazetteer: BILINGDEST

The two bilingual lines of destination text can be created in one step using this com-mand. The dialog in Figure 2.6 - The Bilingual Destination dialog. is shown when thiscommand is picked. It can also be used to add one line of English or Irish, and ensuresin any case that the official, approved place name spellings are used.

Select the required category depending on the destination required. Along with the pre-defined destinations there is also an ‘Other’ group and a ‘History’ group containing pre-viously selected destinations.

The contents of the group can be edited for example to add entries. Selecting the ‘EditCategory’ button opens the file in Notepad. After Notepad is closed the letter group isrefreshed to reflect any changes made to the file. Please ensure when editing in Note-pad to preserve the column formatting (first letter of English place name at column 1, firstletter of Irish place name at column 50 and the County at column 100). The English canbe entered with only the first letter capitalised, to help readability on-screen. It will be cre-ated capitalised as per the requirements of the Traffic Signs Manual.

- 18 -

Figure 2.6 - The Bilingual Destination dialog

To assist in finding destinations type the first few letters into the filter box. Click the ‘Fil-ter’ button to view only destinations containing these letters (press ENTER after typingthe filter letters to start the filter search).

- 19 -

When the required destination is selected in the left hand column the equivalent Irishname and any alternatives and/or abbreviations are shown on the right. If there is morethan one choice, the required variation must be selected. When both the Irish and Eng-lish forms of a destination are required, the correct separation must be selected. In allexcept a few specific cases the default value of ½ s/w is appropriate. When the des-tination text will appear alone on a direction sign (pointed, or flag sign) the greater sep-aration of 1 s/w is used.

A History log can be maintained, and where required will contain in reverse order (mostrecent at top) the destinations previously selected. The History list can be shown eitherby selecting the History group from the letter group pop-list, or by pressing the buttonlabelled ‘History’. The history file can be sorted as indeed can the contents of the historylist presented in the dialog. To clear the history list, press the button labelled ‘Clear His-tory’.

Example command dialogue:

Command: BILINGDEST

(the dialog shown in Figure 2.6 - The Bilingual Destination dialog appears)

Irish text (top)/: I ↵

Select point for the top of the Irish text: (point selected on-screen)

Group 'ASIGN_TXT6' created.

Group selection is off. To switch ON, set AutoCAD variable 'PICKSTYLE' to 1 or 3.

Command:

- 20 -

Figure 2.7 - TSM Chapter 2, p2/145, Figure 2.9.9

Note: that for ease of selection for any later operation, a Group is automatically createdwith the two lines of text selected. Sometimes, however, it will become necessary tochange a property of only one text object in the bilingual Group. To turn group selection,that is to free individual objects in a group from that Group, set the AutoCAD system vari-able PICKSTYLE to a value of 1 or 3. To do this, simply enter the variable namePICKSTYLE on the command line. For more information about Groups, see theAutoCAD manual.

- 21 -

2.1.5 Offsetting the Destination Script: OFFSETSCRIPT

Pull-down menu: KeySIGN > Other Text > Offset script

Due to the fact that the Irish Script is italicised, this gives a positional appearance slightlyshifted to the right. To line up the italicised characters, one line of script needs to be shif-ted or offset with respect to the other by a small amount. This can be applied to eitherline of text using this command. The Traffic Signs Manual (TSM) shows this positionaladjustment in Figure 2.3.4, page 2/29, and further detailed in paragraph 2.3.9 on thesame page.

Note: the Irish Transport font used in KeySIGN Eire has been designed in such a waythat the characters are enclosed in a rectangular box for ease of use so this commandshould not be needed and is retained purely for the editing of drawings from previous ver-sions.

When bilingual destinations have been created in earlier versions of KeySIGN Eire,using the combined commands TPHEAVY and EIHEAVY, and NOT the commandBILINDEST, it is easiest to position both lines of text such that they line up with the griddisplayed. If the grid is not displayed, ensure that it is shown by clicking on the GRID but-ton on the Status bar at the bottom of the AutoCAD window.

After the text has been lined up in this way, simply select the text that needs to be movedin the drawing (normally the Irish to the left). The command will move the selected text asmall amount to the left or right as appropriate.

- 22 -

An alternative method to align the bilingual destination text is using the ALIGNLEFT‘Alignment Tools’ tool bar. See paragraph 2.2.1 Alignment Tools: various commandsfor more information about the alignment tools.

2.1.6 Condensing Destination text: CONDENSE

When the space afforded at the site at which the sign will be installed is limited, often thedesign has to be modified to reduce the dimensions of the sign. It is a compromisebetween affecting the basic readability and consistency with the normal layout rules. Thefour main ways to reduce the width of any text are:

l Reduce the x -height of the sign overall, which compromises the entire signbecause of the consequent reduction in the reading distance and therefore time;

l Apply a reduced width factor to the text, which marginally compromised the read-ability of any text ‘condensed’ in this way;

l Indentation - splitting long destinations onto two lines with the top and bottom lineleft and right justified respectively (this is shown in Chapter 2, paragraph 2.3.10);

l Abbreviation (see Chapter 2, Table 2.3.3).

To apply a condensing factor, select this command from the main KeySIGN toolbar, orfrom the ‘KeySIGN > Other Text > Condense script’ pull-down menu item. Repeatedly,select text as required to apply a condensing factor. This enables many text items to bemodified, but also allows for different factors to be tried.

For further information about indentation see section 2.1.7 Indentation – Splitting aDestination onto two lines: SPLITTEXT below.

- 23 -

2.1.7 Indentation – Splitting a Destination onto two lines: SPLITTEXT

Indentation is a method used to reduce the width of a sign when a particularly long des-tination is included. It may have the effect of increasing the height of the sign. The text isonto two lines with the top and bottom line left and right justified respectively (this isshown in Chapter 2, paragraph 2.3.10).

Start the command using the icon shown above, which can be found on the Text panelof the Ribbon menu. You will be prompted to select the Irish destination to split. If theselected text includes two words the split will be between the words. If more than twowords (two or more spaces) you will be asked to indicate the split point. This is donesimply by picking a point between the two words where the split is to be made. You willbe asked to confirm your selection. Once the split point has been chosen, you will beasked to select the English Transport text. The command will then perform the split.

2.1.8 Display Text as Outlines: PRINTTEXTFILL

This command toggles a setting, controlling how text is printed. KeySIGN employs TrueType fonts, and whilst AutoCAD cannot display the text without fills within the drawingenvironment so has no visible effect, this setting can be used to control whether the textfill is printed. The icon displays the mode that the setting is in – the image shown here(above) indicates the fills will not be printed.

2.1.9 Route Text: EIROUTE

- 24 -

Pick the Route Number icon, or ‘Route text’ from the main KeySIGN pull-down menu tostart this command. The number of the route should be entered in the box at the top ofthe dialog that is shown. The letter is taken from the choice of class for the route, andoptions as to how this is created (colour, size etc.) is taken from the class of the sign orpanel that the route will appear on. Various options and rules are embedded in the dia-log but it is important to review all of these, as some choices will depend on the locationfor the sign, the exact status of the route and user preference.

- 25 -

Figure 2.8 - The Route dialog

Routes are normally associated with a destination. The location of the route is calculatedautomatically. However, if an arrow is to be placed above the route, then it will need tobe moved down so that the route and arrow, as a pair are centred on the destination char-acters. In the case of the sign shown in Figure 2.7 - TSM Chapter 2, p2/145, Figure2.9.9, the ‘R134’ route is centred on the destinations, and the arrow on the route text. Forthe ‘R294’ routes it is the arrow and the route that are centred, as a pair, on the des-tinations.

The command is dialog based (see Figure 2.8 - The Route dialog above).For a centralposition for the route text with respect to the destination text, select both lines of the des-tination. Press ENTER to finish selecting objects, next pick a point to the left, right,above or below the destinations to indicate that the Route No is to appear on that side.At this point a small grid of lines is shown to ensure an unambiguous point selection. Ifan ambiguous point is selected, for example both to the side and above the destinations,this will be ignored and the prompt will be repeated.

Note: to create the arrangement in the lower part of the signs in Figure 2.7 - TSMChapter 2, p2/145, Figure 2.9.9, this method can be employed to achieve the correcthorizontal gap from the text, but adjustment will need to be made once the arrow is inser-ted. Also note that the separation below destination text varies depending on the type ofsign. In the example in TSM Chapter 2, Fig 2.6.67, page 2/181 (see Figure 2.9 - TSMChapter 2, Fig 2.6.67, page 2/181 in this manual) where the route is placed below thedestinations, the gap is 2 s/w. However, for a route below destination text, for exampleon a straight ahead roundabout exit (TSM Chapter 2, Fig 2.6.48, page 2/171) the gap is3 s/w. Please check the rules in all cases.

- 26 -

If the text is to be moved later on, press ENTER to move on to the typing stage. When typ-ing the text, depending where it is placed, it may appear over the destination. It will becorrectly positioned at the end of the command.

Do not forget to check that the route includes a small space, required between the routeletter and numerals. The width of the space depends on the route class and height of theroute text.

The Route number should be offset when to the side of the destination text by 3 s/w, andwhen above or below the text by 2 s/w.

2.1.10 Direction arrows: EIARROW

Direction arrows can be placed with respect to route text very quickly. The correct spa-cing is largely handled automatically, although a familiarity with the rules and the variousexceptions to the general rules is helpful. There is one command to handle directionarrows, but this is normally started by selecting a specific arrow from either the pull-down(‘KeySIGN > Arrows’ sub-menu) of from the flyout or from an image menu of all arrows ifthe top icon on the flyout is briefly clicked. Follow the prompts on the command line andchoose the appropriate option when asked e.g. whether the arrow is to be placed aboveor to the side of the selected route text.

Example command dialog for inserting a left turn arrow over a destination:

Command: EIARROW

- 27 -

Arrow to insert (or ?) : eiar0 (this text is entered by way of the menu choicemade)

Select text arrow is associated with/or [RETURN] for manual insertion: (route text selec-ted)

(the following dialog choice is shown)

(choose ‘Yes’ in this instance for the shorter Left/Right arrow)

(the following dialog choice is shown)

(choose ‘Above’ in this instance)

Command:

- 28 -

2.1.11 Sign borders: ONESTACK, TWOSTACK and THREESTACK

These routines are used after the text, arrows and symbols etc. have been assembled. Itis not necessary to place the elements for each part of a multi-stack sign accurately onthe drawing relative to the adjacent part. All that is required is that the selectionsequence be adhered to. Straight ahead routes should appear at the top, left pointingnext and lastly right pointing routes at the bottom. The routines are started by picking theappropriate icon.

It is assumed below that a two or three stack sign border is being drawn. If drawing asimple one stack border sign, assume that there will be only single steps, and none ofthe repetition described.

Pick the contents for each part of the sign, as separate selection sets, from the top part ofthe sign down. You must press enter (or right click the mouse within the drawing area) tofinish the selection of each set of objects. It is necessary to distinguish between differentsets of objects for the system to know which set to place on each part of the multi stacksign border.

When you have selected each separate set of text/symbols, KeySIGN pulls each groupinto the correct position. Right pointing panels are right justified within the finished signborder and finally the outer border is drawn. The quickest and most accurate way toselect objects for each part of the sign border - is to put a selection window around theitems to be included within the border.

- 29 -

The ‘Define’ option should not normally be used as it has been replaced by the newertechnique of selecting objects. It requires you to pick the bottom left corner and top rightcorner of the text/symbols for each panel in turn. Do not make any allowance for a gap

between text etc. and border, this is done automatically. If a red cross appears below asymbol or panel use this, if appropriate, when determining the lowest point on the sign.The sign border is drawn and objects arranged as with the Select option.

After the border has been drawn you are asked if you want details of the sign. See theEISDETAIL command in paragraph 2.1.13 Sign Detail: EISDETAIL for informationabout this procedure. An example of a sign with sign detail applied can be seen in Fig-ure 2.17 - Design drawing showing light unit and post arrangements. This figurealso shows a post and foundation detail.


- 30 -

Command: EITWOSTACK

(the dialog, shown right, appears)

Top part of sign

Define/: 4 found (2 lines of destination, route and arrow selec-ted)

Select objects: ↵

Bottom part of sign

Define/: 4 found (2 lines of destination, route and arrow selec-ted)

Select objects: ↵

(the sign border is drawn and the elements brought together in the border)

(the following choice dialog appears)

- 31 -

Material/Rate file: C:\SignEireDev\material.rat

Written dimensions to Wind Analysis file 'sign.txt'.

2.1.12 Direction (Flag) sign border: FLAG

This command is used to create a direction sign border around selected elements.

After picking the ‘Flag border’ icon from the ribbon menu, toolbar or main KeySIGN pull-down menu, you are given the options to ‘Select’ the items to be included and statewhether the flag is left or right pointing. Alternatively you can "Define" the bottom cornerat the square end and the top corner at the pointed end of the flag. The command auto-matically draws the chevron (if required) and borders at the correct size. After the borderhas been drawn you are asked if you want details of the sign. See the EISDETAIL com-mand in paragraph 2.1.13 Sign Detail: EISDETAIL for information about this procedure.

- 32 -

Figure 2.9 - TSM Chapter 2, Fig 2.6.67, page 2/181

2.1.13 Sign Detail: EISDETAIL

This routine is offered each time a sign border has been drawn. A dialog box is presen-ted with information about the sign reference; x-height; the colours of letters, backgroundand borders; and class of material etc. These are then used to calculate the final height,width and cost of the sign.

The specified and calculated details may be inserted below the sign. The details caninclude a scheme reference, although the sign detail can be displayed in any form.Since the detail drawing or block that is used is set in the ‘KeySIGN > Program >Options’ dialog, any drawing can be selected such as a drawing frame containing thelogo for your organisation.

A sign reference must also be entered. This would be a reference used in the contractdocumentation, sign schedules and location plans.

- 33 -

Figure 2.10 - The Sign Detail Dialog

Then an appropriate sign face material should be selected. The list of materials presen-ted, and the default material is fully configurable. See paragraph 5.1.5 Sign Face Mater-ials for further details. The pricing option is linked to the sign area and the materialchoice should this be required.

- 34 -

The series of two buttons will only be used to edit an existing sign detail, or to identify aspecific sign to add detail to. Thus if this dialog is shown directly after a sign border hasbeen drawn, it will not be necessary to use these buttons.

In the ‘Sizes’ area, an x-height can be directly entered if a suitable one is known. If not,an appropriate size can be selected, dependent on sign and road type. See Figure 2.11- Selecting a sign x-height by road and sign type for the dialog that appears when the‘Road type’ button is clicked. It can be seen from the example shown that when an x-height is selected, the sign dimensions for the current sign are shown. If space is short interms of the available width for the sign, a smaller x-height can be selected to check forfit.

Figure 2.11 - Selecting a sign x-height by road and sign type

- 35 -

When an x-height has been entered, it is possible to further refine the finished signdimensions either by entering a width or height in millimetres. When a value is enteredin each box, the other two boxes are updated to reflect the new value. The design heightin stroke widths remains unchanged.

Included with the details should be the main sign face colours, text, sign background andborder, This is selected by way of a pop-list showing available road classes and signtype such as National or Regional route or Backing Board.

If you click to place a tick in the ‘Price’ box on the dialog box, a material rate file can beselected from a normal file browse dialog to price the sign up. The default file supplied,‘Material.rat’, contains prices set against each material, and a series of sign area pricebands. Alternatively, a rate can be entered directly in the ‘Rate’ box.

Note: the prices in this file should not be used. See the MATERIALS command in para-graph 5.1.5 Sign Face Materials for more information about configuring the availablelist of materials, the default material and the rates against each.

The standard sign detail contains the drawing file name. If the drawing is saved under adifferent name, it is possible update the filename in all detail blocks automatically orselected details only. The command to effect this update to the drawing is on the‘KeySIGN Tools > Dimensions > Sign Details > Update Detail block filename’ pull-downmenu.

2.1.14 Text Limits – adding corner mark ‘extents’ to text: EICMARK

- 36 -

This routine allows the user to define the corners of a line of legend with tile marks. Youare prompted to pick the text and the corner marks will then automatically be added.

Note: KeySIGN accommodates the kerning rules when the text marks are applied orREALTEXT is used. If kerning rules apply, the tile corners of the text limits are adjustedaccordingly. When an item of text which includes an instance where the kerning rulesapply is selected, the text object will be broken at the relevant point into separate textobjects and then adjusted to reflect the appropriate kerning amount. In this case it will beseen that the tiles for letters such as a capital ‘T’ followed b y a lower case ‘i’ will overlapslightly as these letters can be pushed together to achieve a more balanced look.

See also the construction box command SBOX, covered in paragraph 2.2.3 Con-struction Box: SBOX, which can place a complete ‘shrink-to-fit’ rectangle around anyset of sign objects.

2.1.15 Panel Borders: PANEL

Panels are the areas of a sign which are coloured to signify the classification of the exitroad from the junction where it differs from the classification of the road on which the signis sited. For example a Regional route side road off a National route would be indicatedby a white panel on a green background sign. Where both the background and the panelare dark colours (e.g. blue panel on green background) there is an additional ½ s/w widewhite border.

Start the command by clicking on the icon shown above on the main KeySIGN toolbar orfrom the ‘KeySIGN > Borders’ pull-down sub-menu. The command expects, as withother border drawing routines, that the objects to be included in the border will be selec-ted. It is also possible to define the area (the corners of a ‘shrink-to-fit’ rectangle) around

- 37 -

the objects for the border. This methodology should not normally be necessary and hasbeen retained from earlier versions.

After selecting the objects that are to be included in the border, the routine will askwhether the panel should have a ½ s/w wide white border. A white borders is requiredwhen the background of the panel is a dark colour (blue, green or brown or example),and the panel is to be on a sign whose background colour is also dark. If required asecond line will be drawn around the first.

Finally, it is necessary to specify the ‘Road class/Sign type’ so that the border line(s) canbe coloured correctly.


Command: PANEL

Define/:

Select objects: 3 found

Select objects: ↵

(the following dialog appears)

- 38 -


Material/Rate file: C:\Signeiredev\material.rat

Command:

For an example of a completed panel, and the design rules, see Figure 2.12 - ThePanel Layout Rules from TSM Figure 2.3.21.

- 39 -

Figure 2.12 - The Panel Layout Rules from TSM Figure 2.3.21

2.1.16 ‘L’ shaped or Cut-out Panels: LPAN

Panels are the areas of a sign which are coloured to signify the classification of the exitroad from the junction where it differs from the classification of the road on which the signis sited. For example a Regional route side road off a National route would be indicatedby a white panel on a green background sign. Where both the background and the panelare dark colours (e.g. blue panel on green background) there is an additional ½ s/w widewhite border.

- 40 -

Note: The cut-out should be the minimum needed to fit around an arm not the maximumcut-out possible determined by the text layout as shown in Figure 2.13 - The correctway to apply an ‘LPAN’ panel cut-out.

Start the command by clicking on the icon shown above on the main KeySIGN toolbar orfrom the ‘KeySIGN > Borders’ pull-down sub-menu. LPAN, functions, as with other bor-der drawing routines, such that the objects to be included in the border will be selected.It is also possible to define the area (the corners of a ‘shrink-to-fit’ rectangle) around theobjects for the border. This methodology should not normally be necessary and hasbeen retained from earlier versions.

Figure 2.13 - The correct way to apply an ‘LPAN’ panel cut-out

After selecting the objects that are to be included in the border, the routine will zoom in tothe rectangular area defined by the extents of the selected objects, and invite the user toselect the corner to be cut out. The point that needs to be selected is the intersectionbetween the lines forming the corner of this rectangle; the routine invokes the ‘Inter-section’ object snap to assist the selection of the corner point.

Once the intersection of the lines at the corner to be cut out has been selected, thisneeds to be ‘dragged’ in to allow the panel to be tucked in to the route arm. Initially thiscan be dragged to tuck in to a point as close to the text tile edges as possible. However,

- 41 -

the right hand edge of the panel should be no less than 3 s/w away from the left hand ver-tical edge of a straight ahead route arm. This might result an incorrect design as shownin Figure 2.13 - The correct way to apply an ‘LPAN’ panel cut-out. Correct thedesign once the completed panel is placed against a route arm, using the AutoCADSTRETCH command.

Once the corner has been ‘dragged’ in to the correct position, the routine shows a colourchoice dialog, including whether to create a border and/or a small colour flash in onecorner of the panel.


Command: LPAN

Select objects: 2 found

Select objects: ↵

UCSVIEW = 1 UCS will be saved with view

Pick Outer Corner of Cut-out: (intersection at corner of rectangle selected)

Pick Inner Corner: (point at inner corner of cut out selected)


- 42 -

Command:

2.1.17 Route Patches: PATCH

A patch is the small coloured rectangle around a route number. To use this command,first type in the appropriate Route number using the EIROUTE command (see paragraph 2.1.9 Route Text: EIROUTE), remembering the 1 s/w gap between route letter and num-ber (applied using the key combination Shift + ‘\’).

Note: it is very unusual to have Route Numbers without brackets when enclosed in apatch.

Next pick the PATCH command from either the main KeySIGN toolbar, or from theBorders pull-down sub-menu, noting that this command applies to both green and bluepatches. The command expects that only one object will be selected, so the selectioncannot be done by way of a window or crossing box. Points picked on screen that would

- 43 -

be intended to form the first corner of such a selection box are ignored. Select the routeobject by clicking the pickbox directly on the text.

Figure 2.14 - Route patches

When the text has been selected, a colour choice as shown in the PANEL commandinvites the choice of patch colour. If a motorway route is selected the default should beblue etc. In the case of the patch shown in Figure 2.14 - Route patches, a border wasrequired, the implication being that this route patch was to be included on a green back-ground National Route sign.

2.1.18 Panel Details: PANDET

- 44 -

The increasing use of panels on signs mean that the standard sign detail block does notalways convey sufficient information. This routine adds supplementary boxes to the sideof signs which contain information about the colour of panel backgrounds and text. Aleader connects the panel detail box to the appropriate panel.

Pick the PANDET command from the ‘KeySIGN Tools > Sign Details > Panel Detail’ rib-bon menu. You will be prompted to select the coloured border, even if an outer border isappropriate for the panel. It is, however, possible to select the outer white border. Eitherway, when the panel is surrounded by a white border, the command should determinethe colours, and the dimensions of the outer border. In these cases, both borders will behighlighted by AutoCAD using the normal broken line appearance.

Once the panel border(s) have been selected, a dialog is presented in which it is pos-sible to review and/or adjust the panel dimensions and colours. As with the EISDETAILcommand, the x-height, width and height dimension boxes are linked dynamically, alter-ing values in one (on pressing ENTER) updates values in the others. The actual designsize for the panel is shown in stroke widths (s/w).

Figure 2.15 - A Panel Detail

- 45 -

Before pressing the OK button to place the panel detail, please check all the values inthe dialog are as required. The final actions are to select a location for the panel detail, apoint in the middle of the block shown in Figure 2.15 - A Panel Detail; and lastly a pointto attach the leader to the block. Note that the leader starts at the point selected on thepanel, thus if the position for the panel detail is to the left of the sign, select a point on thepanel, when prompted at the start of the command, on the left hand side of the panel. Itwould even make sense to use the midpoint object snap to select the panel edge.


Command: PANDET

Pick COLOURED panel border (at point for leader start):

Select object: (coloured polyline selected on-screen)

Outer border found.


- 46 -

Pick panel detail location: (point selected on-screen)

Pick edge of Panel Detail Box (leader end): (point selected on-screen)

Command:

2.1.19 Map Symbols – ‘Bend Ahead’: TIGHTCURVE, FASTCURVE

This is essentially a block insertion routine for insertion a low radius, tight bend map sym-bol, or a high radius, fast bend symbol. By default, the symbols are drawn pointing to theright. After the symbol is inserted, a choice dialog is presented to specify whether thebend, as inserted should be mirrored so that it points to the left. The symbol can

- 47 -

subsequently be built on using any of the standard AutoCAD commands such as LINE,ARC, TRIM, EXTEND, OFFSET etc. These are covered in some detail earlier in thismanual, and in the AutoCAD on-screen help manual.

Note: that if the symbol is to be used ‘as is’ on a sign, then note the small section of lineto the side of the symbol. This is held on its own layer, the NOGO layer. When the sym-bol is inserted it includes red lines around it. These red construction lines show the min-imum distance any object can be placed next to the symbol and are also used byKeySIGN, when borders are drawn around the symbols, to implement the rules correctly.If these are not visible, toggle the NOGO layer on either by typing the NOGO command,or by selecting it from the menu system, or by using the standard AutoCAD layer man-agement command LAYER.

2.1.20 Adding a Baffle or Side Extension to the sign: BAFFLE

The addition of an extra piece of back-plate material often used to act as a light baffle orto span a wide footpath can easily added to the sign. The routine asks the user to pickthe sign detail block of the appropriate sign, and then to select from a choice of LightBaffle or Side Extension. You are then asked to specify the additional height or totalwidth of the extra plate. This is typed in at the command line. A new outer border of thewhole plate is created and the user is asked to place it in the correct position. For accur-ate placement as an extension of the actual sign, use the OSNAP – ‘Extended Inter-section’ (APPINT) to select the bottom right hand corner of the original sign.

Once this has been done, an extra block of information is added to the existing signdetail block showing the overall dimensions of the amended sign. It would also be pos-sible to detail the polyline created with this command, using the EISDETAIL command.See paragraph 2.1.13 Sign Detail: EISDETAIL for more information about this com-mand.

- 48 -

Figure 2.16 - The XBLOCK dialog for sign borders of specified dimensions

2.1.21 Creating a Sign of Specific Dimensions: XBLOCK

This command is provided for occasions when a sign is required of specific dimensions.These are mainly signs of either fixed legend or a limited variation in legend and theyappear on plates of a fixed size. These plates are of the type which may be used at roadworks, for example bearing legends such as ROAD CLOSED AHEAD, or other type oftemporary, ad-hoc sign.

Two sign types, Stack and Direction (flag) are available, and these can be drawn with orwithout an inner border. A Flag sign border without an inner border might be the kindused as finger posts to direct pedestrians on a tourist ‘route’.

- 49 -

In the dialog, shown in Figure 2.16 - The XBLOCK dialog for sign borders of spe-cified dimensions, the x-height, width and height of the plate are entered. Press theDraw button to leave the dialog and select an insertion point for the panel in the drawing.The routine then draws a rectangle of the specified size, but in stoke widths based onthe x-height entered. A normal sign detail block can be added for the border as requiredor one created for this border at a later date using the EISDETAIL command. You canarrange the appropriate legend as required at this stage. See paragraph 2.1.13 SignDetail: EISDETAIL for more information about this command.

2.1.22 Stretching a Map Type Symbol Approach (Entry) Arm: ENTRY

In certain map type signs, the approach (entry) arm length may need to be adjusteddependent on other elements on the sign. The approach arm should always be stretchedfrom its minimum length, which is 8 s/w, to a point 2 s/w above the bottom of the sign(inner) border. This command should always be used when the overall sign border hasbeen drawn.

To extend the approach arm PICK the ‘Stretch Approach Arm’ icon from the ‘Map typesign symbols’ toolbar or section of the pull-down menu. PICK the MID point of the hori-zontal base of the approach arm then pull it down until the horizontal cross hairs line upwith the bottom edge of the inner sign border. You will see that the ‘PERPENDICULAR’object snap is already started to ensure that the arm is not stretched to an angle otherthan one perpendicular with the sign border.

- 50 -

Figure 2.17 - Design drawing showing light unit and post arrangements

2.1.23 Posts and Light Units: WBPOST, PPOST & LIGHT

The posts that are inserted using these commands are shown in diagrammatic form only,but can be correctly dimensioned as appropriate. A symbolic light unit can be insertedon the top of signs. Use the OSNAP - ‘Quadrant’ option to fit the light unit exactly on thetop point of diamond shaped and circular signs. See Figure 2.17 - Design drawingshowing light unit and post arrangements for an image of what can be created usingthese commands. In the Figure, the border on the left is simply a mirrored copy of theone on the right.


- 51 -

Command: WBPOST

Diameter small, medium or large (in s/w) 4, 6 or 8 :

Root Depth (mm) : 600 ↵

Upper Post Diameter (mm) : ↵ (default accepted)

Mounting Height (mm) : 1200 ↵

Insertion point: (point selected on-screen)

Command:

2.1.24 ADS Sign Junction numbers: MJUNCT

Junction numbers have the text size always 80% of the main size. They should beadded after the border has been drawn for the sign. Start the command by selecting fromeither the ‘Borders’ flyout (or toolbar), or from the ‘Borders’ sub-menu on the mainKeySIGN pull-down menu. First enter the junction number, which can be up to 3 char-acters. Then an insertion point for the junction number patch must be selected. This willbe the ‘Extended’ intersection (where the vertical and horizontal lines that form the fil-leted corner of the sign) at the corner of the inner border of the sign. In this way, since thepatch is inserted at a point 3 s/w to the right and below the point selected, the correct gapof 3 s/w to the sign border will be achieved.

- 52 -


Command: MJUNCT

Junction No. (max 3 characters): 23 ↵

Select insertion point for patch: (point selected on-screen at the corner of the sign’s innerborder)

Command:

2.1.25 Drawing Lane Signs – the image menu of lane sign elements

The icon above appears on the ‘Map Type Signs’ flyout and toolbar, and the equivalentitem can be found on the main KeySIGN pull-down menu. Selecting any of these menuitems displays an image menu showing the different types of symbols and other ele-ments used on Lane Signs. When using these elements and symbols, make sure theNOGO layer is switched so that the insertion point of the various symbols will becomeapparent.

2.1.26 Diversion and Other Symbols

A range of general, diversion and tourist symbols are available for use on signs. Thesecan be accessed by way of image menus, which can be viewed by selecting the appro-priate item from the toolbar or pull-down menus. These symbols are provided directly

- 53 -

from the UK version of KeySIGN, and have general implicit approval for use on signs inIreland.

For General symbols select ‘General Symbols’ from the KeySIGN pull-down menu. Thisshows an image menu containing two pages of general and diversion symbols, shownin Figure 2.18 - The Historical Tourist Attraction symbol image menu.

Figure 2.18 - The Historical Tourist Attraction symbol image menu

2.1.27 Tourist Symbols

- 54 -

For Tourist symbols select from a category of symbol on either the ‘KeySIGN Eire > Sym-bols > Tourist Symbols’ ribbon menu, for example ‘Historical Tourist Attraction’.

Symbols are inserted very straightforwardly by selecting a symbol from an image menuand selecting a position in the drawing at which the symbol will be placed. The symbolcan subsequently be placed at the correct spacing from other sign elements using theAlignment and Move tools.

2.2 Utility Commands

2.2.1 Alignment Tools: various commands

These routines enable selected sign element(s) to be aligned with other selected signelements. Thus two separate sets of objects need to be selected. As normal, press returnto finish the selection of objects in each set. The first ten commands (from the left of thetoolbar shown above) all work the same way.

Note: it is recommended that you use the object/verb method for these functions. This isbecause it is likely that aligning objects, and ensuring a correct space is introducedwhere applicable, that a number of the tools will be used.

The first set of objects to be selected will be those that are to be moved in the drawing.The command calculates the rectangular extents of the objects, thus describing a leftand a right side, and a top and a bottom edge. Press return to finish selecting objectsthat will be moved in the drawing.

- 55 -

The second set of objects is the reference set. These objects will not move i.e. are staticin the drawing. Again the command calculates the rectangular extents of the selectedsign objects. Press return to finish selecting the static, reference objects.

Depending on the command selected, the objects will be moved, in relation to the ref-erence objects such that an alignment is achieved. For example, in the case of theALIGNLEFTS command, the objects to be moved will be moved so that the left handedge of the rectangular edge of the objects will be aligned with the left hand edge of thereference objects. Please note that the commands only move the objects in either a hori-zontal (ALIGNLEFTS, ALIGNRIGHTS, ALIGNMIDDLES, LEFTTORIGHT andRIGHTTOLEFT) or a vertical direction (ALIGNTOPS, ALIGNBOTTOMS,TOPTOBOTTOM, BOTTOMTOTOP and ALIGNCENTRES). Thus to achieve a completealignment often two commands need to be used.

The command may often be used to position sets of objects, for example an arrow androute assembly such as to achieve no gap between the pair and the destination text. Sub-sequently, use of the move tools can complete the design by introducing vertical and/orhorizontal spacing between the sets of objects.

The last three commands, on the right hand end of the toolbar shown above, are refine-ments of the individual commands described above. The main use for the commands(CENTREGROUPH and CENTREGROUPV) is to centre destination arrows on lanesigns, within the ‘lane’. This is required after the destination text and lane ‘markings’have been added to the sign. In this case, press ENTER to select two points in the signbetween which the selected elements will be centred. The commands can also be usedto centre sign element(s) within a polyline. Follow the prompts shown in the AutoCADcommand line area.

- 56 -

2.2.2 Move Tools: ASIGNMOVE

These routines enable selected sign element(s) to be moved in a particular direction, bya particular amount. Elements can be selected before or after picking the command fromthe toolbar. The toolbar commands are, however, designed to work like currency (mostcurrencies have 1 and 2 cent coins to make three cents) to achieve any distance move.For example if a move of 1.5 s/w is required, simply select the objects to be moved, thenselect the 1.0 s/w move, then the ½ s/w move tool. It can be seen that, unlike AutoCADcommands that allow object/verb method of object editing, after the command completesthe objects remain selected.

It is possible to choose a tool, e.g. the direction and distance for a move, before theobjects are selected (verb/object methodology). However, greater efficiency can beachieved by selecting the objects first. Additionally, a tool is provided (shown on the lefthand end of the toolbar) for which any required direction and distance can be entered.

2.2.3 Construction Box: SBOX

This command enables accurate positioning of any sign element(s). It is designed todraw a red shrink-to-fit rectangle around any selected sign element(s). This gives an

- 57 -

object snap such as endpoint or midpoint around the selected objects. It can be usefulfor example to assist with the accurate positioning of a destination and route assemblyover a straight ahead arm on a map type sign. Another example of its use is shown in Figure 2.12 - The Panel Layout Rules from TSM Figure 2.3.21.

Note: the usefulness of this command should not be underestimated. At the very least itcan provide the manufacturer of the sign with a handy guide to the correct or intendedspacing rules implemented in the design. It can be used very effectively in combinationwith the alignment and move tools to achieve correct and accurate designs.

2.2.4 Selection Tools

Sometimes, hidden from view, there are items relating to a sign design that were used tocomplete the design correctly, such as the construction lines on the NOGO layer. It isuseful to retain this in most cases. It is particularly frustrating if, later on the need for anunforeseen change is identified, and the construction lines have been lost.

To ensure that every object relating to the sign, including text tile marks, constructionboxes and map type sign ‘NOGO’ lines are moved/copied if the sign is moved/copied,use the command on the ‘Sign Utils > Selection Tools > Move Sign’ (or Copy Sign).

To select a sign to move or copy, select the outer polyline or sign detail block. The com-mand switches all layers on temporarily and ensures that when the sign objects areselected, every part of the sign design is also selected. In the case of the Move andCopy variations of these tools is being used, the move or copy command is then appliedto the selected sign objects. Follow the command sequence as normal. On completion ofthe commands, the layer selection/visibility is restored to its state before the command.

- 58 -

If any other operation is required, for example a rotation or copyclip, use the menu item‘Sign Utils > Selection Tools > Select Sign’. This selects the sign as before, but starts nocommand. Select the required command as normal. This is the object / verb commandoperation methodology which will fail if the AutoCAD system variable PICKFIRST isswitched to 0. After completion of the command, restore the layer status using the stand-ard AutoCAD LAYERP command.

2.2.5 Editing a Sign’s Permitted Variants: SDDATTE

This is a variation on the standard AutoCAD block attribute editing command. It ispresented as a way of editing a sign’s permitted variant(s) where these have been builtin to the block as an attribute, for example in sign number RUS 016 from the Regu-lations. It is a dialog based method to display the variations in the sign such as width orheight where a restriction needs to be signed.

2.2.6 ‘Exploding’ a block without losing Permitted Variants: UNBLOCK

This routine explodes a symbol containing a block attribute such as a height or width ona warning sign. When a block is exploded using the AutoCAD EXPLODE command,these variants (block attributes) revert to the label of the object, the attribute ‘tag’. TheUNBLOCK command explodes the block, but retains the attributes values as text objectsthus enabling the variable, e.g. gradient, to be modified.

2.2.7 Creating Dimensions: SET_XHT

- 59 -

Dimensioning should normally be carried out immediately after running the EISDETAILroutine. KeySIGN maintains the current x-height. This also converts the drawing unit (1s/w) into a real measurement (mm). If you wish to return to the dimensioning routine at alater stage make sure that the SET_XHT command is run to ensure this variable is cor-rectly set for the sign being dimensioned. You can opt to switch the additional s/w meas-urement on or off by picking the appropriate ‘S/w in dimensions’ from the ‘KeySIGNTools > Dimensions > Dimensioning’ ribbon menu.

Note: KeySIGN also includes pull-down menus and toolbars which can be activatedfrom the AutoCAD ‘View > User Interface’ ribbon menu.

Select ‘Vertical Dimension’ or ‘Horizontal Dimension’ from the menu referenced above.Now pick the start point for the dimension measurement, then the end point and finallypick the location for the dimension line. The screen displays the measurement and ifENTER is pressed, the dimension will be displayed on the drawing. You have the optionto type in an alternative dimension before pressing ENTER.

Two other options are available. Typing ’B’ for baseline after a dimension has beendrawn will allow you to specify another end point and a new dimension will be givenfrom the original start point to the new end point. Typing ’C’ for continue will allow you topick another end point and the dimension will be drawn from the previous end point tothe new end point.

Note: A variable is built into this routine which remembers the last x-height specified inEISDETAIL and set also using the SET_XHT command. It then calculates the dimen-sion in real units rather than the s/w units that are used on the screen. DIM should there-fore, be used immediately after the EISDETAIL routine for each sign, or the commandSET_XHT should be used to reset the variable to the correct x-height for the sign beingdimensioned.

- 60 -

2.2.8 Font Display Options: DUPLEX, DOTON and DOTOFF

These three commands covered here are provided to allow the display of text createdwith an earlier version (v10.5 or below).

The commands can be typed, or picked from the icons on the ‘Legacy Text’ toolbar.They change the display of the sign fonts as follows:

DUPLEX - used for large presentation drawings. NOGO and TILE layers are alsoswitched off by this command. Provides a good design checking aid, by removing all con-struction lines (NOGO and TILE layers switched off) and turning the Grid off.

DOTON – should be used for all design activities, and is commonly regarded as thedesigner’s font.

DOTOFF - used for location plan drawings with many signs where these will be small.Provides a good, single line font with no character tile corners. Thus this font remainsreadable at very small scales.

2.2.9 Toggle the Visibility of the Construction Layer: NOGO

- 61 -

The red construction lines that are part of map type symbols show the minimum distanceany object can be placed next to the symbol and are also used by KeySIGN, when bor-ders are drawn around the symbols, to implement the rules correctly. In addition, theSBOX command (see paragraph 2.2.3 Construction Box: SBOX) constructs a shrink-to-fit rectangle around any selected sign objects. These too are drawn on the NOGOlayer. If these objects are not visible, toggle the NOGO layer on either by typing theNOGO command, or by selecting it from the toolbar icon or pull-down menu system.

Note: the icons in this and the following section visually show the status of the setting(whether the layer is on and thawed or not). The tooltip shown when you place themouse over these states what will happen if you click the icon. Thus when the layer ison, the icon will show this, but the tooltip will state that the icon can be picked to turn thelayer off, so the image and the tooltip can seem to be at odds.

2.2.10 Toggle the Visibility of the Text Corner Marks Layer: TILE

Predefined symbols and arrows are normally shown with built in corner marks. Theseare small light-blue corners that can also be added to text objects using the EICMARKcommand (see paragraph 2.1.14 Text Limits – adding corner mark ‘extents’ to text:EICMARK). If these objects are not visible, toggle the TILE layer on either by typing theTILE command, or by selecting it from the toolbar icon or pull-down menu system.

2.2.11 Toggle the visibility of colour fill layers: BFIL

Most of the standard signs and symbols have filled in areas of colour/black. Each colouris displayed on a separate layer e.g. BLACKFIL, REDFIL, GREENFIL etc. Each layercan be switched on and off through the layer system, but one command – BFIL, toggles

- 62 -

all the fill layers on and off each time the command is used (see paragraph 2.2.11Toggle the visibility of colour fill layers: BFIL ). These fill layers are also used by theBORDERFILL command, covered in detail in paragraph 2.3.2 Colour filling a sign forthat ‘Just Manufactured’ look: BORDERFILL.

2.2.12 Adding Drawing Frame 1, 2, 3 or 4

These routines offer the user alternative drawing frames to incorporate around thedesigned signs. You are prompted for height and scale of plot in order for an appro-priately sized drawing frame to be dragged into position. Obviously if the sign designspills over the side of the frame, you should cancel the routine and specify a smallerscale of plot. Remember to use the same plot scale when outputting the final drawing.

Frame 1 is a simple A4 (portrait format) rectangle; Frame 2 is a simple A3 (landscapeformat) rectangle; and Frame 3 is available for users to customise to their own use.Frame 4 is a fully titled A4 (portrait format) drawing frame with automatic prompts for signand post details etc.

Remember, you can edit these FRAME drawings, in the same way as any other draw-ing, to incorporate your own organisations name, logo etc. They should be modified toreflect the actual printable areas for each paper size that is supported on the printers youuse.

2.2.13 Automatically Purging the Drawing: APURGE

A drawing can contain any number of unused block definitions, layers, linetype defin-itions and text styles amongst other things. These all take space in the drawing making

- 63 -

the resultant file larger than often it need be. Before storing a finished drawing it is goodpractice to remove, or purge these unused definitions from the drawing.

In recent releases of AutoCAD there is a much improved and now very useful version ofthe standard PURGE command. See the AutoCAD manual for information about the fullin-built PURGE command. However, the strength of the APURGE command is its sim-plicity, and the ability to reinsert the applications drawing template file automatically.

Choose the type of unused definition that needs to be purged from the drawing and clickon the OK button to start the purge process.


Command: APURGE

(the following dialog is presented)

- 64 -

Deleting block "SPORTCE".

Deleting block "EIAR90".

2 blocks deleted.

Deleting text style "TPMWY".

Deleting text style "SIMPLEX".

2 text styles deleted.

Template drawing re-inserted.

Command:

- 65 -

2.3 Other Features

Figure 2.19 - A Standard Warning sign from the library – W 120

2.3.1 Standard Signs

The Warning and Regulatory pull-down menus now include a range of standard signs.The reference numbers for these signs are taken from the regulations. This reference isplaced in its own drawing layer which can be turned off to remove the reference fromview. Where a sign is identified in the regulations as 6.2 KeySIGN substitutes a ‘-’ for the‘.’ thus 6.2 becomes 6-2 etc.

2.3.2 Colour filling a sign for that ‘Just Manufactured’ look:BORDERFILL

KeySIGN can quickly convert a finished design for presentation purposes, so that it isfully coloured and appears exactly how it will look when manufactured. Click the icon

- 66 -

shown above from the main KeySIGN Tools ribbon menu. An example of a fully filledsign can be seen in Figure 2.7 - TSM Chapter 2, p2/145, Figure 2.9.9.

Simply select the objects that comprise the sign, pressing ENTER to finish selecting.Note that the command selected from the menu is actually a menu macro. The option ‘S’is selected automatically. For filling signs from very old drawings (created on releases 9or earlier of KeySIGN) you will need to type the command and enter ‘B’ to select eachborder that is part of the sign design, including the inner and outer borders of the signitself.

For map type signs, the map symbol will need to be filled separately, before this com-mand is used to fill the whole sign. See paragraph 2.3.3 Filling Map Type Symbols:MAPSYMBOLJOIN for more information about the MAPSYMBOLJOIN command.

Note: considerable changes are made to the sign in this process. It is always a goodidea to copy the finished design objects and apply the colour fill to the copied objects. Ifchanges are required to the design for any reason later on, it can be very time con-suming to manually undo the changes made by the BORDERFILL command.

2.3.3 Filling Map Type Symbols: MAPSYMBOLJOIN

This command fills and joins elements that make up each part of any map symbol over-all. When for example roundabout symbols are created, as each arm is ‘cut’ into theroundabout symbol, more and more short lengths of arc are created. These need to bejoined up first, ready for hatching; ready for the full BORDERFILL command to beapplied to complete the manufactured look for a design.

- 67 -

The command can be found on either of the Map Type Symbols toolbar/flyout. Select thelengths of line and arc that make up the map symbol. KeySIGN will join these up. Thenew, joined up object that should be created then needs to be reselected so that it canbe hatched. Choose the colour required for the map symbol, white for Motorway andNational route signs and black for Regional and other route signs.

The joining part of this command is not successful on rare occasions. If line and arc seg-ments do not touch, they cannot be joined, even if the gap between them is in the hun-dredths of thousandths of a drawing unit. In this event Grip editing methods are the mosteffective at repositioning line and arc segments to the ‘ENDpoint’ object snap of the nextsegment. Standard AutoCAD editing commands can also be used, such as EXTEND,TRIM etc. to ensure that ends of each line and arc section of the symbol are at the samecoordinates.

2.3.4 Summary of Chapter 2

We have now covered most of the regularly used commands in KeySIGN, so let’s try thesystem out on a few examples in Chapter 3 next.

- 68 -

Chapter 3 Post and Foundation Design (WindLoading)

3.1 Exporting Sign Face designs from KeySIGN

Within KeySIGN, once a sign face design has been completed, it is possible to exportthis for use in KeyPOST. Contact us on 08451 303040 if you would like more informationabout this product. KeyPOST is a fully featured sign structural design application com-plying fully with current European Standards such as Eurocode 1 (EN 1991-1-4:2005)and EN 12899-1:2007.

Before the export data is prepared for a sign or sign assembly (multiple signs), whichincludes an image of the design as well as its geometry, it is worth ‘Colour Filling’ thefinal design so that the image captured is a fully coloured sign as this is used in theKeyPOST designer, and shown in the output report. The command to start the exportcan be found on the pull-down menu or the Ribbon.

Figure 3.1 - KeyPOST Export/Import menu items

- 69 -

The ‘Export sign face command (shown on the Ribbon menu in Figure 3.1 - KeyPOSTExport/Import menu items) can be used to create drawing file (using WBLOCK), thatcontains only the sign, for use on location plans. Clicking on the command gives thechoice of this (see Figure 3.2 - Export to KeyPOST dialog below).

For export to KeyPOST click ‘Sign and Data for KeyPOST’. This will bring up the dialogshown in Figure 6.3.

The dialog shown in Figure 3.2 - Export to KeyPOST dialog is provided to allow mul-tiple signs to be exported as an assembly. This therefore requires and Assembly Refer-ence to be entered, and each subsequent sign added will use this as a prefix for itsreference. The dialog below shows the Proposal Reference of ‘Proposal1’. And the signadded has the reference ‘MySign’.

The export creates a number of files (image, data etc.), and it is necessary to be able tofind these for importing into KeyPOST. Check the ‘Files Export Folder’ and browse to adifferent location if required.

Once all of the signs required in the assembly have been added, click ‘Export Assembly’to create the files in the specified location. A number of operations are carried out. Whenthis is complete the message shown in Figure 3.2 - Export to KeyPOST dialog allowsKeyPOST (if installed) to be launched and the process completed.

- 70 -

Figure 3.2 - Export to KeyPOST dialog

3.2 Launching KeyPOST from KeySIGN

Launch KeyPOST directly from within KeySIGN using the icon shown. This is the sameas was used with the previous version of the post and foundation module bundled withKeySIGN.

Figure 3.3 - Launching KeyPOST after export

- 71 -

3.3 Returning results to KeySIGN

Click on the icon shown, which is shown next to or below the icon for launchingKeyPOST. This allows for the results of the calculations to be imported (see Figure 6.4).A choice is first offered for import from KeyPOST, or the legacy results file from theKeySIGN Post and Foundation module. Click ‘Import from KeyPOST’ to select the outputfile containing the results. This will have the same name as the exported assembly.

Figure 3.4 - Importing from KeyPOST options

The results are shown in an AutoCAD block so can be edited, or the block amended toinclude additional attributes if required.

- 72 -

Figure 3.5 - Foundation and post details imported from KeyPOST

- 73 -

Chapter 4 Manufacturing Features:REALTEXT

4.1 RealText

4.1.1 RealText and True Type fonts

REALTEXT has being overtaken by developments of the True Type fonts available inKeySIGN but are provided in case you wish to edit and older drawing. It was developedto enable a traffic sign to be fully coloured in, and cut from AutoCAD. It also has theadvantage that the REALTEXT text fonts are now as accurate as any font available. Thecharacters can be used for the full size manufacture of Traffic Sign legends and whereappropriate full sign faces.

Note: please note the Licence agreement in respect of the fonts supplied with KeySIGN.These are part of the product and should not be distributed without prior agreement withKeysoft Solutions. If the design drawing is to be sent to a third party who does not haveKeySIGN a conversion of all text in the drawing to RealText will ensure the drawing willlook correct when opened.

4.1.2 RealText and Kerning Rules

REALTEXT also incorporates the kerning rules where capital letters T, V and Y occupyslightly smaller tiles when followed by lower case a, e, g, o, r or u. This also applies tothe capital W tile which has a slightly increased width when followed by any other cap-ital, for example in the English upper case form ‘NEWTOWN’.

- 74 -

4.1.3 Command Options

Two options, or ways of drawing RealText are available. It can be applied to all the textin a drawing (GLOBAL); or to SELECTED text only (one or more selected lines).

Provided that the text is on the SIGN layer and is one of the Transport fonts supported(English Transport, Irish Transport, Route text or Motorway Route text), REALTEXT willbreak down the string of text into individual characters. These, polyline based charactersare then redrawn in the same position as the original, on a layer called REALTEXT. Theoriginal text is stored on a layer called NORMTEXT which is frozen, and therefore not vis-ible.

4.1.4 The command procedure

Selecting the ‘Global’ option will apply REALTEXT to all the supported Transport fonttext legends in the current drawing. Selecting ‘Selected’ will require the lines of sup-ported Transport font required for conversion to be selected before the REALTEXT isapplied.

Once REALTEXT has been substituted via any of the routines the user can move androtate each character individually.

Note: the use of REALTEXT has a significant effect on the size of drawings. Should youwish to reduce the size of the drawing after REALTEXT has been used you can use theAPURGE command (see paragraph 2.2.12 Adding Drawing Frame 1, 2, 3 or 4 fordetailed information about this command) from the ‘Drawing Cleanup’ sub-menu in

- 75 -

‘KeySIGN Tools > Utility > Cleanup’ ribbon menu. If you select ‘All of the above’ to thor-oughly purge the drawing it would be sensible to also select ‘Insert template drawing’ toreinstall standard KeySIGN font styles and layers etc. which may be required if furthersigns are to be designed in the same drawing.

Figure 4.1 – Complete drawing cleanup dialog

- 76 -

Chapter 5 Customising KeySIGN

5.1 The Options Dialog

5.1.1 General - command name: EIASIGNCONFIG

The values set and changed in the KeySIGN Options dialog are stored in a file calledSignEire.ini, which should be found in the KeySIGN installation folder. See the install-ation guide in 7.1 Before you start for more information about this.

The options in this dialog can be saved so that they are current every time a new draw-ing is started to an existing drawing is opened. If a particular value or setting is requiredfor the duration of the current drawing only, change the settings and values as required,do not save these, but exit from the dialog using the OK button. If values have beenchanged or for any other reason defaults need to be restored, press the Defaults buttonto have the saved values restored.

This command can be found on the main KeySIGN toolbar, under the last icon on theright – the ‘Program’ flyout, and on the main KeySIGN pull-down menu ‘KeySIGN > Pro-gram > Options’.

5.1.2 The Detail Block

Variable: DetailBlock

- 77 -

The normal way of displaying sign details is using the default and supplied arrangementin the drawing called ‘Detail.dwg’. This information is normally added to a sign after theborder drawing routine completes, but can be added at any time using the EISDETAILcommand (see paragraph 2.1.13 Sign Detail: EISDETAIL for coverage of this com-mand). It is possible to display sign details in any form of this drawing, or even a drawingfame containing your organisation name and logo. The drawing must either be on theAutoCAD Support File Search Path (SFSP) (configured in the AutoCAD Options dialog,Files tab), or it must be defined as a block in the current drawing.

To change the detail block that will be used, either type the name of a block that exists inthe drawing or as a file on the SFSP; or browse using a file selection dialog.

5.1 The Options Dialog

5.1.1 General - command name: EIASIGNCONFIG

The values set and changed in the KeySIGN Options dialog are stored in a file calledSignEire.ini, which should be found in the KeySIGN installation folder. See the install-ation guide in 7.1 Before you start for more information about this.

The options in this dialog can be saved so that they are current every time a new draw-ing is started to an existing drawing is opened. If a particular value or setting is requiredfor the duration of the current drawing only, change the settings and values as required,do not save these, but exit from the dialog using the OK button. If values have beenchanged or for any other reason defaults need to be restored, press the Defaults buttonto have the saved values restored.

- 78 -

This command can be found on the main KeySIGN toolbar, under the last icon on theright – the ‘Program’ flyout, and on the main KeySIGN pull-down menu ‘KeySIGN > Pro-gram > Options’.

5.1.2 The Detail Block

Variable: DetailBlock

The normal way of displaying sign details is using the default and supplied arrangementin the drawing called ‘Detail.dwg’. This information is normally added to a sign after theborder drawing routine completes, but can be added at any time using the EISDETAILcommand (see paragraph 2.1.13 Sign Detail: EISDETAIL for coverage of this com-mand). It is possible to display sign details in any form of this drawing, or even a drawingfame containing your organisation name and logo. The drawing must either be on theAutoCAD Support File Search Path (SFSP) (configured in the AutoCAD Options dialog,Files tab), or it must be defined as a block in the current drawing.

To change the detail block that will be used, either type the name of a block that exists inthe drawing or as a file on the SFSP; or browse using a file selection dialog.

5.1.3 Sign Dimension rounding

Variable: DimensionRounding

When a dimension for the finished sign is calculated (see the commands EISDETAIL inparagraph 2.1.13 Sign Detail: EISDETAIL and PANDET in paragraph 2.1.18 PanelDetails: PANDET), this is normally rounded to the nearest 5 mm. Sign dimension round-ing can be turned off. This is normally required by manufacturer who need an accuratemeasurement of the finished sign so that the substrate can be cut to the correct size.

- 79 -

Figure 5.1 - The KeySIGN Options dialog

5.1.4 Post and Foundation Design Options

Variable: WindFiles

- 80 -

A post and foundation module is no longer provided in KeySIGN. Current Standards gov-erning the provision of fixed vertical road traffic signs under the EU ConstructionProducts Directive and Regulations includes the Harmonised European Standard IS EN12899:2007. Particularly relevant for the structural design elements of sign installationsis part 1 to this standard which sets out wind load classes that may be met. ‘Eurocode 1’,and additional primary Standard (IS EN 1991-1-4:2005) can also be used to specify thewind actions that may be experienced in different locations on your sign structures.

Please note that Keysoft Solutions can provide you with a fully featured sign structuredesign program called KeyPOST which incorporates this and many other relevant Stand-ards that govern their design. The basic functions available if you are already usingKeyPOST with KeySIGN is given in 3.1 Exporting Sign Face designs from KeySIGN.

Please contact us if you wish to have more information on this software.

5.1.5 Sign Face Materials

Variable: MaterialsFile

The file used by default for the list of available sign face materials (in the EISDETAIL dia-log), the default material, and rates to be set against each in area bands is specified inthe KeySIGN Options dialog. Simply browse for the required file, possibly contractorbased version of the supplied default file ‘Materials.dat’.

For a complete summary of the materials file and how these can be edited, see para-graph 5.2 Editing the Materials List and Rates.

- 81 -

5.1.6 Edge of Carriageway Clearance

Variable: CarriagewayClearance

This is added to the sign detail block and can be edited before placing a detail on thedrawing in the EISDETAIL command dialog. See 2.1.13 Sign Detail: EISDETAIL formore information about creating and revising sign detail information. The default valuepresented and used for sign detailing is set in the KeySIGN Options dialog.

5.1.7 AutoZooming

Variable: AutoZooming

This option controls whether KeySIGN will automatically zoom, following a border draw-ing routine, such that the sign which has just been created will fill the display. If design-ing one sign face per AutoCAD drawing file, this last zoom before the drawing is savedand closed can make the page setup for printing easier, and later, when browsingimages to re-open the file in the File Open dialog also a great deal easier. It is alwaysgood general practice to zoom to the extents of a drawing before saving and closing it.

5.1.8 ‘NOGO’ points

Variable: NogoPoints

This setting controls whether NOGO points are generated when patch and panel bordersare drawn, and whether NOGO points that are part of the symbols (e.g. arrows) are vis-ible. These red points are a hangover from previous versions where it was necessary tomanually select an area for sign borders. Red crosses (AutoCAD variable PDMODE setto a value of 3) gave a visual reminder of the need to add an extra stroke width below

- 82 -

‘solid’ objects compared with that needed below text tiles, where smaller gap is required(some of the overall gap from the characters is made up of the gap within the tile).

5.2 Editing the Materials List and Rates

Figure 5.2 - Materials and Sign Face Pricing Manager

- 83 -

Users can create additional files, from the ‘MATERIAL.RAT’ file provided, for differentmanufacturers, annual tenderers or customers etc. The files can be edited to customisethe materials available and the prices used.

The command can be found on the ribbon menu: ‘KeySIGN Tools > Program > EditFace Materials Rates’.

When the command is started, a file selection dialog is presented. Select the appropriatematerial rate file. The materials and rates contained in the selected file are then read intothe dialog. This file can be saved as a different file, perhaps with the name of the signmanufacturer supplying the rates, for example ‘ACME Signs.dat’.

In the first area labelled ‘Materials’ the default material list is shown. This can be addedto and materials removed. The order of the list can be changed using the move up anddown buttons, and lastly the default material (the one most commonly used) can be set.

Figure 5.3 - Editing the Material Area Bands

- 84 -

In the ‘Rates..’ area a rate can be entered for each material type. This can be set-up on abanded basis, thus different rates depending upon the economies of scale can be used.Select a row in the list of rates to edit the rate for a specific area band, for the currentmaterial selected in the top list.

When entering a large number of rates, for example an annual update, tick the ‘Autoupdate with ENTER key’ check box. When a rate has been entered, pressing ENTERmoves the ‘cursor’ or current area band forward one. Thus rates can be quickly enteredusing the keyboard alone, therefore, without the need to use the mouse to click eachentry before it can be edited.

If different area banding is required, press the button labelled ‘Edit area bands’. The dia-log shown in Figure 5.3 - Editing the Material Area Bands is presented. Since therecan be no gaps between bands, only the upper limit is edited.

To save any changes to the currently selected file or to another file, use the ‘Save’ or‘Save As’ buttons respectively.

5.3 Other items

5.3.1 Colours

The only colour that is truly configurable in KeySIGN is that used for tourist brown. In pre-vious versions of AutoCAD, before the days of true colour many monitors representedthe colour brown using colour 10. Values of 34, 36 or 44 are now more commonly appro-priate due to the widespread use of true colour displays.

- 85 -

The colour choice will affect mostly filled signs and symbols and may in fact need to becontrolled to improve the look of a filled sign either on-screen depending on the monitor(LCD against CRT for example) or when printed. The colours chosen will most likely toget the printed versions looking correct, as printers vary much more widely than do mon-itors. To achieve this it will be necessary to edit the template drawing file used to startnew drawings. In the supplied template drawing various colour fill layers exist. Thename for these follow a pattern, being a maximum of eight characters long, ending in‘FIL’. Thus the layers such as GREENFIL, REDFIL and YELLOFIL will be needed. Asso-ciating a colour with each layer to suit the display or final print will ensure that when thesi

Date post:	27-Jan-2021
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	24 times
Download:	1 times

KeySIGNEire Eire/KeySIGN...-4-2.2.6‘Exploding’ablockwithoutlosingPermittedVariants:UNBLOCK 58...

Documents