Import underlay files

Product	InstalSystem 5
Type of article	FUNCTION AND TOOL
Source for translation	2023-04-05

Description

The article describes the functionality of using design underlays (base drawings) by launching underlay import, selecting an external file to be imported, inserting the underlay in the project and appropriate scaling and positioning thereof.
Compatible underlay file formats:

- DWG

- DXF

- PDF

- BMP

- PNG

- JPG

- GIF

One of the significant features of the InstalSystem 5 package is the ability to import a building model from an IFC file. For more information, see: BIM - Import and management of IFC models in InstalSystem 5 package.

Location in the program

• Icons of the components and functions related to importing an underlay are available in the 2D Editor window in the Main tools toolbar, section Underlay, when the Underlay editing scope is enabled.
  
  

  1. Import underlay
  
  

Example of use

Import underlay from the DWG files

1. Select Import underlay.
2. Select the underlay file to be imported.
3. Verify that the dimensions of the underlay are adequate.
   • The size of the underlay can be changed in the component data table or using the Scaling tool. Additionally, in the case of a DWF/DXF file, a conversion factor between a CAD unit and a multiple or sub-multiple of a meter can be selected in the data table. This feature is especially convenient for changing dimensions of vector graphic base drawing.
   • Conversion between CAD units and unit of length used in program (Data table -> Drawing measurement unit)
     

Import underlay from the PDF files

1. Select Import underlay.
2. Select the underlay file to be imported.
3. In the Data table choose the Method of loading pdf underlays: Vector method (by defult) or Bitmap method.
4. Scale the Drawing/underlay using function Scaling.
5. Personalize the 2D/3D view style in the Data table.
   

Obtaining the correct mutual alignment of underlays on the individual storeys

1. In order to get proper structure of a multi-storey building it is advisable to use a Reference point, wherein one reference point is placed in each worksheet at a location having identical real coordinates X,Y. Placing procedure is the same for both base drawing formats (vector and raster).
   
   
   

Additional information

1. It is particularly advantageous to import an underlay in the vector format, which enables, when editing the structure, attracting the cursor to components located in the indicated layers of the underlay (snap function).
2. Move underlay function can be used in cases when there is a need to apply two underlays for one store (e.g. for the last store and the roof). This function allows to make the exact positioning of the underlays in relation to each other.
   
   
   
3. If necessary, it is possible to confine (reduce) the visible area for underlays using Visible underlay area function, e.g. underlays that include plans of several storeys on one sheet. The operation of confining the visible area may be cancelled at any stage of project creation.
   
   
   
4. If an underlay is divided into several parts (which may, for instance, result from scanning operations), these individual parts can be imported separately and subsequently combined using the Combine base files functionality.
5. The underlay may be stored in the project file *.ISPROJ, in which case the size of that file is increased (identical underlay files placed on multiple worksheets do not inflate the project file in proportion to the number of times the underlay is used), or it may remain in a separate (original) file to which the project will refer. The latter solution requires, when the project file is handed over to another person, that the underlay files are also turned over and the access paths to the files in the computer are specified. Underlay storage options and its access path can be verified in Data table in Component identification section.
   
   

   2. Underlay storage options