Customization.............................................................

3
Introduction................................................................................. 3
General........................................................................................ 4
Angles........................................................................... 4
Measurement ................................................................ 4
User Blocks .................................................................. 5
Layers ........................................................................... 5
Project........................................................................... 5
Printer ........................................................................... 5
Print in MS Word ......................................................... 6
Printing on Drawing ..................................................... 6
PDF Printing................................................................. 7
Menus ......................................................................................... 7
Surveying.................................................................................... 8
Coordinate Reference Systems (CRS) .......................... 8
Corrections ................................................................... 8
Admissible Errors ......................................................... 8
Data Input ..................................................................... 9
Mode............................................................................. 9
Instruments Table ......................................................... 9
Least Squares.............................................................. 10
Points ........................................................................................ 10
Object Type ................................................................ 11
Points Layer................................................................ 11
Style............................................................................ 11
Others ......................................................................... 11
Levels ......................................................................... 11
Block Definition ......................................................... 12
Surfaces..................................................................................... 13
Layers ......................................................................... 13
Parameters .................................................................. 13
Representation ............................................................ 13
Breakline Coding........................................................ 14
Modified ..................................................................... 14
Earthworks.................................................................. 14
Point Codes................................................................. 15
Contour Lines ........................................................................... 15
Layers ......................................................................... 15
Labels ......................................................................... 16
Algorithms .................................................................. 16
Smoothing .................................................................. 16
Alignments................................................................................ 17
Road Standards ........................................................... 17
Dimensioning ............................................................. 17
Elements ................................................................................... 19
Longitudinal Profiles ................................................................ 19
Numerical Data Assignment....................................... 20
Extensions .................................................................. 20
Grade Lines ................................................................ 20
Rules........................................................................... 20
Interpolate Null Heights ............................................. 20
Drawing ...................................................................... 21
Define Scales .............................................................. 21
Define Sheets.............................................................. 21
Definition of Layers.................................................... 22
Cross-Sections .......................................................................... 22
Geology ...................................................................... 23
Others ......................................................................... 23
Advanced.................................................................... 23
Definition of Layers.................................................... 24
Define Scales .............................................................. 24

Customization

Define Sheets .............................................................. 24

Platform Vectors ......................................................... 24
Images ....................................................................................... 25
Definition of Layers.................................................... 25
Colour ......................................................................... 25
Deformation ................................................................ 25
Superelevations ......................................................................... 26
Widenings ................................................................................. 26
Setting Out ................................................................................ 27
Volumes .................................................................................... 27
Maps.......................................................................................... 28
Updates ..................................................................................... 31
List of Layers ............................................................................ 32
File Extensions .......................................................................... 34
List of Block Files..................................................................... 36
Program Files ............................................................................ 37
Blocks ......................................................................... 37
Config ......................................................................... 37
Program Files\Common Files\Aplitop\Geodesy ......... 37
Doc\7\<lang> .............................................................. 38
Dotnet ......................................................................... 38
Bin .............................................................................. 38
Formats ....................................................................... 38
Help\<lang> ................................................................ 38
Projects ....................................................................... 38
Program modules folders ............................................ 39
Support/<lang> ........................................................... 39
Visor ........................................................................... 39

MDT Version 7

Customization

Introduction
The Utilities > Configuration option provides access to the menu that allows one to configure
the parameters affecting most of the program commands. Although these configuration values are
designed so that their modification is not necessary in most cases, it is possible to change them in order to
adapt the program to user habits and needs. These values are shown in parenthesis in this manual.
All these values are stored in the Windows registry. They can only therefore be changed from
this menu. Advanced users may also use
The parameters are organized around a series of functional groups, which are listed below.
All of the initial configuration values can be recovered by clicking on the Restore Default
Values button.

Also it is ava
. This command is
not available in standard menu, and we must write in CAD command line area MDT7_CONF_TODO.
The following dialog will appear:

Customization

General
ic configuration parameters.

Angles
Units for representing the angles, it currently supports the following angular units:
Centesimal
Sexagesimal
Sexagesimal (degrees, minutes, seconds)
Radians

Show suffix: With a suffix at the end of each of the numerical values the angular unit is indicated on
which work is being carried out. The program will interpret it automatically.
Interpret input: If we place the suffix in accordance with the angular unit we wish to enter after the
numerical data, the program will automatically interpret the angle irrespective of the angular system for
which it is configured.
Format
Sexagesimal
which we wish to represent the data.
Decimals: We indicate the number of decimals with which the configured angular unit is going to work.

Measurement
Stations
certain countries it is frequent to use other measurement units. This is the case of Brazil, for example,
Stakes
Stakes
Stake
equivalent to and by default this value will be 20.

Stations
t specify the number of metres it is

In addition, owing to compatibility on the lists with other programs, the possibility is also provided of
representing the Station in the format 1+345.4567.

MDT Version 7

User Blocks
The path specified in this field indicate where the drawing which uses MDT in different options are
stored. The directory can be specified by typing the path or by selecting the folder by pressing the Select
button.
Browse. Pressing this button will access the MDT7 personal folder configuration.

Layers
Prefix: Prefix for all layers used in the program, so that in drawings with many layers the ones created by
this application are easily found.
Use MDT v6 layer names: If we activate this option, we will enable the new assignment of layer names
for MDT6 onwards. For more detail see option Utilities > Rename Layers.
Check layers to open drawings: In the case of using MDT6 layers configuration, if you open an existing
drawing, there are two ways to proceed:
Rename always
Ask: Program always asks if layers will be renamed to MDT6 new layer names.

Project
Create project when saving drawing: If this option is activated, the program will automatically ask
users when saving any drawings not associated with an MDT project in which new project they wish to
save it.
Open project file along with drawings: When this box is activated, an MDT project will be opened each
time an CAD drawing associated to it is opened
Visible Window: Controls the visibility of the project window. If the option is activated, it will always be
shown when there is an active project.

Printer
Allows one to set Windows, text and file print mode parameter values for all the lists generated
by MDT.

Header Line: Text printed in the upper part of all work pages.

Customization

Printing Mode: Allows one to select the type of printing desired. Contrary to Text mode, High
Resolution mode offers the possibility of changing font, font size, style, etc. by clicking on the Font
button.
Show dialog box to select printing destination: If this option is activated, a dialog box will appear
where one can select the destination printer when any list is printed.
Print Date: When this option is activated, all lists will be printed with the current date.
File and Text Print Mode: Groups together the parameters affecting the text print mode. Offers the
possibility of changing the number of Lines and Columns on the page, as well as the Top and Left
margins.
High Resolution Printing: Groups together the parameters affecting the high-resolution print mode.
Margin widths and font type to be set. Data table grids are printed when the Grid
option is marked.
Show dialog box to select printing destination. If this option is enabled, printing from any dialog will
appear a dialog where we can select printer destination.
Print Date: If this option is enabled the date will be printed in all reports.

Print in MS Word
Allows one to configure a Word template upon which the document will be printed.

File: The default template Word will use to create lists is designated in this section.
Styles: Word styles that will be associated to each of the different kinds of elements comprising the list.

Printing on Drawing
The different parameters needed to print on an AutoCAD drawing are set in this window.

Layer: Layer in which the list will be printed in the active AutoCAD drawing.
Draw Grid: If this option is activated, MDT will draw a grid for each of the elements to be listed.
Use AutoCAD Tables: If this option is activated, the program will use AutoCAD Table objects when
printing in AutoCAD 2005 or above.
Text Height: Height of texts to be printed.

MDT Version 7

PDF Printing
From this option you can set the output format to generate reports as PDF documents.

Size: Format in which to print

We may also select whether to print in portrait (Vertical) or landscape (Horizontal) and if we Open
PDF file automatically after printing. This last option will be made with your default pdf viewer in
Windows, MDT does not include any PDF document viewer.

Menus
AutoCAD.

The Vertical option is active by default, which indicates that just one menu MDT appears on the
AutoCAD toolbar, from which the other system menus drop down.
If the Horizontal option is selected, individual system menus can be chosen to appear on the AutoCAD
toolbar. Thus, the main MDT menu is hidden and only the ones selected are shown.
Enable Context Menus: If this option is enabled, the context menus for MDT objects that are available
will automatically be activated.
Ribbon menu in AutoCAD 2010 or higher. If this option is enabled, ribbon menu will be shown in those
AutoCAD versions.
> Adds the menu selected from the Menus box to the Menu Bar box.
< Deletes the menu selected from the Menu Bar box.
Delete All: Deletes all menus from the Menu Bar box.
Up: Moves up one position in the Menu Bar box.
Down : Moves down one position in the Menu Bar box.
Apply : Updates the AutoCAD menu bar with the changes made.

Customization

Surveying
Shows the configur

Coordinate Reference Systems (CRS)

Specify the coordinate reference system type in which the default program will work, Local or
Projected.
If we select Projected, it is needed to choose the projection system to be used. Default value is
EPSG code 23030, corresponding to ED50 / UTM zone 30N. For more detail see Geodesy chapter in
Surveying manual.

Corrections
Allows one to activate or deactivate the corrections applied to different program calculations.
The formulas used in each specific case can be queried in the Surveying
The following types are available:
Sphericity and Refraction (On) : Value added to the height difference, allowing the optical effects of
sphericity and refraction in observations to be corrected.
Reduction to Ellipsoid (Off)
projection to the ellipsoid.
Combined Scale Factor (Disabled): This is the factor resulting from multiplying the anamorphosis by the
scale factor owing to the height. The mean radius of the Earth must be entered in metres in the working
area.

Admissible Errors
These are the limiting values below which the system calculations made are considered as
admissible. If these thresholds are exceeded, the program will indicate the differences with a mark.
Distance (0.01) : Maximum admissible horizontal difference (meters).
Height (0.01) : Maximum admissible height difference (meters).
Angles (0.002): Maximum admissible angle difference (hundredths of a degree).
Horizontal (1:X): This allows the minimum horizontal closing error to be indicated for traverse
compensation. For example, a value of 10000.0 is one part of 10000.

MDT Version 7

Vertical (1:X): This allows the minimum vertical closing error to be indicated for traverse compensation.
For example, a value of 15000.0 is one part of 15000.

Data Input
The parameters appearing below allow one to choose among different data input and
presentation modes, so that they are more natural for users. The program stores these values in a single
Distance (Reduced) : Allows one to choose between horizontal or Reduced distance, in addition to
sloped or Geometric distance.
Vertical (Vertical Angle)
Vertical Angle or
Height Difference. If the Check Vertical Angle box is marked, the program checks whether the vertical
angles observed are between 50 and 150 hundredths of a degree for direct circles and between 250 and
350 hundredths of a degree for inverse circles.
Instrument (Total Station): If the Total Station mode is selected, every observation will be made up of
a horizontal angle, a reduced or geometric distance, a vertical angle or height difference and a prism
height. On the other hand, if the Tachometric mode is selected, the program will show the thread 1,
thread 2, horizontal angle and stake fields for each observation.

Mode
This option allows one to control the appearance of the Calculate Stations dialog box within the
Surveying Module. If the default mode is Beginner, a simple dialog box is shown containing the
essential calculation elements, while a wide range of calculation methods are available in Expert mode.

Instruments Table
Using the Instruments Table button the menu can be accessed which allows the configuration of
the values that mainly affect the standard deviations of the observations, essentially used in the
adjustment methods by Least Squares.
These values can be customised for each Brand and Model.

The default values are regarded as appropriate for the majority of cases though the
documentation must be consulted regarding the technical characteristics of the equipment to enter the
correct values.
Horizontal Angle (2.0) : Estimated error when measurement horizontal angles in hundredths of seconds.
Vertical Angle (2.0) : Estimated error when measurement vertical angles in hundredths of seconds.
Constant in Distance (2.0) : Constant error made in measurement distances in millimetres.
Proportional in Distance (2.0) : Error which occurs with distance measurement and which is
proportional to the latter. Expressed in parts per million (ppm).

Customization

Least Squares
A menu allowing one to configure the parameters affecting all the least squares adjustment
procedures in the surveying module can be accessed through the Least Squares button.

Maximum Iterations (8): Sets the maximum number of iterations that are allowed for the convergence of
ear, this
value should be increased or the input data values checked.
Convergence Error (0.001): Maximum admissible error for coordinate increments obtained by the
calculation process, in meters.
Ellipse Scale (100.0) : Scale factor for drawing traverse and network error ellipses.
Confidence Interval (95%) : Confidence Interval it is wished to be used in least squares calculations.
Internal Reliability Test (Baarda): This button enables the calculation of the internal reliability of the
adjustment to detect gross errors.
Adjustment fitness test (Chi2): This button enables the calculation of the Chi-square test to ascertain
whether there are any major differences between observables.
See the detailed description of these two tests in the Topography Manual.

Points
Allows one to modify the parameters affecting the commands used to handle surveying points.

10

MDT Version 7

Object Type
Sets the point type with which MDT will work.
MDT5 Point: Proprietary object that MDT 5 incorporates into AutoCAD.
Block: The point is drawn as a block. It is similar to the existing block in MDT version 3.

Points Layer
Allows one to name a layer where the point blocks are inserted. It is also possible to select one
from the layers list existing in the drawing by clicking on the Select button.

Style
Select the text style of the attributes associated to the point: number, height and code.

Others
Minimum Distance between Points (0.001) : Distance value between points below which they are
considered to be repeated, expressed in meters.
Location Margin (20.0): Screen representation margin in the localize points command, expressed in
meters.
Arch Conversion (1.0)
Point File Extension: Default extension the program will work with for the points file.
Codes DB: Point codes database that program will use by default. We can select a different one from this
option.

Levels
This button gives access to a dialog box that allows point levels to be added, deleted or modified.

Change : Allows one to modify the level selected.

Insert : Adds a new level.
Delete : Deletes the level selected.
Consult the meaning of each field in the chapter on Surveying Points in the Reference Manual.

Customization

11

Block Definition

The parameters used to represent points on screen can be configured in this box. Parameters such
as relative position of each block element with regard to the point, justification, text style, etc. can be
changed. See the Points > Utilities > Points Configuration command for further details.

12

MDT Version 7

Surfaces
Shows the parameters which configure the behaviour of the tools used to create and edit
triangulations.

Layers
Allows one to name the different layers making up a drawing, or to select them from a list of
existing layers.
Surface (DTM):
Boundary (BOUNDARY)
Islands (ISLANDS) : Name of the layer where the break lines making up an island are drawn.
Break Lines (BREAK) : Name of the break lines layer.
Parallels (WALLS) : Name of the layer used in the Adjusted Parallel command.

Parameters
Maximum Side Length (50.0): Indicates the maximum length allowed for the sides of external triangles,
expressed in meters.
Minimum Distance between Vertices (0.001): Indicates the minimum distance between vertices for the
contour line triangulation process, expressed in meters.
Maximum Distance between Vertices and Points (0.001): Maximum separation distance between a
break line vertex and a point, expressed in meters.

Representation
Draw Surface in 3D (Off) : Determines whether triangulation lines are drawn on the plan (off) or on the
space (on).
Draw Break Lines in 3D (Off) : Determines whether break lines are drawn on the plan (off) or on the
space (on).
Line Scale (5.0) : In order to make the presentation more coherent, the CAD LTSCALE variable is
assigned a value proportional to the scale and multiplied by this field. Consult the CAD manual for
further details about the utility of this variable.

Customization

13

Breakline Coding
Shows a dialog box where the codes that appear as break line point suffixes are configured, so
that they can be automatically interpreted in automatic drawing from codes. See Points > Codes > Draw
from Codes command for further information.

Modified
This button gives access to the dialog box allowing one to configure the elements of modified
terrain element profiles used to generate them and to draw solids. This information is stored in the
file in the
directory.
Change : Allows one to modify the element selected.
Insert : Adds an element to a list after all the fields have been filled in.

Delete : Deletes the element selected from a list

Codes : Initial and Final specify the code interval for an element selected or added.
Type: Element type, which can be MEDIAN, SUBGRADE, DITCH, CUT or FILL.
Layer : Layer associated with the element.
Colour (1-red) : Colour associated with the element.
Line Type (CONTINUOUS) : Line type of the element in question.

Earthworks
Shows a dialog box to select the names of the layers where polylines resulting from earthworks
are drawn.

14

MDT Version 7

Subgrade (SUBGRADE) : Name of subgrade layer.

Contact (CONTACTS) : Name of contact layer.
Slopes (SLOPES): Name of slope layer.
If the Draw Slopes box is not marked, the polylines defining slopes are not drawn.

Point Codes
Subgrade: Code assigned to the point which forms part of the subgrade boundary.
Contact: Code assigned to the points created in the contact with terrain.

Contour Lines
Allows one to configure the parameters used in tools to generate and process contour lines.

Layers
Major Contours: Name of the major contour lines layer.
Minor Contours: Name of the minor contour lines layer.
Special Contours: Name of contours drawn at some given height.

Customization

15

Labels: Name of layer used to draw the contours labels from specific commands.

Labels
Text Height Multiplier (1.5) : Factor by which the current text height is multiplied for the situate height
command.
Text Position Separation (0.5) : Separation between the contour lines and the text in labels.

Algorithms
This box allows users to choose among the different algorithms to be used in the cartography
editing tools.
Generalization (Douglas-Peucker). Allows one to choose the algorithm to be used in the Contour Lines
> Generalization command among: Douglas-Peucker, Visvallingam and Constant Distance.
Filtering (Tunnel). Allows one to choose the algorithm to be used for the Contour Lines > Filtering
command among: Tunnel, Average Point and Inner Segment.
Interpolation (Vertex Matching). Allows one to choose the algorithm to be used for the Contour Lines
> Interpolate Contours command.

Smoothing
Automatic Contour: Indicates whether the contour lines will be automatically modified when the points
or the triangulation are changed.
Opens a dialog box which allows users to choose the contour line smoothing algorithm.

Smoothing Algorithm (TCP) : Offers two methods to smoothen contour lines, TCP and X-Spline.
Number of Vertices (4) : Parameter only used for the X-Spline algorithm.
Smoothing Factor (3.0) : Indicates the smoothing factor used for contour lines. Admissible values are
between 1.0 and 10.0.
Relation to Length (0.7) : Reserved parameter that affects the smoothing of contour lines.
Initial Separation (0.25)
Final Separation (0.75)

16

MDT Version 7

Alignments
The parameters that determine horizontal alignment behaviour include:

Alignments Layer (ALIGNMENT). Allows one to name the layer where horizontal alignments will be
drawn. The name can be entered in the relevant text box or selected from a list of existing layer names by
clicking on the Select button.
Clothoid Discretization Interval (1.0). Interval used in the alignment drawings of clothoid-type sections,
Check Azimuth Continuity. Activates the checking of azimuth continuity when converting a polyline
into an alignment. It is obligatory that sections before a curved section have the same azimuth as the entry
into the curve. This condition should also be met for the curve exit and subsequent section.
Azimuth Tolerance (0.0001): Tolerance in hundredths of a second so that two sections are considered as
tangential. If the difference between the final azimuth of a section and the initial azimuth of the following
section is greater than this value, a warning is issued about the error.

Road Standards
We can set the road standards of the country where we are going to work; in addition, for each
country we will be able to configure its own road standards.

Speed (Km/h). Project design speed. Affects superelevation.

Category. Road category within those predefined which match the Road Regulations.
Under this option we can customise the error configuration for the standards on the ground plan. By
Alignments > Utilities > Check Rules
which are enabled under this option. If there is any error when checking the standards and we have it
disabled, it will not appear on the final list. Consult the reference manual for details about this command.

Dimensioning
Dialog box that shows the configuration parameters used to dimension alignments.

Customization

17

Short Mark Interval (10.0): Distance in meters between the short marks drawn on the alignment.
Long Mark Interval (100.0)
Unique Points (On) : Activating this opti
The three kinds of alignment marks can be configured through their corresponding Options
buttons.

Mark Length: Dimension of the line representing the mark.

Extension Length : Dimension of the extended line on the opposite side of the alignment.
Texts. Allows one to write texts on the marks and, should this be done, choose between placing them to
the Right or to the Left of the alignment. In the case of unique points, one can also indicate if the radius
and parameter values should be written on the Inside or Outside of the sections.
Intersection Points (Disabled): Indicates whether to dimension the points of intersection with other
alignments of the current project.
Specified Station (Disabled): Ability to specify additional stations to be dimensioned.
Scale (1:1000) : Scale factor that affects the size of the dimensioning texts.
Text Height (1.5) : Height of alignment text labels.
Layer. Allows one to select the layer where the lines and the texts that make up the dimensioning will be
drawn.
Style. Style of the dimensioning texts.

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MDT Version 7

Elements
The parameters that determine alignment behaviour are as follows:

Alignment Layer (ALIGNMENTS). Allows one to name the layer where alignments will be drawn. The
name can be entered in the relevant text box or selected from a list of existing layer names by clicking on
the Select button.
Element Colours: The program allows users to draw straight lines, curves and clothoids with different
colours in order to identify the dimensions of each element more easily. By clicking on the box associated
to each type, a specific colour can be chosen. It can also be done BY LAYER if one does not wish to
specify a particular colour.
Modify Elements (On): By activating this option, the element drawing commands in the alignments
menu modify the road design elements used as a reference to ensure the set maintains its continuity.

Strict Fit (On): This option checks whether the aforementioned commands can generate a result in which

Angular Tolerance (0.0001): Maximum tolerable difference between the azimuth of two consecutive
road design elements, so that the azimuth is considered as continuous.
Distance Tolerance (0.001): Maximum tolerable distance between the initial and final points of two
consecutive road design elements. Elements having a greater separation than this parameter cannot be
grouped together nor be converted into alignments.

Longitudinal Profiles
Shows the values affecting the commands used to obtain and draw longitudinal profile drawings.

Customization

19

Numerical Data Assignment

Allows one to select the default numerical data files to draw Simple Longitudinal profiles
(
) and Composite Longitudinal profiles (
). These files may be edited using the
Numerical Data Definition command.

Extensions
Longitudinal Profile (LON) : Longitudinal profile file extension.
Grade Line (RAS) : Grade line file extension.
Segments (SEG) : Segment file extension.

Grade Lines
Transition Curve Interval (0.5) : Vertical transition curve representation interval.
Type of Transition Curve (Circular) : Default transition curve type to be used with grade line files.
Two options are given: Circular and Parabolic.

Rules
In this option, you can customize the configuration errors for road rules in elevation plan. After
running command Vertical Alignments > Check Rules, MDT will show only those errors enabled in this
option. If there exists any error in rules and it is disabled, it will not be shown in the final report. See more
information in reference manual.

Interpolate Null Heights

Cut Polylines Zero Height (0): Establishes whether polylines having a height of zero are taken into
account in the profile generation option in the cut layers option.

20

MDT Version 7

Drawing
Line Thickness (0.02): Sets the thickness for lines / polylines drawn by commands Draw Simple Profile
and Draw Compound Profile.

Define Scales
This button gives access to a dialog box showing the scales available in the program.

Change : Replaces the scale selected with one entered into the Scale text box using the keyboard.
Insert : Adds the scale typed into the Scale text box to the list of scales.
Delete : Deletes a scale selected from the list.

Define Sheets
Shows a dialog box where the dimensions of each of the sheet types can be set, along with the
possibility of creating new formats. This information is stored in the
file in the
directory.

Change : Allows one to modify the format values for the sheet selected.
Insert : Adds a new sheet format to the list once the dialog box fields have been filled in.
Delete : Deletes the sheet format selected.
Name : Name of the sheet selected or to be defined.
Dimensions : Width and height of the sheet in millimetres.
Margins

Left, Right, Top, and Bottom margins in millimetres.

Layout:

Customization

21

Definition of Layers
Dialog box to name the layers involved in longitudinal profiles. Allows one to enter a name by
typing it in or choosing it from a list of available layer names via the Select button.

Terrain (TERRAIN)
Longitudinal Profile (LONGPROF) : Name of the longitudinal profile layer.
Prior Grade Line (PRGRL) : Name of the previous grade line layer.
Definitive Grade line (DEFGRL) : Name of the definitive grade line layer.
Curvature Diagram (CURVATURE) : Name of the layer where the curvature diagram is drawn.
Superelevation Diagram (SUPERELEVATIONS): Name of the layer where the superelevations
diagram is drawn.

Cross-Sections
Allows one to modify the parameter values affecting the commands used to obtain and draw
cross-sections.

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MDT Version 7

Geology
Organic line type: Selection of CAD line type to represent organic soil in drawing.
Organic: Colour for organic soil.
Soil: Colour for Soil geology layer.
Transit: Colour for geology layer Transit.
Colours. It offers the possibility to change the colours of the natural soil layers, the grade and firm
ground and through the palette of colours displayed by pressing the Choose Colour button.

Others
Cross Section Extension (TRA): Extension for normal and modified cross-section files.
Pavement Code (PV) : Code used to differentiate initial and final vertices of reinforcements in cross sections.
Organic Soil Code (CR): Code used to differentiate initial and final vertices between which the organic
soil calculation will not be made.
Excess Terrain (2.0) : Value indicating the terrain distance drawn after the grade line cut, which only
affects the drawing of cross-sections.
Minimum Distance between Cuts (0.01) : Minimum distance that must exist between two successive
objects to be cut.
Numerical Data Separator Size (0.00025):
numerical data when it is drawn.

Size of the different separators that form part of the

Advanced
Cut polyline zero height: Upon enabling this option, the program will automatically interpolate the
elevation of those polylines used for the generation of cross sections and which have a zero height.
Delete overlaps: Upon enabling this box, we can ensure that when generating the cross sections, if they
cross inside in the curve, this is obtained as far as the intersection with the former.
Station Format We establish the format in which the Station will be represented in the drawing.
Interpolate Organic Soil: If this option is enabled, the thickness of the organic soil will be interpolated
when defining the sections.
Analyse assigned station: If it is enabled, when processing the sections the program will also analyse the
stations at which any kind of section assignment has been carried out.
Set Comparison Plane: If we enable this option the drawing of the comparison plane for the cross
sections will always be carried out at the same elevation. The elevation is specified under this same
option.
Factor of text height on profile: Text height multiplier factor for those drawn under the cross section
drawing option.
Number of decimals in drawing: We set the number of decimals we want for labelling the elevations,
surfaces and volumes using the command Drawing Cross sections.

Customization

23

Definition of Layers
Allows one to name the various layers used when working with cross-sections.

Terrain (TERRAIN) : Name of the crossCross-Sections (XSECTIONS): Name of the crossCross-Section Cuts (XSECTIONS): Name of the layer where the cuts are drawn.
Roadbed (ROADBED)
Geology-Organic (XSECT_CLEAR VEGT) : Name of layer where clear vegetation is drawn.
Geology-Soil (XSECT_SOIL) : Name of layer where soil is drawn.
Geology-Transit (XSECT_TRANSIT) : Name of layer where transit is drawn.

Define Scales
Refer to the Define Scales for longitudinal profiles section.

Define Sheets
Refer to the Define Sheets for longitudinal profile section.

Platform Vectors
This dialog box defines the default codes and vectors that can make up a platform. Each of them has
a numerical Code, a Name, Adjustments with regard to X and Y, and a value indicating whether it can
be superelevated or not.
The codes should get larger from the alignment (value 0) to the profile ends, both to the left and to
the right. The configuration can be changed through the Change, Insert and Delete buttons and is stored
in the
in the
directory.

24

MDT Version 7

Images
This section will allow us to modify the most important parameters which affect the images module.

Definition of Layers
Marks: Layer on which the marks will be drawn which are going to be used to indicate support points on
the image.
Reference lines: Layer on which the lines will be drawn which are used to pair the support points of the
images.

Colour
Marks: Colour of the marks used to mark the support points.
Reference lines: colour of the reference lines used to join the support points.
Background: Colour in which the image is completed in those areas in which there is no information,
either by cutting them or carrying out some other operation on them.

Deformation
Interpolation Method: Method to be used by default in the image transformation command. There are
four interpolation methods:
Nearest neighbours
Bilinear
Bicubic
Lagrange

Customization

25

Superelevations
Shows the parameters affecting the calculation and assignment of superelevations to alignments.
See the Segments > Superelevation > Generate Superelevations command for further details.

Pumping Slope (2%). Superelevation value for straight sections in percentage terms.
Check Overlaps (On). If activated, indicates that any overlapping due to the transition lengths of short
alignment sections should be processed to avoid inconsistencies in the assignment of superelevations.
Minimum Pumping Length (8.0). Minimum length value of camber expressed in meters.
Minimum Max. Superelevation Length (0.0). Minimum length value of maximum superelevation
expressed in meters.
Line Types. Allows one to select the types of line used to draw Alignments and Superelevations. The
default values are CONTINUOUS and DASHED respectively.
Superelevation Colour. Allows different colours to be set for Left and Right superelevations.

Widenings
Shows the parameters that affect the calculation and representation of additional widths. See the
Segments > Widenings > Generate Widenings command for further details.

Vehicle Length (9.00) : Vehicle length in meters according to the Road Instructions.
Maximum Radius (250) : Maximum widening application radius in curved sections expressed in meters.
Minimum Transition Length (30.0) : Desirable length of transition between curve and line in meters.

26

MDT Version 7

Maximum Percentage on Curve (25) : Maximum widening percentage that can be achieved in circular
curve.
Application point: We indicate the application point of the widening.
Outer Lane: The widening is applied in the most outside lane type vector of the section.
Inner Lane: The widening is applied in the lane type vector nearest to the section alignment.
Layer (ALIGNMENT-WIDENINGS). Allows one to select the layer where widenings are drawn.

Setting Out
Allows one to configure the parameters affecting setting out tools.

Stations Layer (STATIONS). Name of the layer where the setting out stations are drawn.
Station File Extension (BSE). Setting out station default file extension.
Decimals in Height: Number of decimal points to write in setting out station heights.
Draw Stations in 3D: Offers possibility of drawing stations in 2D or 3D as AutoCAD objects.
Positive Tolerance (0.1) : Positive tolerance in points analysis from alignment and terrain.
Negative Tolerance (0.1) : Negative tolerance in points analysis from alignment and terrain.
Apply Reduction to the Ellipsoid (Off). If this option is activated, this reduction is applied to distance
calculations.

Volumes
Configuration parameters to calculate earthwork volumes, as well as to compare areas and
volumes. Consult the Reference Manual for further details.

Customization

27

Volume Layer (Volume). Name of the layer where volumes are represented graphically.
Volume File Extension (VOL). Extension for files that store volume calculation information.
Minimum Height Difference (0.05). Minimum difference in meters so that volume may be calculated.
Decimal numbers in elevations (3). Number of decimals for height values in volume reports.
Cutting Factor (1.0) : Factor applicable to a cutting surface.
Fill (1.0) : Factor applicable to a fill surface.
Profiles Method. Allows one to select from either the Average Area or
Prismatoids methods. Consult the Volumes > Volume Measurement List command for further details.
Volume mesh representation
Minimum height difference for cut : For cut values whose increase in height is less than this value, cells
will be drawn in white colour.
Minimum height difference for fill : For fill values whose increase in height is less than this value, cells
will be drawn in white colour.

Maps
Shows the configuration parameters for 3D grid drawings, slope maps and height maps.

Definition of Layers
Grid (GRID): Name of the layer for drawing 3D grids.
Heights (HEIGHTS) : Name of the layer for the height map.
Slopes (SLOPES) : Name of the layer for the slope map.
Slope Dir (SLOPE_DIR) : Name of the layer for the slope directions map.
Slope Arrows (ARROWS) : Name of the layer for the slope arrows map.
Visibility (VISIBILITY) : Name of the layer for the visibility map.
Solids (SOLIDS) : Name of the layer for drawing solids.

Parameters
Cell size (5.0) : Default cell size.

28

MDT Version 7

Height Exaggeration (1.0) : Default height exaggeration.

Legend size (0.05) :
ASCII Grid Files Extension (MLL) : Extension of files used to export grids in ASCII format.
Binary Grid File Extension (MLB) : Extension of files used to export grids in binary format.

Materials
Sets the materials to be used by the different commands found in the Maps/Render sub-menu.
Consult the Reference Manual for further information.

The Description of materials is merely informative. It describes the triangle type which will be
applied to the material. The following kinds of triangles are differentiated according to the command with
which they are generated.
Type
Normal
MTSubgrade
MTCutting
MTFill
Median
Platform
Ditch
Cutting
Fill

MDT Command
Create Surface
Earthwork
Earthworks
Earthworks
Modified Terrain
Modified Terrain
Modified Terrain
Modified Terrain
Modified Terrain

Colour of material is used in case of not using the option to assign materials, in Draw Solids
command. In this case the command execution is faster.
Texture indicates the type of texture that will be applied to the material in the representation of the
modelling.
The Edit button lets you change any element. The New button to create new materials that can be
assigned manually using the command Maps/Render > Assign Materials.

Customization

29

Texture: Name of texture.

Anaglyphs
Parameters related to the Draw Anaglyphs command. The names of the layers where anaglyph
curves will be drawn, as well as the colours to be used can be set. The Interpupilar parameter represents
Observation parameter represents the distance from which
the anaglyph will be observed.

Colour Palette Setting

This allows the configuration of the colour palette to be used when drawing the Heights Map,
Slopes Map, Slope Direction Map, Cut Volumes and Fill Volumes.. Information about the different
kinds of palettes is stored in the file
in the directory
.

30

MDT Version 7

Each command has its palette configured by default and one can be chosen from amongst all those
available. A screenshot has been shown below showing some of the palettes available by default in the
program.

Updates
For users with valid support subscription, MDT can check if there are available updates. If you
disable Download Updates check box, this feature will be disabled.

You can control how often the program checks for new updates. Usually the updates are available at
beginning of each month. Also you can set up how many old updates are stored, so that it will be possible
to remove the last changes to the program.
When the program downloads an update, it waits until the user close CAD session. Then it asks if
you want to install the update. If you accept the installation is launched and user has to wait for the CAD
session fully terminate before proceeding with the installation.

Customization

31

List of Layers
Layer
3DFACES
ALIGN_DIR
ALIGNMENT
ANAGLYPH_LEFT
ANAGLYPH_RIGHT
ARROWS
BOUNDARY
BREAK
CESPECIAL
CMAJOR
CMINOR
CODES
CONTACTS
COORD_STATION
CROSSES
CURVATURE
CVER
DEFGRL
DTM
ENVIRONMENT
ERROR_ALIGN
ERROR_CROSSES
ERROR_ELIPSES
ERROR_POINTS
ERROR_SURF
ERROR_VERTICES
GRADE LINE
GRID
HEIGHTS
INTERSEC
ISLANDS
JOINT_ERROR
LABELS
LABELS
LONGPROF
MASSD
N
OBSERVATIONS
PLOTS
POINTS
PRVGRL
ROADBED
SLOPE_DIR
SLOPES
SLOPES
SLOPES
SOLIDS
STATIONS
SUBGRADE
SUPERELEV
TERRAIN
VISIBILITY
VOLUME
WALLS
WIDENING
XSECNUMDATA

32

Description
Rendering of surfaces as 3D faces
Alignment dimensioning
Alignment
Anaglyph: left eye
Anaglyph: right eye
Slope direction arrows map
Inclusion and exclusion areas in the triangulation
Break lines
Special contour lines
Major contour lines
Normal contour lines
Surveying point codes
Contacts in earthworks
Solutions of each of the stations
Drawing of crossings and coordinates
Longitudinal profile curvature diagrams
Contour line errors
Definitive grade line
Digital model
Surroundings of modified terrain profiles
Alignment tangent error
Break line error
Ellipse error drawing
Break line error
Break line error
Break line error
Definition of grade line
3d grid
Height map
Alignment intersection
Surface islands
Error when joining curves
Contour line labels
Point and station labels
Longitudinal profiles
Mass diagram
Point Numbers
Station observations
Plots
Intersection of surveying point blocks
Prior grade line
Roadbed in cross-sections
Slope directions map
Slope drawings
Slopes map
Slopes in earthworks
Drawing of solids
Setting out stations
Subgrade in earthworks
Diagram of superelevations in longitudinal profiles
Terrain profile drawing
Visibility map drawing
Volumes graphic
Displaced parallels
Drawing of additional widths
Cross-section numerical data

MDT Version 7

XSECTION
XSECTION
XSECTIONS
Z

Customization

Cross-sections
Cross-sections in the alignments and cross-sections option
Representation of cross-section cuts
Surveying point heights

33

File Extensions
The following table shows the file extensions supported by the system.
Extension
ALN
ANL
BLK
BSE
CAP
CAT
CFG
CFR
CTO
CUN
DAT
DST
DWG
DXF
EJE
FIR
GDE
GEO
GSB
HTM
INC
ITV
LEA
LEV
LON
LVO
MDT
MLB
MLL
MNU
MSB
MSG
MTR
NTR
PER
PKC
PKD
PLA
POL
PRN
PUN
RAS
RED
REP
ROT
SCC
SEG
SIM
SOB
STS
SUP
TAL
TDB
TRA

34

Vertices
ASCII
ASCII
Binary
ASCII
ASCII
ASCII
ASCII
ASCII
ASCII
ASCII
ASCII
ASCII
Binary
ASCII
ASCII
ASCII
Binary
ASCII
Binary
ASCII
ASCII
ASCII
ASCII
Binary
ASCII
ASCII
Binary
Binary
ASCII
ASCII
Binary
ASCII
Binary
ASCII
ASCII
ASCII
ASCII
ASCII
ASCII
ASCII
ASCII
ASCII
ASCII
ASCII
ASCII
Binary
Binary
ASCII
ASCII
ASCII
Binary
ASCII
ASCII
ASCII

Description
Alignments
Setting out points analysis
Block definition
Setting out stations
List of layers
Roadbed catalogue
Configuration
Roadbed layers
Complete setting out list
Ditches
Configuration
Distances in profile
AutoCAD drawings
Drawing interchange
Alignments
Roadbeds
Geoids
Geographical coordinates
Datum transformations in NTv2 format
Transformation reports
Incomplete cross-sections
Longitudinal profile intervals
ASCII surveying
Topographic surveying
Longitudinal profiles
Volumes list
Digital model
3D binary grid
3D ASCII grid
Menus
Program messages
Materials definition
Coordinate transformations
Superelevations
Station and height
Station and setting out distance
Platforms
Traverses
ASCII lists
Point coordinates
Grade line
Network in surveying module
Setting out results
Break lines
Cross-Sections
Segment
Points representation configuration
Additional Widths
Origin and destination CRS configuration
Surfaces
Slopes
Cross sections drawing configuration
Cross-sections

MDT Version 7

Extension
TRM
VOL

Customization

Vertices
Binary
ASCII

Description
Sections
Volume report

35

List of Block Files

The following are blocks the program uses in its different commands. These blocks may be
customized by the user
In addition to the ones appearing below, there are also other blocks that can be associated to the
Codes Database by points in the
and
folders. There is also the
folder for
3Dstudio objects that can be used in the Maps/Render commands.
Name

36

Directory

Description
Labelling of coordinates in
cartography sheets
Crossing in cartography sheets
Arrow in directions map
X-Coordinate labelling
Labelling of X and Y coordinates
Labelling of X, Y and Z
coordinates
Parabolic transition curve
Alignment labelling
Alignment labelling
Alignment labelling
Alignment labelling
Alignment labelling
Alignment labelling
Parabolic vertical vertex
Circular vertical vertex
Parabolic circular curve
Circular transition curve
Heights and distances
Superelevations diagram
Graphic scale
Horizontal and vertical scales in
profiles
Road intersection
Entry tangent vertical transition
curve
Exit tangent vertical transition
curve

MDT Version 7

Program Files
The following shows the usefulness of different application folders and their most important
files. Every of the files inside each module are classified by language (<lang>). Currently supported
languages are Spanish (es), English (en) and Portuguese (pt).

Blocks
Block files for internal use or to be used in Point Codes Database. They are stored in folder

Config
The following files are stored in folder
They contain the different configuration parameters.
Name

Directory

Description
CSS style sheet for lists in
HTML format
Drawing scales
Sheet formats
Alignment library
Microsoft Word reports
template
Numerical data with two
grade lines
Numerical data with two
terrains
Composite profile
numerical data
Simple profile numerical
data
Cross-Section numerical
data
Height map
Slope directions map
Slopes map
Materials
Rendering parameters
Group I superelevations
Group II superelevations
Blocks on longitudinal
profiles
Blocks in cross-sections
Sheet definition
Codes database
Point levels
Vertex codes
Roadbed catalogue
Default blocks
Default ditches
Default roadbeds
Default materials
Default platforms
Default slopes
Default platform vectors

Program Files\Common Files\Aplitop\Geodesy

Geodesy module files
Name

Customization

Description
NTv2 grid for Australia
NTv2 grid for Baleares (Spain)
NTv2 grid for Germany
NTv2 grid for Liechtenstein and Switzerland
Listing of countries

37

Name

Description
World geoid NGA (U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence
Agency)
Geoid for Spain from EGM96 (NGA)
Geoid for Spain from EGM2008 (NGA)
Geiod for Pennsula y Baleares IGN Spain
Geoid para Canary Islands IGN Spain
EPSG database usage terms
EPSG database
Geoid for Portugal IGN Portugal
Geoid for Pennsula and Baleares IGN Spain
Geoid for Catalonia - ICC
Geoid for Comunidad Valenciana ICV Spain
Geoid for Pennsula and Baleares (Spain) Universidad de
Almera y Universidad Mohamed I (Oujda-Marruecos)
NTv2 grid for Australia
NTv2 grid for New Zealand
NTv2 grid for Spain
NTv2 grid for France
NTv2 for New Caledonia
NTv2 grid for New Caledonia (distrito de Noumea)
NTv2 grid for Pennsula and Baleares (Spain)
NTv2 grid for Pennsula and Baleares (Spain) Version 2
User ellipsoids
Geocentric user CRS
Geodesic user datums
Geodetic user datum shifts
Geographic user CRS
Projected user CRS
Vertical user CRS
Vertical user datums
Vertical user datum shifts

Doc\7\<lang>
Application manuals in Acrobat Reader TM format.

Dotnet
Program files based in Microsoft .NET technology.

Bin
Files part of MDT system from where among other things tapes or external editions AutoCAD
profiles, shafts, risers are controlled ...

Formats
The files that store the MDT commands have the
root directory and in the
. The latter also stores the
command files for the different format conversions for stations, alignments, slopes, etc.

Help\<lang>
the
directory.

Projects

38

MDT Version 7

Program modules folders

Folder

Software

R16

AutoCAD 2004, 2005 and 2006

R17

AutoCAD 2007, 2008 and 2009

R18 [x64]

AutoCAD 2010, 2011 and 2012

R19 [x64]

AutoCAD 2013 and 2014

R20 [x64]

AutoCAD 2015

ZWP2012

ZwCAD 2012+

ZWP2014

ZwCAD 2014+

BC12

BrcisCAD 12

BC13 [x64]

BrcisCAD 13

BC14 [x64]

BricsCAD 14

Support/<lang>
Different support files. Depending on their extension, they can be the following:
Resources : Files with the

and

Messages : Files with the

stored in these files.

extension . Program messages shown in different parts of the program are

Menus : Files with the

extension. They contain the menu and tool bar options for each of the

Dialogs : Files with the

Visor
DirectX-based realistic image viewer.

Customization

39