Referencing or Importing .dgn files into .dwg files?

[Anonymous]

I haven't found a solution in previous discussions. My office uses both Microstation and AutoCAD. When I try to reference or import a .dgn file into a .dwg file, the .dgn does not come in at real world coordinates. However, if I convert the .dgn file to a .dwg file, then reference that newly created .dwg file, it comes in just fine. However, converting the .dgn to a .dwg each time an update is made to the .dgn file significantly compromises work flow and is therefore not the solution. I'd greatly appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks!

[ToddRogers-WPM]

You have to use MAPIMPORT.

[AllenJessup · Accepted solution]

Do either of these factors come in to play when attaching or undrelaying when using DGNATTACH or DGNIMPORT?

Conversion Units

Matches the DWF file’s drawing units to the master units and sub-units specified in the DGN file. For example, if the DGN file has master units set to meters, and sub-units set to millimeters, and you want the DWG to be set to millimeters, select sub-units in the Attach DGN Underlay dialog box.

• Master Units - Matches the DWG drawing units to the master units set in the DGN file.
• Sub Units - Matches the DWG drawing units to the sub- units set in the DGN file.

Scale Factor

Specifies the scale factor of the selected DGN underlay and the scale factor units. You can enter a scale factor at the command prompt or click onscreen with the mouse.

If INSUNITS is set to “unitless” or if the underlay does not contain resolution information, the scale factor becomes the underlay width in AutoCAD units. If INSUNITS has a value such as millimeters, centimeters, inches, or feet, and the underlay has resolution information, the scale factor is applied after the true width of the underlay in AutoCAD units is determined.

When importing a DGN file, specify the conversion units (master units or sub-units) based on the DWG file's drawing units. For example, if you receive a DGN file with master units set to meters, and sub-units set to millimeters, and you need the drawing units of the DWG file to be in meters, then select master units in the Import DGN Settings dialog box. This matches the meters in the DGN file to the meters in the DWG file

Allen

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your input! I set INSUNITS to 0. Then, after checking the scale of the dgn file, set the master units to 1 and subunits to 1/12 in the DGNATTACH dialogue box because the DGN file was set to feet and inches. This seems to work! Hopefully no more hiccups.

Joe Porter, PLA, ASLA
Ken Saiki Design, Inc.
608.251.3600
www.ksd-la.com

FIND US ON [Description: Description: Description: facebook_15x15] [Description: Description: Description: linkedin_15x15]

[Anonymous]

Still having the same issues. Whatever I try, the .dgn file does not come in at world coordinates/overlay the .dwg file accurately. INSUNITS set to 0 seems to get it the closest, but it's still way off. I've tried messing around with the .dgn's master units, sub units and even resolution, and nothing seems to work. Does anyone out there know enough about microstation to provide a solution? For whatever reason, the file references in accurately when I save it to a .dwg. Thanks in advance for your help!

[ToddRogers-WPM]

Did you use MAPIMPORT?

[ToddRogers-WPM]

In MAPIMPORT you should have a drawing coordinate system show up (unlike mine) and if not you can set it from there...

Also make sure to check the box for Import polygons as closed polylines.