Understanding Reference Data - Intergraph Smart 3D - Reference Data - Hexagon PPM

Intergraph Smart 3D Reference Data

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English
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Intergraph Smart 3D
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Reference Data
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Reference Data
Smart 3D Version
13

In order to use the software for process design, you must have reference data. Reference data can be graphical or non-graphical in nature. For example, reference data includes graphical symbols that you can place in the model, such as equipment or piping components. Reference data also includes non-graphical, tabular data, such as catalog data and specification data. Catalog data includes the parts that you place in the model, such as piping components and equipment. Specification data includes the rules that govern how those parts are placed and connected.

Understanding how the reference data in the software works is essential to effective use of the software. For example, when you route pipe, nearly everything you see on a Properties dialog box comes from reference data. While you route pipe, you are also constrained by piping specification rules in reference data.

The software delivers the reference data in Microsoft Excel workbooks. In this flexible format, you can edit the reference data, as well as add your own. For example, Excel allows you to copy entire sheets of data and then modify some parameters. Another way to add or edit the reference data is to use the commands in the Catalog task in the software. For more information, see the documentation available for the Catalog task.

The catalog information is also user-customizable in terms of its data structure. You can organize the delivered reference data into groups in the way that makes sense for your company or project. For example, you can group the objects by type. These groups are often referred to as classes.

You can migrate PDS piping specifications to use with the current software. The software provides a tool that allows you to populate dimension table rules to update industry commodity codes. For more information, see Using the PDS Translator.

Solid Edge®, Visual Basic®, and 2D Symbols are important tools for creating reference data. You can use Solid Edge to create parametric or non-parametric symbols; however, client computers used to modify Solid Edge parametric symbols after placement must have Solid Edge loaded. Visual Basic provides programming tools for creating more sophisticated, parameterized parts. Both Solid Edge and Visual Basic are used for creating three- dimensional symbols. 2D Symbols provides the ability to create layer-based cross sections for use in the Structure task.

To add a large amount of reference data to the catalog, use the Bulkload utility to transfer Excel workbook data into the Catalog database. Each workbook is organized in a particular way in order to specify the objects, their properties, and the relationship of the objects to the rest of the hierarchy.

The following picture shows the overall workflow of creating reference data for the software. You can create graphical data in 2D Symbols, Solid Edge, or Visual Basic (A). Excel workbooks contain tabular data (B). You use the Bulkload utility (C) to populate the Catalog database (D). Using the software, you place items in the Model database (E).

(A) - Graphical data
(B) - Tabular data
(C) - Bulkload utility
(D) - Catalog database and schema
(E) - Model database

See Also

Looking at How the Catalog Database Fits In
Learning about Reference Data Types