Excel to Microstation

Craig J. Lanphear

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Jun 4, 1997, 3:00:00 AM6/4/97

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Hello:

I would like to learn how to take an excel spreadsheet and import it
into Microstation.

I have a spreadsheet that looks like:

Location 1 Location 2
Item No. Name Quantity Quantity Subtotal Spare Total

1108A Cable 200 100 300 10 310

.....etc...

I Would like to import this data into DGN file "Detailed Quantity
Estimate Sheet". Currently I enter the spreadsheet data into the
drawing file manually editing text nodes. Text fields and importing
this data would be a nice way to get around doing twice the work.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Craig J. Lanphear
Transportation Engineer

Mark Brinkman

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Jun 6, 1997, 3:00:00 AM6/6/97

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If it's just graphic formatting of the spreadsheet into a dgn file, you
can use the cut and paste function between the two applications. We do
this with door schedules, sheet lists, etc., with good success. The text
comes into the dgn file in tabular format with the text settings as
currently set up in the dgn file.

There are more sophisticated ways to link the data, including "paste
special", but just to get the info on a drawing, cut and paste works
fine.

SThane

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Jun 6, 1997, 3:00:00 AM6/6/97

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Good Luck!

There doesn't seem to be any easy AUTOMATED way to do it.

One way to accomplish this without having to re-align all of the columns
after import is to open the spreadsheet in Word and save it as text with
layout. Then, in MicroStation, set the text properties that you want,
including the Justification to Upper Left. Next, select File>Import>Text
and select the file that you just created from Word. This will import the
TEXT from the spreadsheet, holding the spaces between columns and rows.

I am currently working on an Excel Add-In that will draw a selected range
in a MicroStation design file. It will allow the user to customize the
Level, Weight, Line Code, Color and Fonts of the Excel borders, grids and
text.

Chad Berreau

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Jun 7, 1997, 3:00:00 AM6/7/97

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I think there could be a way to automate the paste special link process.

After all there is the "Edit Links" dialog under Edit, though as of
5.5.3.31 IMO is not stable for practical use. And doesn't like it if you
attempt to redirect a link to a different file.

But the point is there does exist the basis for continued development in
this area, but not today.

Lets attempt to define and refine a "wish list" for future development
of Ole links. then submitting a complete list to
change....@bentley.com

1. the ability to browse attach a range from another file.
2. the abitity to alter the size of the range.
3. the ability to duplicate a link, then do 1 & 2 above.
4. lock the entity type, such that selection/fence tool operations don't
effect the link,
5. ability to view the length of a link in a file.
6. the ability to redirect the search path of the link.
7. mass modification of these links.
8. hyperlinking the links. so that upon editing the link in ms, the
other app and its file are launched and the link established for
editting.

With these capabilities stabilized, I could then do the next step of
seed file management in this area. That is develop a "schedule" seed
file for both applications files, with links already made. Then I could
make a copy/save as the seed to the projects location. go into
microstation, to redirect the spreadsheet file. make the necessary
modifications at all stage of a project.

--

Chad Berreau