Design Defaults

Default graphic attributes, such as colour, line type and pattern, can be set for design objects. Any design object that is then created will have the default colour, line type and pattern applied. Other design defaults that can be set are values for Z (Elevation), gradient and W tag. The design defaults are set by using the Status toolbar.

Figure 1: Status toolbar

Z level

The value entered here is used as the Z coordinate for all digitising options that do not request or calculate a Z value. The Z value must be between the minimum and maximum Z values that have been defined in the job specification file.

Gradient

The gradient (angle) can be entered as a ratio, inclination or percentage. Negative values are allowed. To reset the gradient for the design of horizontal lines, enter a ratio of 0:1.

See also the grade specification notes in the Analyse > Detail > Full option.

W tag

The W tag or fourth parameter (the other three being X, Y and Z) can be used to hold an additional value. The Open Cut Design submenu (under Open Pit) uses this parameter to store the batter angle and berm width.

Colour

The colour is selected from the current colour table.

Line type

The line type is selected from a list supplied with Vulcan.

Pattern

The pattern is selected from a patterns file.