Novapoint Road Library

When alignment design is started the main dialogue is loaded, containing a set of tables (tabs), one set related to horizontal design, and a second set related to profile (vertical) design.

Tab basics

• Tabs for the vertical are displayed in a darker color to distinguish them from tabs related to horizontal geometry.
• Hide or show tabs: Tools > Options > Tables (Tip: Double click any tab to directly open this dialogue)
• Turn off/on the display of mass distribution, chainage, and elevation.
• Use the scroll buttons on the left side to scroll the tabs in all tabs that are not visible in the user interface.

Table basics

• Hide or Show table columns: Double click any column heading of the tab
• White cells are editable and grey cells are not
• Text color is used to:
  • Make a visual relation to the graphical elements (blue = line elements, etc)
  • Indicate problems
  • Give a visual representation of negative and positive values
• When editing input parameters in the table, the graphics will dynamically update, and vice-versa.

For a brief description of the tables, refer to the following topics:

The table with the input data of horizontal geometry forms the base for the alignment calculation in NADB.

• Customize the user interface by minimizing the number of tabs (Input H/V, Result H/V, Errors H/V, etc.) to be displayed in the user interface using the dialog 'Options'.
  • Double click any tab (Input H/V, Result H/V, Errors H/V, Ref. Points, History, etc.) of the user interface to open the dialog 'Options'.
• Customize the user interface by turning off any of the columns, 'Parameter', 'End Radius', and all the columns of 'Coordinates in Input H' (E1, N1, E2, and N2) using the dialog 'Options'.
  • Double click any column heading of the tab 'Input H' or 'Input V' of the user interface to open the dialog 'Options'.
• Every line in the table represents an element in the alignment and the first line is always the first element.
• A common feature for all the tables is that the cells containing no input data are grey.

• Every element in the alignment is numbered in the calculation order in a consecutive fashion.
• The element number can be edited by writing a new number in the number area.
• The elements are renumbered automatically, but the requirement is that it is a positive number.

• There are three different element types: line, arc, and transition (clothoid).
• These elements can be combined in a number of different combinations, but not all combinations allow for a successful calculation.
• The different elements have colors that correspond with the colors of the design line (alignment on AutoCAD drawing).

• Fixed: The element or elements extension is going between two determined fixed points (draggable).
• Partly Fixed: The element or elements extension is going through one determined fixed point (rotate able).
• Approximate: Floating element i.e. no fixed points on the element. Set radius and bordering elements determine the element's placement. The approximate point, which is declared by (x1, y1) is used in these cases where two mathematical solutions are present. The solution, which places the alignment closest to the approximate points, is chosen.
• Approximate Radius: Only applicable for arcs. An arc is fixed in a declared fixed point and the arc's radius is calculated as a result of this.
• Length: An element decided by the length. Assign the element's length in the column for length.
• Centre:
• For more details, refer to 'Segment Classification'.

• This column displays the radian value of an element, like Arcs.
• If the element is a transition (clothoid) this is displayed in the transitions (clothoid) starting radius.

• The radius of transition curve at its last chainage.

• This column displays the element's length at the time where this was input data for this element, in other cases, refer to Parameter.

• Transition curve parameter (A)
• The transition element - clothoid – is represented by the parameter A.
• The formula for the clothoid is A^2=L*R
• L = Clothoids length and R = Resulting radian.
• From the formula, it is evident that A and L is two sides to the same thing, and that theoretically it is possible to use parameters or length for one specific clothoid. In relation to road design, the parameters are used to describe the clothoid.

• A short or long arc

• The coordinates of end points of line elements.

This is the table that holds the result data for the horizontal geometry and displays the calculated result from the alignment calculation.

Every row in the table is linked to one element in the alignment, where the first line in the table corresponds to the first element in the alignment.

When the alignment is mathematically incorrect (Calc Not OK), the error will be illustrated in the table 'Error H/V'.

• Click on the field 'Calc Not OK' to view the error illustration on the respective table (Error H/V).
• This table will display only the details related error.
• Errors related to horizontal geometry will be shown on 'Error H' and errors related to vertical geometry will be shown on 'Error V'.

These tables display the traditional transcription for the horizontal or vertical input data in the NADB format, which can be helpful for those who are familiar with this format.

These tables display the traditional transcription from the result from the NADB calculation.

• This table will display error messages if the calculation was not successful.
• Scroll down and look for the error messages before the calculation results part of the report.
• To save this report, select the function 'Save As' from the menu 'File'.

This table displays the traditional transcription from the NADB calculation in a ten-table form.

• This table is normally the export format for the horizontal geometry.
• The ten table is saved as a file from the menu 'File' and saved in the *.TIT file format.

Reference points are used to control the desired maximum and/or minimum distance from selected reference points to the alignment. Reference points do not control the alignment; their role is to be a visual guide and help in designing the alignment. The reference points, which do not fulfill the set requirements of maximum and/or minimum distance, are displayed as red values in the table and with an open circle in the drawing.

• This table handles any possible reference points.
• This table is common for both the horizontal and vertical alignment drawings.

Reference points can be defined using any of the following options:

1. Using the shortcut menu.
2. Enter values in the column for 'First Chainage' and 'horizontal distance'.
   • The distance to the left of the alignment is entered with a negative number.
   • The points placement can be edited by moving the reference point grips in the drawing or by editing 'Chainage/Distance' or X, Y, Z in the table.

The different operations concerning the reference points are not saved in history, thus undo is not possible with the aid of history.

• Define a name for the reference point.

The display of the reference points can be any of the following:

• Only as a symbol
• Symbol and the point name
• Hidden

Select the desired display type from the pull-down menu of the cell.

The corresponding chainage for the reference point will be displayed.

• Edit the chainage if the reference point is to be moved to another chainage.
• You can also drag the reference point holding the grip.

Coordinates and elevations for the reference points are displayed in these columns.

• Edit the value if the reference point is to be moved.
• You can also drag the reference point holding the grip.

The calculated vertical slope from the reference point to the alignment is displayed in this column. The slope is presented as defined in the setting 'Vertical' of the function 'Options'.

The calculated vertical distance between the reference point and the alignment is displayed in this column. Negative values indicate that the reference point is lower than the alignment.

The minimum vertical distance from the alignment to the reference point is to be defined in this column. Define negative values if the reference points are to be lower than the alignment.

The maximum vertical distance from the alignment to the reference point is to be defined in this column. Define negative values if the reference points are to be lower than the alignment.

The horizontal distance from the reference point to the alignment is displayed in this column. Negative values indicate that the reference point is to the left side of alignment in the direction of chainage. An alignment design not fulfilling the required distances to the reference point will be marked with a red color.

The minimum horizontal distance from the alignment to the reference point is to be defined in this column. Use negative values if the reference point is to the left of the alignment in the direction of chainage.

The maximum horizontal distance from the alignment to the reference point is to be defined in this column. Use negative value if the reference point is to the left of the alignment in the direction of chainage.

The desired color for the display of the reference point can be defined from the cells of this column.

Use the shortcut menu for adding reference points in the table by selecting one of the 'Add' options in the menu:

Activating the shortcut menu.

This menu option adds a reference point in the list but leaves the values for placement open. The user must assign Chainage and distance, or coordinates N, E, Z manually.

This option adds a reference point in the N, E coordinates where the user points in the drawing. The Z-coordinate is derived from the terrain model in the current coordinate to place the reference point on the terrain surface.

Allows for elements from the drawing to be picked. The alignment design calculates the reference points along the element with intervals, which is stated in the command line as well as the element's end points.

Deletes marked reference points. By holding down the Shift-button a number of reference points can be marked.

Sorts all the reference points in alphabetical order according to the point’s name. The point's name can be edited by typing a new name in the column for the name.

Sorts the reference points according to chainage.

Zoom selected/marked points.

If there are a number of reference points marked and the shortcut menu is accessed additional options in the menu are displayed:

Hides the selected symbols referring to the selected points in the drawing.

Draws the selected reference points as symbols in the drawing.

Draws the selected reference points as names in the drawing.

Deletes the selected points both in the table/list and drawing.

Gives an option of assigning all the selected points the same color in the drawing.

Move the selected points a set distance from the construction line. If the points are to be placed left of the construction line a negative distance is used.

States the minimum permitted distance between the point and the construction line declared with a value. To state the distance left of the construction line, a negative value must be used.

States the maximum permitted distance between the point and the construction line declared with a value. To state the distance left of the construction line, a negative value must be used.

History is a powerful function where different alternatives can be saved. Just mark a step when designing the alignment as an alternative to be saved, and continue with optimizing the alignment, both horizontally and vertically.

• This table saves all the operations performed on the horizontal and vertical alignment.
• The history table allows the user to jump between design steps and to toggle between previously calculated options and different alternatives.
• When the function 'Alignment Design' is closed, only the alignments, which were marked as an alternative alignment in the table 'History' (column 'Alt') will be saved. Other steps will be lost.
• Users can describe the alternatives using the option 'User Comment'.
• Reference point operations are not saved in the history.

A green tick in this column indicates a saved operation where the calculation of the horizontal alignment was successful.

A red tick in this column indicates a saved operation where the calculation of the horizontal alignment was not successful.

A green tick in this column indicates a saved operation where the calculation of the vertical alignment was successful.

A red tick in this column indicates a saved operation where the calculation of the vertical alignment was not successful.

To save the selected design step as an alternative, double click in the column 'Alt' or select 'Alternative' from the shortcut menu.

The alternatives are saved on the drawn alignment object in the drawing. For creating a number of different alternatives for the same horizontal alignment, use the option 'Alternatives'. A tick in the column 'Alternatives' indicates that an alignment of this kind is saved. Users can store different alternatives of the same alignment when the function 'Alignment Design' is closed using the button 'OK Draw'.

Together with the alternatives, possible user comments can be saved too.

To mark the selected design step, double click in the column 'Mark', or access the shortcut menu and choose 'Mark' or from the menu Edit, History using the option 'Set Mark'.

This mark is used to mark the starting alignment when it is uncertain if the outcome will be successful. With the function 'Go Back to Mark' from the menu Edit, History one can easily undo the operations up to the mark.

The mark is not saved on the drawn alignment object in the drawing. To save different alternatives of the alignment use the option 'Alternative'.

Gives a short description of the operation performed on the horizontal alignment.

Gives a short description of the operation performed on the vertical alignment.

Text field. Double click in the field for user comments and enter text. User comment is saved in connection to the Alternative that is saved on the drawn horizontal alignment.

Activating shortcut menu.

Use the shortcut menu to set a mark, select as an alternative, or insert a user comment to the highlighted step.

Copy will make a copy at the bottom of the history list of the highlighted step.

Draw, Draw as 3D Polyline or Draw with offset will draw the highlighted step in the current horizontal drawing as described here.

Delete will delete the highlighted step from the history list.

This table is predominantly in accordance with the horizontal alignment input data. In this table information, which is different from the horizontal input data (Input H), is described.

• Customize the user interface by minimizing the number of tabs (Input H/V, Result H/V, Errors H/V, etc.) to be displayed in the user interface using the dialog 'Options'.
  • Double click any tab (Input H/V, Result H/V, Errors H/V, Ref. Points, History, etc.) of the user interface to open the dialog 'Options'.
• Customize the user interface by turning off the columns of 'Coordinates in Input V' (Chainage1, Level1, Chainage2, and Level2) using the dialog 'Options'.
  • Double click any column heading of the tab 'Input H' or 'Input V' of the user interface to open the dialog 'Options'.

• The construction of the vertical geometry is very similar to the construction of the horizontal geometry.
• You can work with arcs and lines but the transition (clothoid) element type is removed when vertical geometry is active.
• Fixed points and their fixation are applicable the same way as for the horizontal geometry ('Input H').
• One apparent distinction is the element sequence in the vertical geometry is very often L-R-L with the arc as approximate, surrounded by two fixed lines.
  • The two line's fixed points that are closest to the arc is automatically placed in the same point by the program, a so-called Angular point.
  • If one of these points is moved, one of the fixed points for both lines is moved.
  • If it is desirable to work only with one of these lines, split the angular points i.e., removing the common fixed points for the line. This can easily be done in the input data table by accessing the shortcut menu and choose the option 'Split Angular Points'.
  • This option is only applicable for the selected arcs angular top points if one line is selected for the consecutive arcs angular top point. The opposite action to this is to Calculate angular points.
• In the vertical geometry, element slopes can be locked and set the length for particular arcs. (More information on this further down.) The length will overrule the radius.
• Vertical geometry parables instead of arcs will be handled the same way as arcs.
  • Instead of Radius, Kv will be displayed which is the radian result.
  • Exporting the vertical geometry containing parables in the *.PRF file format is not possible because this format is built on tangent points and arcs.
  • To export in this file format, change the program to calculate in arcs, export the file and then change it back to parables.
  • The conversion to the parable is done with the environment variable in the Road Model (VIPS) in Windows. Refer to 'Activating parabolic curves. If VIPS has the value P, parables are calculated, otherwise arcs.
  • If the program calculates with parables, Parable will be displayed in the user interface instead of 'Arc'.

Arcs can be declared with a horizontal length instead of a radius. If a new length is entered in this column it overrules the radian/radius that is calculated. If the length is no longer going to rule enter 0 (zero) in the column for length or a new value for the radius can be entered.

K value is the input value for the vertical curves (sag or summit). Refer to the topic 'K - Value' for more details.

Entering a value in the slope column can lock the line's slope. The value, which is entered, is dependent on the set-up chosen for the slope presentation. When the slope is determined the direction of the slope must be set.

If a slope direction is set, one of the fixed points is locked to the fixed element. The second fixed point is calculated in accordance with the locked fixed point and set slope. Thus only fixed elements can have a set slope.

• Slope direction forward locks the 1:a fixed point and calculates 2:a.
• Slope direction backward locks the 2:a fixed point and calculates 1:a.
• Slope direction Varying opens the slope lock.

The fixed point's coordinates are declared with Chainage and Elevation instead of X, Y. The fixed point is in relation to X, Y in plane (view) even though the horizontal geometry’s length is changed, the vertical geometry’s fixed points are still in plane (view). The vertical alignment is recalculated in accordance to the new horizontal alignment length.

Displays the result of the latest alignment calculation, which was successful. This table cannot be edited. The editing can be done in 'Input V'.