cad explorer

Users Guide

CadExplorerInstant Google-like search and replace capabilitiesfor MicroStation!

Version 4.5

Axiom1805 Drew StreetClearwater, Florida 33765727-442-7774 voice727-442-8344 [email protected]

CadExplorer

Copyright 20082013 Axiom.All rights reserved.

This document was last modified on 31 May 2013 3:31 PM.

Limited Warranty (Excerpted from the Axiom End User Software LicenseAgreement, see the full text of your Axiom End User Software License Agreement for

complete details.) LICENSEE is advised to test the SOFTWARE thoroughly beforerelying on it. The SOFTWARE is provided as is without warranty of any kind, either

expressed or implied, including, but not limited to the implied warranties ofmerchantability and fitness for a particular purpose and the entire risk as to the quality

and performance of the SOFTWARE is with LICENSEE.

Governing Law This Agreement (Axiom End User Software License Agreement)shall be governed by the laws of the State of Florida, United States of America. Venuefor the resolution of any dispute arising out of this Agreement shall be Pinellas County,

Florida, USA or, if that is not possible, the nearest court of competent jurisdiction thereto.

Google is a registered trademark of Google Inc.Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

MicroStation and MDL are registered trademarks of Bentley Systems, Incorporated.AutoCAD is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Incorporated.

Chapter 1 Introducing CadExplorer Page 3

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introducing CadExplorer --------------------------------------------------- 7The secret Google-MicroStation baby was born in 2008! --------------------------------------7CadExplorers abilities are unprecedented. -------------------------------------------------------7Analyze and modify project data in ways never before possible. -----------------------------8A new addition to the happy family AutoCAD support! ------------------------------------8

Chapter 2 Installation----------------------------------------------------------------------- 9Server Prerequisites ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------9Client Computer Prerequisites----------------------------------------------------------------------9CadExplorer Master Installer -------------------------------------------------------------------- 10CadExplorer Quick Start -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10

CadExplorer Samples------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11System Administrator Details -------------------------------------------------------------------- 11

Net.Tcp Port Sharing Service ---------------------------------------------------------------- 11Windows Accounts for Batch Updates ----------------------------------------------------- 12

Chapter 3 Advanced Installation Topics --------------------------------------------13The Basics of Manual Installation --------------------------------------------------------------- 13

SQL Server User Accounts------------------------------------------------------------------- 13Enabling Remote SQL Server Connections ----------------------------------------------- 13Firewall Exception Rules--------------------------------------------------------------------- 13

SQL Server 2008 R2 Express--------------------------------------------------------------------- 14Prerequisite components --------------------------------------------------------------------- 14Installing Windows PowerShell ------------------------------------------------------------- 15Installing .NET 3.5 SP1 Framework-------------------------------------------------------- 16Manual Installation---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16Using a Static TCP Listening Port ---------------------------------------------------------- 17Adding a SQL account------------------------------------------------------------------------ 17Adding a Windows account------------------------------------------------------------------ 18Changing the CadExplorer Account Password-------------------------------------------- 19Enabling Remote SQL Server Connections ----------------------------------------------- 20

Chapter 4 Uninstalling --------------------------------------------------------------------21

Chapter 5 CadExplorer Browser-------------------------------------------------------22Introduction ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22The CadExplorer Browser Display -------------------------------------------------------------- 22

Drives ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22Folders ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 22Files --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23Models ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 23Elements ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23

Filtering---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23

CadExplorer

Filter Editor ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 24How Standard Tab Filters Work Together------------------------------------------------------- 25Unfiltering------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27

Unfilter Current Column --------------------------------------------------------------------- 27Temporarily Disable All Filters ------------------------------------------------------------- 27Remove All Filters ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28

Sorting ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28Unsorting -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28Grouping -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29Ungrouping ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29{Refresh} and {Refresh All} --------------------------------------------------------------------- 30Standard Tab Columns----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30

Drives Tab Default Columns----------------------------------------------------------------- 30Folders Tab Default Columns---------------------------------------------------------------- 31Files Tab Default Columns------------------------------------------------------------------- 32Models Tab Default Columns---------------------------------------------------------------- 34Elements Tab Default Columns ------------------------------------------------------------- 36

Chapter 6 Browser Edit Menu ----------------------------------------------------------41Find -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 41Replace ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 42

Modifying Element Color, Style or Weight------------------------------------------------ 43Modifying Text Element Content ----------------------------------------------------------- 43

Chapter 7 Browser View Menu ---------------------------------------------------------46Viewing Options------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 46MicroStation and AutoCAD Customization ---------------------------------------------------- 46

Chapter 8 Browser SmartViews Menu-----------------------------------------------47SmartViews Customizable ways to view your CAD data--------------------------------- 47

Standard Tabs: Factory Default views of your CAD data ------------------------------- 47Predefined SmartViews----------------------------------------------------------------------- 47User-definable SmartViews------------------------------------------------------------------ 48

Chapter 9 Browser Tools Menu --------------------------------------------------------49Introduction ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 49Proximity Search ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 49

Proximity Search by Master Units (Distance)--------------------------------------------- 50Proximity Search by Percentage ------------------------------------------------------------ 50

Database Connection ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 51Options ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 52

Chapter 10 Axiom Agent -----------------------------------------------------------------53Introduction ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 53Axiom Agent Spider Scheduling------------------------------------------------------------------ 53Axiom Agent Console ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 53

CAD File Locations Tab---------------------------------------------------------------------- 54Network Tab ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 55ProjectWise Tab ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 55


Running the CadExplorer Spider manually ---------------------------------------------------- 56Options:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 56Examples --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 57Return codes from CadSpider-dgn.exe ----------------------------------------------------- 57

Chapter 11 CadExplorer Server --------------------------------------------------------59Introduction ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 59CadExplorer Server -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 59

Server Actions --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 60Clients------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 60

CadExplorer Server Options---------------------------------------------------------------------- 61Agent Schedule -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 61Directories-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 62Backups----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 62Database ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 63Database Usage-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 64System Mode ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 65Network----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 66Logging ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 66

Chapter 12 Frequently Asked Questions -------------------------------------------67How to use a local Agent to process files on a server drive or UNC path------------------ 67How many CAD files can CadExplorer or Detail Finder accommodate? ----------------- 67

Database Size Estimates---------------------------------------------------------------------- 68Filter Editor Date and Time----------------------------------------------------------------------- 68Browser out of memory error--------------------------------------------------------------------- 69Vista -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 70

Chapter 13 Well Make (Almost) Any Enhancements You Want-------------71We welcome your suggestions ------------------------------------------------------------------- 71

Chapter 14 Glossary-----------------------------------------------------------------------72Active Directory------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 72Active Directory Domain ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 72(CLR) Common Language Runtime------------------------------------------------------------- 72DHCP Server---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 72DNS Server ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 72Domain Controller (DC) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 73Domain and Workgroup Networks -------------------------------------------------------------- 73Group Policy ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 73LDAP ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 73TCP -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 74UDP -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 74

Chapter 15 New Features and Fixes--------------------------------------------------754.5a 9 December 2011 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 754.4a 28 September 2011 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 754.3b 12 August 2011 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 754.3a 15 July 2011 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 76

CadExplorer

4.2a 29 April 2011------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 764.1e 21 April 2011------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 774.1d 28 January 2011 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 774.1c 14 December 2010------------------------------------------------------------------------ 784.1b 23 November 2010 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 784.1a 12 November 2010 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 794.0c 17 September 2010 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 794.0b 12 July 2010------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 794.0a 6 July 2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 793.2b 3 March 2010 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 803.2a 3 February 2010--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 803.1a 18 January 2010--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 803.0a 5 November 2009------------------------------------------------------------------------- 802.2a 4 August 2009----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 812.1a 10 July 2009------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 812.0a 28 May 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 811.2a 9 April 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 821.1b 25 February 2009------------------------------------------------------------------------- 821.1a 20 February 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 82


Chapter 1 Introducing CadExplorer

If Google and MicroStation had a baby, what would be the capabilities of their offspring?

The baby could pre-fetch commonly needed information about MicroStation designs andstore the data efficiently in a database, ready to provide you with instant answers at anytime.

You could ask the baby just about any question about your MicroStation designs and he(or she) could provide an answer instantly.

If you needed to know the status of project reference file attachments or cell usage, thebaby could tell you instantly the baby wouldnt need to scan hundreds of multi-megabyte design files from top to bottom the baby would already know the answer!

The babys answers would be neatly presented in spreadsheet-like format, and the babywould gladly customize the content for you sorting, filtering or grouping data any wayyou can imagine. Of course, the baby would remember your personal preferences andreuse them when he responds to your requests in the future.

Your IT personnel would appreciate the baby just as much as your CAD personnel. Thebaby could work with your IT departments existing databases as readily as the babyintegrated with MicroStation in your CAD department. In fact, the baby, being so cuteand talented, just might unite your IT and CAD departments for the first time!

What if this unbelievably talented baby actually existed?

It does!

The secret Google-MicroStation baby was born in 2008!This amazing baby is actually the brain-child of Axioms founder, David Greenbaum.Axiom announces the release of CadExplorer the first in a series of releases using anew technology that combines powerful database search engine techniques with CAD.

MicroStation users no longer need to wait minutes or hours for their project files to bescanned for simple (or complex) reports. Just click a button and the report appearsinstantly (the data was pre-collected earlier and stored efficiently in a database).

CadExplorers abilities are unprecedented.CadExplorers unprecedented capabilities almost defy description. Simple statementsabout the capabilities might sound unbelievable, but are nevertheless true.

With CadExplorer you can:

Easily browse any or all project folders, project files, models, levels and elements.You can sort, filter and group this information in any way that you can imagine.

CadExplorer

Instantly find text, cells and tags in any model, file or project. Identify duplicate files or models anywhere in your enterprise. Instantly discover details about any reference file attachment, in any file or model, in

any project. For example, you can discover information such as each attachmentsfilename, full path, logical name, description and attachment type (vector or raster).

Instantly collect information about the usage of cells in any design or anywhereproject-wide. For example, you can collect information about each cells name, celltype (regular or shared), cell description and the unique element ID of each cellinstance.

Instantly identify oddball deviations from project standards in one or many projectfiles.

Synergize with your IT personnel in unprecedented ways. IT personnel can generatereports about your CAD projects using the common database structured querylanguage (SQL), Crystal Reports and other tools they are already experts in.

Analyze and modify project data in ways never beforepossible.

Many MicroStation users have a recurring need to search for and change specific itemssuch as text strings in dozens (or hundreds or thousands) of MicroStation design files, buthad no way to easily do this.

CadExplorer lets users magically ignore the boundaries between MicroStation files andinteractively find, analyze, explore, report on and investigate MicroStation data in waysnever before possible.

CadExplorer 2.0 allows users to modify MicroStation V8 text elements in any or allproject design files! With CadExplorer you can modify selected text strings in anyimaginable way even using wildcard and regular expression substitution and youcan preview your proposed text changes before committing them to your design files.There is no easier way to select, preview and modify text across multiple MicroStationdesign files.

CadExplorer 2.1 adds support for modification of color, style, weight of MicroStation V8graphical elements.

CadExplorer 3.0 adds many new capabilities, including the new CadExplorer BrowserProximity Search and (for privileged users) the ability to view and modify project fileswhich do not reside on their computers.

A new addition to the happy family AutoCAD support!CadExplorer 4.0 adds support for AutoCAD DWG and DXF files, thumbnail previewsand an entirely revamped user experience.

Chapter 2 Installation Page 9

Chapter 2 Installation

Server PrerequisitesCadExplorer components expect the following Windows network facilities/roles to beavailable:

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 with Advanced Services (or a later version) Windows XP SP2 or later A file server A domain controller* (Active Directory) A DNS server ProjectWise Server V8i (if ProjectWise support is desired)* CadExplorers Enhanced mode requires a domain-based network. Workgroup networkssupport CadExplorers Restricted mode only.

Client Computer PrerequisitesCadExplorer components expect the following tools to be installed on client machines:

Windows XP SP2 or later ProjectWise Explorer V8i (if ProjectWise support is desired) Problem Element Viewer for V8 (viewer.ma) required to display elements found by

CadExplorer inside MicroStation V8. (Included with CadExplorer but installedseparately.)

MicroStation V8 2004 Edition or later (with Problem Element Viewer installed)required to display elements found by CadExplorer inside MicroStation.

CadExplorer

CadExplorer Master InstallerIf your delivery CD does not automatically start the CadExplorer Master Installer, runsetup.exe in the CDs root directory.

The CadExplorer Master Installer allows you to install any or all CadExplorercomponents on a single computer, but the CadExplorer Server is normally installed(once) on your network server while the Axiom Agent and CadExplorer Browser areinstalled on one or more desktop computers on your network.

Follow the CadExplorer Master Installer steps from top to bottom.

Installation sequence for CadExplorer components should be:

1. Install SQL Express before installing CadExplorer components. Installation of SQLExpress might be handy even if you have a full Microsoft SQL database server onyour computer (or accessible on your local area network).

2. Install CadExplorer Server (installed once on your network).

3. Then select {Configure} (from Master Installer) to open the box from whichyou can initialize your CadExplorer database and start the CadExplorerServer.

4. Install Axiom Agent (can be installed on more than one network client/desktopcomputer).

5. Install CadExplorer Browser (can be installed on more than one networkclient/desktop computer).

6. CadExplorer works with Problem Element Viewer for V8 version 8.3c or later. SeeProblem Element Viewer User Guide for installation instructions.

7. Optionally, install Microsofts SQL Server Management Studio Express (databaseadministration tool). If you are not familiar with SQL database administration, youcan skip this.

Note: Upgrading to 4.0a or later requires a complete uninstall of any earlier versionfollowed by a standard install of the newest version.

CadExplorer Quick Start1. Using CadExplorer Server, confirm your CadExplorer Server is started.

2. Use CadExplorer Server to confirm at least one Axiom Agent is running andconfigured to recognize your project directories.

3. From CadExplorer Server, select an Axiom Agent and click {Run Now} to Spidersample project files (this loads sample data into your CadExplorer database forviewing with CadExplorer Browser).

Chapter 2 Installation Page 11

4. Open CadExplorer Browser to display, filter, sort and modify your project files andelements in ways never before possible.

CadExplorer SamplesDelivered sample files are (by default) configured to be spidered and loaded into theCadExplorer database at 9:00 am daily. This can be changed or disabled usingCadExplorer Server.

Default sample file locations are:

Windows XPC:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Axiom\CadExplorer\samples\

Windows Vista and Windows 7C:\ProgramData\Axiom\CadExplorer\samples\

System Administrator DetailsBoth the Axiom Agent and CadExplorer Server are Windows Services.

The Axiom Agent service will auto-start when installed.

The system administrator can use CadExplorer Server to start the CadExplorer Serverservice. CadExplorer Server should also restart automatically on reboot.

To restart the Axiom Agent select:

My Computer | Manage | Services and Applications | Services

to restart the Axiom Agent Windows service.

Auto-recovery for these services can be manually set up by the system administrator.Right-click on the Windows service and select Recovery.

Net.Tcp Port Sharing Service The Net.Tcp Port Sharing Service must be enabled on your Windows server. This

service should be started automatically by the CadExplorer Server. To enable theNet.Tcp Port Sharing Service manually, navigate to My Computer | Manage |Services and Applications | Services then right-click on Net.Tcp Port SharingService and select {Start} (if not already started).

Note: The process SMSvcHost.exe is the Net.Tcp Port Sharing service. Firewallsshould be configured to allow incoming and outgoing internet access to thisprocess.

CadExplorer

Your Active Directory Server should propagate firewall port exception policy toclient workstations.

Windows Accounts for Batch Updates

When the CadExplorer Browser is running in restricted mode, the user's Windowsaccount performs the batch modifications (find/replace) directly and must have access tothe files. When running in enhanced mode, the Axiom Agent Windows service accountperforms the modifications.

Chapter 3 Advanced Installation Topics Page 13

Chapter 3 Advanced Installation Topics

The Basics of Manual InstallationWhen Axioms Master Installer installs each component needed to use CadExplorer,including SQL Server Express, it does various things in the background to makeeverything just work. This includes the automatic creation of a SQL database, a SQLServer user account and Windows Firewall rules.

The most common situation where you wont use Master Installer to install aCadExplorer component is when you already have SQL Server installed and so wont beusing Master Installer to install it.

If you need to install any of the pieces of CadExplorer manually, youll need to know afew things in order to make everything work together. This chapter is a collection ofvarious topics in this area.

SQL Server User AccountsAxioms Master Installer creates a SQL Server account automatically when it installsSQL Express. If a suitable account doesnt already exist, youll need to create it and tellCadExplorer to use it. The user account can be a SQL Server user account or it can be aWindows account used by SQL Server. See account creation instructions later in thischapter.

Enabling Remote SQL Server ConnectionsIf a full edition of SQL Server (not Express) is already installed, it is likely that remoteconnections are already enabled. If youll be installing all the CadExplorer components(including SQL Server) on the same computer, you dont need to enable remote SQLconnections.

Firewall Exception RulesAxioms Master Installer creates Windows Firewall exception rules automatically (withthe users permission) for each component it installs. If youll be installing all ofCadExplorers components on one computer (somewhat rare), you dont need to worryabout your firewall. Also, if you dont use a firewall, you dont need to worry about this.

If you use a different firewall product than Windows Firewall, youll need to set up rulesmanually.

To simplify manual firewall exception rule configuration, see Using a Static TCPListening Port later in this guide. To manually set up firewall rules any other way,

CadExplorer

please contact Axiom Support at 727-442-7774 or [email protected]. A futureversion of this guide will likely contain expanded manual Windows Firewall exceptionrule configuration instructions.

SQL Server 2008 R2 Express

Prerequisite componentsSQL Server 2008 R2 requires the following components to be installed before starting itsinstallation process:

Windows Installer 4.5The installer is located in the SQLExpress\Windows Installer subdirectory of yourCadExplorer installation folder.

Run the appropriate installer for your system:

For Windows Vista, Windows Vista SP1, and Windows Server 2008:

32-bit CPU: Windows6.0-KB942288-v2-x86.msu 64-bit CPU: Windows6.0-KB942288-v2-x64.msu Itanium CPU: Windows6.0-KB942288-v2-ia64.msu

For Windows XP SP2 and Windows XP SP3 (32-bit platforms):

32-bit CPU: WindowsXP-KB942288-v3-x86.exeFor Windows Server 2003 SP1, Windows Server 2003 SP2 and Windows XP 64-bitEditions:

32-bit CPU: WindowsServer2003-KB942288-v4-x86.exe 64-bit CPU: WindowsServer2003-KB942288-v4-x64.exe Itanium CPU: WindowsServer2003-KB942288-v4-ia64.exe

.NET 3.5 SP1 FrameworkThe installer is located in the SQLExpress\DotNet Framework subdirectory of yourCadExplorer installation folder.


For Windows Server 2008 R2:

.NET 3.5 SP1 Framework must be installed using the Server Managerapplication. See the section Installing .NET 3.5 SP1 Framework below forinstructions.


For all other systems:

32-bit/64-bit CPU: dotnetfx35.exe

Windows PowerShell 1.0The installer is located in the SQLExpress\Windows PowerShell subdirectory of yourCadExplorer installation folder.


For Windows XP:

32-bit CPU: WindowsXP-KB926139-v2-x86-ENU.exe 64-bit CPU: WindowsServer2003.WindowsXP-KB926139-v2-x64-ENU.exe

For Windows 2003:

32-bit CPU: WindowsServer2003-KB926139-v2-x86-ENU.exe 64-bit CPU: WindowsServer2003.WindowsXP-KB926139-v2-x64-ENU.exe

For Windows Vista:

32-bit CPU: Windows6.0-KB926139-x86.msu 64-bit CPU: Windows6.0-KB926139-x64.msu

For Windows Server 2008:

Windows PowerShell must be installed using the Server Manager application.See the section Installing Windows PowerShell below for instructions.

Installing Windows PowerShellWindows Server 2008 requires Windows PowerShell to be installed using the ServerManager application. This can be performed by following these steps:

1. Start the Server Manager application (Start | Administrative Tools | ServerManager).

2. Select the Features item in the left navigation pane.

3. Click the Add Features command link.

4. Check the PowerShell item from the features list.

5. Click the {Next} button.

6. Click the {Install} button.

7. Click the {Close} button.

CadExplorer

Installing .NET 3.5 SP1 FrameworkWindows Server 2008 R2 requires .NET 3.5 SP1 framework to be installed using theServer Manager application. This can be performed by following these steps:

1. Start the Server Manager application (Start | Administrative Tools | ServerManager).

2. Select the Features item in the left navigation pane.

3. Click the Add Features command link.

4. Expand the .NET Framework 3.5.1 Features item by clicking on the + icon.

5. Check the .NET Framework 3.5.1 item from the features list.

6. Click the {Next} button.

7. Click the {Install} button.

8. Click the {Close} button.

Manual InstallationThe following steps explain how to manually install SQL Server 2008 R2 for use byCadExplorer:

1. Navigate to the SQLExpress subdirectory of your CadExplorer installationfolder.

2. Launch the appropriate installer:

32-bit CPU: SQLEXPRADV_x86_ENU.exe 64-bit CPU: SQLEXPRADV_x64_ENU.exe

3. On the Installation page, Click the New installation or add features to anexisting installation command link.

4. On the License Terms page, check the I accept the license terms checkbox.Click the {Next >} button.

5. On the Feature Selection page, click the {Unselect All} button and then checkthe Database Engine Services, Full-Text Search, and Management Tools Basic checkboxes. Click the {Next >} button.

6. On the Instance Configuration page, select the Named instance radio buttonand enter SQLExpress as the instance name. Click the {Next >} button.

7. On the Server Configuration page, change the SQL Server Browsers StartupType dropdown box to Automatic. Click the {Next >} button.

8. On the Database Engine Configuration page, check the Mixed Mode radiobutton and enter a password that meets the Windows password complexity


requirements (see http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc786468(WS.10).aspx for details). Click the {Next >} button.

9. On the Error Reporting page, click the {Next >} button.

10. On the Complete page, click the {Close} button.

Using a Static TCP Listening PortBy default, SQL Server 2008 R2 Express uses dynamic listening ports. This can make itdifficult to remotely access SQL Server through a firewall. If you do not wish to open arange of ports on your firewall, SQL Server can be modified to use a static listening portby performing the following steps:

1. Start the SQL Server Configuration Manager application (Start | MicrosoftSQL Server 2008 R2 | Configuration Tools | SQL Server ConfigurationManager).

2. Expand the SQL Server Network Configuration item.

3. Select the Protocols for SQLEXPRESS item.

4. Right-click on TCP/IP item in right pane and select the Properties menuitem.

5. Click on the IP Addresses tab.

6. Scroll to the bottom of the list and within the IPAll item:

A. Set the TCP Dynamic Ports property to blank.

B. Set the TCP Port property to 1433.

7. Click the {OK} button.

8. Select the SQL Server Services item.

9. Right-click on SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS) in the right pane and select theRestart menu item.

Adding a SQL accountTo add a SQL account to a SQL Server 2008 R2 Express database, perform the followingsteps using Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express.

Note: The SQL database must exist prior to performing these steps.

CadExplorer

1. Run Start | All Programs | Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 | SQL ServerManagement Studio Express.

2. Select the File | Connect Object Explorer... menu item. A Connect to Serverdialog will be displayed.

3. Select the SQL server in the "Server name" dropdown menu.

4. Select the appropriate authentication in the "Authentication" dropdown menu. IfSQL Server Authentication is selected, a login and password must be provided.

5. Click the "Connect" button. A connection will be made to the SQL server and theObject Explorer window pane will be populated with folders.

6. Click the "+" icon of the "Security" folder.

7. Right-click on the "Logins" folder and select the "New Login..." menu item. A"Login - New" dialog will be displayed.

8. Enter the account name in the "Login name:" text box.

Note: Do not press the {Enter} key.

9. Check the SQL Server authentication radio button.

10. Enter the password in the Password: and Confirm password: text boxes.

11. Uncheck the Enforce password expiration checkbox.

12. Uncheck the User must change password at next login checkbox.

13. Select the "Server Roles" item in the Select a page window pane.

14. Check the "sysadmin" role in the Server roles list.


Adding a Windows accountTo add a Windows account to a SQL Server 2008 R2 Express database, perform thefollowing steps using Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express.

Note: The SQL database must exist prior to performing these steps.

16. Run Start | All Programs | Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 | SQL ServerManagement Studio Express.

17. Select the File | Connect Object Explorer... menu item. A Connect to Serverdialog will be displayed.

18. Select the SQL server in the "Server name" dropdown menu.

19. Select the appropriate authentication in the "Authentication" dropdown menu. IfSQL Server Authentication is selected, a login and password must be provided.

20. Click the "Connect" button. A connection will be made to the SQL server and theObject Explorer window pane will be populated with folders.

21. Click the "+" icon of the "Security" folder.


22. Right-click on the "Logins" folder and select the "New Login..." menu item. A"Login - New" dialog will be displayed.

23. Enter the Windows account (including the Windows domain) in the "Loginname:" text box.

Note: Do not press the {Enter} key.

24. Check the Windows authentication checkbox.

25. Select the "Server Roles" item in the Select a page window pane.

26. Check the "sysadmin" role in the Server roles list.


Changing the CadExplorer Account PasswordTo change the password for the CadExplorer SQL account, perform the following stepsusing the Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio.

1. Select the File | Connect Object Explorer... menu item. A Connect to Serverdialog box will be displayed.

2. Select the SQL server in the Server name dropdown menu.

3. Select the appropriate authentication in the Authentication dropdown menu. IfSQL Server Authentication is selected, a login and password must be provided.

4. Click the {Connect} button. A connection will be made to the SQL server andthe Object Explorer window pane will be populated with folders.

5. Click the + icon of the Security folder.

6. Click the + icon of the Logins folder.

7. Right-click on the CadExplorer user and select the Properties menu item. ALogin - Properties dialog will be displayed.

8. Enter the new password in both the Password and Confirm password textboxes.


Perform the following steps using CadExplorer Server.

10. Select the Tools | Options menu item. An Options dialog will be displayed.

11. Click the Database tab. The database options tab will be displayed.

12. Click in the Password text box and press Control-A to select the existingpassword text.

13. Enter the password from step 8.

14. Click the {Connect} button.


CadExplorer

Enabling Remote SQL Server ConnectionsIf you are using Microsoft SQL Server Express but its installation was not performed bythe CadExplorer Master Installer, certain steps need to be taken to enable remoteconnections to SQL Server Express. If you installed Microsoft SQL Server Express usingthe CadExplorer Master Installer, remote connections will already be enabled in yourSQL Server Express installation. The CadExplorer Master Installer will also prompt youto allow it to create any firewall exceptions that CadExplorer needs.

The following Microsoft article covers this:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;914277

In summary:

1. Enable remote connections to SQL Server.

2. Start the SQL Server Browser Service.

3. Create exceptions in Windows Firewall.

4. Finally (not included in the article), either Windows Authentication needs to beadded to SQL Server (for remote access by the user) or a SQL Login needs to becreated in SQL Server and this login info needs to be configured on the DatabaseTab of the CadExplorer Server box.

If a full edition of SQL Server (not Express) is already installed, it is likely that remoteconnections are already enabled.

Note: The ports TCP 1433 and UDP 1434 must be opened on the firewall to allowremote connections to SQL Server.

Chapter 4 Uninstalling Page 21

Chapter 4 Uninstalling

Uninstallers for installed CadExplorer components are available from your WindowsStart menu.

CadExplorer

Chapter 5 CadExplorer Browser

IntroductionThe CadExplorer Browser allows you to view, sort, search and select data from one ormany project files without the necessity to be a programmer or database administrator.

CadExplorer Browser displays your CAD data in spreadsheet-like views making it easyto review the data. When you first load CadExplorer Browser you will see your CADproject data organized by server drives, folders, design files, models and individualMicroStation or AutoCAD elements.

A huge, multi-row display of all elements from all project files isnt immediately useful(information overload). No problem CadExplorer Browser offers several simple toolsfor zeroing in on the exact data you need.

For instance, lets say you wanted to find all the design files in a particular project thathad text elements in them. CadExplorer Browser lets you do this easily. Simply click onthe Elements tab to see information about the elements in the various design files inyour project. Then, move your mouse cursor over the Text column. When your mousecursor hovers over a column heading, a little filter symbol displays.

The CadExplorer Browser DisplayYour CAD data is displayed in spreadsheet-like grids organized under five tabs:

DrivesThe server drives on which your project files reside.

FoldersDirectories containing your project files.

Chapter 5 CadExplorer Browser Page 23

FilesIndividual CAD project files.

ModelsModels within the CAD files. For example, MicroStation V8 design files often containmore than one model. Individual models are listed here.

ElementsAll of the lines, circles, text and all other types of elements in your models.

FilteringWhen you click on the filter symbol, a drop-down list of filtering options appears. Figure2 shows how you would select elements where the text content isnt blank.

CadExplorer Browser prevents information overload by allowing you tofilter your results so that you can zero in on your data.

CadExplorer

The spreadsheet-like view refreshes with just the files that have text elements.

After filtering your view, CadExplorer Browser automatically refreshes toshow only the information you want.

This allows you to perform laser-precise searches, which instantly zero in on any CADelement or elements you need to see. Other columns can be filtered as well. Columnfiltering works exactly the same way for Elements, Models, Files, Cells, Tags, Foldersand Drives you can filter columns under any tab. Your filters can also be saved and re-used over and over.

Filter EditorThe filter drop-down list includes column contents for quick selection, but also offersthe Filter Editor.


The Filter Editor provides any imaginable filter or combination of filtering options.

How Standard Tab Filters Work TogetherCadExplorer Browser always displays five standard tabs: Drives, Folders, Files, Modelsand Elements.

CadExplorer

Each tab allows you to filter the data displayed under that tab. For example, you can filterthe Drives tab to include only those files on your P: drive. This filter will also impactthe information displayed in all other tabs to the right.

The Drives, Folders, Files, Models and Element tabs are aware of each other and worktogether:

Filters applied to the Drives tab control the data displayed under the Folders, Files,Models and Elements tab.

Filters applied to the Folders tab control the data displayed under the Files, Modelsand Elements tab.

Filters applied to the Files tab control the data displayed under the Models andElements tab.

Filters applied to the Models tab control the data displayed under the Elements tab.Filters propagate across the standard tabs, from left to right.

Here are the rules:

1) A filter applied to one of the five standard tabs gets propagated to all tabs on theright.

2) A filter applied to one of the five standard tabs does not get propagated to tabs to theleft.

3) Filters on left do not get propagated to SmartTabs (user-defined or built-inSmartTabs).

4) If a filter is defined for a standard tab on the left (for example, a File Name filter isdefined for the Drives tab) and that filter is later removed (cleared) from a tab to theright (for example, the File Name column filter is cleared for the Elements tab) theactive File Name filter is not cleared from any tab to the left (does not propagate tothe Drives tab because it is to the left of the Elements tab).

5) When a filter is added to a standard tab on the left, all previously existing filters tothe right of the current tab will inherit the new filter, and the new filter will beapplied to all standard tab filters found as propagation moves from left to right.


UnfilteringCadExplorer Browser allows you to define a filter for each column.

If you define filters for multiple columns, the combined filter can be seen at the bottom ofthe grid.

In the following illustration, a filter is defined for the File Name column and for theElement Type column:

All active filters are summarized at the bottom of the grid.

The filter expression at the bottom of the grid summarizes all defined filters, but alsoallows you to toggle all filters on and off (by checking or unchecking the checkbox) orpermanently remove all filters (by clicking the x).

Unfilter Current ColumnRight-click on the active CadExplorer Browser column heading and select Clear Filter.This clears the filter for the selected column.

Temporarily Disable All FiltersUncheck to temporarily disable all filters:

CadExplorer

Remove All FiltersClick to permanently remove all filters.

SortingCadExplorer Browser allows you to sort any column by clicking on any column header.

Columns can be sorted in either ascending or descending order. A small arrow pointingupwards on the column header shows that the column is sorted ascending. When thearrow points down the column is sorted in descending order.

Click the column header again to change the sort type from ascending to descending.Hold the {Shift} key down on the keyboard and click on additional columns to useadvanced sorting. A small digit will display next to sort arrow to designate primary,secondary and additional sort keys.

Arrow point up = ascending sort. Arrow pointing down = descending sort.

This shows sorting applied to two columns.

UnsortingRight-click on the active CadExplorer Browser column heading and select ClearSorting.


GroupingColumns can be used to group rows by clicking the column header with the right mousebutton and selecting the group by this column from the menu.

Tip: You can also click and drag the column header and release it just above its originalposition to create a group.

This illustrates how to group drawing elements by File Name and ModelName.

UngroupingUngrouping is done by dragging the column header from the Group panel or right-clicking on the Group panel and clicking on the Clear Grouping option. A thirdoption is to right-click on the column header in the Group panel and clicking on theUnGroup option.

CadExplorer

{Refresh} and {Refresh All}{Refresh} updates the current tabs data grid from the database.

{Refresh All} updates all tabs from the database.

When you refresh a tab, the following settings are preserved:

Filtering Sorting Grouping (collapsed) Column width Column order Horizontal scroll position

Standard Tab Columns

Drives Tab Default Columns

HostHost computer on a domain-based network.

For example: [email protected].

FQDNFully Qualified Domain Name.

For example: MyServer.MyCompany.com

DriveA drive letter such as C: or N: or \\Server\Server-O [Universal NamingConvention (UNC) notation].

Space Used by CAD FilesTotal space (in megabytes) occupied on disk by all spidered CAD files residing on aparticular drive.


Additional Columns Available (using Column Chooser)

ID

Database key for this drive.

Folders Tab Default Columns




FolderA directory path or Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path. Excludes drive letter andfilename. For example:

N:\Projects\I-75\example.dgn\\Server\Server-N\Projects\I-75\example.dgn


FQDN

Fully Qualified Domain Name.


ID

Database key for this folder.

CadExplorer

Files Tab Default Columns






File NameAn individual file name without drive or path. Includes extension. For example:


# ModelsNumber of models contained in the CAD file. V8 files can contain 1 or more models. V7files can contain only one model.

# LevelsNumber of levels used in the CAD file.

# ElementsTotal number of elements in the CAD file including all non-model, non-graphical andgraphical elements.


FormatIndicates CAD file format, for example, V7 or V8.

Version4-digit MicroStation version for V8 design files, 7.* for V7 files, year of AutoCADrelease for DWG and DXF files.

ModifiedDate and time this file was last modified.


# Graphical

Total number of graphical elements in the CAD file including all models.

# Non Graphical

Total number of non-graphical elements in the CAD file including all models.

Checksum

A files checksum is a unique fingerprint which can be used to identify two (ormore) files which are identical copies of each other, even when they havedifferent file names or different drive locations. This includes files which arecopied using Windows Explorer or copied using SaveAs selected fromMicroStations File menu. If the checksum is identical for two files, they arecopies of the same file, regardless of file name or file date.

File Number

Unique ID assigned to the file by the Axiom Agents Spider.

FQDN



ID

Database key for this file.

Platform

CAD platform. For example, MicroStation or AutoCAD.

CadExplorer

Models Tab Default Columns

NameThe models name. Default by default.

Model DescriptionDescription of the current model (if defined).

Dimension2D or 3D.

CellAny MicroStation V8 model can be treated as a cell. If checked, this model will be listedas an available cell. If unchecked, this model will not be treated as a cell.

Non ModelIf checked, indicates the element resides in the design files non-model section. Ifunchecked, the element resides within a model.


Checksum

A models checksum is a unique fingerprint which can be used to identify two(or more) models which are identical copies of each other, even when they residein different files. If the checksum is identical for two models, they are copies ofthe same model, regardless of the name or date of the file containing the model.

The checksums for two models in two different design files might match exactly,even when their file checksums do not match. This allows you to identify modelswhich are unmodified even when the design files containing them have beenmodified.

Drive

A drive letter such as C: or N: or \\Server\Server-O [Universal NamingConvention (UNC) notation].


File Name

An individual file name without drive or path. Includes extension. For example:


File Path

Full path for a file. Includes drive, path, filename and extension. For example:


Folder

A directory path or Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path. Excludes driveletter and filename. For example:


Format

Indicates CAD file format. For example, V7 or V8.

FQDN



Host

Host computer on a domain-based network.


ID

Database key for this model.

Master Unit Label

This column lists the label for a models Master Units.

Model Number

The first model in a MicroStation V7 or V8 file is model number zero.

Resolution per Subunit

For explanation, select Settings from MicroStations main menu. Then selectDesign File | Working Units | Advanced.

Subunit Label

This column lists the label for a models Subunit.

Subunits per Master Unit

The number of subunits per master unit.

CadExplorer

Elements Tab Default Columns

DriveA drive letter such as C: or N: or \\Server\Server-O [Universal NamingConvention (UNC) notation]. For example:




File NameAn individual file name without drive or path. Includes extension. For example:


Model NameThe models name. Default by default.

Level NameThe levels name. Default by default.

Element TypeA text label corresponding to the element type number. For example, Line, Text orCell.

[Type ID column lists the elements type number, such as 3 for a line, 17 for text, etc.]


GraphicalIs this element a visible graphical element? If checked, this is a graphical element. If notchecked, the element is not graphical (is not displayed in a MicroStation or AutoCADview).

ColorElements color or ByLevel or ByCell.

WeightElements weight or ByLevel or ByCell.

StyleElements style or ByLevel or ByCell.

Cell NameThe name of a Regular (type 2), Shared Cell Definition (type 34) or Shared Cell Instance(type 35).

TextThe text characters of a text element. Applicable only to text elements (type 17).

ModifiedMicroStations modification time stamp for the element.


#Child Elements

Number of nested component elements (if any).

Associated ID

Unique element ID of the associated element (if any). For example, if a tagelement is associated with another element, the other elements unique ID islisted in the Associated ID column.

Attachment Model

Beginning with MicroStation V8, reference file attachments are links between amaster file model and a reference file model (not between a master file and a

CadExplorer

reference file, as in V7). The attachments model is listed here if it is not thedefault model.

Cell Description

This column includes the description for a Shared Cell Definition (type 34) if oneexists. [Shared Cell Definitions are stored in the non-model section of a V8design file.]

Depth

The nesting depth for elements which are nested within a complex element (cells,text nodes, etc.). For example, if Depth = 2, the element is nested within 2complex parent elements. Depth = 0 for individual elements (which arentcomponents of a complex element).

Diagonal

This column represents the diagonal length of the element.Diagonal = Diagonal Raw / (models Subunits per Master Unit / models Resolutionper Subunit)

Element ID

Elements unique ID within the design file (V8 only).

File ID

Unique ID assigned to the file by Axiom Agents Spider.

Format

Indicates CAD file format. For example, V7 or V8.

ID

Database key for this Element.

Level Description

If a description is defined for a level, it is displayed in this column.

Level Number

MicroStation or AutoCAD levels have a name and a number. The level numberappears in this column.

Link Description

Reference file attachments description (if defined).

Link File Name

Reference file attachments base file name.

Link File Path

Full path (including drive, directory, filename and extension) to the vector orraster reference file.

Link Logical Name

Reference file attachments logical name (if defined).


Link Type

Always empty. Reserved for future implementation.

Non Model

Is this element in the (shared) non-model section of this file? If unchecked, theelement is contained within the indicated model.

Parent ID

Unique ID of parent element (if this element is a component of a complexelement).

Seq#

When multiple paragraphs are pasted into MicroStations Word Processor (texteditor), MicroStation groups the pasted text in a text node (type 7) with theindividual paragraphs represented by text elements (type 17). The Seq# columnindicates the ordering of the paragraphs this allows you to list the paragraphswithin a text node in the same order they appear in the design file. If Seq# wasnot available, the paragraphs could display out of order (for example, if theText column is sorted alphabetically).

Tag Name

The tags name.

Tag Set

The tag set this tag element belongs to.

Tag Type

For example, Character, Integer or Real.

Tag Value

The tags value.

Type ID

The elements type number, such as 3 for a line, 17 for text, etc.

[Element Type column provides a text label corresponding to these elementtype numbers.]

X Center

(X High X Low) / 2. [Used to optimize Proximity Search.]

X High

Highest extent on X axis of elements range rectangle.

X Low

Lowest extent on X axis of elements range rectangle.

Y High

Highest extent on Y axis of elements range rectangle.

CadExplorer

Y Low

Lowest extent on Y axis of elements range rectangle.

Z High

Highest extent on Z axis of elements range rectangle.

Z Low

Lowest extent on Z axis of elements range rectangle.

Chapter 6 Browser Edit Menu Page 41

Chapter 6 Browser Edit Menu

FindCadExplorer Browser allows you to search for any content in any column under any tab.

CadExplorer Browser searches across all project files seamlessly.

The Find dialog can be launched any of the following ways:

Press {Ctrl-F}. Select the Edit menu and then the Find menu item. Right-click in any column heading and select Find from the context menu.

Tab to Search defaults to the current tab, but any tab can be selected:

Column to Search defaults to the current column, but any column can be selected:

Search options automatically change depending on what you are searching for (string,integer, etc.).

Use {Find Next} to sequentially view matches in any or all project files.

Note: Regular expressions are covered in the next section.

CadExplorer

ReplaceUse CadExplorers Replace dialog to specify how elements in your CAD files will bemodified and to preview changes before they are committed to project files.

Element modifications are always restricted by the active tabs current filter (if any) the elements you see in CadExplorers grid are the only elements which will be modified.

Modifications are currently limited to the Elements tab.

CadExplorer Browser Replace Dialog

The Replace dialog can be launched any of the following ways:

Press {Ctrl-H}. Select the Edit menu and then the Replace menu item. Right-click in any column heading and select Replace from the context menu.


Modifying Element Color, Style or WeightCheck color, style and/or weight and specify a new symbology value.

The drop-down list for line style is derived from all files displayed by the currently activefilter.

The new value(s) you select will be applied to all elements currently displayed by theactive tabs filter.

You can also select ByLevel or ByCell.

Click {Preview} to examine symbology changes before they are applied to your projectfiles. If the modification preview appears to be correct, click {Commit} to modify yourfiles. Otherwise, click {Back} to tweak your changes.

Note: By default, ByCell is only enabled within MicroStation when working in DWGwork mode. CadExplorer Browser always allows you to change an elements symbologyto ByCell (as if the following had been added to your MicroStation workmode.cfgconfiguration file: _USTN_CAPABILITY { -CAPABILITY_NO_BYCELL).

Modifying Text Element ContentSpecial options are provided to precisely define text modifications to be performed.

If you do not specify Text to find, all text elements displayed by the active filter will bemodified. If you specify Text to find, text modifications will be limited to currentlydisplayed text which also matches your Text to find entry.

Text Modification Options

CadExplorer

Examples for text element (type 17) replacement follow.

1. Specify what you want to replace. In this example, we are looking for thearea code 813- (the Text to Find).

2. Specify what to replace the original with. In this example, we want toreplace the original area code with 727-.

3. Select the appropriate search option.

4. Press {Preview}.CadExplorer Browser then lets you preview the changes to be made.

This allows you to see the exact changes which will be made to your design files. Youcan also clearly see which text will not be modified (No Action).

5. Click {Back} to make changes. Otherwise, click {Commit} to apply thechanges to your design files:

CadExplorer Browser lets you know when your replacements are 100% complete (designfiles have been updated):

Text Search Options

Wildcards

Any string matching your wildcard will be replaced entirely by the replacementvalue.

Wildcard Description*abc Matches any string which ends

with abc.abc* Matches any string which begins

with abc.*abc* Matches any string which

contains abc.


Regular Expressions

CadExplorer Browser supports regular expression pattern matching andsubstitution.

There are so many great references about regular expressions available on theinternet, no attempt is made here to cover the syntax of this powerful language.Some handy links follow many more can be found by searching the internetfor regular expression examples:

http://www.regexlib.com/CheatSheet.aspx http://www.addedbytes.com/cheat-sheets/regular-expressions-cheat-

sheet/Following are a few examples to illustrate the power of regular expressionsubstitution.

Example 1Find: (?.*\.) (?.*) (?.*)Replace: ${last}, ${first} (${title})

Converts Mr. Robert Smith to Smith, Robert (Mr.)

Example 2Find: (?\d{1,2})/(?\d{1,2})/(?\d{2,4})Replace: ${day}-${month}-${year}

Converts 12/31/1900 to 31-12-1900

CadExplorer

Chapter 7 Browser View Menu

Viewing OptionsThe CadExplorer Browser View menu offers Tabs View (original), CadFlow View(thumbnail carousel) and List View (like CadFlow View without carousel).

Choose whichever works best for you.

Note: CadFlow View and List View provide a very simple but powerful search functioncalled Search for: located at the top right of the CadExplorer Browser window. This isnot available in Tabs View.

MicroStation and AutoCAD CustomizationThe CadExplorer Browser View menu also offers the option to use MicroStation orAutoCAD terminology in the user interface. Choose whichever you are most comfortablewith.

Chapter 8 Browser SmartViews Menu Page 47

Chapter 8 Browser SmartViews Menu

SmartViews Customizable ways to view your CAD data

Standard Tabs: Factory Default views of your CAD dataBy default, CadExplorer Browser always displays five standard tabs: Drives, Folders,Files, Models, Elements.

Five pre-defined ways to view your data: the five Standard Tabs

Predefined SmartViewsCadExplorer Browser is delivered with additional SmartViews. These SmartViewsprovide handy, commonly needed ways to view your CAD data. To display a SmartView,select it from the SmartViews menu.

The SmartViews menu offers additional pre-defined ways to view your data.

CadExplorer

User-definable SmartViewsAny of the five standard tabs can be modified and saved to a user-definable name forexample, Current Project. User-definable tabs are called SmartViews. All savedSmartViews are listed in the SmartViews menu.

To create your own SmartView, select one of the five standard tabs, rearrange thecolumns, sorting, grouping, filtering as desired, then select {Save SmartView}.

The {Save SmartView} command allows you save your customized display of data to auser-defined name.

When you save a SmartView, the following settings are preserved:

Filtering Sorting Grouping (collapsed) Column width Column order

Chapter 9 Browser Tools Menu Page 49

Chapter 9 Browser Tools Menu

IntroductionThe Tools menu provides convenient keyboard-only access to CadExplorer Browsertools, most of which are also available by mouse-click from the CadExplorer Browsertool bar.

There are some special CadExplorer Browser features only available from the Toolsmenu.

Proximity SearchThe CadExplorer Browsers Proximity Search tool finds and displays MicroStationelements in response to questions such as:,

Show me all text elements containing the substring Texas that are within 20 feetof cells named Oil Well.

"Find all text elements in all design files containing the string gas fumes withineight inches of a cell named flame.

Find all instances of text string Cliff (in all design files) that don't have a nearbyWarning Sign cell on level Signage.

The identified elements are then displayable in MicroStation with a mouse click.

CadExplorer provides two Proximity Search options for finding elements within yourfiles:

Find all pairs of elements where each of the elements is within the specifieddistance.

Find all source elements where there is no target element within the specifieddistance.

The CadExplorer Browsers Elements tab is used to define the first element of each pair(called the Source element). All filtering and sorting features can be employed to zeroin on the precise elements of interest.

The Proximity Search dialog box is then used to define exactly what types of nearbyelements to search for and criteria for which elements are considered to be in proximityto (nearby) each other the second element in each pair (called the Target element).

When the search is complete all identified elements are displayed (in a new Proximitytab) which match both the Elements tab filtering and the Proximity Search dialog searchcriteria.

CadExplorer

The Proximity tab displays information about both elements in the pair, plus a column forthe distance between the two elements in each pair.

When a Proximity Search includes many elements in many files, the result can be verylarge (many rows). By default, the result set is limited to 10,000 rows maximum.

Proximity Search by Master Units (Distance)In Master Unit mode, the distance between elements is determined by the master unitsbetween the centers of each elements range block.

Proximity Search by PercentageIn Percentage mode, nearness is determined intuitively. Elements are considerednear each other if the distance between their range block centers is small relative to thesize of the Source and Target elements (in a pair).

Percentage is interpreted as the distance between element range block centers divided bythe average of the element range block diagonals.

0% means the centers of the Source and Target elements touch.

Chapter 9 Browser Tools Menu Page 51

100% means the distance between the range block centers of the Source and Targetelements equals the average length of their diagonals (the distance between them is 100%of their intuitive size).

Database ConnectionDisplays current information about the current database connection.

The {Test Connection} button confirms current client computers CadExplorer Browseris connected to the CadExplorer database.

Note: the database used by the CadExplorer Browser is defined by CadExplorer Server.(Select Tools | Options | Database.)

You can create and use multiple databases with CadExplorer Browser, but only onedatabase can be viewed at a time. The CadExplorer Browser automatically connects tothe active database defined in CadExplorer Server.

CadExplorer

Options

Limiting the number of rows displayed in Browsers grid

Chapter 10 Axiom Agent Page 53

Chapter 10 Axiom Agent

IntroductionThe Axiom Agents Spider collects information from your project files and outputs thedetails in XML format, one XML file per design file.

The CadExplorer Server loads the resulting XML files into your CadExplorer database.

If the database load is successful, the XML file is deleted.

XML files that CadExplorer Server cannot load are moved from the XML output folderto the Failed folder (which is defined in CadExplorer Server).

The Axiom Agent is a Windows service which runs automatically in the background.

Axiom Agent Spider SchedulingThe Axiom Agent obtains the initial Spider schedule and any other server defined settingsupon discovery of the server.

The server notifies the Axiom Agent whenever any of the server configuration settingshave changed. The Axiom Agent then requests all Axiom Agent-applicable server settingsand replaces all preexisting settings in all cases (Spider backup path and file extension,XML target folder and Axiom Agent scheduling).

Axiom Agent ConsoleThe Axiom Agent Console is automatically installed on each client workstation where theAxiom Agent is installed.

The Axiom Agent Console allows you to define the project directory or directories to beSpidered by a particular Axiom Agent. In other words, each Axiom Agent is responsiblefor spidering the project files in one or more directories.

Once a project file has been successfully Spidered, the Axiom Server loads theinformation collected by the Spider into your CadExplorer database.

The CadExplorer Browser is then used to view and manipulate your project data.

CadExplorer

CAD File Locations TabThis tab allows you to define the locations of project files to be spidered (and loaded intoCadExplorer database).

Default is $APPDATA\Axiom\CadExplorer\samples\*.*.

Select Include Subfolders if you want the Spider to automatically visit subdirectoriesunder the specified parent directory or directories specified by FilesToProcess. Bydefault, subdirectories are not processed.

Select Enable Logging only when instructed to do so by Axiom Support.

Agent Windows ServiceThe Axiom Agent service gets installed using the Network Service account. This is abuilt-in Windows account for Windows services with permissions to access networkresources. However, depending on the setup of the network, network shares may not beaccessible from this account.

There are two possible scenarios where network shares come into play:

A. Agent is running on a remote machine and needs to copy the files to a remote server,where the target XML folder is located on a network shared (UNC path).

B. Agent is running on the server and needs to spider design files that are located on aremote machine on a network share. This network share must be accessible by the Agent(and Spider).

The handling in both cases is to do one of the following:


1. Grant permissions to the Network Service account to all UNC file paths that theAgent must be able to access.

2. If the IT Administrator does not wish to grant such permissions to the NetworkService account, then either

a. an existing account with appropriate permissions would need to be configured for theAxiom Agent or

b. a new account would need to be created for CadExplorer with the appropriatepermissions to access to the UNC paths.

In the case of #2 above, every Agent would need to be configured to use the new orexisting account assigned.

Network TabAxiom Agents must subscribe (request) to receive communication broadcast to this IPaddress group by the CadExplorer Server. Default is 239.28.128.228.

Communication between CadExplorer Server and Axiom Agents are restricted to usingthis port. Default is port 62808.

ProjectWise TabCadExplorer supports ProjectWise V8i. Earlier versions may work but are untested andnot officially supported by CadExplorer.

CadExplorer

If ProjectWise Explorer is not installed on the machine you are running the AgentConsole on, the ProjectWise tab will not be displayed.

If you want CadExplorer to process files in ProjectWise, your Axiom Agent(s) must beconfigured so they can log into ProjectWise to access those CAD files for scanning. Toset up ProjectWise support, check on the Enable ProjectWise checkbox, push {Set LoginCredentials} and log into ProjectWise. Be sure to use a suitable ProjectWise useraccount, one that has access to all the files in your datasource that you might want tospider.

In this picture, example ProjectWise credentials have already been enteredvia the {Set Login Credentials} button.

Running the CadExplorer Spider manuallyThe CadExplorer Spider is normally set up to run as a scheduled task. You can also runthe Spider at any time from the CadExplorer Spider Task Scheduler using the {RunNow} command.

You can also run the CadExplorer Spider from the command line as follows:CadSpider [options] /X XML_output_dir CAD_file_fullpath_or_wildcard

Options:/H -- bitmap thumbnail height (default is 768).

/I -- ignore the timestamp last saved by Spider (if any).


/M -- update the file's modification date and time.

/N -- do not create our own thumbnails (only use the ones in the design file).

/0 -- create ODA format text file instead of an XML file (AutoCAD files only).

/P -- create preview image.

/R -- treat the file as read-only.

/S -- walk sub-directories.

/TA -- use Axiom's thumbnails [DGN only].

/TD -- use thumbnail saved in the CAD file (MicroStation or AutoCad thumbnail).

/V -- verbose output.

/X -- XML output directory (this argument is required).

/W -- bitmap thumbnail width (default is 1024).

ExamplesCadSpider /i /x c:\myXML c:\myProject\example.dgnCadSpider /i /v /s /x "c:\My XML" "c:\My Project\*.dgn"UNC file paths are also supported for XML output directory.

Return codes from CadSpider-dgn.exeCADSpider-dgn.exe or CADSpider-dwg.exe are invoked by the parent application(CadSpider.exe) as needed. These applications return the following codes.

0 Everything OK (success).

5 File not updated since last being indexed.

101 Bad number of arguments (from CadSpider-dgn.exe).

102 Design file locked (from DGN.DLL)

104 Reading the file failed.

107 Bad license file.

1002 Text file couldn't be opened. (from dgntoxml).

1003 Corrupted design file (couldn't be read byOpen Design Alliance library).

1006 Updating the file failed.

1008 Design file is corrupted (all the streamscouldn't be read and uncompressed).

1009 AxilibNoMdl.dll is corrupted.

CadExplorer

1010 AxilibNoMdl.dll was not found.

Chapter 11 CadExplorer Server Page 59

Chapter 11 CadExplorer Server

IntroductionThe CadExplorer Server collects XML output from the XML output folder used by theCadExplorer Spider and loads that XML content into your CadExplorer database.

The CadExplorer Server runs automatically in the background and has no user interface.

The CadExplorer Server directs Axiom Agents to Spider project files. The CadExplorerServer updates your CadExplorer database with information provided by the Spider.

The CadExplorer Browser displays the contents of your CadExplorer database.

CadExplorer Server box displays the status of clients (Axiom Agents and CadExplorerBrowsers) anywhere on your network. This console also provides a user interface forCadExplorer Server and its various options.

Note: The database CadExplorer uses is selected in CadExplorer Server.

Note: The CadExplorer Server runs as a Windows service. To manually stop or start theCadExplorer Server Windows service, right-click on My Computer and select Manage| Services and Applications | Services | Axiom CadExplorer Server | Properties.

CadExplorer ServerTo configure CadExplorer for your site, select CadExplorer Server from your Startmenu.

The Clients grid therein displays the status of your CadExplorer components and theirlocation on your network.

CadExplorer

Server ActionsThe CadExplorer Server provides a convenient user interface to Start, Stop or Restart theCadExplorer Server Windows service. This service should normally start automatically,but may need to be stopped to install a new CadExplorer component, etc.

ClientsThe CadExplorer Server supports two types of clients on your network: Axiom Agentsand CadExplorer Browsers.

Run NowSelect an Agent row and click this button to direct that Agent to Spider its project filesnow (rather than waiting for next scheduled Spider run).

RefreshImmediately checks for status changes for any Axiom Agents or CadExplorer Browserson your network.

Note: An Agent will re-register itself in the event the Server is restarted. This can takeup to one minute (determined by a Server setting).


CadExplorer Server Options

Agent ScheduleYou can have CadExplorer scan your CAD files as soon as they are closed after beingmodified, on a schedule or both. We recommend doing both so that the scheduledscanning can pick up anything that might be missed by the live monitoring. For example,if CadExplorer Agent is temporarily turned off, it wont know about files that weremodified and closed while it was not running. CadExplorer Server transmits thesesettings to all active CadExplorer Agents.

CadExplorer

DirectoriesThe following directories need to be defined for CadExplorer components.

BackupsCadExplorer Browser always creates backups of your data before performingmodifications. Backups are created as defined in the following dialog.


DatabaseBy default, CadExplorer Server uses SQL authentication to connect to an SQL server.While this simplifies the installation and evaluation of CadExplorers features, it may notbe ideal for everyone. You should consult with your companys system administrator toselect which authentication method will work best in your environment.

Windows AuthenticationTo use Windows authentication, your Windows account must have access to the SQLserver where the CadExplorer database is located.

If you will be using the SQL Server 2008 R2 Express database that is included withCadExplorer, the Windows account used to perform the installation of the database willalready have access. You can change the authentication setting to Use WindowsAuthentication, click the Connect button, and then either create a new database orselect an existing one. Any additional Windows accounts you wish to use will need to beadded to SQL Server 2008 R2 Express (see the section Adding a Windows account inthe Advanced Installation Topics chapter).

If you will be using your companys existing SQL server, you will need to contact yourDatabase Administrator to assist with creating a database and adding access for theWindows accounts that will be used. Once this has been completed, you can set the Logon to the database server setting to Use Windows Authentication, click the Connectbutton, and then select an existing database from the dropdown menu under SelectExisting Database.

SQL AuthenticationTo use SQL authentication, you must provide an SQL account and password. If youinstalled the SQL Server 2008 R2 Express database using the CadExplorer MasterInstaller, an account named CadExplorer (with the password set to CadExplorer_4)

CadExplorer

has already been created for you, otherwise, you will need to contact your DatabaseAdministrator to create an account for you. See the FAQ section Changing theCadExplorer SQL account password for steps on changing the CadExplorer password.

Once an account has been created, set the Log on to the database server setting to UseSQL Server Authentication, enter the SQL accounts user name and password, click theConnect button, and then either create a new database or select an existing databasefrom the dropdown menu under Select Existing Database.

Creating a databaseBy default, your CadExplorer database is named CadExplorer. You can createadditional databases with different names. The first character of a database name must bea letter of the alphabet. Subsequent letters in a database name can include numbers,underscore or dollar sign. If you include an illegal character in a database name, databasecreation will fail.

Database UsageThis dialog displays the status of your database. Hover over the usage meter and legendfor details.


System ModeCadExplorer Browser normally works with files on the computer where it is installed.

When authorized by the system administrator, CadExplorer Browser can be grantedadditional capabilities (Enhanced Mode) to view and modify files on any clientworkstation on your network.

CadExplorer

NetworkCadExplorer components communicate with each other using the settings illustrated inthe following dialog. Normally, these default settings will be suitable.

LoggingCadExplorer creates logs which are useful for collecting information such as systeminformation, Agent or Browser connection to CadExplorer Server status, issues withinstallations and much more. The following dialog contains settings for controlling andmanaging these logs.

Chapter 12 Frequently Asked Questions Page 67

Chapter 12 Frequently Asked Questions

How to use a local Agent to process files on a server drive orUNC path

My Computer | Manage | Services. Right-click on Axiom Agent and select Properties.

Enter your login name and password (so that Axiom Agent Windows Service runs withyour credentials).

How many CAD files can CadExplorer or Detail Finderaccommodate?

Note: The answer is the same for both CadExplorer and Detail Finder. This answer willrefer to CadExplorer but it applies equally to Detail Finder.

CadExplorer is delivered with Microsofts SQL Server Express 2008 R2 databasesoftware. SQL Server Express is the limited, free version of Microsoft SQL Server and is

CadExplorer

included for CadExplorer evaluation purposes. SQL Express 2008 R2 supports amaximum database size of 10GB. This means only a limited number of CAD files can beindexed and searched if you use SQL Server Express.

Since SQL Server Expresss database cannot get larger than 10GB, it is almost neverappropriate for CadExplorer production, but excellent for evaluation as it is easy toinstall by any privileged user on just about any modern Windows computer.

The full, non-free version of SQL Server, which we recommend you use for actualproduction, does not have this database size limitation. Axiom does not provide the fullversion of SQL Server it must be purchased, configured and maintainedseparately from CadExplorer.

Most users have enough CAD files of enough complexity to search that they need to usethe full SQL Server, not its limited, free Express version.

Database Size EstimatesSince CAD files can vary greatly in size and complexity, we cannot estimate how muchdatabase space will be needed to search your particular CAD files without someinformation and sample files from you. For an estimate of how much CadExplorerdatabase space your CAD files will require, please email [email protected] thefollowing:

Some CAD files which are representative of your entire body of CAD files interms of size and complexity.

The total number of CAD files you want to be able to search with CadExplorer The total amount of disk space used by the CAD files you want to be able to

search with CadExplorer

Filter Editor Date and TimeThe Filter Editor uses your computers Regional Settings for the AM and PMsymbols. If you select a 24-hour time display and define blanks for AM and PM,AM and PM will not appear in time expressions in the Filter Editor.

To remedy, enter AM and PM under Regional Settings rather than blanks.

Chapter 12 Frequently Asked Questions Page 69

Browser out of memory errorThere is a known issue with Windows operating system relating to Windows PresentationFoundation framework (required by CadExplorer). Microsoft has issued a hotfix for this.

Following is the link to the Microsoft KB article along with another link containing thedownloads needed for the hotfix. Only one download is needed and the appropriate oneshould be installed based on your operating system (the first two appear to be WindowsXP and the last two appear to be Vista):

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/967634/

https://connect.microsoft.com/VisualStudio/Downloads/DownloadDetails.aspx?DownloadID=21986&wa=wsignin1.0

Note: do not install this hot fix unless you experience the problem described inMicrosofts article.

The following steps with CadExplorer will reveal the need for the hotfix:

1. Start up CadExplorer Browser.

CadExplorer

2. Run Windows Task Manager.

3. Highlight the CadExplorer.exe process and monitor its memory usage whilecontinuing the following steps.

4. Select the Files view. Click on different files in the Files view back and forth.

5. If memory (used by CadExplorer.exe) jumps dramatically on every click (like10-50 megabytes per click), thats a symptom of the Microsoft memory leak. IfCadExplorer.exe memory consumption does not change dramatically, you do nothave the memory leak issue (no need to install the hot fix).

VistaDatabase connection lost when attempting to change