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CadExplorer
Instant Google-like search and replace capabilities
for MicroStation!
Version 4.5
Axiom
1805 Drew Street
Clearwater, Florida 33765
727-442-7774 voice
727-442-8344 fax
Info@AxiomInt.com
www.AxiomInt.com
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CadExplorer
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introducing CadExplorer --------------------------------------------------- 7
The secret Google-MicroStation baby was born in 2008! --------------------------------------7
CadExplorers abilities are unprecedented. -------------------------------------------------------7
Analyze and modify project data in ways never before possible. -----------------------------8
A new addition to the happy family AutoCAD support! ------------------------------------8
Chapter 2 Installation----------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
Server Prerequisites ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
Client Computer Prerequisites----------------------------------------------------------------------9
CadExplorer Master Installer -------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
CadExplorer Quick Start -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
CadExplorer Samples------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
System Administrator Details -------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
Net.Tcp Port Sharing Service ---------------------------------------------------------------- 11
Windows Accounts for Batch Updates ----------------------------------------------------- 12
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Chapter 14 Glossary-----------------------------------------------------------------------72
Active Directory------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 72
Active Directory Domain ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 72
(CLR) Common Language Runtime------------------------------------------------------------- 72
DHCP Server---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 72
DNS Server ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 72
Domain Controller (DC) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 73
Domain and Workgroup Networks -------------------------------------------------------------- 73
Group Policy ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 73
LDAP ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 73
TCP -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 74
UDP -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 74
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CadExplorer
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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.
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CadExplorer
Instantly find text, cells and tags in any model, file or project.
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 attachments
filename, full path, logical name, description and attachment type (vector or raster).
Instantly collect information about the usage of cells in any design or anywhere
project-wide. For example, you can collect information about each cells name, cell
type (regular or shared), cell description and the unique element ID of each cell
instance.
Instantly identify oddball deviations from project standards in one or many project
files.
Chapter 2 Installation
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Server Prerequisites
CadExplorer components expect the following Windows network facilities/roles to be
available:
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 with Advanced Services (or a later version)
A file server
A DNS server
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CadExplorer
Chapter 2 Installation
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4. Open CadExplorer Browser to display, filter, sort and modify your project files and
elements in ways never before possible.
CadExplorer Samples
Delivered sample files are (by default) configured to be spidered and loaded into the
CadExplorer database at 9:00 am daily. This can be changed or disabled using
CadExplorer Server.
Default sample file locations are:
Windows XP
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Axiom\CadExplorer\samples\
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 the
Net.Tcp Port Sharing Service manually, navigate to My Computer | Manage |
Services and Applications | Services then right-click on Net.Tcp Port Sharing
Service and select {Start} (if not already started).
Note: The process SMSvcHost.exe is the Net.Tcp Port Sharing service. Firewalls
should be configured to allow incoming and outgoing internet access to this
process.
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Your Active Directory Server should propagate firewall port exception policy to
client workstations.
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For Windows Server 2003 SP1, Windows Server 2003 SP2 and Windows XP 64-bit
Editions:
.NET 3.5 SP1 Framework must be installed using the Server Manager
application. See the section Installing .NET 3.5 SP1 Framework below for
instructions.
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Manual Installation
The following steps explain how to manually install SQL Server 2008 R2 for use by
CadExplorer:
1. Navigate to the SQLExpress subdirectory of your CadExplorer installation
folder.
2. Launch the appropriate installer:
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requirements (see http://technet.microsoft.com/enus/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.
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1. Run Start | All Programs | Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 | SQL Server
Management Studio Express.
2. Select the File | Connect Object Explorer... menu item. A Connect to Server
dialog will be displayed.
3. Select the SQL server in the "Server name" dropdown menu.
4. Select the appropriate authentication in the "Authentication" dropdown menu. If
SQL 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 the
Object 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.
15. Click the {OK} button.
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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 "Login
name:" 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.
27. Click the {OK} button.
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Chapter 4 Uninstalling
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CadExplorer
Introduction
The CadExplorer Browser allows you to view, sort, search and select data from one or
many project files without the necessity to be a programmer or database administrator.
CadExplorer Browser displays your CAD data in spreadsheet-like views making it easy
to review the data. When you first load CadExplorer Browser you will see your CAD
project data organized by server drives, folders, design files, models and individual
MicroStation 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 tools
for zeroing in on the exact data you need.
For instance, lets say you wanted to find all the design files in a particular project that
had text elements in them. CadExplorer Browser lets you do this easily. Simply click on
the Elements tab to see information about the elements in the various design files in
your project. Then, move your mouse cursor over the Text column. When your mouse
cursor hovers over a column heading, a little filter symbol displays.
Drives
The server drives on which your project files reside.
Folders
Directories containing your project files.
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Files
Individual CAD project files.
Models
Models within the CAD files. For example, MicroStation V8 design files often contain
more than one model. Individual models are listed here.
Elements
All of the lines, circles, text and all other types of elements in your models.
Filtering
When you click on the filter symbol, a drop-down list of filtering options appears. Figure
2 shows how you would select elements where the text content isnt blank.
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The spreadsheet-like view refreshes with just the files that have text elements.
Filter Editor
The filter drop-down list includes column contents for quick selection, but also offers
the Filter Editor.
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The Filter Editor provides any imaginable filter or combination of filtering options.
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Each tab allows you to filter the data displayed under that tab. For example, you can filter
the Drives tab to include only those files on your P: drive. This filter will also impact
the information displayed in all other tabs to the right.
The Drives, Folders, Files, Models and Element tabs are aware of each other and work
together:
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, Models
and Elements tab.
Filters applied to the Files tab control the data displayed under the Models and
Elements 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 the
right.
2) A filter applied to one of the five standard tabs does not get propagated to tabs to the
left.
3) Filters on left do not get propagated to SmartTabs (user-defined or built-in
SmartTabs).
4) If a filter is defined for a standard tab on the left (for example, a File Name filter is
defined for the Drives tab) and that filter is later removed (cleared) from a tab to the
right (for example, the File Name column filter is cleared for the Elements tab) the
active File Name filter is not cleared from any tab to the left (does not propagate to
the 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 to
the right of the current tab will inherit the new filter, and the new filter will be
applied to all standard tab filters found as propagation moves from left to right.
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Unfiltering
CadExplorer 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 of
the grid.
In the following illustration, a filter is defined for the File Name column and for the
Element Type column:
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CadExplorer
Sorting
CadExplorer 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 pointing
upwards on the column header shows that the column is sorted ascending. When the
arrow 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 use
advanced 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.
Unsorting
Right-click on the active CadExplorer Browser column heading and select Clear
Sorting.
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Grouping
Columns can be used to group rows by clicking the column header with the right mouse
button 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 original
position to create a group.
This illustrates how to group drawing elements by File Name and Model
Name.
Ungrouping
Ungrouping is done by dragging the column header from the Group panel or rightclicking on the Group panel and clicking on the Clear Grouping option. A third
option is to right-click on the column header in the Group panel and clicking on the
UnGroup option.
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CadExplorer
Filtering
Sorting
Grouping (collapsed)
Column width
Column order
Host
Host computer on a domain-based network.
For example: MyComputer@MyCompany.com.
FQDN
Fully Qualified Domain Name.
For example: MyServer.MyCompany.com
Drive
A drive letter such as C: or N: or \\Server\Server-O [Universal Naming
Convention (UNC) notation].
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Host
Host computer on a domain-based network.
For example: MyComputer@MyCompany.com.
Drive
A drive letter such as C: or N: or \\Server\Server-O [Universal Naming
Convention (UNC) notation].
Folder
A directory path or Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path. Excludes drive letter and
filename. For example:
N:\Projects\I-75\example.dgn
\\Server\Server-N\Projects\I-75\example.dgn
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Host
Host computer on a domain-based network.
For example: MyComputer@MyCompany.com.
Drive
A drive letter such as C: or N: or \\Server\Server-O [Universal Naming
Convention (UNC) notation].
Folder
A directory path or Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path. Excludes drive letter and
filename. For example:
N:\Projects\I-75\example.dgn
\\Server\Server-N\Projects\I-75\example.dgn
File Name
An individual file name without drive or path. Includes extension. For example:
N:\Projects\I-75\example.dgn
\\Server\Server-N\Projects\I-75\example.dgn
# Models
Number of models contained in the CAD file. V8 files can contain 1 or more models. V7
files can contain only one model.
# Levels
Number of levels used in the CAD file.
# Elements
Total number of elements in the CAD file including all non-model, non-graphical and
graphical elements.
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Format
Indicates CAD file format, for example, V7 or V8.
Version
4-digit MicroStation version for V8 design files, 7.* for V7 files, year of AutoCAD
release for DWG and DXF files.
Modified
Date and time this file was last modified.
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 (or
more) files which are identical copies of each other, even when they have
different file names or different drive locations. This includes files which are
copied using Windows Explorer or copied using SaveAs selected from
MicroStations File menu. If the checksum is identical for two files, they are
copies of the same file, regardless of file name or file date.
File Number
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Name
The models name. Default by default.
Model Description
Description of the current model (if defined).
Dimension
2D or 3D.
Cell
Any MicroStation V8 model can be treated as a cell. If checked, this model will be listed
as an available cell. If unchecked, this model will not be treated as a cell.
Non Model
If checked, indicates the element resides in the design files non-model section. If
unchecked, the element resides within a model.
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File Name
An individual file name without drive or path. Includes extension. For example:
N:\Projects\I-75\example.dgn
\\Server\Server-N\Projects\I-75\example.dgn
File Path
Full path for a file. Includes drive, path, filename and extension. For example:
N:\Projects\I-75\example.dgn
\\Server\Server-N\Projects\I-75\example.dgn
Folder
For explanation, select Settings from MicroStations main menu. Then select
Design File | Working Units | Advanced.
Subunit Label
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Drive
A drive letter such as C: or N: or \\Server\Server-O [Universal Naming
Convention (UNC) notation]. For example:
N:\Projects\I-75\example.dgn
\\Server\Server-N\Projects\I-75\example.dgn
Folder
A directory path or Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path. Excludes drive letter and
filename. For example:
N:\Projects\I-75\example.dgn
\\Server\Server-N\Projects\I-75\example.dgn
File Name
An individual file name without drive or path. Includes extension. For example:
N:\Projects\I-75\example.dgn
\\Server\Server-N\Projects\I-75\example.dgn
Model Name
The models name. Default by default.
Level Name
The levels name. Default by default.
Element Type
A text label corresponding to the element type number. For example, Line, Text or
Cell.
[Type ID column lists the elements type number, such as 3 for a line, 17 for text, etc.]
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Graphical
Is this element a visible graphical element? If checked, this is a graphical element. If not
checked, the element is not graphical (is not displayed in a MicroStation or AutoCAD
view).
Color
Elements color or ByLevel or ByCell.
Weight
Elements weight or ByLevel or ByCell.
Style
Elements style or ByLevel or ByCell.
Cell Name
The name of a Regular (type 2), Shared Cell Definition (type 34) or Shared Cell Instance
(type 35).
Text
The text characters of a text element. Applicable only to text elements (type 17).
Modified
MicroStations modification time stamp for the element.
Unique element ID of the associated element (if any). For example, if a tag
element is associated with another element, the other elements unique ID is
listed in the Associated ID column.
Attachment Model
Beginning with MicroStation V8, reference file attachments are links between a
master file model and a reference file model (not between a master file and a
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reference file, as in V7). The attachments model is listed here if it is not the
default model.
Cell Description
This column includes the description for a Shared Cell Definition (type 34) if one
exists. [Shared Cell Definitions are stored in the non-model section of a V8
design 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 2
complex parent elements. Depth = 0 for individual elements (which arent
components of a complex element).
Diagonal
Element ID
MicroStation or AutoCAD levels have a name and a number. The level number
appears in this column.
Link Description
Full path (including drive, directory, filename and extension) to the vector or
raster reference file.
Link Logical Name
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Link Type
Is this element in the (shared) non-model section of this file? If unchecked, the
element is contained within the indicated model.
Parent ID
When multiple paragraphs are pasted into MicroStations Word Processor (text
editor), MicroStation groups the pasted text in a text node (type 7) with the
individual paragraphs represented by text elements (type 17). The Seq# column
indicates the ordering of the paragraphs this allows you to list the paragraphs
within a text node in the same order they appear in the design file. If Seq# was
not available, the paragraphs could display out of order (for example, if the
Text column is sorted alphabetically).
Tag Name
The elements type number, such as 3 for a line, 17 for text, etc.
[Element Type column provides a text label corresponding to these element
type numbers.]
X Center
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Y Low
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Find
CadExplorer 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.
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CadExplorer
Replace
Use CadExplorers Replace dialog to specify how elements in your CAD files will be
modified 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.
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.
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CadExplorer
1. Specify what you want to replace. In this example, we are looking for the
area code 813- (the Text to Find).
2. Specify what to replace the original with. In this example, we want to
replace 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. You
can also clearly see which text will not be modified (No Action).
CadExplorer Browser lets you know when your replacements are 100% complete (design
files have been updated):
Any string matching your wildcard will be replaced entirely by the replacement
value.
Wildcard
Description
*abc
abc*
*abc*
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Regular Expressions
http://www.regexlib.com/CheatSheet.aspx
http://www.addedbytes.com/cheat-sheets/regular-expressions-cheatsheet/
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CadExplorer
Viewing Options
The 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 function
called Search for: located at the top right of the CadExplorer Browser window. This is
not available in Tabs View.
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Five pre-defined ways to view your data: the five Standard Tabs
Predefined SmartViews
CadExplorer Browser is delivered with additional SmartViews. These SmartViews
provide 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.
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CadExplorer
User-definable SmartViews
Any of the five standard tabs can be modified and saved to a user-definable name for
example, Current Project. User-definable tabs are called SmartViews. All saved
SmartViews are listed in the SmartViews menu.
To create your own SmartView, select one of the five standard tabs, rearrange the
columns, sorting, grouping, filtering as desired, then select {Save SmartView}.
The {Save SmartView} command allows you save your customized display of data to a
user-defined name.
When you save a SmartView, the following settings are preserved:
Filtering
Sorting
Grouping (collapsed)
Column width
Column order
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Introduction
The Tools menu provides convenient keyboard-only access to CadExplorer Browser
tools, most of which are also available by mouse-click from the CadExplorer Browser
tool bar.
There are some special CadExplorer Browser features only available from the Tools
menu.
Proximity Search
The CadExplorer Browsers Proximity Search tool finds and displays MicroStation
elements in response to questions such as:,
Show me all text elements containing the substring Texas that are within 20 feet
of cells named Oil Well.
"Find all text elements in all design files containing the string gas fumes within
eight inches of a cell named flame.
Find all instances of text string Cliff (in all design files) that don't have a nearby
Warning 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 your
files:
Find all pairs of elements where each of the elements is within the specified
distance.
Find all source elements where there is no target element within the specified
distance.
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 zero
in on the precise elements of interest.
The Proximity Search dialog box is then used to define exactly what types of nearby
elements to search for and criteria for which elements are considered to be in proximity
to (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 Proximity
tab) which match both the Elements tab filtering and the Proximity Search dialog search
criteria.
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The Proximity tab displays information about both elements in the pair, plus a column for
the distance between the two elements in each pair.
When a Proximity Search includes many elements in many files, the result can be very
large (many rows). By default, the result set is limited to 10,000 rows maximum.
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100% means the distance between the range block centers of the Source and Target
elements equals the average length of their diagonals (the distance between them is 100%
of their intuitive size).
Database Connection
Displays current information about the current database connection.
The {Test Connection} button confirms current client computers CadExplorer Browser
is 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 one
database can be viewed at a time. The CadExplorer Browser automatically connects to
the active database defined in CadExplorer Server.
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CadExplorer
Options
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Introduction
The Axiom Agents Spider collects information from your project files and outputs the
details 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 folder
to the Failed folder (which is defined in CadExplorer Server).
The Axiom Agent is a Windows service which runs automatically in the background.
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CadExplorer
Select Include Subfolders if you want the Spider to automatically visit subdirectories
under the specified parent directory or directories specified by FilesToProcess. By
default, subdirectories are not processed.
Select Enable Logging only when instructed to do so by Axiom Support.
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1. Grant permissions to the Network Service account to all UNC file paths that the
Agent must be able to access.
2. If the IT Administrator does not wish to grant such permissions to the Network
Service account, then either
a. an existing account with appropriate permissions would need to be configured for the
Axiom Agent or
b. a new account would need to be created for CadExplorer with the appropriate
permissions to access to the UNC paths.
In the case of #2 above, every Agent would need to be configured to use the new or
existing account assigned.
Network Tab
Axiom Agents must subscribe (request) to receive communication broadcast to this IP
address group by the CadExplorer Server. Default is 239.28.128.228.
Communication between CadExplorer Server and Axiom Agents are restricted to using
this port. Default is port 62808.
ProjectWise Tab
CadExplorer supports ProjectWise V8i. Earlier versions may work but are untested and
not officially supported by CadExplorer.
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CadExplorer
If ProjectWise Explorer is not installed on the machine you are running the Agent
Console on, the ProjectWise tab will not be displayed.
If you want CadExplorer to process files in ProjectWise, your Axiom Agent(s) must be
configured so they can log into ProjectWise to access those CAD files for scanning. To
set up ProjectWise support, check on the Enable ProjectWise checkbox, push {Set Login
Credentials} and log into ProjectWise. Be sure to use a suitable ProjectWise user
account, one that has access to all the files in your datasource that you might want to
spider.
[options]
/X
XML_output_dir
CAD_file_fullpath_or_wildcard
Options:
/H -- bitmap thumbnail height (default is 768).
/I
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Examples
CadSpider /i /x c:\myXML c:\myProject\example.dgn
CadSpider /i /v /s /x "c:\My XML" "c:\My Project\*.dgn"
UNC file paths are also supported for XML output directory.
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CadExplorer
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Introduction
The CadExplorer Server collects XML output from the XML output folder used by the
CadExplorer 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 CadExplorer
Server 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 CadExplorer
Browsers) anywhere on your network. This console also provides a user interface for
CadExplorer 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 the
CadExplorer Server Windows service, right-click on My Computer and select Manage
| Services and Applications | Services | Axiom CadExplorer Server | Properties.
CadExplorer Server
To configure CadExplorer for your site, select CadExplorer Server from your Start
menu.
The Clients grid therein displays the status of your CadExplorer components and their
location on your network.
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CadExplorer
Server Actions
The CadExplorer Server provides a convenient user interface to Start, Stop or Restart the
CadExplorer Server Windows service. This service should normally start automatically,
but may need to be stopped to install a new CadExplorer component, etc.
Clients
The CadExplorer Server supports two types of clients on your network: Axiom Agents
and CadExplorer Browsers.
Run Now
Select an Agent row and click this button to direct that Agent to Spider its project files
now (rather than waiting for next scheduled Spider run).
Refresh
Immediately checks for status changes for any Axiom Agents or CadExplorer Browsers
on your network.
Note: An Agent will re-register itself in the event the Server is restarted. This can take
up to one minute (determined by a Server setting).
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CadExplorer
Directories
The following directories need to be defined for CadExplorer components.
Backups
CadExplorer Browser always creates backups of your data before performing
modifications. Backups are created as defined in the following dialog.
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Database
By default, CadExplorer Server uses SQL authentication to connect to an SQL server.
While this simplifies the installation and evaluation of CadExplorers features, it may not
be ideal for everyone. You should consult with your companys system administrator to
select which authentication method will work best in your environment.
Windows Authentication
To use Windows authentication, your Windows account must have access to the SQL
server where the CadExplorer database is located.
If you will be using the SQL Server 2008 R2 Express database that is included with
CadExplorer, the Windows account used to perform the installation of the database will
already have access. You can change the authentication setting to Use Windows
Authentication, click the Connect button, and then either create a new database or
select an existing one. Any additional Windows accounts you wish to use will need to be
added to SQL Server 2008 R2 Express (see the section Adding a Windows account in
the Advanced Installation Topics chapter).
If you will be using your companys existing SQL server, you will need to contact your
Database Administrator to assist with creating a database and adding access for the
Windows accounts that will be used. Once this has been completed, you can set the Log
on to the database server setting to Use Windows Authentication, click the Connect
button, and then select an existing database from the dropdown menu under Select
Existing Database.
SQL Authentication
To use SQL authentication, you must provide an SQL account and password. If you
installed the SQL Server 2008 R2 Express database using the CadExplorer Master
Installer, an account named CadExplorer (with the password set to CadExplorer_4)
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has already been created for you, otherwise, you will need to contact your Database
Administrator to create an account for you. See the FAQ section Changing the
CadExplorer 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 Use
SQL Server Authentication, enter the SQL accounts user name and password, click the
Connect button, and then either create a new database or select an existing database
from the dropdown menu under Select Existing Database.
Creating a database
By default, your CadExplorer database is named CadExplorer. You can create
additional databases with different names. The first character of a database name must be
a 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, database
creation will fail.
Database Usage
This dialog displays the status of your database. Hover over the usage meter and legend
for details.
System Mode
CadExplorer Browser normally works with files on the computer where it is installed.
When authorized by the system administrator, CadExplorer Browser can be granted
additional capabilities (Enhanced Mode) to view and modify files on any client
workstation on your network.
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Network
CadExplorer components communicate with each other using the settings illustrated in
the following dialog. Normally, these default settings will be suitable.
Logging
CadExplorer creates logs which are useful for collecting information such as system
information, Agent or Browser connection to CadExplorer Server status, issues with
installations and much more. The following dialog contains settings for controlling and
managing these logs.
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Some CAD files which are representative of your entire body of CAD files in
terms 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
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Vista
Database connection lost when attempting to change to a new database in
CadExplorer Browser.
Vista has a User Account Control (UAC), a security component that keeps a user, even if
they are assigned administrator rights, from changing core system settings. Here is a tech
brief:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc709691(WS.10).aspx
Disable the UAC to avoid approving changes with multiple prompts. This setting is
accessed by opening the Control Panel, selecting System Maintenance and clicking on
User accounts and Family Safety.
There are multiple ways to disable this. The following linked-to article describes when to
disable this and why:
http://www.petri.co.il/disable_uac_in_windows_vista.htm
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Active Directory
Active Directory allows administrators to assign policies, deploy software, and apply
critical updates to an organization. Active Directory stores information and settings in a
central database. Active Directory networks can vary from a small installation with a few
computers, users and printers to tens of thousands of users, many different domains and
large server farms spanning many geographical locations.
There is a common misconception that Active Directory provides software distribution.
Software distribution is run by a separate service that uses additional proprietary schema
attributes that work in conjunction with the LDAP protocol. Active Directory does not
automate software distribution, but provides a mechanism by which other services can
provide software distribution.
DHCP Server
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network application protocol used by
devices (DHCP clients) to obtain configuration information for operation in an Internet
Protocol network. This protocol reduces system administration workload, allowing
devices to be added to the network with little or no manual intervention
DNS Server
The Domain Name System (DNS) translates human-friendly computer hostnames into IP
addresses. For example, www.example.com translates to 208.77.188.166.
The Domain Name System makes it possible to assign domain names to groups of
Internet users in a meaningful way, independent of each user's physical location.
Chapter 14 Glossary
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Group Policy
Example illustrating how to set up client workstation firewall to utilize the Group Policy
defined on the Active Directory Domain Server:
LDAP
The Lightweight Directory Access Protocol, or LDAP, is an application protocol for
querying and modifying directory services running over TCP/IP.
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TCP
Transmission Control Protocol TCP ensures that all data arrives accurately and 100%
intact at the other end.
TCP's unreliable counterpart is UDP, which is used for streaming media, VoIP and
videoconferencing, because there is no time to retransmit erroneous or dropped packets.
TCP is "connection oriented" and requires a handshake before the session can begin.
UDP
User Datagram Protocol A communications protocol that is used in place of TCP
when a reliable delivery is not required. There is less processing of UDP packets than
there is for TCP.
UDP is connectionless and does not use a handshake to start a session. It just sends out
packets.
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Improved: Many more interface elements are now translated into AutoCAD terms in the
AutoCAD-centric view mode. Also changed instances of entity to object in that view
mode.
Improved: Made various improvements to this guide, including adding instructions for
creating a SQL Server account for CadExlporer to use, needed by users with existing
SQL Server installations. (This is already handled automatically when installing SQL
Server Express via CadExplorer Master Installer.)
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of constantly scanning all files for modifications only files that users open get
rescanned.
New: Added the ability to delete records of files and folders from the CadExplorer
database via Browser. This does not delete the files on disk and it does not prevent them
from being re-scanned by Agent in the future.
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New: During installation and when starting CadExplorer Server, we now check the SQL
Servers version to ensure it is suitable. (We must ensure it is a SQL Server version that
supports full-text indexes.)
New: We now display the version number in each CadExplorer components main box.
To hide it temporarily, {Ctrl-LeftClick} on it.
New: Agent installation now creates a desktop shortcut.
New: Master Installer now creates a log file to aid in debugging any difficulties.
Changed: Clarified various minor user interface elements and messages.
Changed: Browser now saves the last chosen view row limit settings between runs,
instead of reverting to the default of 10,000 rows every time you run it.
Changed: Agent now tries to reconnect to Server every 10 seconds instead of every 60
seconds. Waiting for 60 seconds could give users the false impression that something was
wrong.
Changed: We now trap the case where the SQL Server WMI (Windows Management
Instrumentation) namespace is not installed (which would prevent CadExplorer Server
from finding SQL Server) and notify the user that they must install that SQL Server
component. Also added installation instructions for this SQL Server component to the
CadExplorer users guide.
Fixed: Server upgrade did not recreate folders which were previously empty.
Fixed: Browsers SmartView Manager allowed the deletion of system-level views.
Solved by disabling the {Delete SmartView} button for those views.
Fixed: CadExplorer installer crashed when installing as a non-admin user.
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CadExplorer features not yet supported for AutoCAD DWG and DXF files:
Proximity Search
Find all houses that are not within two miles of a fire station.
Find all screws that do not have a washer within 0.1 mm.
The Proximity Search enhancements in this release allow you to find all elements
(matching user-defined criteria) where there are no nearby instances of other elements
(matching a different user-defined criteria):
Find all source elements where there is no target element within the specified
distance.
Note: The CadExplorer Server requires Net.Tcp Port Sharing Service enabled. The
service is now enabled automatically when CadExplorer Server is started (requires
administrator privilege). This service had to be enabled manually prior to this release.
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