Source Information

Click Source Information to display the Import Source Information window which contains information about the 3D steel detailing package which the SDNF file is being transferred from.

The interface requires at least two external mapping tables for each Source Package to check that the design can accept the data. It also may use the Profile Orientation and/or the Unicode mapping table if necessary. The mapping tables are for the Steel Profiles, Materials, Unicode text string and for mapping the Profile orientations between the Neutral File and Model. The file arrangement on the system and required format is explained. Refer to Customise SDNF for further information. The interface also needs to know where the external mapping files are located on the computer network. For this internal mapping tables are required. The configuration and location of files is explained. Refer to Internal Mapping Files for further information.

For example, you can have a generic set of mapping tables to map between SDNF and the application for a particular steel fabricator. Or you can have a similar set for each 3D steel detailing package.

The current file settings are indicated on this window. Changing the Source Package using the Source Package drop-down list on the right hand side of the window may cause the text to change giving the full path names of the respective files.

Note:
Do not be concerned that the path name may be truncated by the insertion of the ellipsis (…): it is modified only for display purposes on the window.

The system also checks that these files are compatible with the Source Package by checking only the identification line at the top of each mapping table. The format of the mapping files is explained.Refer to Internal Mapping Files for further information.

The two main options are Auto and Manual which are activated by selecting the appropriate option button on the left hand side of the window.

The Auto option causes the interface to select automatically the mapping tables for the Source Package indicated by the Source Package drop-down list on the right hand side of the window, according to the system configuration files. When you execute the Import process, the Auto flag causes the correct mapping files to be used based on the Issue field in the Input file header. Details about the Input file header are available. Refer to Technical Information for further information.

The Manual option activates other option buttons, which are initially greyed out for the Auto option. Selecting this option changes the display of the window. For example

You can select the file type using the Profiles/Materials/Orient'n or Unicode radio buttons and input the full path name of the file in the data entry area. You can also include system environment variables in the path name as long as they are in the proper format, for example, %ENVVAR% being the representation of the ENVVAR environment variable.

Press Enter, the interface checks for existence of the file and compatibility with the Source Package indicated by the Package drop-down list.

Note:
The check is only that the file applies to the Source Package and not that it is a correct file type or format.

You can choose by hand which mapping file to use by either inputting its name in the text data entry field, or by using the Browse option to display a File Browser. Use this browser to search for the relevant mapping file.

Once all the correct data has been input on the Source Information window, click OK and the interface variables are updated. Click Cancel to close the window, leaving the original interface variables unchanged.

Error and Log File Messages