Define the Platform Geometry Explicitly

Begin to create a Platform:

1. Select Create > Platform > type > Define, where type is Corner, Rectangular, Return Access, Walkway, Floorplate or Circular.

   To display an element creation window similar to this (the precise format depends on the type of platform specified):

   

2. Give the new platform a Name, if required.

3. Check that the default settings for Floorplate Thickness, Kickplate Depth and Posts are suitable. Change them if necessary.

4. Enter the coordinates of the new platform’s origin (the centre of the rectangle) in the Position text boxes, checking that the Wrt entry refers to the correct reference axis system.

5. Enter the platform’s dimensions, as required, in the Length and Width text boxes.

6. The default orientation for a newly created platform is with its length pointing North and with the plane of the platform horizontal (these directions are not derived from the defaults file). If the user wishes to rotate the platform about a vertical axis through its origin, edit the entry in the Direction text box.

   For a Return Access platform, the specified direction defines the direction of the open end.

7. Click OK to create the platform, complete with appropriate handrails and kickplates.

   If the user has created a corner or return access platform, the prompt Mirror? is displayed. This allows the user the opportunity to change the handrail layout by moving the rails to the opposite sides.

8. Select Yes or No as required.

An example platform (with Length and Width set to 1000, 1000 respectively, and Yes selected for Mirror) is shown below: