The District software includes two pen tables to use in plotting full size and half size plots. These pen tables define the appearance of the plot. Within the pen table, instructions are provided to the plotter to modify the appearance of specific types of elements.
The consultant should review the features of the pen table, outlined below, and ensure that all elements in CAD files do not conflict with the pen table parameters. When elements fall within the search parameters of the pen table, they will be plotted according to the customized instruction in the pen table.
Pen Table Parameters
File Control Cell
The pen table will fill in the fields in the File Control Cell (CADDOC), to automatically indicate the user name, file name, and the date and time of the plot.
Element Weights
The pen table defines the weight for all elements of weight 0 through 6. Weights higher than weight 6 should not be used. The pen table also plots weight 0 text elements slightly darker than other weight 0 elements.
Point Elements
All point elements (zero length lines) are ignored during plotting.
Line Style 7 (LC=7)
Line Style or Code 7 is described by default as a long dash and a short dash. The Pen Table has redefined line style 7 to have a custom appearance. Line Style 7 will plot as a long centerline with approximately a 1 inch long dash, followed by a short dash. This line style should be used for all centerlines, except on small details where the length of the dash may be too long for the detail. In those cases, line style 4 may be substituted.
Solid Black Fill
Any object can be filled in solid black by making a Complex Shape around the area to fill, and making the complex shape WT=2. The element has to be a complex shape, not a regular shape or a complex string.
Patterning
Weight 3 and 4 shapes (ellipses, blocks, complex shapes), on level G-ANNO-PATT-IPLT, will plot with a pattern, depending on the weight and line style of the shape. The outline of the shape will not plot. Refer to the attached instructions, "Patterning Via Plotting", for more information.
Screening
See the section Screening via Plotting for information on screening elements.