Purpose of Translation Tables
Converting graphical data between different software packages isn't always perfect. The purpose of the translation table is to eliminate conversion problems with Autocad by keeping two versions of each linetype and symbol - a Softree version and an Autocad version. During export, the Autocad version from the Translation Tables is substituted for the Softree version. In this way we can get around any unsupported graphical types through the use of simple substitution.
For example, an Autocad ellipse is not supported in Terrain Tools. If you read in an Autocad block with an ellipse, Terrain is unable to display it identically. But if you set up the Translation Table, when you export from Terrain to Autocad, the original Autocad block with the ellipse will be shown.
Translation Tables are very useful for adhering drafting standards. If your company has a specific set of Autocad blocks and linetypes required for drafting submissions, set up a specific Translation Table to ensure that identical blocks and linetypes are used.
How to Setup Symbol and Linetype Translation Tables
In Terrain Tools, open the Module Setup dialog and go to General tab. Click the Translations button to access the Edit Translations dialog shown below:
Figure: Setup Translations between Softree and Autocad
Switch between the Linetypes tab or the Symbols tab depending on what Translation Table you are setting up.
Click the Load button. Set the File Type to Autocad Drawing (*.dwg). Browse to the Autocad file where your linetypes/symbols are stored.
A list of all available Autocad Linetypes (or Blocks) from the definition tables of the Autocad drawing will be shown. Select the linetypes/blocks you require and click Ok.
Terrain will convert the linetypes/blocks into Softree format. The original Autocad version will be stored in memory and a linkage will be setup between the two versions. New entries will be displayed in the Softree to Autocad Matchings list.
Now you can create your Terrain file using Softree symbols and linetypes. When you save to Autocad format, any linetypes/symbols in the Softree to Autocad Matchings list will be automatically written using the Autocad versions.
Where Translation Tables are Stored
The file extension for Softree Translation Tables can be either TRF or TE1.
Terrain uses Normal.TRF as the current Translation file. It's possible to save multiple Translation files and load them up depending on which one you need.
Figure: Save and Load Translation Tables on the Module Setup General
tab