Manual Autoturn
Manual Autoturn
Configuration Tools
Program Settings: Sets various general program settings, display options, vehicle
creation defaults, permissions, and which hints and vehicle libraries will display;
provides functions for purchasing and installing AutoTURN Pro vehicle libraries,
renewing a MAP, upgrading a license and moving a program license between
computers, as well as information about how to contact Transoft Solutions.
Properties: Sets the various properties that determine how turn simulations will be
drawn. The update function allows an existing turn simulation to be updated to the
currently displayed properties.
Vehicles: Sets the Current Vehicle for use in generating vehicle simulations; provides
functions for viewing/editing vehicle details, creating new vehicles and types, and
importing and exporting AutoTURN Pro format .vcl files.
3D Terrain Tool
Select Terrain: Sets the current terrain used by AutoTURN Pro’s 3D tools (see Generate
3D Arc Path, Place 3D Simulation, Convert 2D to 3D).
3D SmartPath Tool
Generate 3D Arc Path: Generates a path on a terrain that follows an arc from the start
position to the position of the mouse.
Place 3D Tool
Edit 3D Tools
Regenerate Simulation: Recreates a selected turn simulation, taking into account any
changes to elements drawn on the specified Obstacles Layer/Level that interact with the
turn simulation envelopes.
Continue 3D Simulation: Continues generating a selected 3D turn simulation.
Delete Last 3D Section: Deletes the last section of a selected 3D turn simulation.
Visualization 3D Tools
Run Animation: Runs an animation of the Current Vehicle on the selected path elements
or runs an animation of the vehicle used in the selected simulation.
Place 3D Vehicle: Places 3D representations of the vehicle used in a selected 3D turn
simulation.
Delete 3D Vehicle: Deletes 3D vehicles in 3D turn simulations that were placed using
the Place 3D Vehicle tool.
Manage InVision Data: Adds InVision data to the drawing for selected turn simulations
to be used with the InVision product. This tool can also be used to remove unwanted
InVision data from the drawing.
2D SmartPath Tools
Generate Arc Path: Generates the simplest and most commonly used type of turn
simulation. It generates a path that follows an arc from the start position to the position
of the mouse.
Generate Corner Path: Generates a turn simulation using an entrance tangent, arc, and
exit tangent, with input for the turn radius and the amount of turn sweep.
Oversteer Corner Path: Generates an over-steered maneuver similar to the one generated
with the Generate Corner Path tool (see SmartPath Tools -> Generate Corner Path)
except that the body of the vehicle’s first part and steering tires are parallel at the end of
the maneuver. Entry and exit tangent offsets are used to control the amount of oversteer
applied to the maneuver.
Steer A Path: Provides a means of driving a vehicle along an arbitrary path by moving
the mouse in the desired direction.
Place 2D Tool
Place Adaptive Simulation: Places a forward turn simulation using the Current Vehicle
(see Overview -> Current Vehicle) based on following selected path elements with the
center of the steering axle group (a traditional centerline path follow turn simulation) or
by offsetting the turn simulation a specified distance relative to the selected turn
simulation envelopes (an offset turn simulation).
Edit 2D Tools
Delete Last Section: Deletes the last section of a picked turn simulation.
Path Control: Edits turn simulations by adding or moving nodes to make small
adjustments to the path.
Visualization 2D Tools
Report Tools
Generate Report: Generates a graphic and summary report for any turn simulation.
Insert Profile: Inserts a dimensioned profile view of the Current Vehicle, or in the case
of a simulation, the vehicle in the simulation.
Generate Template: Generates a turning template of the Current Vehicle complete with
all relevant vehicle dimensions and turning characteristics.
Recall Simulations: Recalls previously stored turn simulations by either placing the turn
simulations or running their animations.
Support Tools
Tutorials: Plays interactive tutorials. Users with the Advanced access level can also
record tutorials.
Help: Provides in-depth information on features as well as step-by-step instructions for
specific tasks.
Transoft Solutions Online.
Program Settings
Sets various general program settings, display options, vehicle creation defaults, permissions, and
which hints and vehicle libraries will display; provides functions for purchasing and installing
AutoTURN Pro vehicle libraries, renewing a MAP, upgrading a license and moving a program
license between computers, as well as information about how to contact Transoft Solutions.
General
Display Options
Vehicle Defaults
Permissions
Hints
Vehicle Libraries
Licensing
Contact Transoft
Program Settings
General Category
Units Section
This setting tells AutoTURN Pro what units should be used to create turn simulations. The Vehicles
tool (see Vehicle) uses this setting to draw the vehicles in their dialog boxes' preview areas. In
MicroStation, this setting refers to the master units setting of the design file. Care should be taken to
ensure the correct units have been selected before placing a simulation or running an animation.
Units available are:
inches
millimeters
feet
meters
centimeters
Click Program Settings Units to generate profiles using the Program Settings' units when using
the Insert Profile tool.
Click Vehicle Creation Units to generate profiles using the vehicle's Creation Units setting.
These settings allow you to set more realistic Steering Lock Angle and Articulating Angle
values than what are used in some design vehicles for the purposes of maneuvering vehicles in
reverse.
Click In Drawing Folder check box to have AutoTURN Pro saved simulations to the
subfolder where the drawing is located. The subfolder name is created by adding "AT-" to the
drawing name: AT-drawingname.
Click In Output Folder to have AutoTURN Pro save simulations in the Output folder.
Program Settings
Display Options Category
When Dragging
Select this check box so that vehicle angles will display in the drawing while generating, editing and
visualizing turn simulations.
When Drawing
Select this check box so that vehicle angles will draw in the turn simulations after generating,
placing, and editing turn simulations.
Note: Angle measurements display for steering, articulating (yaw), pitch, and roll angles (see
SmartPath Tools, Continue Simulation, Path Control, Place Adaptive Simulation, Place 3D Vehicle,
and Place Vehicle).
The following drawing illustrates a simulation with the When Drawing check box selected.
Select the Enabled check box to have the steering pointer display while generating and visualizing
simulations (see SmartPath Tools, Continue Simulation, Path Control, Place 3D Vehicle and Place
Vehicle).
The following drawing illustrates a simulation being generated with the Enabled check box selected.
Set how fast or slow the vehicle follows the mouse while using the Steer A Path tool (see Tools ->
SmartPath Tools -> Steer A Path), where 1 is the slowest speed and 10 is the fastest. This setting is
available to allow users to achieve a comfortable driving rate on all computers. The speed at which
the vehicle follows the mouse is in no way related to the speed of an actual vehicle.
Program Settings
Vehicle Defaults Category
Set the default Lock to Lock Time , Steering Lock Angle , and Articulating Angle values used
when creating new vehicles (see Vehicles -> To Create a New Vehicle).
Program Settings
Permissions Category
AutoTURN Pro uses Permissions to allow CAD Systems Managers, et al, more control over the
AutoTURN Pro functions available to users in network configurations.
AutoTURN Pro ships with Permissions disabled, which grants users access to the standard program
functions.
If more restrictive access is desired, administrators can enable permissions (see To Enable
Permissions). Once permissions have been enabled, each AutoTURN Pro user will need to type the
password assigned to the desired access level (see To Set the User Access Level). If they do not type
an access level password, they will have the Basic access level. AutoTURN Pro will remember the
user’s last access level when they restart AutoTURN Pro so an access level password is not required
every time AutoTURN Pro is started.
The passwords are stored on the License Server and are accessed by all workstations running
AutoTURN Pro.
Basic - Can select vehicles, can not create or add loads and sight lines (see Vehicles -> To Add a
Load to a Vehicle and Vehicles -> To Add Sight Lines to a Vehicle respectively), can not create
custom vehicles or configure steering linkages (see Vehicles -> To Configure Steering Linkages for
a Vehicle). Default password: n/a.
Standard - Can select vehicles, can create and copy vehicles and configure vehicle corners (see
Vehicles -> To Configure a Vehicle's Corners), can create custom types (see Vehicles -> Types), can
add/delete/apply loads and sight lines (see Vehicles -> To Add a Load to a Vehicle and Vehicles ->
To Add Sight Lines to a Vehicle respectively), configure steering linkages and share vehicles up to
the network database (see Vehicles -> To Configure Steering Linkages for a Vehicle and Vehicles ->
Advanced - The Standard access level plus the ability to lock custom vehicles and custom types as
well as the ability to record tutorials (see Tutorials -> To Record a Tutorial). Default password:
advanced.
Administrator - The Advanced access level plus the ability to enable/disable permissions and
change passwords. If AutoTURN Pro is authorized, the Administrator access level enables the Install
and Uninstall buttons in the Vehicle Libraries category (see Vehicle Libraries Category). In
standalone installations, the Administrator access level enables the Move Program, Renew MAP, and
Upgrade License buttons in the Licensing category (see Licensing Category). Default password:
admin.
Note: An equivalent or higher access level than that of a custom vehicle or type is required to edit or
delete the custom vehicle or type. All access levels allow the ability to view the vehicle and type
details, loads, sight lines, corners, and steering linkages.
To Enable Permissions:
3. In the Password edit box, type "admin", and then click Submit.
5. It is recommended that the default Standard User, Advanced User, and Administrator
passwords be changed at this time. Ensure you record the new passwords for easy retrieval.
7. Click OK to apply the changes and close the Program Settings dialog box.
Note: The change to each user's access level takes effect the next time they start AutoTURN Pro (i.e.
they will each have the Basic access level until they type the password for a higher level access).
To Disable Permissions:
2. Select the Permissions category. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
3. If the Administrative access level has been set (see Access Levels), skip to step 4. Otherwise,
type "admin" in the Password edit box, and then click Submit. The following dialog box
displays:
5. Click Logout.
6. Click OK to apply the changes and close the Program Settings dialog box.
Permissions must be enabled prior to setting the user access level (see To Enable Permissions).
3. In the Password edit box, type the password for the desired access level (see Access Levels for
default passwords), and then click Submit.
4. A message displays below Password indicating the access level granted by the password that
was just typed (e.g. "Standard Access", "Advanced Access", etc.).
5. Click OK to apply the changes and close the Program Settings dialog box.
Note: Clicking Logout at any access level will return you to the Basic access level.
Program Settings
Vehicle Library Display Category
Select the check boxes corresponding to the vehicle libraries you want to display in the filter list of
the Select Current Vehicle dialog box (see Vehicles -> To Select the Current Vehicle: Select Current
Vehicle Dialog Box Explained).
To cancel the selection of all libraries in the list, click Clear All.
Note:
Custom vehicle libraries always display in the filter list of the Select Current Vehicle dialog
box.
Program Settings
Hints Category
Select the check boxes corresponding to the hints you want to display while AutoTURN Pro is
operating.
To cancel the selection of all hints in the list, click Clear All.
Program Settings
Vehicle Libraries Category
An AutoTURN Pro vehicle library is composed of manufacturer specific vehicles and compatibility
data. The vehicles in the library are supplied with realistic plan view and vehicle information to
extend the AutoTURN Pro vehicle database and facilitate vehicle simulations.
AutoTURN Pro vehicle libraries are compatible with AutoTURN Pro 7.0 and later versions of
AutoTURN Pro.
Note: The Install and Uninstall buttons are only available if AutoTURN Pro is authorized (see
Installation -> Authorizing AutoTURN Pro) and you have the Administrator access level (see
Permissions Category: Access Levels).
Purchase
Allows you to purchase AutoTURN Pro vehicle libraries from Transoft Solutions. To purchase an
AutoTURN Pro vehicle library, make sure you are connected to the Internet, and then click
Purchase. You will be directed to the Transoft Solutions web site where you will be able to select
and order vehicle libraries you need.
Install
Allows you to install the AutoTURN Pro vehicle libraries you have purchased from Transoft
Solutions (see To Install a Vehicle Library).
Uninstall
Allows you to uninstall the AutoTURN Pro vehicle libraries you installed (see To Uninstall a
Vehicle Library).
Note: The Uninstall button is unavailable if no AutoTURN Pro vehicle libraries have been installed.
2. Select the Vehicle Libraries category. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
Note: If you want to install multiple vehicle libraries, make sure the files are saved to the same
folder. To select several consecutive files, click the first file, press and hold down SHIFT, and
then click the last file. To select several nonconsecutive files, press and hold down CTRL, and
then click each file.
5. After you select the desired vehicle library file, click Open. AutoTURN Pro installs the vehicle
library, and then a dialog box similar to the following example displays:
2. Select the Vehicle Libraries category. The following dialog box displays:
3. In the Installed Libraries list, click the vehicle library you want to uninstall, and then click
Uninstall Library. A warning message displays.
Program Settings
Licensing Category
Program Settings – Licensing Category (standalone version) Program Settings - Licensing Category (network ve
This category displays the program name, version, build date, license number, maximum number of
users allowed, MAP (Maintenance Assurance Program) expiry date, and the installation code for the
currently installed product.
The network version provides a function to check out a license for laptop users who want to be
disconnected from the License Server for a period of time and still be able to run the product.
3. Click Check Out License. Skip to step 5 unless the Administrator has enabled password
protection (see License Server Administration Tool -> To Administrate the License Checkout
System). In that case, the following dialog box displays:
4. In the Password edit box, type the Checkout Password, and then click OK.
In the Comment edit box, type a comment to describe why the license is checked out from the
License Server.
6. In the Checkout Expiry Date box, specify the date that the checked out license will expire.
7. Click OK. The Expiry Date Reminder notification dialog box displays.
8. Click OK. The license is now checked out and the following dialog box displays:
Note: The computer will not need to be connected to the License Server to run the program until the
checkout expiry date is reached. At that time the computer will need to be connected to the License
Server to run the program.
To Check In a License:
4. In the alert dialog box, click OK, or, in case of an error, report the error to the Administrator.
If the license check in is successful, the following dialog box displays:
Program Settings
Contact Transoft Category
This category contains information for contacting Transoft Solutions via telephone, e-mail, or
website.
Properties
Allows you to set the various properties that determine how turn simulations will be drawn. The
Update function allows an existing simulation to be updated to the currently displayed properties.
Properties Categories:
Conflict Analysis
Properties
General (2D Simulations) Category
Set the layer/level that the turn simulation will be drawn on in the following ways:
Click Current Layer/Level to have the turn simulation drawn on the CAD platform’s current
layer/level.
Click New Layer/Level, and then specify the desired layer/level to have the turn simulation
drawn on the new layer/level specified.
Click Layer/Level, and then select the layer/level in the Layer/Level box to have the turn
simulation drawn on an existing layer/level.
Set the color and line style for the path line and path icons that are drawn.
Note: The path line is always drawn in SmartPath Tools and Place Offset Simulation turn
simulations.
Set which elements to draw as well as the element’s color, line style, and fill as applicable for each
element. Select the Realistic check box to draw the realistic vehicle drawing whenever the vehicle is
drawn (see Customizing AutoTURN Pro -> Creating a Realistic Vehicle Drawing).
Note:
The Tire Treads check box can not be selected unless the Tires check box is first selected.
If the Vehicle Name check box is selected, the vehicle group and name will be drawn in every
vehicle instance in the simulation.
Draw Vehicles At
Vehicles are always drawn at both ends of the simulation and at the changes of direction.
Click Path Ends to have vehicles drawn at the ends of the path.
Click Intervals to have vehicles placed at spaced intervals. Type the spacing between vehicle
placements in the edit box. This value is expressed in vehicle lengths. For example, a value of
1 would result in vehicles being drawn with the end of one coinciding with the beginning of
the next.
Click Section Ends to have vehicles drawn at the ends of the sections. When a simulation is
made up of more than one section, each section ends where the next one starts. Since it would
be confusing to draw the vehicle at both the end of the section and the start of the new section
this setting provides the option to draw the vehicle at either one.
Cargo
Note: If a vehicle type has cargo, it is always drawn, so the Cargo check box can not be cleared.
Update
Click this button, and then select an existing simulation to update the simulation to the properties
currently displayed. This is useful for making changes to existing simulations without having to
regenerate or place them again.
Properties
Envelopes (2D Simulations) Category
Set which envelopes to draw as well as the envelope’s color, line style, maximum width dimension,
and clearance distances where applicable.
Envelope Types
Front Tires
Select this check box to have the simulation drawn with envelopes that trace the outside edges of the
tires in the front most axle group of the vehicle. If there is more than one axle in the front axle group,
envelopes will be drawn for the first and last axle in the group.
Rear Tires
Select this check box to have the simulation drawn with envelopes that trace the outside edges of the
vehicle’s rear most axle group.
The envelopes generated depend upon the composition of the rear axle group:
If the group contains less than three fixed axles: one envelope is drawn for the center of the
group.
If the group contains more than three fixed axles: one envelope is drawn for the center of the
group and one for the last axle.
If the group contains all steerable axles: one envelope is drawn for the first and last axles.
If the group contains a combination of fixed and steerable axles: one envelope is drawn to
trace the center of the fixed group and either the first axle (if there are more steerable axles in
front of the fixed group) or the last axle (if there are more steerable axles behind the fixed
group).
Vehicle Body
Select this check box to have the simulation drawn with a vehicle body or swept path envelope. The
swept path envelope is the widest path swept out by the sides and overhangs of the vehicle.
Load
Select this check box to have the simulation drawn with envelopes that trace each point of the
load applied to the vehicle (see Vehicles -> To Add a Load to a Vehicle). If no load is applied to the
vehicle, load envelopes will not be drawn.
Clearances
Select these check boxes and specify clearance distances to have the simulation drawn with
envelopes generated at the distances offset from where they would normally be drawn.
Maximum Width
Select this check box to have the simulation drawn with a symbol consisting of a circle on each
envelope and a dimension between them at the widest point of the simulation for the selected
envelope combinations.
Update
Click this button, and then select an existing simulation to update the simulation to the properties
currently displayed. This is useful for making changes to existing simulations without having to
regenerate or place them again.
Properties
Hatching (2D Simulations) Category
Select an envelope that will have hatching applied to it, and then set the Hatch Pattern, Color, Scale,
and Angle values. A few examples of simulations with hatching are shown below:
MicroStation V8 users:
AutoTURN Pro uses the [Link] patterns file in the Patterns folder by default. To use a different
hatch pattern file, specify the file’s location using the AutoTURN Pro Configuration Utility (see
Installation -> AutoTURN Pro Configuration Utility).
AutoCAD users:
AutoTURN Pro scans the AutoCAD search path and includes any .pat files found. To use custom
hatches, place them in a folder which is included in the search path.
Update
Click this button, and then select an existing simulation to update the simulation to the properties
currently displayed. This is useful for making changes to existing simulations without having to
regenerate or place them again.
Properties
General (3D Simulations) Category
Set the layer/level that the 3D turn simulation will be drawn on in the following ways:
Click Current Layer/Level to have the 3D turn simulation drawn on the CAD platform’s
current layer/level.
Click New Layer/Level, and then specify the desired layer/level to have the 3D turn simulation
drawn on the new layer/level specified.
Click Layer/Level, and then select the layer/level in the Layer/Level box to have the 3D turn
simulation drawn on an existing layer/level.
Set the color and line style for the path line and path icons that are drawn.
Note: The path line is always drawn in Generate 3D Arc Path and Place 3D Simulation turn
simulations.
Set which elements to draw as well as the element’s color, as applicable for each element. Select the
Realistic check box to draw the realistic 3D vehicle drawing whenever the vehicle is drawn (see
Customizing AutoTURN Pro -> Creating a Realistic 3D Vehicle Drawing).
Draw Vehicles At
Vehicles are always drawn at both ends of the simulation and at the changes of direction.
Click Path Ends to have vehicles drawn at the ends of the path.
Click Intervals to have vehicles placed at spaced intervals. Type the spacing between vehicle
placements in the edit box. This value is expressed in vehicle lengths. For example, a value of
1 would result in vehicles being drawn with the end of one coinciding with the beginning of
the next.
Click Section Ends to have vehicles drawn at the ends of the sections. When a simulation is
made up of more than one section, each section ends where the next one starts. Since it would
be confusing to draw the vehicle at both the end of the section and the start of the new section
this setting provides the option to draw the vehicle at either one.
Update
Click this button, and then select an existing simulation to update the simulation to the properties
currently displayed. This is useful for making changes to existing simulations without having to
regenerate or place them again.
Properties
Envelopes (3D Simulations) Category
Set which envelopes to draw as well as the envelope’s color and body clearance distances.
Envelope Types
Vehicle Body
Select this check box to have the 3D turn simulation drawn with a 3D vehicle body or 3D swept path
envelope. The 3D swept path envelope is the widest path swept out by the sides and overhangs of the
3D vehicle.
Body Clearance
Select this check box and then specify the Top Offset and Side Offsets values to have the 3D turn
simulation drawn with envelopes generated at the distances offset from where the vehicle body
Update
Click this button, and then select an existing simulation to update the simulation to the properties
currently displayed. This is useful for making changes to existing simulations without having to
regenerate or place them again.
Properties
Conflict Analysis Category
Set which layer/level is evaluated for elements that conflict with the vehicle body and body
clearance envelopes of turn simulations. User drawn lines, arcs, polylines, and complex chains on the
specified layer/level will be evaluated for conflicts when turn simulations are generated or placed in
the drawing.
Obstacle Conflicts
Set the color used to denote the portions of elements drawn on the Obstacles Layer/Level that
conflict with the vehicle body and body clearance envelopes of turn simulations.
In the following example, the portions of user drawn elements that conflict with the turn simulation
are denoted in red.
Terrain Conflicts
Set the color used to denote the portions of the terrain that conflict with turn simulation envelopes.
Set the color used to denote portions of the 3D vehicle body (swept path) or body clearance envelope
that conflicts with an obstacle or the terrain.
Update
Click this button, and then select an existing simulation to update the simulation to the properties
currently displayed. This is useful for making changes to existing simulations without having to
regenerate or place them again.
Vehicles
Sets the current vehicle for use in generating vehicle simulations; provides functions for
viewing/editing vehicle details, creating new vehicles and types, and importing and exporting
AutoTURN Pro format .vcl files.
Different icon buttons will appear at the bottom of the dialog box depending on whether the vehicle
has loads and/or sight lines defined, or whether the vehicle can be deleted.
Permissions can be enabled to limit the user's access for creating and editing custom vehicles and
types as well as the ability to add loads and sight lines to vehicles. The buttons or functionality will
only be available if you have the required access level (see Program Settings -> Permissions
Category: Access Levels).
Copy a vehicle
Delete a vehicle
To import a vehicle
To export a vehicle
Access types
Vehicles
Select Current Vehicle
Sets the Current Vehicle used by the following AutoTURN Pro tools (see Overview -> Current
Vehicle):
SmartPath Tools
Steer A Path
Place 3D Simulation
Insert Profile
Generate Template
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
4. Click OK to apply the changes and close the Select Current Vehicle dialog box. The
selected vehicle is now the current vehicle.
To group by Library:
2. In the filter list, select one or more libraries to display in the vehicle list (use SHIFT+select
and/or CTRL+select to select more than one library at a time).
3. Only the vehicles of the selected libraries display in the vehicle list.
To group by Type:
2. In the filter list, select one or more types to display in the vehicle list (use SHIFT+select
and/or CTRL+select to select more than one type at a time).
3. Only the vehicles of the selected types display in the vehicle list.
To group by Class:
2. In the filter list, select one or more classes to display in the vehicle list (use SHIFT+select
and/or CTRL+select to select more than one class at a time).
3. Only the vehicles of the selected classes display in the vehicle list.
To group by Region:
2. In the filter list, select one or more regions to display in the vehicle list (use SHIFT+select
and/or CTRL+select to select more than one region at a time).
3. Only the vehicles of the selected regions display in the vehicle list.
2. In the filter list, select one or more number of parts to display in the vehicle list (use
SHIFT+select and/or CTRL+select to select more than one number of parts at a time).
3. Only the vehicles of the selected numbers of parts display in the vehicle list.
To group by No Group:
To group by Recent:
Filter List
This list displays the available choices for the Group Vehicles By choice. For example, all of the
available vehicle libraries display in this list when Group Vehicles By is set to Library, all available
vehicle types display here when Group Vehicles By is set to Types, etc.
Note: You can use the Vehicle Groups category of the Program Settings dialog box to specify which
libraries are displayed in the filter list (see Tools -> Program Settings -> Vehicle Library Display
Category).
Vehicle List
This list displays the vehicles available in the filtered group. For example, this list will display all of
the vehicles in a selected vehicle library when Group Vehicles By is set to Library and a library is
selected in the filter list.
Vehicle list displaying vehicles in the AASHTO 2001 (US) vehicle library
Preview Area
The selected vehicle is displayed in the preview area above the vehicle list. All standard vehicles
display with a dimensioned profile in the preview area. Custom vehicles display in the following
ways:
If the custom vehicle has an associated realistic vehicle drawing (see Creating a Realistic
Vehicle Drawing) and the type has an associated profile drawing (see Customizing
AutoTURN Pro -> Creating a Profile Drawing), the preview displays the profile drawing and
dimensions displayed in the Units as set in Program Settings -> General Category: Units as in
the following example:
If the selected custom vehicle does not have an associated realistic vehicle drawing and the
type does not have an associated profile drawing, the vehicle plan and tires are parametrically
drawn based on the dimensions and type of the custom vehicle as in the following example:
If the selected custom vehicle has an associated realistic vehicle drawing and the type does not
have an associated profile drawing, the preview displays the realistic vehicle drawing with
parametrically drawn tires as in the following example:
See also: To Add a Load to a Vehicle, To Add Sight Lines to a Vehicle, To Calculate the Steering
Lock Angle, To Configure a Vehicle's Corners, To Configure Steering Linkages for a Vehicle, To
Configure Axle Group Details, To Configure Cargo Details, To Configure the Vehicle List, To Copy
a Vehicle, To Create a New Type, To Create a New Vehicle, To Create and View Vehicle
Information, To Delete a Vehicle, To Edit a Vehicle's Details, To Export a Vehicle, To Import a
Vehicle, To Share a Vehicle in a Network Configuration, To View a Vehicle's Details, To View
Vehicle Articulation, Types.
Vehicles
Note: If Permissions are enabled, this button displays only if you have the Standard or higher access
level (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access Levels).
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
3. In the Group Types By box, select the desired type sorting method (Class, # of Parts, or No
Group) and filter list.
4. From the type list, select the desired type (if the desired vehicle type is not available, see
Types -> To Create a New Type). The following dialog box displays (this example uses the
Large Car vehicle type):
5. In the Creation Units list, select the units for the new vehicle.
6. In the Name edit box, type a name for the new vehicle.
7. In the Library edit box, type a name or select one from the list.
8. In the Region edit box, type a name or select one from the list.
9. In the Lock to Lock Time, Steering Lock Angle (see To Calculate the Steering Lock Angle),
Width, Front Track, and Rear Track edit boxes, type the new vehicle's desired lock to lock
time, steering lock angle, width, front track, and rear track respectively.
11. If there is no profile drawing associated with the vehicle type, click the Parts View tab to
specify the dimensions for the new vehicle (see Customizing AutoTURN Pro -> Creating a
Profile Drawing).
12. If the vehicle has more than a single part, click the Parts View tab, and then navigate to each
part in turn to specify each part's dimensions and articulating angle (also specify the Pitch and
Roll values for the second part of a 3D capable vehicle).
13. Configure the vehicle's axle group details: click the Parts View tab, and then click Front
Axle Group Details and/or Rear Axle Group Details (see To Configure Axle Group Details).
14. If the vehicle type has a front and rear steering configuration, click the Parts View tab, and
then click Steering Linkages to specify the steering angles and ratios (see To Configure
Steering Linkages for a Vehicle).
15. Configure the vehicle's corners: click the Parts View tab, and then click Corners (see To
Configure a Vehicle's Corners).
16. Configure the vehicle's cargo details (if applicable): click the Parts View tab, and then click
Cargo Details (see To Configure Cargo Details).
17. If the vehicle is a 3D capable vehicle, configure the vehicle's roofline and ground clearances:
click the 3D Profile tab (see To Configure a Vehicle's Roofline and Ground Clearances).
18. If the vehicle is a 3D capable vehicle and it has two parts, configure the connector heights:
click the 3D Profile tab (see To Configure a Vehicle's Connector Heights).
19. Click OK to close the Create New Vehicle dialog box and return to the Select Current Vehicle
dialog box. The new custom vehicle is now the Current Vehicle. Custom vehicles display with
a Custom graphic in the left most column of the vehicle list as in the following example:
Note: An equivalent or higher access level than that used to create a custom vehicle is required to
edit or delete that custom vehicle (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access Levels).
The access level of a custom vehicle is displayed in the top right corner of the preview area in the
Select Current Vehicle dialog box (see To Select the Current Vehicle).
To group by Class:
2. In the filter list, select one or more classes to display in the type list (use SHIFT+select and/or
CTRL+select to select more than one class at a time).
3. Only the vehicles of the selected classes display in the type list.
2. In the filter list, select one or more number of parts to display in the type list (use
SHIFT+select and/or CTRL+select to select more than one number of parts at a time).
3. Only the vehicles of the selected numbers of parts display in the type list.
To group by No Group:
Filter List
This list displays the available choices for the Group Types By choice. For example, all of the
available classes display in this list when Group Types By is set to Class, all of the available number
of parts display when Group Types By is set to # of Parts, etc.
Type List
This list displays the types available in the filtered group. For example, this list will display all of the
types that have one part when Group Types By is set to # of Parts and 1 is selected in the filter list.
Preview Area
A profile drawing of the selected type is dimensioned in the top of the right side of this dialog box.
The dimensions are displayed in the Units as set in Program Settings -> General Category: Units. If
there is no profile drawing associated with the custom type, click the Parts View tab to access the
dimensions (see Customizing AutoTURN Pro -> Creating a Profile Drawing).
See also: To Add a Load to a Vehicle, To Add Sight Lines to a Vehicle, To Calculate the Steering
Lock Angle, To Configure a Vehicle's Corners, To Configure Steering Linkages for a Vehicle, To
Configure Axle Group Details, To Configure Cargo Details, To Configure the Vehicle List, To Copy
a Vehicle, To Create a New Type, To Create and View Vehicle Information, To Delete a Vehicle, To
Edit a Vehicle's Details, To Export a Vehicle, To Import a Vehicle, To Select the Current Vehicle,
To Share a Vehicle in a Network Configuration, To View a Vehicle's Details, To View Vehicle
Articulation, Types.
Vehicles
Copy Vehicle
Creates a new vehicle by copying the currently selected vehicle.
Note: If Permissions are enabled, this button displays only if you have the Standard or higher access
level (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access Levels).
To Copy a Vehicle:
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
Copy Vehicle
5. In the Creation Units list, select the units for the new vehicle.
6. In the Name edit box, type a name for the new vehicle.
7. In the Library edit box, type a name or select one from the list.
8. In the Region edit box, type a name or select one from the list.
10. If the vehicle has more than a single part, click the Parts View tab, and then navigate to each
part in turn to change each part's dimensions and articulating angle (also specify the Pitch and
Roll values for the second part of a 3D capable vehicle).
11. If there is no profile drawing associated with the vehicle type, click the Parts View tab to
change the dimensions of the copied vehicle (see Customizing AutoTURN Pro -> Creating a
Profile Drawing).
12. If the vehicle type has a front and rear steering configuration, click the Parts View tab, and
then click Steering Linkages to specify the steering angles and ratios (see To Configure
Steering Linkages for a Vehicle).
13. Configure the vehicle's corners: click the Parts View tab, and then click Corners (see To
Configure a Vehicle's Corners).
14. Configure the vehicle's axle group details: click the Parts View tab, and then click Front
Axle Group Details and/or Rear Axle Group Details (see To Configure Axle Group Details).
15. Configure the vehicle's cargo details (if applicable): click the Parts View tab, and then click
Cargo Details (see To Configure Cargo Details).
16. If the vehicle is a 3D capable vehicle, configure the vehicle's roofline and ground clearances:
click the 3D Profile tab (see To Configure a Vehicle's Roofline and Ground Clearances).
17. If the vehicle is a 3D capable vehicle and it has two parts, configure the connector heights:
click the 3D Profile tab (see To Configure Connector Heights).
18. Click OK to close the Copy Vehicle dialog box and return to the Select Current Vehicle dialog
box. The new custom vehicle is now the Current Vehicle (see Overview -> Current Vehicle).
Custom vehicles display with a Custom graphic in the left most column of the vehicle list
as in the following example:
Note: An equivalent or higher access level than that used to create a custom vehicle is required to
edit or delete that custom vehicle (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access Levels).
The access level of a custom vehicle is displayed in the top right corner of the preview area in the
Select Current Vehicle dialog box (see To Select the Current Vehicle).
See also: To Add a Load to a Vehicle, To Add Sight Lines to a Vehicle, To Calculate the Steering
Lock Angle, To Configure a Vehicle's Corners, To Configure Steering Linkages for a Vehicle, To
Configure Axle Group Details, To Configure Cargo Details, To Configure the Vehicle List, To
Create a New Type, To Create a New Vehicle, To Create and View Vehicle Information, To Delete a
Vehicle, To Edit a Vehicle's Details, To Export a Vehicle, To Import a Vehicle, To Select the
Current Vehicle, To Share a Vehicle in a Network Configuration, To View a Vehicle's Details, To
View Vehicle Articulation, Types.
Vehicles
Delete Vehicle
Deletes the currently selected user created custom vehicle.
Note: If Permissions are enabled, this button displays only if you have an equivalent or higher access
level than that of the custom vehicle (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access Levels).
The access level of a custom vehicle is displayed in the top right corner of the preview area in the
Select Current Vehicle dialog box (see To Select the Current Vehicle).
To Delete a Vehicle:
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
3. From the vehicle list, select the custom vehicle that you want to delete. The Preview Area
updates to display the selected vehicle as in the following example:
See also: To Add a Load to a Vehicle, To Add Sight Lines to a Vehicle, To Calculate the Steering
Lock Angle, To Configure a Vehicle's Corners, To Configure Steering Linkages for a Vehicle, To
Configure Axle Group Details, To Configure Cargo Details, To Configure the Vehicle List, To Copy
a Vehicle, To Create a New Type, To Create a New Vehicle, To Create and View Vehicle
Information, To Edit a Vehicle's Details, To Export a Vehicle, To Import a Vehicle, To Select the
Current Vehicle, To Share a Vehicle in a Network Configuration, To View a Vehicle's Details, To
View Vehicle Articulation, Types.
Vehicles
Calculates the steering lock angle for the given radius type and specified radius. This function can be
used when creating or editing custom vehicles (see To Create a New Vehicle, To Copy a Vehicle, and
To Edit a Vehicle's Details).
Note: If Permissions are enabled, this button displays only if you have an equivalent or higher access
level than that of the custom vehicle (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access
Levels). The access level of a custom vehicle is displayed in the top right corner of the preview area
in the Select Current Vehicle dialog box (see To Select the Current Vehicle).
1. In the Create New Vehicle, Copy Vehicle, or Edit Vehicle Details dialog box, click
Calculate Steering Lock. The following dialog box displays:
Note: The Inner Turn option is not available for the vehicles that employ a rear steering
configuration and/or have more than two parts.
4. Press TAB to have the calculator display the Steering Lock Angle value for the specified
radius.
5. Click Apply. The steering lock angle will be applied to the vehicle.
6. If steering linkages have been defined for the vehicle, the steering linkage ratios may need to
be adjusted (see To Configure Steering Linkages for a Vehicle).
7. Click OK to apply the changes and return to the Select Current Vehicle dialog box.
See also: To Add a Load to a Vehicle, To Add Sight Lines to a Vehicle, To Configure a Vehicle's
Corners, To Configure Steering Linkages for a Vehicle, To Configure Axle Group Details, To
Configure Cargo Details, To Configure the Vehicle List, To Copy a Vehicle, To Create a New Type,
To Create a New Vehicle, To Create and View Vehicle Information, To Delete a Vehicle, To Edit a
Vehicle's Details, To Export a Vehicle, To Import a Vehicle, To Select the Current Vehicle, To
Share a Vehicle in a Network Configuration, To View a Vehicle's Details, To View Vehicle
Articulation, Types.
Vehicles
Note: If Permissions are enabled, you must have an equivalent or higher access level than that of the
custom vehicle to configure the axle group details (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category:
Access Levels). The access level of a custom vehicle is displayed in the top right corner of the
preview area in the Select Current Vehicle dialog box (see To Select the Current Vehicle).
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
3. From the vehicle list, select the desired custom vehicle. The Preview Area updates to display
the selected vehicle as in the following example:
4. Click View/Edit Vehicle Details. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
5. Select the part for which you want to configure axle group details by clicking
the vehicle part navigation buttons (the part is highlighted with a red arrow above the center of
that part).
6. Under Front Axle Group or Rear Axle Group, click Axle Group Details. A dialog box
similar to the following example displays:
7. Type the diameter and width of the tire in the Tire Diameter and Tire Width edit boxes
respectively.
8. If there is more than one wheel on each end of the axle, type the spacing between the tires in
the Tire Spacing edit box.
9. If there is more than one axle in the axle group, type the spacing between the axles in the Axle
Spacing edit box.
10. For vehicles with more than one bogie , type the bogie spacing in the Bogie Spacing edit box.
11. For vehicles with axle group steering, type the axle group angle in the Axle Group Angle edit
box.
13. Click OK to close the Edit Vehicle Details dialog box and return to the Select Current Vehicle
dialog box.
See also: To Add a Load to a Vehicle, To Add Sight Lines to a Vehicle, To Calculate the Steering
Lock Angle, To Configure Steering Linkages for a Vehicle, To Configure Cargo Details, To
Configure the Vehicle List, To Copy a Vehicle, To Create a New Type, To Create a New Vehicle,
To Create and View Vehicle Information, To Delete a Vehicle, To Edit a Vehicle's Details, To
Export a Vehicle, To Import a Vehicle, To Select the Current Vehicle, To Share a Vehicle in a
Network Configuration, To View a Vehicle's Details, To View Vehicle Articulation, Types.
Vehicles
Steering Linkages
AutoTURN Pro includes the ability to set steering linkage ratios between the front and rear steering
axle groups of custom vehicles. Versions of AutoTURN Pro prior to version 5.1 had a 1:1 ratio
between the front and rear steering angles. This meant that if the front angle was 15 degrees then the
rear angle was also 15 degrees. This ratio can now be expressed as a rate from 0 to 1 where a value
of 1 would provide the same 1:1 ratio as previous versions. A ratio of 1:2 would be specified as a
rate of 0.5 and the rear steering angle changes at a rate of one degree for every 2 degrees that the
front steering angle changes.
To simulate non-linear linkage ratios, this feature allows the setting of different rates of change for
the rear steering angle based on different front steering angle ranges. For example, the rear steering
angle rate of change for the front steering angle range of 0 to 10 degrees could be set to 0.5 (a ratio
of 1:2), a different rate could be set from 10 to 20 degrees, say 0.25 (a ratio of 1:4), yet another rate
could be set from 20-40 degrees, say 0.2 (a ratio of 1:5), etc.
Steering linkage ratios are available for single part vehicles when front and rear steering is
configured. In this case, the angle of the front steering angle affects the rear steering angle.
Steering linkage ratios are also available for multi-part vehicles when the tractor has front steering
and the last trailer has rear steering configured. Only the last trailer of multi-part vehicles can have
rear steering applied to it. In addition, the tractor can not have front and rear steering if a trailer in the
type is to have rear steering. All axles in the rear steered group must be steering axles to enable
steering linkages. In the case of multi-part vehicles employing rear steering, the rear steering angle is
affected by the articulating angle of the rear steered part.
The rear steering angle is derived from the front steering angle (in the case of single part vehicles) or
articulating angle (in the case of multi-part vehicles) using the following formula:
((To1 - From1) * Rate1) + ((To2 - From2) * Rate2) + ((To3 - From3) * Rate3) + ((To4 - From4) *
Rate4) + ((To5 - From5) * Rate5) = Rear Steering Angle
Therefore, if the articulating angle in the multi-part vehicle example pictured above is 45 degrees,
the rear steering angle is 15 degrees:
Steering linkage ratios for single part vehicles with front and rear steering apply when generating
forward and reverse maneuvers.
Steering linkage ratios for multi-part vehicles with front and rear steering only apply when
generating forward maneuvers. When a multi-part vehicle with front and rear steering is generating a
reverse maneuver the trailer's axles are considered to be fixed.
Note: If Permissions are enabled, you must have an equivalent or higher access level than that of the
custom vehicle to configure the vehicle's steering linkages (see Program Settings -> Permissions
Category: Access Levels). The access level of a custom vehicle is displayed in the top right corner of
the preview area in the Select Current Vehicle dialog box (see To Select the Current Vehicle).
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
3. From the vehicle list, select the desired custom vehicle. The dialog box will look as in the
following example:
4. Click View/Edit Vehicle Details. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
5. Click Steering Linkages. The following dialog box displays depending on whether the
vehicle is a single or multi-part vehicle:
8. Click OK to close the Edit Vehicle Details dialog box and return to the Select Current Vehicle
dialog box.
See also: To Add a Load to a Vehicle, To Add Sight Lines to a Vehicle, To Calculate the Steering
Lock Angle, To Configure a Vehicle's Corners, To Configure Axle Group Details, To Configure
Cargo Details, To Configure the Vehicle List, To Copy a Vehicle, To Create a New Type, To Create
a New Vehicle, To Create and View Vehicle Information, To Delete a Vehicle, To Edit a Vehicle's
Details, To Export a Vehicle, To Import a Vehicle, To Select the Current Vehicle, To Share a
Vehicle in a Network Configuration, To View a Vehicle's Details, To View Vehicle Articulation,
Types.
Vehicles
Corners
The vehicle body envelopes drawn in 2D turn simulations are drawn to the extents of the vehicle
body which are normally rectangular in plan view. This might generate 2D turn simulation envelopes
with too much of an added safety margin (i.e. traced from the corners of the rectangle rather than
from a more realistic bumper radius). This feature allows designers to create custom vehicles with
filleted or chamfered corners in order to meet this need. Corners can be configured for each part of a
multi-part vehicle.
Note:
If Permissions are enabled, you must have an equivalent or higher access level than that of the
custom vehicle to configure the vehicle's corners (see Program Settings -> Permissions
Category: Access Levels). The access level of a custom vehicle is displayed in the top right
corner of the preview area in the Select Current Vehicle dialog box (see To Select the Current
Vehicle).
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
3. From the vehicle list, select the desired custom vehicle. The Preview Area updates to display
the selected vehicle as in the following example:
4. Click View/Edit Vehicle Details. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
5. Select the part for which you want to configure corners by clicking the vehicle
part navigation buttons (the part is highlighted with a red arrow above the center of that part):
Corners
7. From the Front Corners list, select the type of corner, and then specify parameters. Corners are
specified as a pair for each side at the front or rear of the vehicle.
b. Chamfered corners require a dimension from the corner along each side.
8. Repeat step 7 for the rear corners of the vehicle. Below is an example of a vehicle with the
corners configured:
Corners - Example
Note: If the vehicle has an associated realistic vehicle drawing (see Customizing AutoTURN
Pro -> Creating a Realistic Vehicle Drawing), the preview area will include a check box to
turn the realistic vehicle drawing on and off as in the following dialog box:
9. Click OK to close the Corners dialog box and return to the Edit Vehicle Details dialog box.
10. Click OK to close the Edit Vehicle Details dialog box and return to the Select Current Vehicle
dialog box.
Vehicles
Roofline and Ground Clearances
The 3D vehicle body envelopes drawn in 3D turn simulations are drawn to the extents of the vehicle
body which is derived from the combination of the vehicle's dimensions, roofline, height of the
roofline, and ground clearance values. The type's roofline is used by default when creating a new
vehicle and it is stretched to fit the dimensions specified for the vehicle. In the case of multi-part
vehicles, each part in the vehicle has it's own associated roofline, height, and ground clearances.
Note: The following procedure applies to 3D capable vehicles only (comprised of one or two parts,
i.e. articulating components).
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
3. From the vehicle list, select the desired custom vehicle. The Preview Area updates to display
the selected vehicle as in the following example:
4. Click View/Edit Vehicle Details. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
5. Under Displayed Data, click Profile View Data. The Preview Area and Current Part Data
section update to display profile information as in the following example:
6. (Optional) To select a different roofline shipped with the software, under Roofline, select a
different roofline from the Roofline list, and then specify a new value in the Height box.
OR
6. (Optional) To specify a pre-drawn roofline, under Roofline, click the Import Roofline
button.
a. In the drawing, pick a polyline/complex chain which has previously been drawn to
represent the vehicle's roofline profile.
b. In the drawing, pick a ground point, snap to an element drawn at the ground height, or
right-click if the ground is at 0,0.
Note: The roofline should not be drawn such that the front and rear ends of the vehicle touch
the ground clearance heights. In order for the chamfers to be configured optimally, it is best if
the roofline ends at extents of the vehicle's length as in the following illustration:
In the illustration, the solid lines represent the roofline and its relation to the ground (drawn to
the actual size of the vehicle); the light grey lines represent the ground clearance values and
tires; the dashed lines represent the configured chamfers.
The Preview Area and Current Part Data section update to display profile information as in the
following example:
Note: The custom roofline will no longer be available if you select a different roofline from
the Roofline list.
7. Under Ground Clearances, specify the desired Front, Wheelbase, and Rear ground clearance
values as applicable for the vehicle.
8. (Optional) To configure the vehicle's chamfers, under Ground Clearances, click Chamfers (see
To Configure a Vehicle's Chamfers).
9. If the vehicle has more than a single part, repeat steps 6 through 8 as applicable.
10. Click OK to close the Edit Vehicle Details dialog box and return to the Select Current Vehicle
dialog box.
Vehicles
Connector Heights
Allows connector heights in multi-part vehicles to be configured. Connector heights may need to be
changed when a vehicle's ground clearance values are changed. The connector heights are accessed
via the Edit Vehicle Details dialog box or in the 3D Profile tab of Create New Vehicle and Copy
Vehicle (see To Edit a Vehicle's Details, To Create a New Vehicle, and To Copy a Vehicle).
Note: If Permissions are enabled, you must have an equivalent or higher access level than that of the
custom vehicle to configure the connector heights (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category:
Access Levels). The access level of a custom vehicle is displayed in the top right corner of the
preview area in the Select Current Vehicle dialog box (see To Select the Current Vehicle).
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
3. From the vehicle list, select the desired custom vehicle. The Preview Area updates to display
the selected vehicle as in the following example:
4. Click View/Edit Vehicle Details. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
5. Under Displayed Data, click Profile View Data. The Preview Area updates to display the
selected vehicle as in the following example:
6. Select the part for which you want to configure the connector heights by clicking
the vehicle part navigation buttons (the part is highlighted with a red arrow
above the center of that part).
7. Under Connector Heights, select the Override check box after Front or Rear, and then specify
a new connector height value.
Note: The corresponding connector height should be set to the same value if either connector
height is changed.
8. Click OK to close the Edit Vehicle Details dialog box and return to the Select Current Vehicle
dialog box.
Vehicles
Chamfers
The 3D vehicle body envelopes drawn in 3D turn simulations are drawn to the extents of the vehicle
body which, along the bottom of the vehicle, are derived from the ground clearance values extending
to the vertical front and rear edges of the vehicle. Many vehicles have front and rear bumpers which
are situated at a higher ground clearance than the vehicle's undercarriage, allowing them to travel up
and down slight inclines without damaging the vehicle. The Chamfers feature allows designers to
create custom vehicles with chamfered front and rear profiles in order to meet this need. Chamfers
can be configured for each part of a multi-part vehicle.
Note: If Permissions are enabled, you must have an equivalent or higher access level than that of the
custom vehicle to configure the vehicle's corners (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category:
Access Levels). The access level of a custom vehicle is displayed in the top right corner of the
preview area in the Select Current Vehicle dialog box (see To Select the Current Vehicle).
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
3. From the vehicle list, select the desired custom vehicle. The Preview Area updates to display
the selected vehicle as in the following example:
4. Click View/Edit Vehicle Details. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
5. Under Displayed Data, click Profile View Data. The Preview Area and Current Part Data
section update to display profile information as in the following example:
6. Under Ground Clearances, click the Chamfers button. The following dialog box displays:
Chamfers
7. Under Front Chamfer, in the From Bottom and From Front boxes, specify the chamfer
distances.
8. Repeat step 7 for the rear chamfer of the vehicle. Below is an example of a vehicle with the
chamfers configured:
Chamfers - Example
9. Click OK to close the Chamfers dialog box and return to the Edit Vehicle Details dialog box.
10. Click OK to close the Edit Vehicle Details dialog box and return to the Select Current Vehicle
dialog box.
Vehicles
Cargo Details
Allows the cargo details to be configured for a telescoping trailer or a special transport cargo bogie
of the vehicle displayed in the Edit Vehicle Details dialog box (see To Edit a Vehicle's Details).
Note: If Permissions are enabled, you must have an equivalent or higher access level than that of the
custom vehicle to configure the cargo details (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access
Levels). The access level of a custom vehicle is displayed in the top right corner of the preview area
in the Select Current Vehicle dialog box (see To Select the Current Vehicle).
Telescoping Trailer
Bogie
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
3. From the vehicle list, select the desired custom vehicle with a telescoping trailer. The Preview
Area updates to display the selected vehicle as in the following example:
4. Click View/Edit Vehicle Details. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
5. Click Next Part to select the telescoping trailer (the active part is highlighted with a red
arrow above the center of that part):
6. Click Cargo Details. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
Cargo Details
7. Type the desired front overhang, width, and length in the corresponding edit boxes.
Note: The cargo’s front overhang is measured from the bunk on the preceding part.
9. Click OK to close the Edit Vehicle Details dialog box and return to the Select Current Vehicle
dialog box.
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
3. From the vehicle list, select the desired custom vehicle with a bogie. The dialog box will look
as in the following example:
4. Click View/Edit Vehicle Details. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
5. Click Next Part to select the part that is located directly behind the cargo (the active part
is highlighted with a red arrow above the center of that part):
6. Click Cargo Details. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
Cargo Details
7. Type the desired front overhang, width, length, rear overhang, effective wheelbase , and
articulating angle in the corresponding edit boxes.
9. Click OK to close the Edit Vehicle Details dialog box and return to the Select Current Vehicle
dialog box.
Note: The effective wheelbase is measured off the front pivot of the cargo.
See also: To Add a Load to a Vehicle, To Add Sight Lines to a Vehicle, To Calculate the Steering
Lock Angle, To Configure Steering Linkages for a Vehicle, To Configure Axle Group Details, To
Configure the Vehicle List, To Copy a Vehicle, To Create a New Type, To Create a New Vehicle,
To Create and View Vehicle Information, To Delete a Vehicle, To Edit a Vehicle's Details, To
Export a Vehicle, To Import a Vehicle, To Select the Current Vehicle, To Share a Vehicle in a
Network Configuration, To View a Vehicle's Details, To View Vehicle Articulation, Types.
Vehicles
Vehicle Information
Click this button to see additional information about the selected vehicle. Click this button when
creating new vehicles to add/edit information about the vehicle such as the vehicle's source
publication and assumptions that were made when the vehicle was created due to unavailable details.
The Vehicle Information text will be translated on the fly if the information is written using the tags
found in the List of Tags.
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
5. Click OK to close the View Vehicle Information dialog box and return to the Select Current
Note: If Permissions are enabled, you must have an equivalent or higher access level than that of the
custom vehicle (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access Levels). The access level of
a custom vehicle is displayed in the top right corner of the preview area in the Select Current Vehicle
dialog box (see To Select the Current Vehicle).
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
3. From the vehicle list, select the desired custom vehicle. The dialog box will look as in the
following example:
4. Click View/Edit Vehicle Details. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
6. Type the information you want to display when users click Vehicle Information for the
selected vehicle ( see the List of Tags and the Vehicle Information Example for syntax
and formatting).
7. Click OK to apply the changes, close the Edit Vehicle Information dialog box, and return to
List of Tags:
Tag Equivalent
SP Source Publication:
AS Assumptions:
VD Vehicle Dimensions Prorated
BO Based on
TC Tractor
TL Trailer
BF Body Front
WB Wheelbase
BL Body Length
CR Axle to Pivot
PA Pivot to Axle
WD Width
TR Front Track
TB Towbar
OL Overall Length
AX Axle Spacing
LL Lock to Lock Time
SA Steering Lock Angle
WR Steering Wheel Rate
TD Telescoping Distance
AA Articulating Angle
RT Rear Track
LIB Library Name
MT Minimum Centerline Turning Radius
TS Tire Sizes
SC Tire Spacing
TW Tire Width
The following example shows how the vehicle information was formatted for the CROW 2004 (NL)
VA vehicle:
The syntax and formatting of tags used to create the Vehicle Information for the CROW 2004 (NL)
VA vehicle:
=AS=
=VD=
=SC=
=TW=
See also: To Add a Load to a Vehicle, To Add Sight Lines to a Vehicle, To Calculate the Steering
Lock Angle, To Configure a Vehicle's Corners, To Configure Steering Linkages for a Vehicle, To
Configure Axle Group Details, To Configure Cargo Details, To Configure the Vehicle List, To Copy
a Vehicle, To Create a New Type, To Create a New Vehicle, To Delete a Vehicle, To Edit a
Vehicle's Details, To Export a Vehicle, To Import a Vehicle, To Select the Current Vehicle, To
Share a Vehicle in a Network Configuration, To View a Vehicle's Details, To View Vehicle
Articulation, Types.
Vehicles
Note: The vehicle's details are displayed in a read-only mode in the units set in the General category
of the Program Settings dialog box (see Program Settings -> General Category: Units). It is possible
to view the vehicle's details in any available units by selecting the desired units from the Display
Units list in the View Vehicle Details dialog box.
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
3. From the vehicle list, select the desired vehicle. The Preview Area updates to display the
selected vehicle as in the following example:
4. Click View/Edit Vehicle Details. The following dialog box displays if the selected
vehicle is a standard vehicle or you have a lower access level than that of the custom vehicle
(see To Edit a Vehicle's Details and Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access
Level):
View Vehicle Details - custom vehicle viewed with lower access than that of the custom
vehicle
Note: If the vehicle has an associated realistic vehicle drawing (see Customizing AutoTURN
Pro -> Creating a Realistic Vehicle Drawing), the preview area will include a check box to
turn the vehicle body on and off as in the following dialog box:
5. (Optional) From the Creation Unit list, select the desired creation units to store the vehicle's
dimensions in alternate units.
6. View the vehicle's corners, steering linkages, axle group details, cargo details, vehicle
information, loads and sight lines by clicking the respective button (see To Configure a
Vehicle's Corners, To Configure Steering Linkages for a Vehicle, To Configure Axle Group
Details, To Configure Cargo Details, To Create and View Vehicle Information, To Add a
Load to a Vehicle, and To Add Sight Lines to a Vehicle).
7. View the vehicle's roofline, height, connector heights, and ground clearances by clicking
Profile View Data in the Displayed Data section.
8. Click OK to close the View Vehicle Details dialog box and return to the Select Current
Vehicle dialog box.
The data in the top left corner displays the current vehicle's name, library, region, type, class, lock-
to-lock time, and steering lock angle.
This section provides the means to switch back and forth between plan and profile data for 3D
capable vehicles (comprised of one or two parts, i.e. articulating components). If the Displayed Data
section is not available for the selected vehicle, the Current Part Data and Preview Area display plan
view data only.
Note: The Displayed Data section is only available for 3D capable vehicles (comprised of one or two
parts, i.e. articulating components).
Click Plan View Data to view the vehicle's plan data as in the following example:
Click Profile View Data to view and edit the vehicle's profile data as in the following example:
When Plan View Data is selected in the Displayed Data section, this section cites the current part's
type, width, steering type, front axle group and rear axle group configurations, track width, and
dimensions. (The current part of multi-part vehicles is highlighted with a red arrow above the center
of that part in the preview area). The articulating angle is displayed in this section if the current part
is a trailer of a multi-part vehicle.
When Profile View Data is selected in the Displayed Data section, this section cites the current part's
roofline, height, connector heights (for multi-part vehicles), front, wheelbase, and rear ground
clearances (as applicable per part), and chamfers. (The current part of multi-part vehicles is
highlighted with a red arrow above the center of that part in the preview area).
When Plan View Data is selected in the Displayed Data section, this area displays the Current
Vehicle in plan view. If the vehicle has an associated realistic vehicle drawing (see Customizing
AutoTURN Pro -> Creating a Realistic Vehicle Drawing), the preview area will include a check box
to turn the red vehicle body outline on and off. This setting only affects the display of the vehicle in
this dialog box. In the case of a single unit vehicle, this outline represents the vehicle's overall length
and width dimensions as well as the corners configuration. In the case of a multi-part vehicle, there
is a red outline to represent each part's length, width and corners configuration.
The Corners and Articulate buttons display in the lower right corner of this area to provide
access to the corners and articulate features (see To Configure a Vehicle's Corners and To View
Vehicle Articulation). In addition, the Steering Linkages button displays if the vehicle has a
front and rear steering type configuration (single part vehicles: front and rear; two part vehicles:
tractor: front only; trailer: rear steerable).
When Profile View Data is selected in the Displayed Data section, this area displays the Current
Vehicle in profile view. The profile is a combination of the selected roofline, drawn at the specified
height, and the applicable ground clearances as well as the tires from the Front Axle Group Details
and Rear Axle Group Details (see To Configure a Vehicle's Roofline and Ground Clearances, To
Configure a Vehicle's Connector Heights, and To Configure Axle Group Details).
Note: In the case of multi-part vehicles, the entire vehicle or each vehicle part can be displayed by
clicking / (Zoom In/Zoom Out). While zoomed in, each vehicle part can be navigated to by
clicking / (Next Part/Previous Part).
See also: To Add a Load to a Vehicle, To Add Sight Lines to a Vehicle, To Calculate the Steering
Lock Angle, To Configure a Vehicle's Corners, To Configure Steering Linkages for a Vehicle, To
Configure Axle Group Details, To Configure Cargo Details, To Configure the Vehicle List, To Copy
a Vehicle, To Create a New Type, To Create a New Vehicle, To Create and View Vehicle
Information, To Delete a Vehicle, To Edit a Vehicle's Details, To Export a Vehicle, To Import a
Vehicle, To Select the Current Vehicle, To Share a Vehicle in a Network Configuration, To View
Vehicle Articulation, Types.
Vehicles
Note: If Permissions are enabled, an equivalent or higher access level than that of the custom vehicle
is required to edit or delete the custom vehicle (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category:
Access Levels). The access level of a custom vehicle is displayed in the top right corner of the
preview area in the Select Current Vehicle dialog box (see To Select the Current Vehicle).
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
3. From the vehicle list, select the desired custom vehicle. The Preview Area updates to display
the selected vehicle as in the following example:
4. Click View/Edit Vehicle Details. The following dialog box displays if the selected
vehicle is a custom vehicle and you have an equivalent or higher access level than that of the
custom vehicle (otherwise, see To View a Vehicle's Details):
Note: If the vehicle has an associated realistic vehicle drawing (see Customizing AutoTURN
Pro -> Creating a Realistic Vehicle Drawing), the preview area will include a check box to
turn the vehicle body on and off as in the following dialog box:
5. (Optional) From the Creation Unit list, select the desired creation units to store the vehicle's
dimensions in alternate units.
7. View or edit the vehicle's corners, steering linkages, axle group details, cargo details, vehicle
information, loads and sight lines by clicking the respective button and following the
procedures outlined in the Help for that feature (see To Configure a Vehicle's Corners, To
Configure Steering Linkages for a Vehicle, To Configure Axle Group Details, To Configure
Cargo Details, To Create and View Vehicle Information, To Add a Load to a Vehicle, and To
Add Sight Lines to a Vehicle).
8. View or edit the vehicle's roofline, height, connector heights, and ground clearances by
clicking Profile View Data in the Displayed Data section and then clicking the respective
button and following the procedures outlined in the Help for that feature (see To Configure a
Vehicle's Roofline and Ground Clearances and To Configure a Vehicle's Connector Heights).
9. Click OK to close the Edit Vehicle Details dialog box and return to the Select Current Vehicle
dialog box.
The data in the top left corner displays the current vehicle's name, library, region, type, class, lock-
to-lock time, and steering lock angle.
This section provides the means to switch back and forth between plan and profile data for 3D
capable vehicles (comprised of one or two parts, i.e. articulating components). If the Displayed Data
section is not available for the selected vehicle, the Current Part Data and Preview Area display plan
view data only.
Note: The Displayed Data section is only available for 3D capable vehicles (comprised of one or two
parts, i.e. articulating components).
Click Plan View Data to view and edit the vehicle's plan data as in the following example:
Click Profile View Data to view and edit the vehicle's profile data as in the following example:
When Plan View Data is selected in the Displayed Data section, this section cites the current part's
type, width, steering type, front axle group and rear axle group configurations, track width, and
dimensions. (The current part of multi-part vehicles is highlighted with a red arrow above the center
of that part in the preview area). The articulating angle is displayed in this section if the current part
is a trailer of a multi-part vehicle.
When Profile View Data is selected in the Displayed Data section, this section cites the current part's
roofline, height, connector heights (for multi-part vehicles), front, wheelbase, and rear ground
clearances (as applicable per part), and chamfers. (The current part of multi-part vehicles is
highlighted with a red arrow above the center of that part in the preview area).
When Plan View Data is selected in the Displayed Data section, this area displays the Current
Vehicle in plan view. If the vehicle has an associated realistic vehicle drawing (see Customizing
AutoTURN Pro -> Creating a Realistic Vehicle Drawing), the preview area will include a check box
to turn the red vehicle body outline on and off. This setting only affects the display of the vehicle in
this dialog box. In the case of a single unit vehicle, this outline represents the vehicle's overall length
and width dimensions as well as the corners configuration. In the case of a multi-part vehicle, there
is a red outline to represent each part's length, width and corners configuration.
The Corners and Articulate buttons display in the lower right corner of this area to provide
access to the corners and articulate features (see To Configure a Vehicle's Corners and To View
Vehicle Articulation). In addition, the Steering Linkages button displays if the vehicle has a
front and rear steering type configuration (single part vehicles: front and rear; two part vehicles:
tractor: front only; trailer: rear steerable).
When Profile View Data is selected in the Displayed Data section, this area displays the Current
Vehicle in profile view. The profile is a combination of the selected roofline, drawn at the specified
height, and the applicable ground clearances as well as the tires from the Front Axle Group Details
and Rear Axle Group Details (see To Configure a Vehicle's Roofline and Ground Clearances, To
Configure a Vehicle's Connector Heights, and To Configure Axle Group Details).
Note: In the case of multi-part vehicles, the entire vehicle or each vehicle part can be displayed by
clicking / (Zoom In/Zoom Out). While zoomed in, each vehicle part can be navigated to by
clicking / (Next Part/Previous Part).
See also: To Add a Load to a Vehicle, To Add Sight Lines to a Vehicle, To Calculate the Steering
Lock Angle, To Configure a Vehicle's Corners, To Configure Steering Linkages for a Vehicle, To
Configure Axle Group Details, To Configure Cargo Details, To Configure the Vehicle List, To Copy
a Vehicle, To Create a New Type, To Create a New Vehicle, To Create and View Vehicle
Information, To Delete a Vehicle, To Export a Vehicle, To Import a Vehicle, To Select the Current
Vehicle, To Share a Vehicle in a Network Configuration, To View a Vehicle's Details, To View
Vehicle Articulation, Types.
Vehicles
Define 2D Loads
Creates a user-defined 2D load for the Current Vehicle (see Overview -> Current Vehicle). The load
can only be applied to the vehicle it was created for (see Apply Load), and it is only available in 2D
turn simulation tools.
Note: If Permissions are enabled, you must have the Standard or higher access level to define,
apply/disable, or delete loads (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access Levels).
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
4. Click View/Edit Vehicle Details. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
5. Click Define 2D Loads. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
Define 2D Loads
6. Select the part to add the load to by clicking the vehicle part navigation buttons
(the part is highlighted with a red arrow above the center of that part).
7. From the Load Type list, select the type of load to define.
8. Define each coordinate of the load. The load datum is the front-center point of the part. You
will see the load update in the plan view as in the example dialog box below:
9. When satisfied with the load definition, click OK to close the Define 2D Loads dialog box and
return to the View/Edit Vehicle Details dialog box.
Note: The Apply Loads check box in the View/Edit Vehicle Details dialog box is
automatically selected after creating a load.
10. Click OK to close the View/Edit Vehicle Details dialog box and return to the Select Current
Vehicle dialog box.
Note: The vehicle and load will be drawn the next time a 2D simulation is generated. Alternatively,
it is possible to update the 2D simulation to have the load drawn in the vehicle instances (see
Properties -> General Category: Update).
Apply Load
Allows the load associated with the Current Vehicle to be displayed when generating 2D
simulations, running animations, placing vehicles in a 2D simulation, or updating 2D simulations.
Note: If Permissions are enabled, you must have the Standard or higher access level to apply or
disable the load (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access Levels).
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
4. Click View/Edit Vehicle Details. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
5. Select the Apply Loads check box beside the Define 2D Loads button.
6. Click OK to close the View/Edit Vehicle Details dialog box and return to the Select Current
Vehicle dialog box.
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
4. Click View/Edit Vehicle Details. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
5. Clear the Apply Loads check box beside the Define 2D Loads button.
6. Click OK to close the View/Edit Vehicle Details dialog box and return to the Select Current
Vehicle dialog box.
Delete Load
Note: If Permissions are enabled, you must have the Standard or higher access level to delete the
load (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access Levels).
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
4. Click View/Edit Vehicle Details. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
5. Click Define 2D Loads. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
Define 2D Loads
8. Click OK to close the Define 2D Loads dialog box and return to the View/Edit Vehicle Details
dialog box.
9. Click OK to close the View/Edit Vehicle Details dialog box and return to the Select Current
Vehicle dialog box.
See also: To Add Sight Lines to a Vehicle, To Calculate the Steering Lock Angle, To Configure a
Vehicle's Corners, To Configure Steering Linkages for a Vehicle, To Configure Axle Group Details,
To Configure Cargo Details, To Configure the Vehicle List, To Copy a Vehicle, To Create a New
Type, To Create a New Vehicle, To Create and View Vehicle Information, To Delete a Vehicle, To
Edit a Vehicle's Details, To Export a Vehicle, To Import a Vehicle, To Select the Current Vehicle,
To Share a Vehicle in a Network Configuration, To View a Vehicle's Details, To View Vehicle
Articulation, Types.
Vehicles
Creates user-defined 2D sight lines for the current vehicle. This tool can be used to simulate
headlights, rear or side mirror viewing areas, etc. Defining 2D sight lines that represent side and
rear-view mirrors can aid in design situations that require reverse maneuvering. The 2D sight lines
can only be applied to the vehicle it was created for (see Apply Sight Lines), and they are only
available in 2D turn simulation tools.
Note: If Permissions are enabled, you must have the Standard or higher access level to define,
apply/disable, or delete sight lines (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access Levels).
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
4. Click View/Edit Vehicle Details. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
6. Select the part to add the sight lines to by clicking the vehicle part navigation
buttons (the part is highlighted with a red arrow above the center of that part).
7. From the Sight Lines list, select the type of sight lines to define.
8. Define the characteristics of the sight lines as desired. You will see the sight lines update in the
plan preview as in the example dialog box below:
9. When satisfied with the sight lines, click OK to close the Define 2D Sight Lines dialog box and
return to the View/Edit Vehicle Details dialog box.
Note: The Apply Sight Lines check box in the View/Edit Vehicle Details dialog box is
automatically selected after creating a sight line.
10. Click OK to close the View/Edit Vehicle Details dialog box and return to the Select Current
Vehicle dialog box.
Note: The vehicle and sight lines will be drawn the next time a 2D simulation is generated.
Alternatively, it is possible to update the 2D simulation to have the sight lines drawn in the vehicle
instances (see Properties -> General Category: Update).
Allows the sight lines associated with the Current Vehicle to be displayed when generating 2D
simulations, running animations, placing vehicles in a 2D simulation, or updating 2D simulations.
Note: If Permissions are enabled, you must have the Standard or higher access level to apply or
disable the sight lines (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access Levels).
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
4. Click View/Edit Vehicle Details. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
5. Select the Apply Sight Lines check box beside the Define 2D Sight Lines button.
6. Click OK to close the View/Edit Vehicles Details dialog box and return to the Select Current
Vehicle dialog box.
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
4. Click View/Edit Vehicle Details. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
5. Clear the Apply Sight Lines check box beside the Define 2D Sight Lines button.
6. Click OK to close the View/Edit Vehicles Details dialog box and return to the Select Current
Vehicle dialog box.
Note: If Permissions are enabled, you must have the Standard or higher access level to delete the
sight lines (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access Levels).
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
4. Click View/Edit Vehicle Details. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
5. Click Define 2D Sight Lines. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
8. Click OK to close the View/Edit Vehicles Details dialog box and return to the Select Current
Vehicle dialog box.
Define 2D Sight Lines - Example of one sight line defined Define 2D Sight Lines - Example of two si
Sight Lines
Select from None, 1 Sight Line, or 2 Sight Lines. Select 1 Sight Line to define sight lines that
represent, for example, headlights or rear-view mirrors. Select 2 Sight Lines to define sight lines that
represent, for example, side mirrors.
Base Point
This is the origin of the sight lines, measured from the front-center of the part.
Base Width
This is the width of the sight lines at the base point. The Base Width is centered on the Base Point,
so one half of the Base Width is measured to either side of the Base Point.
Beam Angle
This is the angle of the sight line as measured along the center of the sight line counter clockwise
from the Base Point.
Beam Length
This is the length of the sight line as measured along the center of the sight line.
Sweep Angle
See also: To Add a Load to a Vehicle, To Calculate the Steering Lock Angle, To Configure a
Vehicle's Corners, To Configure Steering Linkages for a Vehicle, To Configure Axle Group Details,
To Configure Cargo Details, To Configure the Vehicle List, To Copy a Vehicle, To Create a New
Type, To Create a New Vehicle, To Create and View Vehicle Information, To Delete a Vehicle, To
Edit a Vehicle's Details, To Export a Vehicle, To Import a Vehicle, To Select the Current Vehicle,
To Share a Vehicle in a Network Configuration, To View a Vehicle's Details, To View Vehicle
Articulation, Types.
Vehicles
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
3. To add columns to the Vehicle List: Select columns in the Available Columns list, and then
click Add.
4. To adjust the position of a column in the Vehicle List: Select the column in the Displayed
Columns list, and then click Move Up and/or Move Down to order the column in
the list.
5. To remove columns from the Vehicle List: Select columns in the Displayed Fields list, and
then click Remove.
6. To change the number of fixed columns starting from the left side in the Vehicle List, type a
number in the Fixed Columns edit box.
7. To enable or disable alternating row colors in the Vehicle List, select or clear the Alternating
Row Color check box respectively.
8. Click OK to close the Configure Vehicle List dialog box and return to the Select Current
Vehicle dialog box.
See also: To Add a Load to a Vehicle, To Add Sight Lines to a Vehicle, To Calculate the Steering
Lock Angle, To Configure a Vehicle's Corners, To Configure Steering Linkages for a Vehicle, To
Configure Axle Group Details, To Configure Cargo Details, To Copy a Vehicle, To Create a New
Type, To Create a New Vehicle, To Create and View Vehicle Information, To Delete a Vehicle, To
Edit a Vehicle's Details, To Export a Vehicle, To Import a Vehicle, To Select the Current Vehicle,
To Share a Vehicle in a Network Configuration, To View a Vehicle's Details, To View Vehicle
Articulation, Types.
Vehicles
Articulate
Demonstrates the articulation of the vehicle or part. The steering wheels and parts of the vehicle
articulate in relation to each other to show how the vehicle geometry relates to each other.
Note: This button is available in or just below the preview area of the View Vehicle Details and Edit
Vehicle Details dialog boxes and the Parts View tab in Create New Vehicle, Copy Vehicle, Types,
Create New Type, and Copy Type dialog boxes (see To View a Vehicle's Details, To Edit a Vehicle's
Details, To Create a New Vehicle, To Copy a Vehicle, To View a Type, To Edit a Custom Type, To
Create a New Type, and To Copy a Type).
1. Navigate to the preview area of the desired vehicle or type dialog box. A dialog box similar to
the following example displays:
4. Select a part to zoom in on by clicking the vehicle part navigation buttons (the
part is highlighted with a red arrow above the center of that part).
See also: To Add a Load to a Vehicle, To Add Sight Lines to a Vehicle, To Calculate the Steering
Lock Angle, To Configure a Vehicle's Corners, To Configure Steering Linkages for a Vehicle, To
Configure Axle Group Details, To Configure Cargo Details, To Configure the Vehicle List, To Copy
a Vehicle, To Create a New Type, To Create a New Vehicle, To Create and View Vehicle
Information, To Delete a Vehicle, To Edit a Vehicle's Details, To Export a Vehicle, To Import a
Vehicle, To Select the Current Vehicle, To Share a Vehicle in a Network Configuration, To View a
Vehicle's Details, Types.
Vehicles
Import Vehicle
Imports into AutoTURN Pro a selected custom vehicle (.vcl) and its associated load (.ld), sight lines
(.sln) (see To Add a Load to a Vehicle and To Add Sight Lines to a Vehicle), and realistic drawing
(.dwg), if applicable. If the custom vehicle uses a custom type, the type (.typ) and profile drawing
(.dwg) are also imported (see Overview -> Vehicles and Types). These files must have previously
been exported from AutoTURN Pro (see To Export a Vehicle).
Note: If Permissions are enabled, this button displays only you have the Standard or higher access
level (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access Levels).
To Import a Vehicle:
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
3. Select one or more vehicle files to import, and then click Open or browse to a new folder
location. (All associated files will also be imported.) The following dialog box displays:
The vehicle displays with a Custom graphic in the left most column of the vehicle list.
Note:
If the library and the name of an existing vehicle are the same as those of the vehicle to be
imported, you will have to rename the vehicle to be imported (see To Rename a Vehicle to Be
Imported).
Since some features might not be supported by an older version of AutoTURN Pro, it is
recommended that the custom vehicle be exported and imported using the same version of
AutoTURN Pro.
See also: To Rename a Vehicle to Be Imported, To Add a Load to a Vehicle, To Add Sight Lines to
a Vehicle, To Calculate the Steering Lock Angle, To Configure a Vehicle's Corners, To Configure
Steering Linkages for a Vehicle, To Configure Axle Group Details, To Configure Cargo Details, To
Configure the Vehicle List, To Copy a Vehicle, To Create a New Type, To Create a New Vehicle,
To Create and View Vehicle Information, To Delete a Vehicle, To Edit a Vehicle's Details, To
Export a Vehicle, To Select the Current Vehicle, To Share a Vehicle in a Network Configuration, To
View a Vehicle's Details, To View Vehicle Articulation, Types.
Vehicles
Rename Vehicle to Be Imported
This dialog box displays in the process of importing a custom vehicle into AutoTURN Pro (see To
Import a Vehicle) if the library and the name of an existing vehicle are the same as those of the
vehicle to be imported.
This procedure assumes that, in the process of importing a custom vehicle into AutoTURN Pro, a
vehicle file was selected in the Import Vehicle File dialog box, and that the warning message 'A
vehicle with this name already exists' displays.
3. In the Name edit box, type a new name for the vehicle to be imported.
4. Click OK to have the vehicle imported under a new name and return to the Select Current
Vehicle dialog box.
See also: To Import a Vehicle, To Copy a Vehicle, To Create a New Vehicle, To Create and View
Vehicle Information, To Delete a Vehicle, To Edit a Vehicle's Details, To View a Vehicle's Details,
To Export a Vehicle, To Select the Current Vehicle.
Vehicles
Export Vehicle
Exports the selected custom vehicle and its associated load and sight lines (see To Add a Load to a
Vehicle and To Add Sight Lines to a Vehicle), and realistic drawing to the .vcl (vehicle), .ld (load),
.sln (sight lines), and .dwg (drawing) files. If the custom vehicle uses a custom type, the type and
profile drawing will also be exported to the .typ (type) and .dwg (drawing) files. The files can then
be given to another AutoTURN Pro user to be imported (see To Import a Vehicle).
Note: If Permissions are enabled, this button displays only when the user has an equivalent or higher
access level than that of the custom vehicle (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access
Levels). The access level of a custom vehicle is displayed in the top right corner of the preview area
in the Select Current Vehicle dialog box (see To Select the Current Vehicle).
To Export a Vehicle:
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
3. From the vehicle list, select the desired custom vehicle. The Preview Area updates to display
the selected vehicle as in the following example:
4. Click Export Vehicle. A dialog box similar to the following example displays:
6. Click OK to have the custom vehicle exported and return to the Select Current Vehicle dialog
box.
7. Copy the exported files to a transferring medium, and then send it to the desired recipient
instructing them to use their AutoTURN Pro's import vehicle function (see To Import a
Vehicle).
Note: Since some features might not be supported by an older version of AutoTURN Pro, it is
recommended that the custom vehicle be exported and imported using the same version of
AutoTURN Pro.
See also: To Add a Load to a Vehicle, To Add Sight Lines to a Vehicle, To Calculate the Steering
Lock Angle, To Configure a Vehicle's Corners, To Configure Steering Linkages for a Vehicle, To
Configure Axle Group Details, To Configure Cargo Details, To Configure the Vehicle List, To Copy
a Vehicle, To Create a New Type, To Create a New Vehicle, To Create and View Vehicle
Information, To Delete a Vehicle, To Edit a Vehicle's Details, To Import a Vehicle, To Select the
Current Vehicle, To Share a Vehicle in a Network Configuration, To View a Vehicle's Details, To
View Vehicle Articulation, Types.
Vehicles
Share
This function shares the custom vehicle's definition, realistic vehicle drawing, custom type and
profile drawing up to the network database so that they are available for all AutoTURN Pro users on
the network. If the drawings are not available at the time of sharing they can be added later by
copying them to the network's Shared Data location (see Customizing AutoTURN Pro -> Creating a
Realistic Vehicle Drawing and Customizing AutoTURN Pro -> Creating a Profile Drawing).
Note: If Permissions are enabled, this button displays only if you have an equivalent or higher access
level than that of the custom vehicle and the custom vehicle has not already been shared (see
Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access Levels). The access level of a custom vehicle is
displayed in the top right corner of the preview area in the Select Current Vehicle dialog box (see To
Select the Current Vehicle). The system clocks of the workstations running AutoTURN Pro and the
Program files server must match for sharing to be successful.
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library, Type, Class,
Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
3. From the vehicle list, select the desired custom vehicle. The Preview Area updates to display
the selected vehicle as in the following example:
4. Click Share. The vehicle, type, and drawings are copied to the server.
Note: After the vehicle has been shared, the Share button is no longer displayed and the
vehicle displays with a Share graphic in the left most column of the vehicle list. Any edits
performed on the shared vehicle will automatically be reflected in the network copy of the
database.
5. Click OK to close the Select Current Vehicle dialog box and make the selected vehicle the
Current Vehicle (see Overview -> Current Vehicle), or click Cancel to retain the previously
selected vehicle as the Current Vehicle.
1. If a realistic vehicle drawing exists for the custom vehicle when the vehicle is shared, the
following occurs:
2. If a profile drawing exists for the custom type used by the custom vehicle and the type is
shared, the following occurs:
3. After a drawing has been shared, if updates to the drawing are required, they must be
performed on the network copy.
4. After a vehicle or type has been shared, the drawings must be manually copied to the
network's Shared Data folder.
5. When a shared custom vehicle or custom type is deleted, any corresponding realistic vehicle
and profile drawings on the server will also be deleted. The drawings can be retrieved from the
backup folder on the workstation that initially shared the custom vehicle or custom type.
See also: To Add a Load to a Vehicle, To Add Sight Lines to a Vehicle, To Calculate the Steering
Lock Angle, To Configure a Vehicle's Corners, To Configure Steering Linkages for a Vehicle, To
Configure Axle Group Details, To Configure Cargo Details, To Configure the Vehicle List, To Copy
a Vehicle, To Create a New Type, To Create a New Vehicle, To Create and View Vehicle
Information, To Delete a Vehicle, To Edit a Vehicle's Details, To Export a Vehicle, To Import a
Vehicle, To Select the Current Vehicle, To View a Vehicle's Details, To View Vehicle Articulation,
Types.
Types
Allows you to create new types, copy types, and edit and delete custom types. Types contain the part
types, axle group configurations, and steering types for each part of the vehicle. Each vehicle in
AutoTURN Pro is based on a particular type.
Different icon buttons will appear at the bottom of the dialog box depending on your access level as
to whether you can create, copy, edit, and delete types (see Program Settings -> Permissions
Category: Access Levels).
Copy a type
View a type
Types
Note: If Permissions are enabled, you must have the Standard or higher access level to create custom
types (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access Levels).
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
Types
4. In the Name edit box, type a name for the new type.
5. In the Class edit box, type a name or select one from the list.
b. From the Wheels list, select the number of wheels per axle.
9. From the Steering list, select the type of steering for this part.
Note:
Front Only
Rear Only
To enable steering linkages for a single part vehicle, select the Front and Rear steering
configuration (see To Configure Steering Linkages for a Vehicle).
11. Click Add New Part to create a multi-part type or skip to step 16.
Note:
Rear Fixed
Rear Steerable
To enable steering linkages for a multi-part vehicle, the tractor can not have rear
steering, only the last trailer's rear axles can be configured as rear steerable, and all axles
in the rear group must be steerable (see To Configure Steering Linkages for a Vehicle).
15. If there are no more parts to be added, skip to step 16. If there are more parts to be added, click
Add New Part, and then repeat steps 12-13 until you have defined all the parts for the
custom type.
16. Click OK to close the Create New Type dialog box and return to the Types dialog box. The
new custom type is selected and displays with a Custom graphic in the left most column of
the type list as in the following example:
17. (Optional) To create a new vehicle based on the newly created type, click Create
New Vehicle (see To Create a New Vehicle).
18. Click OK to close the Types dialog box and return to the Select Current Vehicle dialog box.
Steering Types
The trailer's rear axle group can be configured for fixed and steering axles when the Rear Steerable
steering type is selected. Configure the rear axle group by selecting the axle in the group where the
fixed axles start from the Fixed Start list, and then selecting the number of fixed axles from the Num
list. The Fixed Start axle is counted from the rear axle closest to the front of the part. Note that the
trailer can not have the Rear Steerable steering type if the tractor has the Front and Rear steering
type.
The following dialog box shows an example of a trailer that has all steering axles in the rear axle
group because the number of fixed axles is zero (Num: 0):
Note: If Permissions are enabled, an equivalent or higher access level than that used to copy/create
the custom vehicles and types is required to edit or delete the custom vehicles and types (see
Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access Levels). The access level of a custom vehicle is
displayed in the upper right corner of the preview area in the Select Current Vehicle dialog box (see
To Select the Current Vehicle). The access level of a custom type is displayed in the upper right
corner of the Profile tab and the Parts View tab in the preview area of the Types dialog boxes.
See also: To Copy a Type, To Delete a Custom Type, To Edit a Custom Type, To Share a Type in a
Network Configuration, To View a Type, Vehicles.
Types
Copy Type
Creates a new custom type by copying the currently selected type.
Note: If Permissions are enabled, this button displays only if you have the Standard or higher access
level (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access Levels).
To Copy a Type:
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
Note: The Types dialog box will display the type used by the selected vehicle so it may be
desirable to select a vehicle that is based on the type you want to copy.
2. (Optional) In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library,
Type, Class, Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
Types
5. In the Group Types By box, select the desired type sorting method (Class, # of Parts, or No
Group) and filter list.
Copy Type
8. In the Name edit box, type a name for the copied type.
9. In the Class edit box, type a name or select one from the list.
10. Change any of the copied type's details including adding and/or removing parts.
11. Click OK to close the Copy Type dialog box. The new custom type is selected and displays
with a Custom graphic in the left most column of the type list as in the following dialog
box:
12. (Optional) To create a new vehicle based on the newly created type, click Create
New Vehicle (see To Create a New Vehicle).
13. Click OK to close the Types dialog box and return to the Select Current Vehicle dialog box.
Note: If Permissions are enabled, an equivalent or higher access level than that used to copy/create
the custom vehicles and types is required to edit or delete the custom vehicles and types (see
Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access Levels). The access level of a custom vehicle is
displayed in the upper right corner of the preview area in the Select Current Vehicle dialog box (see
To Select the Current Vehicle). The access level of a custom type is displayed in the upper right
corner of the Profile tab and in the preview area of the Parts View tab of the Types dialog box.
See also: To Create a New Type, To Delete a Custom Type, To Edit a Custom Type, To Share a
Type in a Network Configuration, To View a Type, Vehicles.
Types
View Type
Allows viewing of the selected type. To edit a custom type, see To Edit a Custom Type.
To View a Type:
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
Note: The Types dialog box will display the type used by the selected vehicle so it may be
desirable to select a vehicle that is based on the type you want to edit.
2. (Optional) Select the desired vehicle sorting method in the Group Vehicles By box (Library,
Type, Class, Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
Types
5. In the Group Types By box and filter list, select the desired type sorting method (Class, # of
Parts, or No Group).
6. From the type list, select the desired type. A dialog box similar to the following example
displays:
7. Click the Parts View tab. The following dialog box displays:
8. If the type has multiple parts, select a part to zoom in on by clicking the vehicle
part navigation buttons (the part is highlighted with a red arrow above the center of that part).
9. Click OK to close the Types dialog box and return to the Select Current Vehicle dialog box.
See also: To Copy a Type, To Create a New Type, To Delete a Custom Type, To Edit a Custom
Type, To Share a Type in a Network Configuration, Vehicles.
Types
Note: If Permissions are enabled, an equivalent or higher access level than that of the custom type is
required to edit or delete the custom type (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access
Levels). The access level of the custom type is displayed in the upper right corner of the Profile tab
and the preview area in the Parts View tab of the Types dialog box.
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
Note: The Types dialog box will display the type used by the selected vehicle so it may be
desirable to select a vehicle that is based on the type you want to edit.
2. (Optional) In the Group Vehicles By box, select the desired vehicle sorting method (Library,
Type, Class, Region, # of Parts, No Group, or Recent) and filter list.
Types
5. In the Group Types By box, select the desired type sorting method (Class, # of Parts, or No
Group) and filter list.
6. From the type list, select the desired type. If the type does not have an associated profile
drawing, a dialog box similar to the following example displays:
Note: If the custom type has an associated profile drawing (see Customizing AutoTURN Pro -
> Creating a Profile Drawing), the Profile tab displays the type's profile as in the following
dialog box:
7. Click the Parts View tab. The following dialog box displays:
8. Make the desired changes, and then click OK to close the Types dialog box and return to the
Select Current Vehicle dialog box.
See also: To Copy a Type, To Create a New Type, To Delete a Custom Type, To Share a Type in a
Network Configuration, To View a Type, Vehicles.
Types
Note: If Permissions are enabled, this button displays only if you have an equivalent or higher
access level than that of the custom type (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access
Levels). The access level of the custom type is displayed in the upper right corner of the preview
area in the Parts View tab of the Types dialog box.
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
Types
3. In the Group Types By box, select the desired type sorting method (Class, # of Parts, or No
Group) and filter list.
4. From the type list, select the type that you want to delete.
7. Click OK to close the Types dialog box and return to the Select Current Vehicle dialog box.
See also: To Copy a Type, To Create a New Type, To Edit a Custom Type, To Share a Type in a
Network Configuration, To View a Type, Vehicles.
Types
Share
This function shares the custom type's definition and profile drawing up to the network database so
that they are available for all AutoTURN Pro users on the network. If the drawings are not available
at the time of sharing they can be added later by copying them to the network's Shared Data location
(see Customizing AutoTURN Pro -> Creating a Profile Drawing).
Note: If Permissions are enabled, this button displays only if you have an equivalent or higher access
level than that of the custom type and the custom type has not been shared yet (see Program Settings
-> Permissions Category: Access Levels). The access level of a custom type is displayed in the upper
right corner of the Profile tab and preview area of the Parts View tab in the Types dialog box. The
system clocks of the workstations running AutoTURN Pro and the program files server must match
for sharing to be successful.
1. Click Vehicles on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
Note: The Types dialog box will display the type used by the selected vehicle so it may be
desirable to select a vehicle that is based on the type you want to share.
2. (Optional) Select the desired vehicle sorting method in the Group Vehicles By box (Library,
Types
5. (Optional) In the Group Types By box and filter list, select the desired type sorting method
(Class, # of Parts, or No Group).
6. (Optional) From the type list, select the desired type. The following dialog box displays:
Note: A profile drawing was previously created for this custom type for this example.
7. Click Share. The type and drawings are copied to the server.
Note: After the type has been shared, the Share button is no longer displayed and the type
displays with a Share graphic in the left most column of the type list. Any edits performed
on the shared type will automatically be reflected in the network copy of the database.
8. Click OK to close the Types dialog box and return to the Select Current Vehicle dialog box.
1. If a profile drawing exists for the custom type used by the custom vehicle and the type is
shared, the following occurs:
2. After a drawing has been shared, if updates to the drawing are required, they must be
performed on the network copy.
3. If a profile drawing is created for a type that has already been shared, the drawing must be
manually copied to the network's Shared Data folder.
4. When a shared custom type is deleted, the corresponding profile drawing on the server will
also be deleted. The drawing can be retrieved from the backup folder on the workstation that
initially shared the custom type.
See also: To Copy a Type, To Create a New Type, To Delete a Custom Type, To Edit a Custom
Type, To View a Type, Vehicles.
Select Terrain
Sets the current terrain (see Overview -> Current Terrain) used by the AutoTURN Pro’s 3D tools
(see Tools -> SmartPath Tools -> Generate 3D Arc Path, Tools -> Place 3D Simulation, and Tools ->
Convert 2D to 3D).
Note: This tool requires that a supported user drawn surface or mesh object exist in the drawing (see
below).
1. Click Select Terrain on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
Select Terrain
2. Pick a surface or mesh object. The selected object is now the current terrain.
1. Click Select Terrain on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
Select Terrain
2. Click Use XY Plane in the dialog box. The drawing's XY plane at a height of z=0 is now the
current terrain.
AutoCAD:
Extruded Surface
Polygon Mesh
Polyface Mesh
Civil 3D Surface
Note: Set the MESHTYPE system variable to 0 in versions 2010 or later of AutoCAD to create
compatible polygon or polyface surface objects.
MicroStation:
Mesh
SmartPath Tools
Creates various types of turn simulations by prompting you for a starting position, and then
dynamically generating the path geometry as the mouse is moved through the maneuver. Turn
simulations are generated using the current vehicle, program settings, and properties (see >Vehicles,
Program Settings, and Properties).
Steer A Path
Note: These instructions are generic for creating forward simulations with all SmartPath Tools. See
the section on each SmartPath Tool for information specific to each SmartPath Tool. For instructions
on how to generate reverse maneuvers, see Reverse Maneuvers. The last simulation generated or
placed (see Place Offset Simulation and Place Simulation) in the drawing is the active simulation.
1. Click one of the SmartPath Tools on the toolbar or ribbon to begin generating a turn
simulation.
2. Move the vehicle to the desired start position, and then click to set the vehicle. This sets the
location of the center of the vehicle’s front axle. The following dialog box displays:
3. Move the mouse in an arc around the front of the vehicle, and then click to set the desired
Vehicle Start Angle value, or type the desired Vehicle Start Angle value in the SmartPath Tools
dialog box, and then click Apply. This sets the starting angle of the vehicle and its parts. The
following dialog box displays:
4. Although the SmartPath Tools dialog box displays once the Vehicle Start Angle value is set, it
is possible to set the articulating angles of a multi-part vehicle - until the first section of the
simulation is generated.
Note: Perform this step only if a non-zero articulating angle between the vehicle parts is
desired.
a. To set a trailer's articulating angle, click inside the wheelbase of the trailer, and then
move the mouse behind the trailer in an arc to rotate it. When the desired angle is
reached, click to set it. This process can be repeated as many times as desired until the
first section of the simulation is generated.
b. Optionally, the vehicle can be moved to a new start position (at any time before the first
section is generated) by clicking inside the wheelbase of the vehicle’s first part, moving
the vehicle to the new start position, and then clicking to set the new start position. The
articulating angles will be retained.
5. Set the Speed, Radius Type, and other various SmartPath Tools options depending on the type
of simulation being generated (see SmartPath Tools Options, Generate Corner Path and
Oversteer Corner Path).
6. Move the mouse to the desired endpoint of the section, and then left-click to generate the
section.
7. AutoTURN Pro evaluates the user drawn elements for conflicts with the vehicle body and
body clearance envelopes of the turn simulation (for information on how to specify a
layer/level for evaluation, see Properties -> Conflict Analysis Category):
2D Conflict Analysis Example (the portions of user drawn elements that conflict with the turn
simulation are denoted in red)
3D Conflict Analysis Example (the portion of a user drawn element that conflicts with the turn
simulation is denoted in red)
8. Generate another section by moving the mouse to a new endpoint and then left-clicking.
9. Repeat step 7 until the desired maneuver is completed. There is no limit to the number of
sections in a simulation.
10. Right-click to stop generating the simulation and close the SmartPath Tools dialog box.
Note: Click a different SmartPath Tool button in the SmartPath Tools dialog box to change the type
of maneuver generated in the next section of the simulation. This functionality allows the simulation
to be comprised of different maneuver types.
The various SmartPath Tools options are explained below. See each SmartPath Tool section for
pertinent information about each tool.
Highlights with a red outline which SmartPath Tool is currently being used.
Maneuver Type
Indicates which direction and what type of section (forward or reverse) is being generated. A
forward maneuver is indicated by the one of the following depending upon which SmartPath Tool is
active:
Reverse maneuvers are indicated by one of the following depending upon which SmartPath Tool is
active:
Current Vehicle
Displays the current vehicle's library and name (see Vehicles -> To Select the Current Vehicle).
Indicates whether the vehicle’s steering specifications or Program Settings -> General Category:
Reverse Overrides are being used while generating the simulation. When a forward simulation is
being generated, the vehicle’s steering lock angle will always be used. When generating a reverse
simulation, the Reverse Overrides settings in Program Settings -> General Category will be used if
they are greater than the steering specifications for the vehicle.
When this check box is not selected, the vehicle is assumed to be starting the maneuver at the
speed specified. The vehicle’s lock to lock time and speed are used to create a transition zone in the
generated path. In this zone, the vehicle’s steering wheels turn at a linear rate until they reach the
angle at which the mouse position can be reached.
When this check box is selected, the vehicle is assumed to be starting the section from a complete
stop. This allows the steering wheels to be turned while the vehicle is stopped, allowing the vehicle
to proceed at a constant steering angle to the mouse position. This option is only available in the
Generate Arc Path, Generate Corner Path, and Steer A Path SmartPath Tools (see Generate Arc
Path, Generate Corner Path, and Steer A Path respectively) and only at very slow speeds (6 mph (10
km/h) or less), and should only be used when maneuvering space is at a premium.
Note: For reverse maneuvers, the Turn Wheels From Stop check box is selected automatically, and
the check box is not available.
If this check box is selected, the vehicle will travel along a straight line only. If the Turn Wheels
From Stop check box is selected (see Turn Wheels From Stop above), the straight line can be
generated in the direction that the steering wheels will turn.
Note:
For a reverse arc path simulation (see Reverse Arc Path), the Force Straight Line check box is
only available if the Current Vehicle is a single part vehicle (see Vehicles -> To Select the
Current Vehicle).
If you select the Force Straight Line check box and initiate a reverse maneuver, the maneuver
type will change to Reverse Line Path, and the Radius Type list and the Radius information
will be unavailable (see Radius Type and Radius below respectively).
AutoTURN Pro can perform the conflict analysis while each section is being dragged instead of
when they are drawn (generated). Select the Dynamically Check Simulation check box to be notified
of conflicts while dragging each section. By default, the Dynamically Check Simulation check box is
not selected because dynamically performing the analysis while each section is being dragged puts a
heavy load on the computer's processing power and therefore this option should be used with
discretion (for more information on conflict analysis see Overview -> Conflict Analysis).
Speed
Sets the speed at which the vehicle is traveling. Reverse maneuvers are conducted at 6 mph (10
km/h) or less.
Radius Type
Centerline
Curb to Curb
Wall to Wall
Inner Turn
Radius
Steer A Path:
Sweep Angle
The sweep angle is defined as the angle between the entrance and exit tangents. For corner path turn
simulations (see Generate Corner Path), the centerline of the vehicle will eventually become parallel
with the exit tangent if the exit tangent is long enough - the longer the exit tangent is, the closer to
zero the steering angle becomes. For oversteer corner path turn simulations (see Oversteer Corner
Path), the centerline of the vehicle is always parallel with the exit tangent. To set the sweep angle,
type the desired value in the corresponding edit box or click the Select Sweep Angle button, and
then pick an element in the drawing area.
Entry offset and exit offset are used to control the amount of oversteer applied to the maneuver being
generated. The entry and exit offsets are measured from the body of the vehicle’s first part
perpendicular to the extents of the vehicle body envelope.
Superelevation
Displays the superelevation (i.e. slope) of the road surface. This value is considered in determining
the minimum turn radius, and is only available at speeds of 10 mph (16 km/h) or greater. Select the
Set check box to override the default value.
Lateral Friction
Displays the friction factor between the vehicle’s tires and the road surface. This value is considered
in determining the minimum turn radius, and is only available at speeds of 10 mph (16 km/h) or
greater. Select the Set check box to override the default value.
Shrink/Expand
Shrinks the SmartPath Tools dialog box to its minimum size to increase the working space in the
drawing area.
Click Expand to return the SmartPath Tools dialog box to its full size.
Undo
Hint: Alternatively, an undo operation can be performed by clicking inside the wheelbase of the last
vehicle position generated.
See also: Reverse Arc Path, Reverse Corner Path, Reverse Maneuvers, Reverse Steered Path;
Generate Arc Path, Generate Corner Path, Oversteer Corner Path, Steer A Path; Generate Report,
Insert Profile, Place Adaptive Simulation, Place Vehicle, Run Animation.
Note:
This tool requires a surface or mesh object in the drawing to act as the terrain.
This tool requires that the Current Vehicle is a 3D capable vehicle (comprised of one or two
parts, i.e. articulating components).
This tool cannot be used to continue a 3D turn simulation. The Continue 3D Simulation tool
must be used instead (see Tools -> Continue 3D Simulation).
2. If there is no current terrain, the Select Terrain dialog box displays (see Select Terrain).
3. Move the vehicle to the desired start position, and then click to set the vehicle. This sets the
location of the center of the vehicle’s front axle. The following dialog box displays:
Note: When the entire vehicle cannot be drawn because it does not fit on the terrain between
the start position and the edge of the terrain, a red circle with an arrow is drawn to indicate the
start position and vehicle angle.
4. Move the mouse in an arc around the front of the vehicle, and then click to set the desired
Vehicle Start Angle value, or type the desired Vehicle Start Angle value in the SmartPath
Tools dialog box, and then click Apply. This sets the starting angle of the vehicle and its parts.
The following dialog box displays:
5. From the Speed and Radius Type lists, select the speed and radius type for the current section
respectively.
6. If the vehicle is assumed to be starting the section from a complete stop, and maneuvering
space is at a premium, select the Turn Wheels From Stop check box to make the steering
wheels turn while the vehicle is stopped, which allows the vehicle to proceed at a constant
steering angle to the mouse position.
Note: The Turn Wheels From Stop check box is only available if you specified a very slow
speed (6 mph (10 km/h) or less) at step 5.
7. If you want the vehicle to travel along a straight line only, select the Force Straight Line check
box or simply drag the path in a straight line. If you selected the Turn Wheels From Stop
check box at step 5, the straight line can be generated in the direction that the steering wheels
will turn.
Note: If the vehicle travels along a straight line, the maneuver type will change to Forward
Line Path, and the Radius Type list and the Radius information will not be available:
8. To be notified of conflicts while generating each section, select the Dynamically Check
Simulation check box. When this check box is cleared, the notifications are drawn after each
section has been generated.
Note: Dynamically checking the simulation for collisions puts a heavy load on the computer's
processing power, therefore this option should be used with discretion.
9. The Radius value will dynamically update when you move the mouse.
11. AutoTURN Pro evaluates the user drawn elements for conflicts with the vehicle body and
body clearance envelopes of the turn simulation (for information on how to specify a
layer/level for evaluation, see Properties -> Conflict Analysis Category):
2D Conflict Analysis Example (the portions of user drawn elements that conflict with the turn
simulation are denoted in red)
3D Conflict Analysis Example (the portion of a user drawn element that conflicts with the 3D
turn simulation is denoted in red)
11. Generate another section by moving the mouse to a new endpoint and then left-clicking.
12. Repeat steps 5 through 11 until the desired maneuver is completed. There is no limit to the
number of sections in a simulation, however the simulation cannot exceed 6600 feet or 2000
meters.
13. Right-click to stop generating the simulation and close the SmartPath Tools dialog box.
If an envelope calculation warning is added at the first and last vehicle positions in the turn
simulation, the envelope and collisions will still be drawn, but you should carefully evaluate the
simulation using the Analyze Punch Through and Place 3D Vehicle tools (see Analyze Punch
Through and Place 3D Vehicle respectively) to ensure that all of the collisions have been identified
correctly.
The three main causes of the envelope calculation warning are as follows:
3. A vehicle path goes in a loop and gets near a previous section while traveling in the same
direction.
Use the Delete Last 3D Section tool to delete sections of the simulation one by one until the
envelope is valid (see Delete Last 3D Section).
Use the Continue 3D Simulation tool with the Continue as New option selected to continue the
simulation (see Continue 3D Simulation).
For more information on generating simulations, see SmartPath Tools: To Generate a Turn
Simulation.
2. Set the vehicle’s start position, angle, and articulating angles if applicable.
4. From the Speed and Radius Type lists, select the speed and radius type for the current section
respectively.
5. If the vehicle is assumed to be starting the section from a complete stop, and maneuvering
space is at a premium, select the Turn Wheels From Stop check box to make the steering
wheels turn while the vehicle is stopped, which allows the vehicle to proceed at a constant
steering angle to the mouse position.
Note: The Turn Wheels From Stop check box is only available if you specified a very slow
speed (6 mph (10 km/h) or less) at step 4.
6. If you want the vehicle to travel along a straight line only, select the Force Straight Line
check box or simply drag the path in a straight line. If you selected the Turn Wheels From
Stop check box at step 5, the straight line can be generated in the direction that the steering
wheels will turn.
Note: If the vehicle travels along a straight line, the maneuver type will change to Forward
Line Path, and the Radius Type list and the Radius information will not be available:
7. (AutoCAD only) If you have interacted with the SmartPath Tools dialog box, click in the
drawing area to begin generating the simulation.
8. The Radius value will dynamically update when you move the mouse.
10. Continue generating sections by clicking end positions, and then right-click when finished.
The additional Override Angle and Path Angle options are available when generating an arc path
turn simulation with a Special Transport library vehicle:
SmartPath Tools Dialog Box - SmartPath Tools Dialog Box - Path Angle
Override Angle (Generate Arc Generate Arc Path for Rear Component
Path for Axle Steering Special Path Steering Special Transport
Transport)
Override Angle
The Override Angle option is used for the axle steering type of independent rear steering in the
Special Transport type vehicles. The following axle steering vehicle types are included in
AutoTURN Pro:
The rear steering angle can be completely independent from the articulating angle. The only
exception is the case when the articulating angle changes from left to right or vice versa, which
changes the rear steering angle accordingly. To specify the rear steering angle, select the Override
Angle check box, and then type the desired value in the edit box.
Path Angle
The Path Angle option is used for the rear component path steering type of independent rear steering
in the Special Transport type vehicles. The following rear component path steering vehicle types are
included in AutoTURN Pro 3D:
Rear component path steering controls the path of the rear steering part of the vehicle independently
from the tractor’s path (i.e. you have to control two independent paths). Instead of controlling the
angle of the pivoting parts as it is done in axle steering (see Override Angle above), the path angle is
specified. To calculate the predicted path, the path angle is used with the modified wheelbase of the
rear part (the distance from the cargo pivot point to the center of the fixed rear axle group):
The predicted path and the modified wheelbase of the rear part which is measured from the cargo
pivot point to the center of the fixed rear axle group.
AutoTURN Pro checks the steering angle of the rear part’s front axles or the path angle against the
maximum rear steering angle. If the path angle generates a steering angle which exceeds the
maximum value, the simulation will halt until the path angle is changed.
To specify the path angle, select the Path Angle check box, and then type the desired value in the
edit box.
Note: You can also press CTRL and simultaneously scroll the middle mouse button to
increase/decrease the Override Angle or Path Angle value by intervals of 0.2 degree (for
MicroStation users: If the mouse wheel settings (Workspace -> Preferences -> Mouse Wheel) were
specified prior to the installation of AutoTURN Pro 3D, you should set the "Ctrl+Wheel" option in
Set Mouse Wheel Preference to "none" to be able to use this functionality).
See also: Reverse Arc Path, Reverse Corner Path, Reverse Maneuvers, Reverse Steered Path;
Generate Corner Path, Oversteer Corner Path, SmartPath Tools, Steer A Path; Generate Report,
Insert Profile, Place Adaptive Simulation, Place Vehicle, Run Animation.
For more information on generating simulations, see SmartPath Tools: To Generate a Turn
Simulation.
2. Set the vehicle’s start position, angle, and articulating angles if applicable.
b. From the Radius Type list, select the desired radius type.
d. In the Sweep edit box, type the desired sweep angle for the radius.
OR
d. Click Select Sweep Angle, and then pick an element in the drawing area.
Note: The sweep angle is defined as the angle between the entrance and exit tangents. The
centerline of the vehicle will eventually become parallel with the exit tangent if the exit
tangent is long enough - the longer the exit tangent is, the closer to zero the steering angle
becomes.
5. (AutoCAD only) If you have interacted with the SmartPath Tools dialog box, click in the
drawing area to begin generating the simulation.
6. Lengthen or shorten the entrance and exit tangents by moving the mouse closer to and farther
away from the vehicle start position.
8. Continue generating sections by clicking end positions, and then right-click when finished.
The following drawing illustrates a simulation created with the Generate Corner Path tool. This type
of simulation is distinguished by the presence of an entrance tangent, arc, and exit tangent.
See also: Reverse Arc Path, Reverse Corner Path, Reverse Maneuvers, Reverse Steered Path;
Generate Arc Path, Oversteer Corner Path, SmartPath Tools, Steer A Path; Generate Report, Insert
Profile, Place Adaptive Simulation, Place Vehicle, Run Animation.
For more information on generating simulations, see Vehicles -> To Generate a Turn Simulation.
2. Set the vehicle’s start position, angle, and articulating angle if applicable.
b. From the Radius Type list, select the desired radius type.
d. In the Sweep edit box, type the desired sweep angle for the radius.
OR
d. Click Select Sweep Angle, and then pick an element in the drawing area.
Note: The sweep angle is defined as the angle between a line extending through the
vehicle’s direction of travel and the element’s closest point (to the midpoint of the
vehicles’ front axle) to the element’s end point.
e. In the Entry Offset and/or Exit Offset edit boxes, type the entry offset and/or exit offset
respectively, or select the Use Minimum Exit check box, and then, in the Entry Offset
edit box, type the entry offset.
5. (AutoCAD only) If you have interacted with the SmartPath Tools dialog box, click in the
drawing area to begin generating the simulation.
6. Lengthen or shorten the entrance and exit tangents by moving the mouse closer to and farther
away from the vehicle start position.
8. Continue generating sections by clicking end positions, and then right-click when finished
Note: The entry and exit offsets are measured from the body of the vehicle’s first part perpendicular
to the extents of the vehicle's first part envelope.
See also: Reverse Arc Path, Reverse Corner Path, Reverse Maneuvers, Reverse Steered Path;
Generate Arc Path, Generate Corner Path, SmartPath Tools, Steer A Path; Generate Report, Insert
Profile, Place Adaptive Simulation, Place Vehicle, Run Animation.
Steer A Path
Provides a means of driving a vehicle along an arbitrary path by moving the mouse in the desired
direction. When the mouse stops moving, the vehicle stops moving as well. Click to start and stop
the vehicle and/or to go forward or reverse.
2. Set the vehicle’s start position, angle, and articulating angles if applicable.
4. In the Speed edit box, type the desired speed for the current section.
5. The minimum centerline turning radius for the current speed displays.
6. If the vehicle is assumed to be starting the section from a complete stop, and the maneuvering
space is at a premium, select the Turn Wheels From Stop check box to make the steering
wheels turn while the vehicle is stopped, which allows the vehicle to proceed at a constant
steering angle to the mouse position.
Note: The Turn Wheels From Stop check box is only available if you specified a very slow
speed (6 mph (10 km/h) or less) at step 4.
7. Click in the drawing area to begin driving the vehicle. The vehicle will move towards the
mouse position to the best of its ability given the current speed. While the mouse is in motion,
the vehicle will be in motion as well.
9. Repeat steps 7-8 as many times as required to complete the desired simulation, and then right-
click when finished
See also: Reverse Arc Path, Reverse Corner Path, Reverse Maneuvers, Reverse Steered Path;
Generate Arc Path, Generate Corner Path, Oversteer Corner Path, SmartPath Tools; Generate Report,
Insert Profile, Place Adaptive Simulation, Place Vehicle, Run Animation.
Reverse Maneuvers
It is possible to generate reverse maneuvers with the Generate Arc Path, Generate Corner Path, and
Steer A Path tools (see SmartPath Tools -> Generate Arc Path, SmartPath Tools -> Generate
Corner Path, and SmartPath Tools -> Steer A Path respectively). Reverse maneuvers are initiated
simply by moving the mouse back through the rear axle group while generating simulations.
Reverse maneuvers are indicated by corresponding reverse SmartPath Tool buttons and the
following maneuver types displayed in the SmartPath Tools dialog box:
Reverse maneuvers are only possible for vehicles with three or fewer parts (i.e. articulating
components).
Reverse maneuvers are always performed at 6 mph (10 km/h) or less with the Turn Wheels From
Stop check box selected (see SmartPath Tools: Turn Wheels From Stop). Additionally, the first
forward maneuver after a reverse maneuver is also performed at 6 mph (10 km/h) or less with the
Turn Wheels From Stop check box selected. The speed can be changed in the second section after a
reverse maneuver (see SmartPath Tools: Speed).
Note: The Reverse Arc Path tool is the only reverse SmartPath Tool available for the vehicle types
with independent rear steering or with multiple trailers that have one or more full trailer parts.
Note: These instructions are generic for creating reverse simulations with all SmartPath Tools
(except for the Steer A Path tool - see Reverse Steered Path). See the section on each reverse
SmartPath Tool for information specific to each tool.
1. While generating a simulation with a SmartPath Tool (exception - see Oversteer Corner Path),
move the mouse through the rear axle group of the vehicle.
2. The vehicle will now be traveling in reverse - performing a reverse maneuver type of the same
SmartPath Tool (exception - AutoTURN Pro switches to the Reverse Corner Path tool
automatically when a reverse maneuver is initiated while using the Oversteer Corner
Path tool).
4. Continue generating reverse sections by clicking end positions, and then right-click when
finished.
1. While generating a simulation with a SmartPath Tool (exception - see Reverse Steered Path),
move the mouse through the front axle group of the vehicle.
4. Continue generating forward sections by clicking end positions, and then right-click when
finished.
See also: Reverse Arc Path, Reverse Corner Path, Reverse Steered Path; Generate Arc Path,
Generate Corner Path, Oversteer Corner Path, SmartPath Tools, Steer A Path.
The Reverse Arc Path tool is accessed via the Generate Arc Path SmartPath Tool and initiating a
reverse maneuver (see SmartPath Tools -> Generate Arc Path).
Note: The only reverse maneuver possible for the vehicle types with independent rear steering or
with multiple trailers that have one or more full trailer parts is a short reverse, i.e. a maneuver that
limits reversing to a short distance, enabling the vehicle to perform a series of three point turns
(whereas in AutoTURN Pro versions prior to 7.0 such vehicles could not reverse at all).
For more information on generating simulations, see Smart Path Tools: To Generate a Turn
Simulation.
2. Set the vehicle’s start position, angle, and articulating angles if applicable.
3. Before clicking to begin generating a section, move the mouse through the rear axle group of
the vehicle.
5. If you want the vehicle to travel along a straight line only, select the Force Straight Line check
box or simply drag the path in a straight line.
Note:
The Force Straight Line check box is only available if the Current Vehicle is a single
part vehicle (see Vehicles -> To Select the Current Vehicle).
If the vehicle travels along a straight line, the maneuver type will change to Reverse
Line Path, and the Radius Type list and the Radius information will not be available:
6. From the Radius Type list, select the radius type for the current section.
7. (AutoCAD only) In the drawing area, click to begin generating the simulation.
8. The Radius value will dynamically update when you move the mouse.
10. Continue generating sections by clicking end positions, and then right-click when finished.
See also: Reverse Corner Path, Reverse Maneuvers, Reverse Steered Path; Generate Arc Path,
Generate Corner Path, Oversteer Corner Path, SmartPath Tools, Steer A Path; Generate Report,
Insert Profile, Place Adaptive Simulation, Place Vehicle, Run Animation.
AutoTURN Pro switches to the Reverse Corner Path tool automatically when a reverse maneuver is
initiated while using the Oversteer Corner Path tool (see SmartPath Tools -> Oversteer Corner Path).
The Reverse Corner Path tool behaves differently for one and two/three part vehicles:
It is possible to set the radius type, radius, and sweep angle when generating reverse
simulations with one part vehicles. In addition, the entrance and exit tangents can always be
lengthened or shortened.
Only the sweep angle and tolerance settings are available when generating reverse simulations
with two part vehicles, and only the sweep angle setting is available when generating reverse
simulations with three part vehicles.
The tolerance setting aids maneuvering in close quarters by setting an articulating angle
between the tractor and trailer at the end of the arc portion of the maneuver. By default,
tolerance is set to the minimum value of 0.1 degrees, which does not affect the generation of
the simulation. Increase the tolerance to decrease the amount of space required to complete a
reverse corner section. An exit tangent is not generated when tolerance is set to a value greater
than 5 degrees. The maximum tolerance angle is 45 degrees.
3. Before clicking to begin generating a section, move the mouse through the rear axle group of
the vehicle.
a. From the Radius Type list, select the desired radius type.
c. In the Sweep edit box, type the desired sweep angle for the radius.
OR
c. Click Select Sweep Angle, and then pick an element in the drawing area.
Note:
The sweep angle is defined as the angle between a line extending through the vehicle’s
direction of travel and the element’s closest point (to the midpoint of the vehicles’ rear
axle) to the element’s end point.
If a sweep angle greater than 160 degrees is typed or picked, a warning message will
display and the sweep angle will be set to 160 degrees.
6. (AutoCAD only) Click in the drawing area to begin generating the simulation.
7. Lengthen or shorten the entrance and exit tangents by moving the mouse closer to and farther
away from the vehicle start position.
9. Continue generating sections by clicking the end positions, and then right-click when finished.
2. Set the vehicle's start position, start angle, and articulating angles.
3. Before clicking to begin generating a section, move the mouse through the rear axle group of
the vehicle.
a. In the Sweep edit box, type the desired sweep angle for the radius.
OR
a. Click the Select Sweep Angle button, and then pick an element in the drawing area.
Note:
The sweep angle is defined as the angle between a line extending through the vehicle’s
direction of travel and the element’s closest point (to the midpoint of the vehicles’ rear
axle) to the element’s end point.
If a sweep angle greater than 160 degrees is typed or picked, a warning message will
display and the sweep angle will be set to 160 degrees.
b. (Two part vehicle only) In the Tolerance edit box, type a Tolerance value if the
maneuvering room is limited.
6. (AutoCAD only) Click in the drawing area to begin generating the simulation.
7. Lengthen or shorten the entrance tangent by moving the mouse closer to and farther away
from the vehicle start position.
8. (Two part vehicle only) If the Tolerance value is 5 degrees or less, lengthen or shorten the exit
tangent. If the Tolerance value is 6 degrees or higher, AutoTURN Pro truncates the simulation
at the end of the arc portion as in the following example:
10. Continue generating sections by clicking the end positions, and then right-click when finished.
The following drawing illustrates a simulation created with the Reverse Corner Path tool and a
minimum Tolerance value of 0.1 degrees. The sweep angle was obtained by clicking the Sweep
button, and then selecting one of the parking lines.
See also: Reverse Arc Path, Reverse Maneuvers, Reverse Steered Path; Generate Arc Path, Generate
Corner Path, Oversteer Corner Path, SmartPath Tools, Steer A Path; Generate Report, Insert Profile,
Place Adaptive Simulation, Place Vehicle, Run Animation.
For more information on generating simulations, see SmartPath Tools: To Generate a Turn
Simulation.
2. Set the vehicle’s start position, angle, and articulating angles if applicable.
3. Move the mouse through the rear axle group of the vehicle.
5. The minimum centerline turning radius (minimum turn radius) for the vehicle traveling at 6
mph (10 km/h) is displayed.
6. In the drawing area, click to begin reversing the vehicle. The vehicle will move towards the
mouse position to the best of its ability given the reverse speed. While the mouse is in motion,
the vehicle will be in motion as well.
8. Repeat steps 6-7 as many times as required to complete the desired simulation, and then right-
click when finished.
Note: The reverse steered path maneuver is not available for the vehicle types with full trailer parts
See also: Reverse Arc Path, Reverse Corner Path, Reverse Maneuvers; Generate Arc Path, Generate
Corner Path, Oversteer Corner Path, SmartPath Tools, Steer A Path; Generate Report, Insert Profile,
Place Adaptive Simulation, Place Vehicle, Run Animation.
Note: Only forward maneuvers can be created using the Place Adaptive Simulation tool. For reverse
maneuvers, see Reverse Maneuvers.
Note: This tool requires existing CAD geometry in the drawing to act as the path elements. The
geometry may consist of lines and arcs, a polyline/complex chain, or an alignment. Lines and arcs
can not be combined with polylines/complex chains or alignments to make up the path elements.
2. Pick the path element(s). If the pre-drawn path elements consist of:
Lines/Arcs, select the path elements in the desired direction of travel, and then click a
blank spot in the drawing.
A polyline/complex chain or alignment, select the path element nearer to the start than
the end.
3. After the path has been selected, the simulation displays in the drawing with the default
Centered option selected.
Note: A circle indicates the start point and an arrow symbol at the end represents the direction
of travel.
The following diagram illustrates a centerline turn simulation created by using the Place Adaptive
Simulation tool:
Note: This tool requires existing CAD geometry in the drawing to act as the path elements. The
geometry may consist of lines and arcs, a polyline/complex chain, or an alignment. Lines and arcs
can not be combined with polylines/complex chains or alignments to make up the path elements.
Lines/Arcs, select the path elements in the desired direction of travel, and then click a
blank spot in the drawing.
A polyline/complex chain or alignment, select the path element nearer to the start than
the end.
3. After the path has been selected, the simulation displays in the drawing with the default
Centered option selected.
Note: A circle indicates the start point and an arrow symbol at the end represents the direction
of travel.
4. Under Simulation Type, click either Offset Left or Offset Right to begin configuring an offset
turn simulation. The following dialog box displays:
Note: When the Use Smooth Transitions check box is not selected, the Offset value is
measured from the tire track (front or rear) which is closest to the selected path elements at
any point in the turn simulation (regardless of which envelopes are drawing in the simulation).
6. (Optional) Select the Use Smooth Transitions check box. The following dialog box displays:
a. From the Simulation Envelope list, select from which envelope to base the offset turn
simulation.
d. Move the Oversteer Applied At slider to the left to have the oversteer applied
increasingly more towards the beginning of the turn simulation or to the right where the
oversteer will be applied increasingly more towards the end of the turn simulation.
Note: When the Use Smooth Transitions check box is selected, the Offset value is measured
from the selected simulation envelope to the selected path elements (regardless of which
envelopes are drawing in the simulation).
7. (Optional) Select or clear the Link turn simulation to path geometry check box to have the turn
simulation update with changes to the path elements.
The following diagram illustrates an offset turn simulation created by using the Place Adaptive
Simulation tool. The asterisk (*) denotes the offset distance between the front tires and rear tires and
the path element:
1. Click Place Adaptive Simulation on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box
displays:
2. In the Place Adaptive Simulation dialog box, click Use Last Path. The last selected pre-drawn
path is now selected for use with this tool.
The following diagram illustrates a turn simulation created by using the Place Adaptive Simulation
tool:
Grip Editing
Grip editing can be performed on turn simulations that have polylines/complex chains or alignments
as path elements. The turn simulation will be updated to conform to the resulting changes in the
geometry.
Turn simulations that have a polyline/complex chain or an alignment as their path elements will be
updated to reflect changes to these grip edited path elements. In other words, if a polyline/complex
chain or an alignment is grip edited, the turn simulation based on that element will be updated to
reflect the geometric changes in the path elements.
If the vehicle’s steering lock or articulating angle is exceeded at any point along the path, the
simulation will terminate at the point where the angle was exceeded. The exceeded angle will also be
displayed as in the following illustration.
In the event that an angle is exceeded during the course of a simulation, delete the simulation,
increase the radius of the arc where the simulation stopped (or otherwise alter the path), and then
pick the path and place the simulation again. It is suggested that turn radii are of at least the
minimum centerline turning radius for the vehicle.
Simulation Type
Offset Left
Centered
Offset Right
Offset
This is the distance between the selected path elements and a certain envelope in the turn simulation
at any given point in the turn simulation. How this value is measured depends on the setting of the
Use Smooth Transitions check box:
When the Use Smooth Transitions check box is cleared, the offset is maintained from the tire
track (front or rear) which is closest to the selected path elements.
When the Use Smooth Transitions check box is selected, the offset is maintained from the
selected Simulation Envelope to the selected path elements.
Select this option to place the offset turn simulation with smooth transitions between changes in
direction. This option generally makes for a more natural turn simulation.
Simulation Envelope
Select which type of simulation envelope is measured against to maintain the Offset value:
Vehicle Body
Body Clearance
Maximum Deviation
This value controls how much variance there is in the Offset dimension.
Minimum Radius
This is the minimum radius used to calculate the arcs in the centerline vehicle path.
Oversteer Applied At
This setting specifies where in the turn simulation the oversteer is applied. Move the slider towards
the left to apply the oversteer nearer to the beginning of the turns or to the right to apply the
oversteer nearer to the end of the turns in the simulation.
This option is only available for polyline/complex chain or alignment path elements.
Select this check box to link the turn simulation to the path element. When the path element changes,
the turn simulation will update to reflect the changes in geometry.
See also: Generate Report, Place Vehicle, Recall Simulations, Run Animation, SmartPath Tools
Overview.
Place 3D Simulation
Places a 3D turn simulation using the Current Vehicle on a selected path that is on a terrain (see
Overview -> Current Vehicle and Overview -> Current Terrain).
The 3D turn simulation will be placed using a 3D representation of the Current Vehicle, settings,
properties, and terrain (see Vehicles, Program Settings, Properties, and Select Terrain).
Note: This tool requires that the Current Vehicle is a 3D capable vehicle (comprised of one or two
parts, i.e. articulating components).
To Place a 3D Simulation:
Note:
This tool requires a surface or mesh object in the drawing to act as the terrain.
This tool requires existing CAD geometry in the drawing to act as the path elements. The
geometry may consist of lines and arcs, a polyline/complex chain, or an alignment. Lines and
arcs can not be combined with polylines/complex chains or alignments to make up the path
elements.
2. If there is no current terrain, the Select Terrain dialog box displays (see Select Terrain).
3. Pick the path element(s). If the pre-drawn path elements consist of:
Lines/arcs, select the path elements in the desired direction of travel, and then click a
blank spot in the drawing.
A polyline/complex chain or alignment, select the path element nearer to the start than
the end.
4. After the path has been selected, the simulation displays in the drawing. A circle indicates the
start point and an arrow symbol at the end represents the direction of travel.
Note: If the vehicle is unable to negotiate the entire maneuver, a message will be displayed to
that effect.
Grip Editing
Grip editing can be performed on turn simulations that have polylines/complex chains or alignments
as path elements. The turn simulation will be updated to conform to the resulting changes in the
geometry.
Turn simulations that have a polyline/complex chain or an alignment as their path elements will be
updated to reflect changes to these grip edited path elements. In other words, if a polyline/complex
chain or an alignment is grip edited, the turn simulation based on that element will be updated to
reflect the geometric changes in the path elements.
If the vehicle’s steering lock, articulating (yaw), pitch, or roll angle is exceeded at any point along
the path, the simulation will terminate at the point where the angle was exceeded. The exceeded
angle will also be displayed as in the following illustration:
Example of a placed simulation where the steering lock angle was exceeded
In the event that an angle is exceeded during the course of a simulation, delete the simulation,
increase the radius of the arc where the simulation stopped (or otherwise alter the path), and then
pick the path and place the simulation again. It is suggested that turn radii be of at least the minimum
centerline turning radius for the vehicle.
Note: Only forward maneuvers can be created using the Place 3D Simulation tool. For reverse
maneuvers, see Reverse Maneuvers.
See also: Analyze Punch Through, Analyze Vehicle Clearance, View Punch Through, Place 3D
Vehicle, Run Animation, SmartPath Tools Overview.
Regenerate Simulation
Recreates a selected turn simulation, taking into account any changes to elements drawn on the
specified Obstacles Layer/Level that interact with the turn simulation envelopes.
CAD elements drawn on the layer/level specified in Properties -> Conflict Analysis: Obstacles
Layer/Level are evaluated against turn simulation envelopes. The portions of those elements that
conflict with turn simulation envelopes are highlighted to indicate a collision. In addition, a note is
added at the first and last vehicle position in the turn simulation to draw attention to a conflict
somewhere in the turn simulation.
To Regenerate a Simulation:
4. The turn simulation is recreated and any portions of CAD elements on the Obstacles
Layer/Level that conflict with the turn simulation's envelopes are now highlighted.
A regenerated simulation
Continue Simulation
Continues generating an existing turn simulation in the drawing.
1. Click Continue Simulation on the toolbar or ribbon. The Continue Simulation dialog box
displays:
Continue Simulation
To continue a copy of an existing simulation, leaving the original simulation intact, click
Copy and Continue.
To start a new simulation from the end of an existing one, click Continue as New.
3. If you clicked Copy and Continue or Continue as New at step 2, specify a destination layer for
the new simulation:
To select an existing layer, click Layer, and then click the desired layer in the
corresponding list.
To create a new layer, click New Layer, and then type a name for it in the corresponding
edit box.
4. Pick the desired simulation. The SmartPath Tools dialog box displays as in the following
example:
SmartPath Tools
5. The simulation can be continued in the same manner as generating the simulation (see
SmartPath Tools: To Generate A Turn Simulation).
Hint: Alternatively, you can continue an existing turn simulation by clicking any of the SmartPath
Tools on the toolbar or ribbon (see SmartPath Tools -> Generate Arc Path, SmartPath Tools ->
Generate Corner Path, SmartPath Tools -> Oversteer Corner Path, or SmartPath Tools -> Steer A
Path), and then picking a point inside the wheelbase of the vehicle at the end of the simulation to be
continued (instead of picking a point to pick a start position). The vehicle and properties of the
existing simulation will be used to continue the simulation.
See also: Reverse Arc Path, Reverse Corner Path, Reverse Maneuvers, Reverse Steered Path;
Generate Arc Path, Generate Corner Path, Oversteer Corner Path, SmartPath Tools, Steer A Path.
Continue 3D Simulation
Continues generating a selected 3D turn simulation in the drawing.
1. Click Continue 3D Simulation on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box
displays:
Continue 3D Simulation
To start a new 3D simulation from the end of an existing one, click Continue as New.
3. If you clicked Copy and Continue or Continue as New at step 2, specify a destination layer for
the new 3D simulation:
To select an existing layer, click Layer, and then click the desired layer in the
corresponding list.
To create a new layer, click New Layer, and then type a name for it in the corresponding
edit box.
4. Pick the desired 3D simulation. The SmartPath Tools dialog box displays as in the following
example:
SmartPath Tools
5. The 3D simulation can be continued in the same manner as generating the 3D simulation (see
SmartPath Tools: To Generate A Turn Simulation).
2. Pick the turn simulation from which you want to delete the last section.
If the simulation comprises more than one section, the last section is deleted.
If the simulation is only one section, only the starting vehicle position will remain after
deleting the section.
3. Continue deleting last sections as desired, and then right-click when finished.
Example of a two section turn simulation before deleting the last section
Example of a resulting one section simulation after deleting the last section
The process of deleting sections can be continued until the last section has been deleted, leaving only
the vehicle in the start position. The Continue Simulation tool can be used to continue when only the
vehicle remains (see Continue Simulation).
2. Pick the 3D turn simulation from which you want to delete the last section.
If the simulation comprises more than one section, the last section is deleted.
If the simulation is only one section, only the starting vehicle position will remain after
deleting the section.
3. Continue deleting last sections as desired, and then right-click when finished.
Example of a two section 3D turn simulation before deleting the last section
Example of a resulting one section 3D simulation after deleting the last section
The process of deleting sections can be continued until the last section has been deleted, leaving only
the vehicle in the start position. The Continue 3D Simulation tool can be used to continue when only
the vehicle remains (see Continue 3D Simulation).
Path Control
The Path Control tool is used to make adjustments to existing turn simulations by moving or adding
nodes. Nodes are the start or end points of the sections in a simulation.
The Path Control tool is intended for making relatively minor adjustments to simulations. For
example, if the vehicle runs too close to an object or runs slightly over a curb line, this tool can be
used to make the necessary correction without having to recreate the simulation; however, for larger
scale changes it is recommended that other editing tools such as Delete Last Section and Continue
Simulation be used (see Delete Last Section and Continue Simulation).
3. Move the mouse over the simulation to a node so that the node is highlighted with a circle as
in the following illustration:
Path Control
5. (Optional) From the Radius Type list, select a different radius type to display the Radius value.
6. The Steering Angle and Radius values update dynamically as the vehicle is moved in the
drawing.
3. Move the mouse over the simulation so that the nodes on either side are highlighted with a line
joining them as in the following illustration:
4. Click when the two nodes are highlighted. The following dialog box displays:
Path Control
5. (Optional) From the Radius Type list, select a different radius type to display the Radius value.
6. The Steering Angle and Radius values update dynamically as the vehicle is moved in the
drawing.
The Path Control dialog box can display the dynamically updating Articulating Angle value for any
trailer in a multi-part vehicle. From the Articulating Angle list, select the desired trailer as in the
following dialog box:
Editing a section in a corner path turn simulation (when the two end nodes are highlighted), adjust
the corner’s radius by moving the mouse towards or away from the center of the arc.
The vehicle must pass through all original nodes. This may result in large fluctuations if the
vehicle is in continuous motion, traveling faster than a very slow speed, or if the existing
nodes are relatively close together. This may be alleviated to some extent by making relatively
small alternating adjustments to adjacent nodes.
Performance may be sluggish for longer simulations if the editing is being done near the
beginning of the simulation. This is because all the sections after the edit point must be
continuously regenerated as the mouse is moved.
The vehicle angle at the start position is fixed; however, the start position may be moved.
The vehicle angle at the end position of the simulation is not fixed; however, its range of
variation is limited to 60 degrees from its original angle.
Convert 2D to 3D
Converts a selected 2D turn simulation into a 3D turn simulation on the current terrain. 2D turn
simulations created with the 2D SmartPath Tools and Place Adaptive Simulation tool (see SmartPath
Tools -> Generate Arc Path, SmartPath Tools -> Generate Corner Path, SmartPath Tools ->
Oversteer Corner Path, SmartPath Tools -> Steer A Path, and Place Adaptive Simulation) are
converted to equivalent 3D turn simulations.
Note: This tool requires that the Current Vehicle is a 3D capable vehicle (comprised of one or two
parts, i.e. articulating components).
Note: This tool requires an existing forward 2D turn simulation in the drawing.
2. If there is no current terrain, the Select Terrain dialog box displays (see Select Terrain).
5. Click Yes to confirm the deletion of the 2D simulation or No to retain it in the drawing.
Draws a cross section of a selected 3D turn simulation at a cutting plane line and creates an
annotated section detail.
Note: This tool requires an existing 3D turn simulation and crossing line element (where the punch
through is desired) in the drawing.
4. Pick a point in the drawing to place the punch through report. The following dialog box
displays:
5. In the Section Name box, specify the section name (maximum 3 characters) that is drawn in
the section detail symbols.
6. (Optional) Select the Draw Body Clearance check box, and then specify the desired Top
Offset and Side Offsets values.
8. Click OK.
Section Name
Specify the section name (maximum 3 characters) that is drawn in the section detail symbols.
Select this check box, and then specify the Top Offset and Side Offsets values for the 3D body
clearance envelope.
Formatting Options
Symbol Size
Select this check box to draw a diagonal hatch pattern in the vehicle body punch through. The
Vehicle Body color is used as the hatch color.
Select this check box to have the legend drawn in the section detail.
Terrain
Select this check box to display and set the color and line style for the line representing the terrain.
Select this check box to display and set the color and line style for the line representing the punch
through line.
Vehicle Body
Select this check box to display and set the color and line style for the outline of the punch through
and hatching when selected.
Body Clearance
Sets the color and line style for the outline of the body clearance. This option is made available when
the Draw Body Clearance check box is selected.
Centerline Path
Select this check box to display and set the color for the line representing the center of the vehicle
path.
Select this check box to display and set the color and line style for the vertical lines at the ends of the
punch through line.
Dimensions
Select this check box to display and set the color for the dimensions.
Text Labels
Select this check box to display and set the color for the horizontal and vertical axis, legend, and
section symbols.
2. Select a 3D turn simulation in the drawing. The following dialog box displays:
3. Set the report formatting options as desired (see Analyze Vehicle Clearance Dialog Box
Explained below).
OR
4. Click Summary to create a text file report. The following dialog box displays:
Station Intervals
a. Specify the station intervals in the edit box, and then click OK.
b. Change the supplied file name if desired, and then click Save. The .csv file is saved to
®
the disk and then displayed on screen using Microsoft Notepad or your default text
editor.
Horizontal Scale
This option allows the report to be stretched out or shortened to accommodate space limitations in
the drawing.
Show Legend
Select this check box to have the legend drawn in the section detail.
Terrain
Set the color and line style for the line representing the terrain.
Ground Clearance
Select this check box to display and set the color and line style for the line representing the vehicle's
ground clearances (e.g. Front Clearance, Wheelbase Clearance, and Rear Clearance).
Vehicle Body
Select this check box to display and set the color and line style for the line representing the top of the
vehicle body.
Body Clearance
Select this check box to display and set the color and line style for the line representing the body
clearance.
Obstacles
Select this check box to display and set the color and line style for the line representing the center of
the vehicle path.
Outer Box
Text Labels
Sets the color for the horizontal and vertical axis, and legend.
Grid Lines
Select this check box to display and set the color, line style, and spacing interval of the horizontal
grid lines.
Section Lines
Select this check box to display and set the color and line style for the vertical lines designating
change of sections in the simulation.
Note:
This tool requires an existing 3D turn simulation and crossing line element (where the punch
through is desired) in the drawing.
1. Click View Punch Through on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
4. Configure the options in the Configure Punch Through View dialog box as desired.
OR
Note: The view in which you select the simulation and the Punch Through view both need to
be using a 3D visual style.
7. After ending the visualization tool, click Close in the Configure Punch Through View dialog
box.
8. The view will be set to the top or plan view of the current coordinate system.
Click Front to view the punch through from the end of the simulation (the direction towards the last
vehicle position in the simulation). Conversely, click Rear to view the punch through from the
beginning of the simulation (the direction towards the first vehicle position in the simulation).
Clipping Section
Front
Select this check box, and then specify the distance from the selected punch through line to the front
clipping plane.
Rear
Select this check box, and then specify the distance from the selected punch through line to the rear
clipping plane.
Select this check box to draw the punch through outline in the simulation at the location of the
selected punch through line.
Run Animation
Runs an animation of the current vehicle (see Overview -> Current Vehicle) on the selected path
elements or runs an animation of the vehicle used in the selected simulation.
Note: This tool requires existing CAD geometry in the drawing to act as the path elements. The
geometry may consist of lines and arcs, a polyline/complex chain, or an alignment. Lines and arcs
can not be combined with polylines/complex chains or alignments to make up the path elements.
Lines/arcs, select the path elements in the desired direction of travel, and then a blank
spot in the drawing.
A polyline/complex chain or an alignment, select the path element nearer to the start
than the end.
Run Animation
3. Click the Play Animation button to animate the current vehicle along the path (for more
options, see Run Animation Dialog Box Explained).
2. Select a turn simulation in the drawing. The following dialog box displays:
Run Animation
3. Click the Play Animation button to animate the vehicle used in the turn simulation through
the simulation (for more options, see Run Animation Dialog Box Explained)
2. In the Run Animation dialog box, click Use Last Path. The following dialog box displays:
Run Animation
3. Click the Play Animation button to run the animation (for more options, see Run
Animation Dialog Box Explained)
Play Animation
Click this button to run the animation from beginning to end or from the last vehicle position after
manipulating the vehicle position with the slider.
Stop Animation
Set how slow or fast the animation plays back, where 1 is the slowest and 20 is the fastest speed.
This setting allows you to view animations at a visually appealing rate on all computers and to adjust
for varying presentations. While AutoTURN Pro animations can be displayed at varying speeds, this
setting is only used for the purpose of visualizing the maneuver. The speed of animation display is in
no way related to the speed of an actual vehicle.
Click this button to move the vehicle one step towards the start of the turn simulation.
Click this button to move the vehicle one step towards the end of the turn simulation.
Vehicle Slider
Move the slider to the left to move the vehicle towards the start of the simulation or to the right to
move the vehicle towards the end of the simulation.
Loop Animation
Select this check box to have the animation loop repeatedly. Click Stop Animation at any time to
abort the looping of the animation.
Hide Simulation
Select this check box to hide the simulation in the drawing while the Run Animation tool is running.
Note: The Run Animation tool does not produce drawing elements in the drawing file. Any
animation elements left on the screen after an animation is finished can be cleared from the screen by
performing a Redraw operation in AutoCAD or an Update operation in MicroStation.
See also: Generate Report, Place Adaptive Simulation, Place Vehicle, Recall Simulations, SmartPath
Tools Overview.
Place Vehicle
Places plan view representations of the Current Vehicle anywhere along a selected path or, in the
case of a selected turn simulation, the vehicle used in the turn simulation. If there is a realistic
vehicle drawing for the vehicle, it can be placed in the drawing by selecting the Realistic check box
in the Vehicle Draw Options section of the General (2D Simulations) category of the Properties
dialog box (see Properties -> General (2D Simulations) Category: Vehicle Draw Options and
Customizing AutoTURN Pro -> Creating a Realistic Vehicle Drawing).
Note: This tool requires existing CAD geometry in the drawing to act as the path elements. The
geometry may consist of lines and arcs, a polyline/complex chain, or an alignment. Lines and arcs
can not be combined with polylines/complex chains or alignments to make up the path elements.
Lines/arcs, select the path elements in the desired direction of travel, and then click a
blank spot in the drawing.
A polyline/complex chain or an alignment, select the path element nearer to the start
than the end.
3. After the path has been selected, a circle will display at the start point of the path, and an
arrow symbol will display at the end of the path representing the direction of travel.
4. Move the vehicle along the path, and then click to place the vehicle.
3. Move the vehicle along the path, and then click to place the vehicle.
5. Right-click when you have finished placing vehicles in the turn simulation.
1. Click Place Vehicle on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
2. In the Place Vehicle dialog box, click Use Last Path. The last selected pre-drawn path is now
selected for use with this tool.
Note: This tool can be used as an alternative to the Run Animation tool (see Run Animation) for
visualizing vehicle movement along a pre-drawn path or turn simulation. Simply move the pointer
backwards and forwards along the selected pre-drawn path or turn simulation to visualize the
movement, and then right-click when you have finished.
See also: Generate Report, Place Adaptive Simulation, Recall Simulations, Run Animation,
SmartPath Tools Overview.
Place 3D Vehicle
Places 3D representations of the vehicle used in a selected 3D turn simulation. If there is a realistic
3D vehicle drawing for the vehicle, it will be used if the selected 3D turn simulation was
generated/placed with the Realistic option selected (see Properties -> General (3D Simulations)
Category: Vehicle Draw Options and Customizing AutoTURN Pro -> Creating a Realistic 3D
Vehicle Drawing).
3. Move the 3D vehicle along the path, and then click to place the vehicle.
5. Right-click when you have finished placing vehicles in the turn simulation.
Note: This tool can be used as an alternative to the Run Animation tool (see Run Animation) for
visualizing vehicle movement along a 3D turn simulation. Simply move the pointer backwards and
forwards along the 3D turn simulation to visualize the movement, and then right-click when you
have finished.
See also: SmartPath Tools Overview, Generate 3D Arc Path, Place 3D Simulation.
Delete Vehicle
Deletes vehicles in simulations that were placed using the Place Vehicle tool (see Place Vehicle).
To Delete a Vehicle:
Note: This tool requires an existing simulation that contains at least one placed vehicle.
2. In the simulation, select the vehicle that you want to delete by picking a point inside the
wheelbase of any vehicle part.
Note: The vehicles at either end of a path or at a change of orientation can not be deleted.
Delete 3D Vehicle
Deletes 3D vehicles in 3D turn simulations that were placed using the Place 3D Vehicle tool (see
Place 3D Vehicle).
To Delete a 3D Vehicle:
Note: This tool requires an existing 3D turn simulation that contains at least one placed 3D vehicle.
2. In the 3D simulation, select the 3D vehicle that you want to delete by picking a point inside
the wheelbase of any 3D vehicle part.
Note: The 3D vehicles at either end of a path or at a change of orientation can not be deleted.
4. Continue to pick turn simulations, and then pick a blank area in the drawing when finished.
2. Select one or more simulations in the list (use SHIFT+select and/or CTRL+select to make
multiple selections).
4. Click Yes to confirm the removal of the InVision data for the selected turn simulations and
return to the Manage InVision Data dialog box.
Multiple selections can be made in the list of stored simulations by using SHIFT+select and/or
CTRL+select to select more than one simulation.
Note: Multiple selection can only be used with the Remove InVision Data option.
Insert Profile
Inserts a dimensioned profile view of a vehicle. The vehicle used is either the Current Vehicle (see
Overview -> Current Vehicle), or the vehicle from a simulation, whichever you select.
Dimensioned Profile
3. Click the Use Current Vehicle button in the dialog box that will display.
2. In the drawing, pick the simulation for which you want to insert a profile.
See Customizing AutoTURN Pro -> Creating a Profile Drawing for creating profile drawings for
vehicles created from custom types.
Recall Simulations
Recalls previously stored turn simulations by either placing the simulations or running their
animations. You can also rename simulations to archive them and delete unwanted simulations.
AutoTURN Pro saves a copy of each simulation to the disk whenever a simulation is placed or
generated in a drawing. The simulation is saved in a subfolder of the Output folder or Drawing folder
(see Program Settings -> General Category: Save Simulation). The subfolder has the same name as
the drawing. The number of simulations saved for each drawing is set by changing the X value in the
Store the last X simulations created in this drawing edit box. This allows you the flexibility of
storing different numbers of simulations for different drawing files.
To Place Simulations:
2. From the list, select up to five turn simulations (use SHIFT+select and/or CTRL+select to
make multiple selections).
3. Click Place Adaptive Simulation within this dialog box to place the highlighted simulation
(s) in the drawing.
To Run Animations:
3. Click Run Animation within this dialog box to run an animation of the highlighted
simulation. The following dialog box displays:
Run Animation
Note: The Run Animation button is disabled if more than one animation is selected in the list.
To Rename a Simulation:
2. From the list, select the turn simulation you want to rename.
Rename Simulation
4. In the Name edit box, type a new name for the simulation (max. 32 characters).
5. Click OK to apply the new name and return to the Recall Simulations dialog box.
Note: Once a simulation is renamed, it will not count towards the total number of saved simulations
for that drawing, i.e., it is now archived.
To Delete a Simulation:
2. Select one or more simulations in the list (use SHIFT+select and/or CTRL+select to make
multiple selections).
3. Click Delete.
4. Click OK to confirm the deletion of the simulation and return to the Recall Simulations dialog
box.
Multiple selections can be made in the list of stored simulations by using SHIFT+select and/or
CTRL+select to select more than one simulation.
Note: Multiple selection can only be used with the Place Adaptive Simulation and Delete options.
Generate Template
Generates a turning template of the Current Vehicle complete with all relevant vehicle dimensions
and turning characteristics (see Overview -> Current Vehicle). The template is generated based on
the vehicle set in the Select Current Vehicle dialog box and settings specified in the Properties
dialog box such as colors and line styles, fills, envelopes, etc (see Vehicles -> To Select the Current
Vehicle and Properties). Templates can be generated for any vehicle.
Generated Template
To Generate a Template:
2. Choose the desired settings in the Properties dialog box (see Properties).
3. Click Generate Template on the toolbar or ribbon. The following dialog box displays:
Generate Template
5. Select the check boxes for each sweep angle that you want to generate.
6. In the Radius Type list, select the desired radius type for the template.
7. In the Radius edit box, specify the desired value for the selected radius type.
Hint: To find the minimum value for the selected radius type, type a very low value, and then
press TAB - the minimum value for that radius type will display.
8. In the Wheels list, click the desired type of the starting condition.
Hint: Choose Straight for the most common type of template or Turned for the Turn Wheels
From Stop condition.
10. In the Exit Tangent edit box, type the desired value for the exit tangent as measured in vehicle
lengths.
11. In the Draw Options area, select the check boxes for each element to draw and radii
dimensions to display.
Note:
If the Current Vehicle is unable to negotiate a specific sweep turn, a message is displayed
stating the sweep turn that could not be generated in the template drawing.
The following envelopes must be enabled in the Envelopes category of the Properties dialog
box to display the corresponding radii dimensions (see Properties -> Envelopes Category):
Draw Options
Set which elements to draw as well as the element’s color and line style as applicable for each
element:
Select this check box to have the following elements drawn when the
template is placed.
Center Line The vertical and horizontal center lines.
Notes The vehicle's name and library, the units the template was created with, the
steering lock angle of the vehicle, and the sweep line descriptions.
Arrows The sweep labels.
Dimensions The vehicle's dimensions.
Scale Bar A scale bar (expressed in the units the template was created with).
Achieved Angle The achieved angle table.
Table
Standard templates published by most jurisdictions consist of simple tangent and arc paths. Rate of
wheel turn is not usually considered. The SmartPath Tools such as Generate Arc Path and Generate
Corner Path take into account the rate at which the wheel can be turned and incorporate spiral
transition sections into the path. For this reason, the SmartPath Tools can not be used to create
standard turning templates.
Generate Report
View a graphical representation of the vehicle's steering angle (and articulating angles for multi-part
vehicles) over the length of the picked turn simulation. The graphical report can be placed in the
drawing to accompany the simulation and a summary report can be generated and saved to a file.
This tool can also be used to view the vehicle’s steering angle graph as you generate a simulation
(see To View a Report "On the Fly").
To Generate a Report:
Example of a report for a turn simulation with a single part Example of a report for a simulation wi
vehicle
4. Select the Show Formatting Options check box to change how the report is formatted (see
Report Formatting Options below).
5. Click Place Report, and then pick a point in the drawing to place the steering angle graph.
OR
5. Click Summary to create a text file report which is saved to disk and then displayed on screen
using Microsoft® Notepad (or your default text editor).
Note:
Simulations created with the Place Adaptive Simulation tool are displayed as one section (see
Place Adaptive Simulation).
For turn simulations using Special Transport vehicles, text file reports contain an additional
section on independent rear steering.
3. Select the desired formatting options (see Report Formatting Options below).
5. Generate a simulation.
6. Watch as the steering angle graph dynamically updates as you move/drive the vehicle through
simulations.
Note: Alternatively, enable vehicle angles to see the vehicle's steering and articulating angles update
while generating simulations (see Program Settings -> Display Options: Vehicle Angles).
4. Click Close.
Show Speed
Select this option to display the Vehicle speed for each section of the simulation when the report is
placed in the drawing.
Show Length
Select this option to display the length of each section when the report is placed in the drawing.
Select this option to display the start condition for each section when the report is placed. The start
condition is either ”in motion” if the Turn Wheels From Stop check box was not selected or
”stopped” if the Turn Wheels From Stop check box was selected in the SmartPath Tools dialog box
when the section was generated.
Show Type
Select this option to display the maneuver type for each section when the report is placed.
Show Time
Select this option to display the elapsed time for each section when the report is placed.
Show Legend
Select this option to place a legend with the report that shows which colors are used for each trailer
in the multi-part vehicle.
Horizontal Scale
This option allows the report to be stretched out or shortened to accommodate report labels when the
report is placed in the drawing.
Steering Angle
Sets the color and line style for the line representing the steering angle.
Articulating Angle
Sets the color and line style for the lines representing the articulating angles of each trailer of the
multi-part vehicle.
Outer Box
Text Labels
Sets the color for the text labels that appear below the report when placed in the drawing.
Origin Circle
Select this option to display and set the color for the circle designating zero (0) degrees.
Grid Lines
Select this option to display and set the color, line style, and spacing interval of the horizontal grid
lines.
Section Lines
Select this option to display and set the color and line style for the vertical lines designating change
of sections in the simulation.
Tutorials
Allows you to play, record, and delete tutorials. Users with the Advanced or higher access level (see
Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access Levels) can also record and delete tutorials. For a
review of tutorials, see Overview -> Tutorials Overview.
To open the Tutorials dialog box, click Tutorials on the toolbar or ribbon.
Play a tutorial
Record a tutorial
Delete a tutorial
Edit a tutorial
Tutorials List
Displays a list of available tutorials. To select a tutorial, browse through the list and click the desired
tutorial.
Play
Tutorials
Play Tutorial
Allows you to play a tutorial.
To Play a Tutorial:
1. Click Tutorials on the toolbar or ribbon. A dialog box similar to the following example
displays:
Tutorials
2. In the tutorials list, click the desired tutorial, and then click Play.
Tutorials List
Displays a list of available tutorials. To select a tutorial, browse through the list and click the desired
tutorial.
Play
Tutorials
Record Tutorial
Allows you to record a new tutorial.
Note: The Record button displays only if Permissions are enabled, and if you have the Advanced or
higher access level (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category: Access Levels).
To Record a Tutorial:
2. Zoom into the appropriate area where the tutorial will take place.
3. Click Tutorials on the toolbar or ribbon. A dialog box similar to the following example
displays:
Tutorials
New Tutorial
5. In the edit box, type a name for the tutorial, and then click OK. The following dialog box
displays:
6. Type the instructions for the user to follow for the current step. AutoTURN Pro will display
the instructions as a prompt when the tutorial is played.
7. Click the tool or perform the action described in step 6. The user will be required to use this
tool or pick the highlighted point when the tutorial is played.
8. Once a tool or point is clicked, a new prompt screen displays. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until you
have reached the end of the tutorial.
9. Click Finish to end recording and return to the Tutorials dialog box.
Note:
Describe as accurately and succinctly as possible the sequence of steps for the user to follow
the tutorial. (Try the supplied tutorials to get a better idea of how to phrase the prompts as
briefly as possible.)
Every button click the user will have to execute when playing the tutorial must be recorded as
a separate step. This includes the OK button clicks needed to close dialog boxes.
Saving Tutorials
Since a drawing file used for a tutorial is associated with the tutorial, both the tutorial and the
drawing must be copied to the Tutorials subfolder.
The tutorials you create are stored in the Tutorials User folder located in the Workstation folder. If
you have manually moved the Tutorials User folder to a different location, use AutoTURN Pro
Configuration Utility to modify the program settings accordingly (see Installation -> AutoTURN Pro
Configuration Utility).
To make user created tutorials available to all users, move the Tutorials User folder to the server
location, and then adjust each workstation to look for user tutorials at the server location.
Tutorials List
Displays a list of available tutorials. To select a tutorial, browse through the list and click the desired
tutorial.
Play
Record
Delete
Note: The Record and Delete buttons display only if Permissions are enabled, and if you have the
Advanced or higher access level (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category).
Tutorials
Delete Tutorial
Allows you to delete the selected tutorial.
Note: The Delete button displays only if Permissions are enabled, and if you have the Advanced or
higher access level (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category).
To Delete a Tutorial:
1. Click Tutorials on the toolbar or ribbon. A dialog box similar to the following example
displays:
Tutorials
2. In the tutorials list, click the tutorial that you want to delete, and then click Delete. A warning
message displays.
3. Click OK to confirm the deletion of the tutorial and return to the Tutorials dialog box.
Tutorials List
Displays a list of available tutorials. To select a tutorial, browse through the list and click the desired
tutorial.
Play
Record
Delete
Note: The Record and Delete buttons display only if Permissions are enabled, and if you have the
Advanced or higher access level (see Program Settings -> Permissions Category).
Tutorials
Edit Tutorial
A tutorial is an ASCII text file and can be easily edited with Microsoft® Notepad or any other text
editor. The first line in the tutorial is the name of the file to be opened when the tutorial is played.
Each successive section of the file is the next step the user will follow. The section begins with the
step number, contains the command name (COMMAND) or button (BUTTON) required to click, or
a point (PICK) in the drawing to pick, and a brief instruction (PROMPT) to follow. The end of a
section is designated with the terminator ‘END’.
<TUTORIAL>
Drawing=_sample
[1]
<COMMAND>
name=SETTINGS
<PROMPT>
This tutorial will lead you through the steps to place an adaptive simulation in a drawing. Simply
complete the actions outlined in each step.
<END PROMPT>
<END COMMAND>
[2]
<BUTTON>
buttonID=1 [OK]
<PROMPT>
Click OK.
<END PROMPT>
<END BUTTON>
[10]
<PICK>
point=156.5573,64.9791
<PROMPT>
Pick the indicated data point (the crosshair) to tell AutoTURN Pro that we are done.
<END PROMPT>
<END PICK>
[11]
<COMMAND>
name=PLACESIMULATION
<PROMPT>
Notice the circle designating the start point and an arrow indicating the direction of travel at the end
of the path.
<END PROMPT>
<END COMMAND>
<END TUTORIAL>
Help
AutoTURN Pro Help provides in-depth information on features as well as step-by-step instructions
for specific tasks.
Context-Sensitive Help
Click the Help button in the lower right corner of a dialog box to open context-sensitive Help for the
current dialog box.
Most dialog boxes in this Help file contain clickable areas to obtain specific help about buttons or
sections of the dialog box. After viewing the specific Help section, right-click anywhere in the Help
window other than a graphic, and then click Back on the shortcut menu to return to the Help section
you were last viewing. Alternatively, click the Back button in the Help dialog box menu.