Associating Data Points and Symbols to a Graphic

Scenario: You have imported an AutoCAD drawing and you want to add data points and symbols to the graphic. There are two methods you can use to add data points and symbols to a graphic:

  • Drag a data point from System Browser onto the graphic, and then select the symbol from the object model, or
  • From the Library Browser, select a symbol, and then associate it with an appropriate data point.

 

Reference: For background information, see Symbol Basics.

 

Workflow diagram:

 

 

Prerequisites:

  • System Manager is in Engineering mode.
  • System Browser is in Management View.

 

Steps:

1 – Add a Data Point and Symbol to a Graphic
  1. From System Browser, drag the required data point onto the canvas.
  • The default symbol instance associated with the data point displays on the canvas.
  1. (Optional) To replace the associated symbol with another symbol associated with the data point:
    a. Right-click the data point and from the context menu navigate to Symbol Instance > Replace.
    b. From the Symbol Library display, select the symbol you want use for the data point. The selected symbol replaces the symbol on the canvas.
    c. On the canvas, right-click the new symbol instance, and then click Reset Size to adjust to the symbol’s original size.
  • You have placed a data point with an associated symbol instance on the graphic. Repeat as required.

 

2 – Add a Data Point and Symbol to a Graphic using the Library Browser

You want to add one or more symbols from the Library Browser view to a graphic. Note that specific symbols require specific data point types. For example, you cannot associate an Analog Output data point with a symbol intended for a Binary Output symbol.

  • System Manager is in Engineering mode, and a graphic is displayed in the canvas area.
  • (Optional) In System Browser, you have enabled Manual Navigation.
  1. On the View tab, from the Display Views section, click the Library Browser check box.
  • The Library Browser displays.
  1. In the Library Browser, from the Filter drop-down menu, click Symbol .
  • A list of all available symbols displays in the Library Browser view.
  1. From the Filter by System and Filter by Library drop-down menu’s, select the appropriate systems or libraries to search. You can also select <All> to search through all available systems or libraries in the project.
  • The symbol automatically display in the view as you enter the text.
  1. If you know the name of the symbol, in the Type to Filter field, type the name of the symbol.
  1. Drag the symbol onto the active graphic. To select multiple symbols, press the CTRL key and click the symbols you want to add from the Symbol Browser display.
  • The symbol displays on the graphic as a symbol instance.
  1. With the symbol instance selected, from System Browser, click and drag the data point onto the symbol instance on the canvas, or the Object Reference field in the Properties view.
  • The data point is associated with the symbol instance on the canvas.
  1. Repeat as needed for each symbol and data point you want to add to the graphic.