A Live DGN is a design file that contains connecting information to a spatial database. A Live DGN also contains information about the features that were queried, their symbology and so on.

To create a Live DGN, select Save As Live DGN from the Connection Tools in the Map Connections dialog.

When a Live DGN is opened and the connection authenticated with a password, a query will be made to the database to update the spatial features in the design file. This ensures that the spatial data accurately reflects the current state of the spatial database. The Live DGN operates differently depending on whether it has been opened by OpenCities Map or referenced.