Using the Remapping Spreadsheet

When you use the Create CSV Remapping File icon, MicroStation PowerDraft copies the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet remaptemplate.xls file to the file root name you specify, with the extension .XLS. The actual remapping CSV (comma separated value) file is created by a macro embedded in the spreadsheet. When you save the spreadsheet, the macro automatically creates the CSV file in the same directory as the spreadsheet file, with the same root file name but with the extension .CSV. For the CSV file creation to work, the macros must be enabled in the spreadsheet. Make sure that the Macro Virus Protection check box is off (in Excel, pick Tools > Options, General tab), or click on Enable Macros in the dialog that appears when the file is opened.

The remapping spreadsheet contains several worksheets that let you build the remapping table in the CSV file. Most worksheets in the spreadsheet correspond to different mapping options: Levels, Colors, Weights, Line Styles, Fonts, and Cell Names. The Instructions worksheet provides help for using the spreadsheet. The System worksheet is used by the macro; you should not edit it.

The same remapping file can be used for saving files in V7 format, AutoCAD DWG or DXF format, or MicroStation PowerDraft V8 format. Therefore, you can create a single mapping table that can be used for a particular project regardless of the type of output files desired.

Note: On some systems, you may need to use the File > Save and File > Close commands before you can exit Excel (File > Exit). This problem is caused by a timing issue with the way macros are executed when exiting Excel. The symptom of this problem is that the CSV file that you created has a size of 0 bytes. If you experience this, go back into the spreadsheet, change something, then save the spreadsheet before exiting.