Grids can be configured for the OpenPlant Isometrics Manager via the Gridlines.txt file which is located in a style's Config directory such as shown below:

...\WorkSpaces\OpenPlantExample\WorkSets\Imperial\Standards\OpenPlant\Isometrics\styles\As-Built\config\Gridlines.txt

When working with AutoPLANT Modeler, the Gridlines.txt file is located in the following location:

...\Bentley Plant V8i Projects\%PROJECT%\Config\OpenPlant\Isometrics\Styles\%As-Built%\Config\Gridlines.txt

What are Grids?

grid is a collection of grid lines. Each of the grid lines maintain the following properties:

• Is named
• Is bounded (It has a start point and an end point)
• Is parallel or perpendicular to other grid lines in the grid.
• Is on the same elevation as other gridlines in the grid.

Grids are normally associated with a building (either structure or area) and usually define a local coordinate system for that building. The North direction and plant coordinates are expressed relative to the local coordinate system. A grid is not necessarily Cartesion, and the grid lines are perpendicular but not always equidistant.

Another use for a grid is for relative dimensioning/referencing. When used for erection purposes, it is easier to interpret a relative offset to a column (grid intersection) than to interpret a global offset. A column reference would look similar to the image below: