How to Set Up a Digitizer TechNote

Preparation
This TechNote assumes you have the digitizer drivers loaded, the puck is tracking and the data tentative and reset buttons are assigned.

1. Launch MicroStation and open a design file.
2. Place the picture/hardcopy drawing on the digitizer and tape it down so it will not move.
3. Tape a second piece of paper labeled "screen partition" and place it on the digitizer so that it does not overlap the hardcopy drawing (see examples below).

Defining the Screen Partition
The screen partition is a portion of the digitizer that is designated to let you choose commands. When the puck is in the screen partition you are able to use the menus and tool bars to execute commands (just like you were using a regular mouse).

1. Go to Workspace > Digitizing.
2. Choose Tablet > Partition.
3. You are prompted to identify the lower-left of the screen partition. With the digitizer puck choose the lower-left corner of the paper you placed on the board labeled "screen partition."
4. You are then prompted to identify the upper-right of the screen partition. With your digitizer puck choose the upper-right corner of the paper you placed on the board labeled "screen partition."
5. To verify your screen partition is set correctly, move the digitizer puck to the lower left corner of your screen partition. The cursor on the computer monitor should be in the lower left corner. Move the digitizer puck to the remaining three corners of the screen partition and verify that the cursor is positioned in the corresponding locations on the monitor.

The Digitizing Partition (Setting monument points)
The digitizing partition is where you match the hardcopy drawing you taped on to the digitizer to the design file.

1. Go to Workspace > Digitizing.
2. Choose Tablet > Setup.
3. You are prompted to identify a known point on digitizer. To do this, enter a data point on the lower-left corner of the hardcopy on the digitizer. (Do not look at the computer monitor; do not be concerned where the cursor is on the monitor.)
4. You are then prompted to locate a corresponding point (key-in/data). Move your puck to the screen partition area on the digitizer. Look at your computer monitor and identify the corresponding monument point by entering a data point in the design file. (Hint: Using the snap function here allows for better accuracy). If you prefer, you can also key in the exact XY coordinates.
5. On the bottom-right of your screen you should have a message that reads "Digitizer setup point 1 entered."
6. Continue repeating steps 3 and 4 until you have entered at least 3 monument points.
7. Press reset to end the selection of monument points.

Notice the message in the Status Bar (Avg. Error = 0.00% Max. Error = 0.00%). This is the error between points you selected on the hard copy and the ones you selected in the design file. Move your puck along the items on the hard copy to see if they correspond with the items on your screen. If the items do not correspond you will need to repeat the steps for setting up the digitizing partition.

If the hard copy and design file correspond, you are ready to start digitizing.

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