Modifying Light Sources

Light sources that have been created in models in a DGN file also can be modified using the Define Light tool. This is the recommended method for altering light source settings and modification can be carried out whether or not the light source cells are visible in the view.

All light source cells, irrespective of what level they are on or whether Constructions are turned on in a view, can be identified in the Light List, or by scanning for them using the Scan button in the Define Light tool's dialog box.

You also may use standard MicroStation tools, such as the Move tool to move a light source, or the Fill In Single Enter Data Field tool to alter a setting.

Identifying light sources

When modifying existing light sources with the Define Light tool, you can identify them graphically with a data point. This method, however, requires that the light source be visible in a view: That is, the level on which the light source resides must be turned on (default is level Default), and the view attribute Constructions must be turned on. Scanning, or identifying by name, are much more efficient methods for finding any light sources in the design, regardless of whether or not they are visible. For this reason, it is good practice to give your light sources meaningful names, to aid with identification.

If you use the scanning process to find light sources, it does so in the order in which they appear in the Light List. After clicking the Scan button, you can enter Resets to cycle through the light sources from first to last.

You can select multiple light sources for modification in the Define Light tool light list. When you do this, the settings for the last selected light source are displayed in the tool settings. You can select individual light sources with a data point, or control <Ctrl> Data points to select several lights. To select several consecutive lights in the list, you can click and drag through them in the list.

1. Select the Define Light tool.


2. From the Mode option menu, choose Modify.


3. Click the Show Light List button to the right of the Mode option menu.
   The dialog box expands to display a list of light sources present in the design.


4. Select the light source that you wish to modify.
   When you select the light source, its current settings are loaded in to the Define Light tool's dialog box.


5. (Optional) Use <Ctrl> Data points to select further light sources.

1. Select the Define Light tool.


2. From the Mode option menu, choose Modify.


3. Click the Scan button.
   The first light source cell is located. Its values appear in the tool's dialog box and its type and location appear in the status bar.


4. (Optional) Reset to locate the next light source cell.


5. (Optional) Keep Resetting until the required light source cell is located.



Optionally, you can use the key-in light scan, which will activate the Define Light tool and locate the first light source.

Scanning can be used with all the modification Methods. Default Point light sources, however, will not be found in a scan if Method is set to Target Light. If IES lighting data with a direction component has been applied to the Point light source, however, it will be found by the scanning process.