Ordinate Dimensioning

Used to label distances along an axis from an origin (datum) along the ordinate axis (the line along which the distances are measured).


Ordinate Dimensioning tool setting window


Expanded Ordinate Dimensioning tool setting window

Tool Setting	Effect
Style	Displays the active dimension style, which is set on the Dimension Styles dialog box. The option menu lets you select other available dimension styles. If you change a tool setting from the default, the setting is highlighted in blue, and an asterisk appears next to the Style name.
Magnifying glass icon	Opens the Dimension Styles dialog box, which is used to control settings for dimensioning.
Restore Style	Restores the tool settings to the defaults set for this style on the Dimension Styles dialog box.
Alignment	Sets the axis along which the dimension is aligned.
Location	Controls the location of dimension text: Automatic — Dimension text is automatically placed according to the Justification setting (in the Dimension Styles dialog box, Text category). Semi-Automatic — Dimension text is automatically placed according to the Justification setting if the text fits between the extension lines. If the text does not fit, you position the text in response to a prompt. Manual — You position dimension text in response to a prompt. Key-in: DIMENSION PLACEMENT [AUTO \| MANUAL \| SEMIAUTO]
Datum Value	Sets a base value of the origin when labeling distances along an axis.
Ordinate Unstacked	Sets the mode to the Ordinate Unstacked tool, which is used to label distances along an axis from an origin (datum) along the ordinate axis (the line along which distances are measured).
Ordinate Stacked	Sets the mode to the Ordinate Stacked tool, which is used to label distances along an axis from an origin (datum) along the ordinate axis (the line along which distances are measured). The dimensions are stacked. To use this tool effectively, the Stacked Dimensions setting (Dimension Settings tool box, Tool Settings tab) must be on.
Ordinate Free Location	Sets the mode to the Ordinate Free Location tool, which is used to label distances along an axis from an origin (datum) along the ordinate axis (the line along which distances are measured). When Location is set to Manual, this tool gives you maximum flexibility in placing the dimensions. To use this tool effectively, the Stacked Dimensions setting (Dimension Settings tool box, Tool Settings tab) must be on.
Annotation Scale Lock icon	Sets the Annotation Scale Lock. When this lock is on, the annotation scale is applied to any text that is placed in the model. The annotation scale is set in the Model Properties dialog box. It defines the scale for text and dimensioning in the model, to allow for scaling back to normal size when printing.
Decrement in Reverse Direction	If on, the value opposite to the direction of the ordinate will be in a decreasing value (including negative numbers).
Text Frame	Controls the framing of dimension text: Box — Places dimension in a box. Sometimes used to designate a reference dimension. Capsule — Places dimension in a capsule. Typically used to designate a dimension for quality control. Key-in: DIMENSION TEXT BOX [OFF \| ON \| TOGGLE] or Key-in: DIMENSION TEXT CAPSULE [OFF \| ON \| TOGGLE]
Prefix Text	Sets the optional symbol for placement before dimension text. Key-in: DIMENSION PRE [OFF \| DIAMETER \| RADIUS \| SQUARE]
Suffix Text	Sets the optional symbol for placement after dimension text. Key-in: DIMENSION POST [OFF \| DIAMETER \| RADIUS \| SQUARE]
Association	If on, snapping a tentative point to the element being dimensioned causes an association point to be created. If off, no associations are created.

To place an ordinate dimension

Select the Ordinate Dimensioning tool.

Enter a data point to define the origin.

Enter a second data point to define the ordinate axis.

Enter a third data point to define the length of the extension line. This places the “zero” dimension. If the Datum Value field is active, the Datum Value is placed as the dimension.

(Optional) To edit the dimension text, move the input focus to the Key-in window and press <Enter>.
The Dimension Text dialog box opens if it is not already open, letting you edit the dimension text.

Enter a data point to define the start of another ordinate dimension. If Location is Automatic or Semi-Automatic, the text is aligned with the text in the “zero” dimension.

If Location is set to Manual, enter a data point to define the endpoint of the ordinate dimension and position the text.

Reset to stop or go back to step 6 to dimension another ordinate from the same origin.
Dimension Ordinates. Left: Dimension Alignment set to View. Right: Dimension Alignment set to True.

Key-in: DIMENSION ORDINATE

To prevent the text for a higher ordinate from overlapping the text for a lower ordinate, turn on Stack Dimensions for the Dimension Ordinates tool in the Dimension Styles dialog box (Tool Settings category). If Stack Dimensions is on, dimension lines jog if necessary.

The minimum vertical space between ordinate values is determined by the Margin setting in the Dimension Styles dialog box (Tolerance category).

The length of the leader line that extends from each jog is determined by the Minimum Leader setting in the Dimension Styles dialog box (Terminators category).


Ordinate dimension with jogged dimension lines.

Ordinate dimensions with jogged dimension lines cannot be displayed with previous versions of MicroStation.


Dimension Ordinates. Left: Dimension Alignment set to View. Right: Dimension Alignment set to True.