Curso Autoturn

User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.
Current Revision Date:

March 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2
Disclaimer…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
Revision Summary………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
Revision Details…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5
General Description……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6
Launching AUTOTURN 8.2……………………………………………………………………………………… 6
AUTOTURN 8.2 Settings……………………………………………………………………………….………... 8
Place Adaptive Simulation ……………………………………………………………………………………... 14
Place Adaptive Simulation – Offset …..………………………………………………………………………… 14
Generate Corner Simulation …………………………………………………………………………………….. 15
Oversteer Corner Simulation ……………………………………………………………………………………. 16
Generate Arc Simulation ………………………………………………………………………………………... 17
Reverse Simulations..……………………………………………………….…………………………………… 18
Steer A Path………………………………..……………………………………………………….……………. 20
Delete Last Section ……………………………………………………………………….................................... 21
Path Control ……………………………………………………………………………………………………... 22
Place Vehicle ………………………………………………………………………………………………….... 25
Delete Vehicle …………………………………………………………………………………………………... 26
Recall Simulations ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 27
Run Animation ………………………………………………………………………………………………..…. 31
Generate Report ……………………………………………………………………………………………….… 34
Conflict Analysis ……………………………………………………………………………………………..…. 37
Insert Profile ………………………………………………………………………………………………..…… 38
Generate Template …………………………………………………………………………………………….… 39
Appendix A ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 42
Appendix B ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 48
Appendix C ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 51
Appendix D ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 53
Appendix E ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 56
Appendix F ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 60
Appendix G ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 62
Appendix H ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 63
Appendix I …………………………………………………………………………………………………….… 65
User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.2 Page 2 of 66

Disclaimer
The guidelines contained in this document are for reference only. The material is provided without
warranty or liability of any kind to the Department. Every effort has been made to make the
documentation as complete and accurate as possible without errors.
This information is provided on an "as is" basis. Updates to these guidelines will be made as needed due
to any errors found in the documentation, new programs, changes in software, software enhancements, or
as policy and management dictate.
As with any documentation or guidelines, improvements can and should be made. Any additions,
suggestions or comments for improvement are encouraged. This documentation is not meant to be a
complete instructional document. The intent is to provide guidelines that, if followed, will result in better
quality and consistency for electronic plans and documents.
Any recommendation for improvement to this documentation is welcomed. Any errors found should be
brought to the attention of the DOT so corrections can be made. Any additional information or detailed
explanation needed to this documentation should be documented and mailed to:
Director of Engineering
Georgia Department of Transportation
One Georgia Center
600 W. Peachtree St. N.W.
Atlanta, GA 30308, US
Attn: Plan Presentation Committee
Or email to:
SolutionsCenter@dot.ga.gov
(When submitting issues through the Solutions Center/Remedy, please specify a subject line of “Plan
Presentation Committee” to ensure the issue can be assigned correctly.)

Revision Summary
Version History:

Revision Details
Any subsequent revisions of this document shall be documented below.
Date Description

General Description
AUTOTURN 8.2 is a CAD-based program that simulates low speed turning maneuvers for highway
vehicles. Though AUTOTURN 8.2 operates in the AutoCAD or MicroStation CAD environments the
following guidelines will focus on the use of AUTOTURN 8.2 in the MicroStation V8i environment
customized for use on GDOT projects. In this capacity AUTOTURN 8.2 may be used to define vehicles
and determine vehicle tire tracking and sweep paths. The program can be used in the design of road
intersections, parking garages, loading ramps and most types of vehicular facilities. The following
descriptions of AUTOTURN 8.2 features and the recommended applications of these features coalesce
into standardized workflows for the most common scenarios faced on GDOT design projects.
The GDOT User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.2 is designed to:

• Introduce users to the GDOT customized features for AUTOTURN.
• Familiarize users with AUTOTURN settings and properties.
• Guide users through typical vehicle turning maneuver scenarios in an effort to assist in the development
of proficiency in the use of the AUTOTURN program.
Launching AUTOTURN 8.2
A. Double click on the yellow MicroStation icon to access MicroStation in the GDOT
workspace.
a. Select the appropriate DGN file.
b. Click the GDOT Tools button.
c. Click the GDOT_Menu button.

d. When the GDOT Root Menu appears click Design Aids, then click the AUTOTURN 8.2
button in the following window.
e. Close the Welcome to AUTOTURN window if it opens, close the GDOT Root Menu and
locate/dock the AUTOTURN tool bar as needed.

AUTOTURN 8.2 Settings
Prior to producing a vehicle turning simulation the appropriate program settings, properties and vehicles
settings must be selected.
A. Program Settings - Click the Program Settings icon.
a. General – Under the General category select the appropriate units from the pull down menu and
accept the defaults for the other items. (Normally the default settings in categories other than the
General category will suffice, but this must be confirmed on a case by case basis).

B. Properties – Click the Properties icon on the AUTOTURN tool bar.
a. In Microstation set the level in the DGN file to the EDG designated level for AUTOTURN
Simulations.
b. In the Properties dialog box select the General Category, then in the Draw Simulation On
section of the Properties dialog box select the Current Level option.
c. In the Vehicle Draw Options section of the Properties dialog box select the Path Ends option.
d. In the lower half of the Properties dialog box check the Tire Treads, Tires and Realistic check
boxes and clear the rest.

e. In the Envelopes Category check the Vehicle Body box and uncheck all others.

f. In the Hatching Category select None in the Select an Envelope to hatch field.

g. In the Conflict Analysis Category select the Main_EOP-Line level or other Obstacles Level
via the pull down menu. If it has not been selected and populated automatically select the New
Level option and enter TRWK_P_Autoturn-Conflict-Analysis-Line in the New Level field,
then click OK. Levels where items encroached upon by the vehicle envelope would constitute a
conflict include LNSC_E_TREE, MAIN_P_Fence-Line, UTLP_P_Elec-Vault-Line and others.

C. Vehicles – Click the Vehicles icon on the AUTOTURN tool bar.
a. Select the Library option and the latest AASHTO library in the Group Vehicles By: section
(see Design Policy Manual Section 3.2).
b. Select the appropriate vehicle for the AUTOTURN simulation and click OK.

Place Adaptive Simulation
The Place Adaptive Simulation tool is similar to the Run Forward Simulation tool featured in the
AUTOTURN 3.0, program which is used with MicroStation J. It places a vehicle turning simulation along a
graphic alignment by selecting the elements that make up that alignment and allowing the subject vehicle to
follow it with the center of the steering axle group as the point of focus.
A. Click the Place Adaptive Simulation icon on the AUTOTURN toolbar.
a. Click on each element (tangent/arc) of the alignment that defines the simulation path.
b. Click in an empty space away from the alignment after all of the elements have been selected.
c. Though the Place Adaptive Simulation tool creates simulations that follow the selected
alignment it also allows for the creation of simulations offset to the left or right of the alignment
in the event that edge of pavement elements are used for the alignment (see Place Adaptive
Simulation - Offset).
d. Click the Run Animation icon to activate the simulation.
Note: See Appendix A for additional information.
Place Adaptive Simulation – Offset
The Offset feature of the Place Adaptive Simulation tool allows for simulations at offset distances from
designated alignments
Note: An alignment consisting of elements (arcs/line segments) connected end to end is required.
a. Click on each element (tangent/arc) of the alignment along which the simulation run.
b. Click in an empty space away from the alignment after all of the elements have been selected.
c. Under Simulation Type select the appropriate offset (Offset Left/Right) and key in the
appropriate offset distance, and then click OK.
d. Click the Run Animation icon to activate the simulation.
Note: See Appendix A for additional information.

Generate Corner Simulation
This tool generates a turn simulation using an entrance tangent, arc, and exit tangent, with input for the turn
radius and the amount of turn sweep.
A. Click the Generate Corner Path Simulation icon on the AUTOTURN toolbar.
a. Set the vehicles start position.

i. Click on the location where the center of the front axle will be located when the
simulation begins, (for example, adjacent to the tangent portion of the right edge of
pavement approaching the radius at the intersection of the roadway onto which the
vehicle will be turning).
b. Set the vehicles start angle.
i. Move the cursor from the start position in the direction the vehicle will travel during the
simulation until the vehicle is pointed in the appropriate direction (for example parallel
to the right turn lane edge of pavement).
c. In the SmartPath Tools window confirm that Centerline is selected.
d. Set the Speed, Radius and Sweep Angle as needed.
e. In the Sweep edit box the sweep angle can be defined by clicking and selecting the edge of
pavement line adjacent to the lane into which the vehicle will be turning.
f. Click on a point in the center of the lane into which the vehicle will be turning to generate a
corner path simulation.
g. The four buttons at the top of the SmartPath Tools window may be used to change from the
Generate Corner Path tool to the Generate Arc Path tool, Oversteer Corner Simulation or
Steer A Path tools while delineating the various segments of a simulation.
h. Right-click to end generating the simulation.
Note: See Appendix B for additional information.

Oversteer Corner Simulation
This tool generates an over-steered maneuver similar to the Generate Corner Path tool with the goal of having
the body of the vehicle’s first part and steering tires parallel at the end of the maneuver. Entry and exit tangent
offsets are used to control the amount of oversteer applied to the maneuver.
A. Click the Oversteer Corner Path icon on the AUTOTURN toolbar.

simulation begins, (for example, adjacent to the tangent portion of the right edge of
pavement approaching the radius at the intersection of the roadway onto which the
vehicle will be turning).
b. Set the vehicles start angle.
i. Move the cursor from the start position in the direction the vehicle will travel during the
simulation until the vehicle is pointed in the appropriate direction (for example parallel
to the right turn lane edge of pavement).
c. In the SmartPath Tools select the appropriate radius type.
d. Set the Speed and Radius as needed.
e. In the Sweep edit box, type the desired sweep angle for the radius or click and select the edge of
pavement line adjacent to the lane into which the vehicle will be turning.
f. The four buttons at the top of the SmartPath Tools window may be used to change from the
Generate Corner Path tool to the Generate Arc Path tool, Oversteer Corner Simulation or
Steer A Path tools as needed.
g. Right-click to end generating the simulation.
Note: See Appendix C for additional information.

Generate Arc Simulation
This tool generates the simplest and most commonly used type of simulation. It generates a path that follows an
arc from the start position to the position of the mouse.
A. Click the Generate Arc Simulation icon on the AUTOTURN toolbar.

simulation begins.
ii. For vehicles with trailers click inside the trailer to indicate that you want to set the trailer
start angle and move the cursor to the point at which the trailer is at the appropriate
angle.
iii. In the SmartPath Tools dialog box, ensure that Centerline is selected.
iv. Key in the speed in accordance with the project design criteria.
b. Click on points along the centerline of the proposed vehicle path to generate the simulation.
i. To undo the last section click the Undo button in the dialog box or click inside the
wheelbase of any vehicle part at the start of the current section.
ii. Right-click to finish generating the simulation.
Note: See Appendix D for additional information.

Reverse Simulations
It is possible to generate reverse simulations with the Generate Arc Path, Generate Corner Path, and Steer
A Path tools. Reverse simulations are initiated simply by moving the mouse back through the rear axle group
while generating simulations. Reverse simulations can also be generated via the Place Adaptive Simulation
Tool as follows:
a. Click on the alignment (complex chain or segments) that delineates the proposed vehicle path.
i. In the Place Adaptive Simulation dialog box, leave the values at the defaults to create a
centerline path follow simulation.

b. Click Continue Simulation on the AUTOTURN toolbar or menu.
i. When the Continue Simulation dialogue box appears select the Continue Simulation
mode and select a point on the vehicle.
ii. When the SmartPath Tools dialog box appears click Generate Arc Path to continue the
simulation with an arc path simulation.
iii. Move the mouse through the rear of the vehicle to start the reverse maneuver.
Click on points along the proposed vehicle path to generate an arc path section of the
simulation.
Note: See Appendix E for additional information.

Steer A Path
This tool provides a means of driving a vehicle along an arbitrary path by moving the mouse in the desired
direction. When the mouse stops moving, the vehicle stops moving as well. Click to start and stop the vehicle
and/or to go forward or reverse.
A. Click the Steer A Path icon on the AUTOTURN toolbar.

a. Set the vehicle’s start position, angle, and articulating angles if applicable.
b. When the SmartPath Tools dialogue box appears key in the appropriate speed.
i. The minimum centerline radius for the designated speed is reflected.
ii. The Turn Wheels From Stop option is available for speeds of 6 mph or less. This
allows the steering wheels to be turned while the vehicle is stopped.
c. Left click in the drawing area to begin driving the vehicle. The vehicle will move towards the
mouse position. While the mouse is in motion, the vehicle will be in motion as well.
d. Left click to end the section.
e. Repeat steps c. and d. as many times as required to complete the simulation.
Note: See Appendix F for additional information.

Delete Last Section
This tool is used to delete the last section of a Turn Simulation.
Note: An existing turn simulation must reside in the drawing in order to use the Delete Last Section tool.
A. Click the Delete Last Section icon on the AUTOTURN toolbar.

a. Pick the turn simulation from which you want to delete the last section.
i. If the simulation comprises more than one section, the last section is deleted.
ii. If the simulation is only one section, only the starting vehicle position will remain after
deleting the section.
b. Continue deleting last sections as needed, then right-click upon completion.
Arc Path Simulation
Arc Path Simulation Last Section Deleted
c. All sections may be deleted until only the vehicle in the start position remains. After
depopulating the simulation via the Delete Last Section tool the Continue Simulation tool can
be used to repopulate the simulation with the appropriate sections. (see Continue Simulation).

Path Control
The Path Control tool can be used to make minor adjustments to the sections of which an existing turn
simulation consists by moving or adding nodes. The start or end points of the sections in a simulation are also
known as nodes.
An example of a minor adjustment the Path Control tool may be used for is in the event that a vehicle path
overlaps or tracks too close to an object. The Path Control tool can be used to revise the path without
recreating the entire simulation. For major revisions the use of the Delete Last Section and Continue
Simulation tools are more appropriate (see Delete Last Section and Continue Simulation).
Note: This tool requires an existing simulation.
A. Moving a Node
a. Click the Path Control icon on the toolbar.
b. Select the simulation to be revised.

c. As the cursor is moved over the simulation the nodes are highlighted with a circle as illustrated
below:
d. When the highlighted node to be revised is selected the following dialog box will appear:

e. Radius Type options from the drop down list include Centerline, Curb to curb, Wall to wall and
Inner turn.
f. The values for the Steering Angle and Radius are dynamically updated as adjustments are made.
g. Revise the endpoint for the node in the drawing and repeat steps a through f as needed.
h. Right-click when adjustments are complete.
B. Adding a Node
a. Click the Path Control icon on the toolbar.
b. Select the simulation to be revised.

c. As the cursor is moved over the simulation the nodes at both ends of a section are highlighted
with circles connected by a line as illustrated below:
d. When the highlighted nodes to be revised are selected the following dialog box will appear:
e. Radius Type options from the drop down list include Centerline, Curb to curb, Wall to wall and
Inner turn.
f. The values for the Steering Angle and Radius are dynamically updated as adjustments are made.
g. Select a point for a new node in the drawing and repeat steps a through f as needed.
h. Right-click when adjustments are complete.

C. Multi-Unit Vehicles
a. The Articulating Angle value for the trailer of a multi-unit vehicle is displayed and dynamically updated
in the Path control dialog box. Select the appropriate trailer from the drop down arrow to the right of the
Articulating Angle.
D. Corner Path Sections
a. When editing a corner path section the corner radius can be adjusted by moving the cursor
towards or away from the center of the arc. The two end nodes will be highlighted when making
revisions of this type.
E. Notes and Limitations
a. Changes are limited by the vehicle's turn limitations and speed.

b. The vehicle must pass through all original nodes. This may result in large fluctuations if the
vehicle is in continuous motion, traveling faster than a very slow speed, or if the existing nodes
are relatively close together. This may be alleviated to some extent by making relatively small
alternating adjustments to adjacent nodes.
c. Performance may be sluggish for longer simulations if the editing is being done near the
beginning of the simulation. This is because all the sections after the edit point must be
continuously regenerated as the mouse is moved.
d. The vehicle angle at the start position is fixed; however, the start position may be moved.
e. The vehicle angle at the end position of the simulation is not fixed; however, its range of
variation is limited to 60 degrees from its original angle.

Place Vehicle
This tool places graphic representations of the plan view of the current vehicle along a selected path. The Place
Vehicle tool can also be used to place graphic representations of the plan view of the vehicle used in an existing
simulation along its path. A realistic vehicle drawing for the vehicle, can be placed in the drawing by selecting
the Realistic check box in the Vehicle Draw Options section of the General category of the Properties dialog
box (see Properties -> General Category: Vehicle Draw Options and Customizing AUTOTURN -> Creating a
Realistic Vehicle Drawing).
Use the Place Vehicle tool to Place a vehicle on a pre-drawn path, Place a vehicle on a turn simulation, Re-use
a preselected path.
Note: Existing graphics must reside in the host CAD drawing and be available for use as path elements.
A. Placing a Vehicle on a Pre-drawn Path – The CAD graphics representing the vehicle path may consist
of lines and arcs, a polyline/complex chain, or an alignment. Lines and arcs can not be combined with
polylines/complex chains or alignments to make up the path elements.
a. Click the Place Vehicle icon on the toolbar.
b. For path elements consisting of lines/arcs, select the path elements in the direction of the traffic
flow then click in an empty area of the.
c. If the path is delineated by a polyline/complex chain or an alignment, select the path element
nearest its beginning.
d. A circle and an arrow will appear at the beginning and end, respectively, of the path after it has
been selected. The arrow points in the travel direction.
e. Use the cursor to lead the movement of the vehicle along the vehicle path then left click the
destination point of the vehicle.
f. Repeat step e as necessary.
g. Right-click upon completion.
B. Placing a Vehicle on a Turn Simulation

Note: This tool requires an existing turn simulation in the drawing.
b. Select an existing turn simulation in the drawing.

c. Use the cursor to lead the movement of the vehicle along the vehicle path then left click the
destination point of the vehicle.
d. Repeat step c as necessary.
e. Right-click upon completion.

C. Re-using a Preselected Path
Note: This tool requires an existing last path in the drawing.
b. The Place Vehicle dialog box will appear as follows:
c. Click Use Last Path button and the last selected vehicle path will become the active path.
d. Use the cursor to lead the movement of the vehicle along the vehicle path then left click the
destination point for vehicle placement.
e. Repeat step d as necessary.
f. Continue placing vehicles as needed.
g. Right-click upon completion.
Note: This tool can be used as an alternative to the Run Animation tool (see Run Animation) for visualizing
vehicle movement along a pre-drawn path or turn simulation. Simply move the pointer backwards and forwards
along the selected pre-drawn path or turn simulation to preview the vehicle movement, and then right-click
upon completion.
Note: See Appendix G for additional information.
Delete Vehicle
This tool is used to delete vehicles previously added to simulations using the Place Vehicle tool (see Place
Vehicle ).
Note: At least one vehicle placed via the Place Vehicle tool must reside in an existing simulation in order for
the Delete Vehicle tool to be applicable.
A. Deleting a Vehicle
a. Click the Delete Vehicle icon on the toolbar.
b. Click on a point inside the wheelbase of any vehicle to be deleted.

c. Delete vehicles as needed.
d. Right-click upon completion.
Note: The vehicles at either end of a path or at a change of orientation cannot be deleted.
Note: See Appendix H for additional information.

Recall Simulations
This tool is used to recall previously stored turn simulations by either placing the simulations or running their
animations. The Recall Simulations tool can also be used to rename simulations for archival and delete
unwanted simulations.
A copy of each simulation is saved whenever a simulation is placed or generated in a drawing. The simulation
is saved in a subfolder of the Output folder or Drawing folder (see Program Settings -> General Category: Save
Simulation). The subfolder has the same name as the drawing. The number of simulations saved for each
drawing is set by changing the X value in the Store the last X simulations created in this drawing edit box.
This allows you the flexibility of storing different numbers of simulations for different drawing files.
A. Recall Simulations Dialog Box
B. Placing Simulations
a. Click the Recall Simulations icon on the toolbar.
b. Select up to five turn simulations (use SHIFT+select and/or CTRL+select to make multiple
selections).
c. Click the Place Adaptive Simulation icon in the lower right portion of the Recall Simulations
dialog box to place the highlighted simulation(s) in the drawing.
d. Repeat steps b through c as needed.

C. Run Animations
b. Select the appropriate simulation.

c. Click the Run Animation icon in the lower right portion of the Recall Simulations dialog box
to run the animation of the highlighted simulation. The following dialog box appears:
d. Click the Play Animation button to run the animation.
e. Repeat steps b through d as needed.
Note: The Run Animation button is disabled if more than one animation is selected in the list.

D. Renaming a Simulation:
b. Select the turn simulation to be renamed.
c. Click the Rename button and the following dialog box will appear:
d. Key in the new name for the simulation (max. 32 characters) in the Name field.
e. Click OK to apply the new name and return to the Recall Simulations dialog box.
Note: Upon renaming a simulation it will not be counted as one of the total number of saved simulations due to
its new archived status.

E. Deleting a Simulation
b. Select the simulations to be deleted (use SHIFT+select and/or CTRL+select to make multiple
selections).
c. Click Delete.
d. Click OK to return to the Recall Simulations dialog box.
F. Making Multiple Selections

a. Multiple selections can be made in the list of stored simulations by using SHIFT+select and/or
CTRL+select to select more than one simulation.
Note: Multiple selections can only be made with the Place Adaptive Simulation and Delete options.

Run Animation
This tool is used to run an animation of the current vehicle on the selected path elements or run the animation of
the vehicle used in the selected simulation. This tool can also be used to Run an animation on a pre-drawn path,
Run an animation of a turn simulation or Re-use a preselected path.
A. Running an Animation on a Pre-drawn Path
Note: This tool requires existing CAD geometry in the drawing to act as the path elements. The
geometry may consist of lines and arcs, a polyline/complex chain, or an alignment. Lines and arcs can
not be combined with polylines/complex chains or alignments to make up the path elements.
a. Click the Run Animation icon on the toolbar.
b. If the path elements consist of lines/arcs, select the path elements in the desired direction of
travel, and then an empty part of the drawing away from the graphics.
c. If the path elements consist of a polyline/complex chain or an alignment, select the path element
nearer to the beginning of the vehicle path than the end.
d. The following dialog box will appear:
e. Click the Play Animation button to animate the current vehicle along the path (for more options,
see Run Animation Dialog Box Explained).
f. Click the Close button upon completion.
B. Running an Animation of a Turn Simulation

b. Select a turn simulation in the drawing and the following dialog box will appear:
c. Click the Play Animation button to animate the vehicle used in the turn simulation through the
simulation (for more options, see Run Animation Dialog Box Explained)
d. Click the Close button upon completion.
C. Re-using Preselected Path
Note: This tool requires an existing last path in the drawing.

b. In the Run Animation dialog box, click the Use Last Path button and the following dialog box
appears (if the Use Last Path button does not appear left click on the appropriate simulation
graphics):
c. Click the Play Animation button to run the animation (for more options, see Run Animation
Dialog Box Explained)
d. Click the Close button upon completion.

D. Run Animation Dialog Box Explained
c
d
b
f
e
a
g
a. Play Animation - Click this button to run the animation from beginning to end or from the last
vehicle position after manipulating the vehicle position with the slider.
b. Stop Animation - Click this button to stop an animation while it is playing.
c. Animation Playback Speed - Set how slowly or fast the animation plays back, where 1 is the
slowest and 20 is the fastest speed. This setting allows you to view animations at a visually
appealing rate on all computers and to adjust for varying presentations. While AUTOTURN
animations can run at varying speeds, this setting is only used for viewing purposes. The speed
of animation is in no way related to the speed of an actual vehicle.
d. Move Slider Left - This button to moves the vehicle one step towards the beginning of the turn
simulation.
e. Move Slider Right - This button to moves the vehicle one step towards the end of the turn
simulation.
f. Vehicle Slider - Move the slider to the left to move the vehicle towards the beginning of the
simulation or to the right to move the vehicle towards the end of the simulation.
g. Loop Animation – Selecting this check box will cause the animation to automatically loop
repeatedly (restart from the beginning each time the end is reached). Click the Stop Animation
button at any time to abort the looping of the animation.
h. Hide Simulation - Select this check box to hide a turning simulation in the drawing while the
Run Animation tool is running.
Note: The Run Animation tool does not produce drawing elements in the drawing file. Any
animation elements left on the screen after an animation is finished can be cleared from the
screen by performing an Update operation in MicroStation.

Generate Report
This tool allows users to view graphic representations of the vehicle's steering angle (and articulating angles for
multi-unit vehicles) over the length of the selected turn simulation. The graphic report can accompany the
simulation in the drawing. A summary report can be generated and saved to a file (fname.rpt) which can be
opened with Note Pad and other word processor software. This tool can also be used to view the vehicle’s
steering angle graph as you generate a simulation (see To View a Report "On the Fly").
A. Generating a Report
a. Click the Generate Report Icon on the toolbar.
b. Select a turn simulation in the drawing.

c. The steering angle graph is appears as follows:
Single-Unit Vehicle Simulation Report Multi-Unit Vehicle Simulation Report
d. To change how the report is formatted, select the Show Formatting Options check box (see
Show Formatting Options below).
e. To place the report into the current drawing file, click Place Report, and then left click a point in
the drawing to specify the steering angle graph location.
f. To export the steering angle summary report to a text file, click Summary. The text file is saved
to the disk and then displayed on the screen using Microsoft® Notepad (or the default text
editor).
Note:
• Simulations created with the Place Adaptive Simulation tool are depicted as one section (see Place
Adaptive Simulation).
• For turn simulations using Special Transport vehicles, text file reports contain an additional section on
independent rear steering.

B. Viewing a Report "On the Fly" – This tool produces a “real time” graphic report allowing the user to
see the angle graph generated dynamically as the vehicle maneuvers through the simulation
Note: An existing turn simulation must reside in the drawing in order for this tool to be enabled.
a. Click the Generate Report Icon on the toolbar.
b. Left click a simulation in the drawing to select.

c. Select the appropriate formatting options (see Show Formatting Options below).
d. Select any one of the SmartPath Tools.
e. Generate a simulation.
f. The steering angle graph dynamically updates as the vehicle maneuvers through simulations.
g. Click the Close button upon completion.
Note: Alternatively, enable vehicle angles to see the vehicle's steering and articulating angles update while
generating simulations (see Program Settings -> Display Options: Vehicle Angles).
C. Setting Show Formatting Options

a. Click the Generate Report icon on the toolbar.
b. Select the Show Formatting Options check box.

c. Set the appropriate formatting options.
d. Click Close.

D. Show Formatting Options
Single Unit Vehicle Formatting Single Unit Vehicle Formatting
a. Show Speed - Select this option to display the Vehicle speed for each section of the simulation
when the report is placed in the drawing.
b. Show Length - Select this option to display the length of each section when the report is placed
in the drawing.
c. Show Start Condition - Select this option to display the start condition for each section when
the report is placed. The start condition is either ”in motion” if the Turn Wheels From Stop
check box was not selected or ”stopped” if the Turn Wheels From Stop check box was selected
in the SmartPath Tools dialog box when the section was generated.
d. Show Type - Select this option to display the maneuver type for each section when the report is
placed.
e. Show Time - Select this option to display the elapsed time for each section when the report is
placed.
f. Show Legend - Select this option to place a legend with the report that shows which colors are
used for each trailer in the multi-part vehicle.
g. Horizontal Scale - This option allows the report to be stretched out or shortened to
accommodate report labels when the report is placed in the drawing.
h. Steering Angle - Sets the color and line style for the line representing the steering angle.
i. Articulating Angle - Sets the color and line style for the lines representing the articulating
angles of each trailer of the multi-part vehicle.
j. Outer Box - Sets the color for the outermost line of the report.
k. Text Labels - Sets the color for the text labels that appear below the report when placed in the
drawing.

l. Origin Circle - Select this option to display and set the color for the circle designating zero (0)
degrees.
m. Grid Lines - Select this option to display and set the color, line style, and spacing interval of the
horizontal grid lines.
n. Section Lines - Select this option to display and set the color and line style for the vertical lines
designating change of sections in the simulation.
o. Place Report - Click this button to place the steering angle graph into the current drawing file.
p. Summary - Click this button to export the report to a text file. To view and/or edit the file, use
your default text editor (e.g. Microsoft® Notepad).
Conflict Analysis
Turn simulations are generated by taking into account any user drawn CAD elements on the specified Obstacles
layer/level that interact with the vehicle body and body clearance envelopes of turn simulations (see Help ->
Properties -> Conflict Analysis Category). The portions of those elements that conflict with the vehicle body and
body clearance envelopes of turn simulations are highlighted to indicate that a conflict was detected. In addition,
a note is added at the first and last vehicle position in the turn simulation to draw attention to a conflict
somewhere within the turn simulation.
The conflict analysis is carried out on lines, arcs, polylines, and complex chains. Elements contained within
blocks or external references are not evaluated.
Note: The conflict analysis is performed while generating or placing turn simulations (i.e. SmartPath Tools,
Place Adaptive Simulation, and Regenerate Simulation). It is not performed when visualizing simulations (i.e.
Run Animation and Place Vehicle).

Insert Profile
This tool inserts a dimensioned profile view of a vehicle. The vehicle used is either the Current Vehicle (see Help
-> Overview -> Current Vehicle), or the vehicle from a simulation, whichever you select.
A. Dimensioned Profile
B. Inserting a Profile Using the Current Vehicle

a. Select a vehicle (see Help -> Tools -> Vehicles -> To Select the Current Vehicle).
b. Click the Insert Profile icon on the toolbar.

c. Click the Use Current Vehicle button in the Insert Profile dialog box that follows.
d. Left click on the point at which the profile is to be located in the drawing.
C. Inserting a Profile Using an Existing Simulation
e. Click the Insert Profile icon on the toolbar.

a. Left click on the simulation that the profile is to represent.
b. Left click on the point at which the profile is to be located in the drawing. See Help ->
Customizing AUTOTURN -> Creating a Profile Drawing for details on creating profile drawings
for vehicles created from custom types.

Generate Template
This tool generates a turning template of the Current Vehicle complete with all relevant vehicle dimensions and
turning characteristics (see Help -> Overview -> Current Vehicle). The template is generated based on the
vehicle designated in the Select Current Vehicle dialog box and settings specified in the Properties dialog box.
These settings determine the colors, line styles, fills, envelopes and etc. (see Help -> Tools -> Vehicles -> To
Select the Current Vehicle and Properties). Templates can be generated for any vehicle.
A. Generate Template

B. Generating a Template:
a. Select a vehicle (see Help -> Tools -> Vehicles -> To Select the Current Vehicle).
b. Choose the desired settings in the Properties dialog box (see Properties).
c. Click the Generate Template icon on the toolbar. The Generate Template dialog box will
appear as follows:
d. In the Sweep box select the Degrees or Gons angle units.

e. Select the check boxes as needed to designate the appropriate range of sweep angle choices.
Hint: Edit the sweep angles as needed to meet project specific requirements.
f. In the Radius Type list, select the appropriate radius type for the template.
g. In the Radius edit box, specify the appropriate value for the selected radius type.
Hint: To find the minimum value for the selected radius type, key in a very low value and press
the TAB key. The minimum value for that radius type will automatically populate the field.
h. In the Wheels list, click the appropriate starting condition.
Hint: Choose Straight for the most common type of template or Turned for the Turn Wheels
from Stop condition.
i. In the Turn list, select the appropriate turn direction.

j. In the Exit Tangent edit box, key in the appropriate value for the exit tangent as measured in
vehicle lengths.
k. In the Draw Options box, select the check boxes for each element and type of radius dimension
to be drawn.
l. Click Place.
m. Left click a point in the drawing at which to place the template.
Note:
• The program will prompt the user in the event that the designated sweep angle is beyond what the vehicle
is capable of negotiating.
• The following envelopes must be enabled in the Envelopes category of the Properties dialog box to
display the corresponding radii dimensions (see Properties -> Envelopes Category):
• Curb to Curb requires the Front Tires envelope.
• Wall to Wall requires the Vehicle Body envelope.
• Inner Turn requires the Rear Tires envelope.
C. Draw Options
a. In the Draw Options box on the lower portion of the Generate Template dialog box the check
boxes are used to designate which elements will be drawn. The pull down menus in the column
under the Color heading are used to designate the color each element will be drawn and the
pull down menu under the Line Style heading is used to designate the line style of each
element.
Select this check box to have the following elements drawn when the template is
placed.
Center Line The vertical and horizontal center lines.
Notes The vehicle's name and library, the units the template was created with, the steering
lock angle of the vehicle, and the sweep line descriptions.
Arrows The sweep labels.
Dimensions The vehicle's dimensions.
Scale Bar A scale bar (expressed in the units the template was created with).
Achieved Angle The achieved angle table.
Table
D. Generate Template vs SmartPath Tools

b. Standard templates published by most jurisdictions consist of simple tangent and arc paths.
Rate of wheel turn is not usually considered. The SmartPath Tools such as Generate Arc Path
and Generate Corner Path take into account the rate at which the wheel can be turned and
incorporate spiral transition sections into the path. For this reason, the SmartPath Tools cannot
be used to create standard turning templates.

Appendix A
Place Adaptive Simulation
Left click in an
empty area
away from
graphics.
Left click to
select each
alignment
element.
Select (left click) each line and arc element of the simulation path alignment, then left click in an empty area
away from the graphics. If the alignment is a complex chain click near the beginning. (Do not use line strings
or a combination of complex chains and individual elements and/or line strings.)

Centered Option
Offset option
The Place Adaptive Simulation tool allows for simulations to be centered about an alignment (in the event that
the user copies the edge of pavement to the center of the travel lane for use as a simulation path alignment) or
offset from an alignment (in the event that the user offsets a simulation path from the edge of pavement).

Selected
element.
Each element is highlighted upon selection

A circle and an arrowhead appear at the ends of the simulation path alignment to define its extents when
selection is complete.

The simulated vehicle and envelop appear as designated in the Properties dialog box after selecting the
alignment (see Properties in the Settings section).

Play
Button
Left click the Run Animation icon, left click on the simulation to select it and left click the play button in the
Run Animation dialog box to activate the animation.

Appendix B
Generate Corner Simulation
Center of
Travel Lane
Left click on the location where the center of the front axle will be located when the simulation begins

Move the cursor from the start position in the direction the vehicle will travel during the simulation until the
vehicle is pointed in the appropriate direction. The vehicle will rotate as the cursor is moved so that the
location of the cursor establishes the start angle (direction).
Set the appropriate Speed, Radius and Sweep Angle as needed. The four buttons at the top of the SmartPath
Tools window may be used to change from the Generate Corner Path tool to the Generate Arc Path tool,
Oversteer Corner Simulation or Steer A Path tools while delineating the various segments of a simulation.

Click on a point in the travel lane into which the vehicle will be turning to generate a corner path simulation.
Right click to finish generating the simulation.

Appendix C
Oversteer Corner Simulation
Center of
Travel Lane
Left click on the location where the center of the front axle will be located when the simulation begins

Set the appropriate Speed, Radius and Sweep Angle as needed. The four buttons at the top of the SmartPath
Tools window may be used to change from the Generate Corner Path tool to the Generate Arc Path tool,
Oversteer Corner Simulation or Steer A Path tools while delineating the various segments of a simulation.
Right click to finish generating the simulation.

Appendix D
Generate Arc Simulation
Center of
Travel Lane
Left click on the location where the center of the front axle will be located when the simulation begins.

For vehicles with trailers click inside the trailer to indicate that you want to set the trailer start angle and move
the cursor to the point at which the trailer is at the appropriate angle.
In the SmartPath Tools dialog box, ensure that Centerline is selected. Key in the speed in accordance with the
project design criteria.

Click on points along the centerline of the proposed vehicle path to generate the simulation. Right click to finish
generating the simulation.

Appendix E
Reverse Simulations
Click the Place Adaptive Simulation icon on the AUTOTURN toolbar.
Click on the alignment (complex chain or segments) that delineates the proposed vehicle path.
Click OK to accept the Centered Simulation Type and click OK.

The vehicle envelope will appear with the vehicle at each end.
Click the Continue Simulation icon on the AUTOTURN toolbar or menu.

Select the Continue Simulation mode and select a point on the vehicle.
When the SmartPath Tools dialog box appears select the Generate Arc Path tool (the furthest left of the top 4
buttons) to continue the simulation with an arc path simulation.
The Force Straight Line feature can be used where tangent sections are required so that the vehicle can be
maneuvered with minimal turning movements.

Move the mouse through the rear of the vehicle to start the reverse maneuver.

Appendix F
Steer a Path
Click the Steer A Path icon on the AUTOTURN toolbar.
Set the vehicle’s start position, angle, and articulating angles if applicable. Left click on the location where the
center of the front axle will be located when the simulation begins. Move the cursor from the start position in
the direction the vehicle will travel during the simulation until the vehicle is pointed in the appropriate
direction. The vehicle will rotate as the cursor is moved so that the location of the cursor establishes the start
angle (direction).
When the SmartPath Tools dialogue box appears key in the appropriate speed. The Turn Wheels From Stop
option is available for speeds of 6 mph or less. This allows the steering wheels to be turned before the vehicle
begins to move.

Left click in the drawing area to begin maneuvering the vehicle, left click to stop and right click to end the
maneuver.

Appendix G
Place a Vehicle
Click the Place Vehicle icon on the toolbar.
Select an existing turn simulation in the drawing.
Use the cursor to lead the movement of the vehicle along the vehicle path then left click the destination point of
the vehicle. Right click upon completion.

Appendix H
Delete a Vehicle
Click on a point inside the wheelbase of any vehicle to be deleted.

Delete vehicles as needed and right click upon completion.

Appendix I
For Additional Information

For additional information contact the Solutions Center by email at mailto:SolutionsCenter@dot.ga.gov.


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User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.

Current Revision Date:

User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.2 Page 2 of 66

Attn: Plan Presentation Committee

User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.2 Page 3 of 66

User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.2 Page 4 of 66

Any subsequent revisions of this document shall be documented below.

User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.2 Page 5 of 66

The GDOT User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.2 is designed to:

Launching AUTOTURN 8.2

c. Click the GDOT_Menu button.

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Note: See Appendix A for additional information.

Place Adaptive Simulation – Offset

Note: See Appendix A for additional information.

User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.2 Page 14 of 66

a. Set the vehicles start position.

Note: See Appendix B for additional information.

User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.2 Page 15 of 66

a. Set the vehicles start position.

Note: See Appendix C for additional information.

User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.2 Page 16 of 66

a. Set the vehicles start position.

Note: See Appendix D for additional information.

User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.2 Page 17 of 66

User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.2 Page 18 of 66

Note: See Appendix E for additional information.

User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.2 Page 19 of 66

A. Click the Steer A Path icon on the AUTOTURN toolbar.

Note: See Appendix F for additional information.

User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.2 Page 20 of 66

A. Click the Delete Last Section icon on the AUTOTURN toolbar.

Arc Path Simulation

Arc Path Simulation Last Section Deleted

User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.2 Page 21 of 66

Note: This tool requires an existing simulation.

b. Select the simulation to be revised.

User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.2 Page 22 of 66

b. Select the simulation to be revised.

User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.2 Page 23 of 66

D. Corner Path Sections

E. Notes and Limitations

a. Changes are limited by the vehicle's turn limitations and speed.

User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.2 Page 24 of 66

B. Placing a Vehicle on a Turn Simulation

b. Select an existing turn simulation in the drawing.

User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.2 Page 25 of 66

b. The Place Vehicle dialog box will appear as follows:

Note: See Appendix G for additional information.

b. Click on a point inside the wheelbase of any vehicle to be deleted.

User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.2 Page 26 of 66

A. Recall Simulations Dialog Box

d. Repeat steps b through c as needed.

User Guide for AUTOTURN 8.2 Page 27 of 66

b. Select the appropriate simulation.

d. Click the Play Animation button to run the animation.

e. Repeat steps b through d as needed.