Meeting the regulations

DfT design standards have brought consistency to the presentation of information on road signs, but have also made the design task challenging for anyone unfamiliar with the complex layout and spacing rules.

The automation that SignPlot provides enables easy construction of everything from the simplest flag-type, to the most complex gantry-mounted lane indication sign. It helps avoid sign layout errors, whilst minimising design time. Software training costs are reduced, and productivity is improved.

SignPlot displays a message if it spots a potential mistake and offers to correct the problem.

Fast performance and editing

SignPlot permits signs to be designed in any order. Start with the text, or start with the road layout or symbols – the choice is yours.

As well as making sign creation quick and flexible, SignPlot really excels when changes are needed. If a junction type, route number, destination or even the size of the lettering is changed, SignPlot automatically rebuilds affected signs, incorporating the destinations and symbols of the original, and applying the relevant spacing rules.

Distances are aligned, character and word spacing is automatic, and panels or symbols can be added with only a basic knowledge of how a sign should look, so you only rarely need to know about ‘stroke widths’. For more advanced use, graphical drag and drop editing allows any sign element to be quickly repositioned.

Over 500 standard symbols

SignPlot is supplied with 14 extensive libraries of symbols and signs. Signs are stored by TSRGD diagram number, for easy retrieval, and scale automatically to the correct size for use on direction signs and parking plates. The libraries are updated regularly in advance of new symbols being authorised by the DfT, as SignPlot is frequently used in the production of the official drawings.

SignPlot can be supplied with your logo and any tourist or other symbols specific to your area, or you can import your own bitmap images for use on signs.

Sign manufacturing

SignPlot includes character and symbol outlines accurate enough for computer cutting of the actual sign face material, and provides for mounting and manufacturing margins to be added.

The complete sign structure may be designed in the software: supports, foundations and (with an optional module) channel section spacing. SignPlot leads the way in implementing the 2007 revisions of BS EN 12899-1 and the passive safety standard BS EN 12767, and contains comprehensive data from all leading suppliers of supports and other sign components. A separate leaflet describes SignLoad, the structural design module built into SignPlot.

Data management and storage

A typical sign requires only 2kb of disk space, so that many thousands may be stored on the smallest of computers, and complete schemes may be easily emailed. This eliminates the need to archive old drawings, providing easy access to every sign in the an authority. SignPlot’s search facility allows you to quickly find signs that contain a particular word or symbol.

Compatibility with other systems

SignPlot is one element of the UK’s most comprehensive range of traffic signing systems. It links to SignMap for planning signing schemes and recording inventory information, and with SignRoute for generating signs from a signing network. The link with ParkMap, the leading system for making and managing traffic orders, enables parking signs and plates to be produced automatically and displayed on the map.

SignPlot will export to the Windows clipboard and to many popular file formats, for use with CAD, GIS, publishing and sign manufacturing systems. It can import bitmap graphic files for use on signs or on drawing frames.

Full Backup and Support

Buchanan Computing provides a highly praised support and maintenance service for all its systems. Immediate access to knowledgeable staff ensures that any problem is quickly resolved. Regular updates include both software enhancements and the timely provision of additional symbols and changes needed to meet new national standards. User group meetings and training courses are arranged at venues across the UK.

SignPlot users are represented on the DfT Traffic Signs Technical Working Party, and are kept fully informed of national developments.

Outputs

Accurate colour or outline sign representations to any Windows-compatible printer, plotter or cutter with optional dimensions, scale, support and foundations details, etc.

Sign structure drawing, automatically dimensioned.

DWG, DXF and MIF files for CAD, GIS and cutting systems (option).

EPS files for PostScript printers, publishing and cutting systems.

Enhanced metafile (via the Windows clipboard) for word processing and other Windows software.