The Template Editor Intersecting Surface column is a drop down list field that determines if any tests are to be conducted on the reference line generated by the Offset, Elevation and Grade fields.
An intersecting surface can be an Alignment, a Long Section, or a Cross Section Set.
As templates are generic and can be used with any data set, the intersecting surface field uses generic names to represent the intersecting surfaces. At this stage the Template Editor does not need to know what type the intersecting surface is. When the template is used by the Template Implementation Set to match the surfaces to the intersecting surfaces is it necessary to tell the system what type the intersecting surface is.
The drop down list can be accessed to show all the currently entered generic surface names in the template file. New surface names can be entered directly into this field.
An alignment surface is considered to be a vertical plane that passes through the alignment. When the template tests for an intersection it will determine whether the reference line will intersect this plane.
A long section surface is considered to be a horizontal plane that passes through the long section. When the template tests for an intersection it will determine whether the reference line will intersect this plane.
A cross section set surface can be any cross section set attached to the primary alignment controlling the templates. When the template tests for an intersection it will determine whether the reference line will intersect the surface of the cross section at the section marker where the template is to be applied.
Generic intersecting surface names are case sensitive and can be any length.
If an intersecting surface name is entered then all the True, False and Go To fields will be active. If the intersecting surface name is left blank the True and Go To (True) fields will be disabled.
Note: When the Intersecting Surface name is left blank there is nothing for this template instruction to intersect with. In these situations the result is always considered to be False as there is no intersection.