Showing name abbreviations in a Composite Label

Description

I want to label a composite without showing its full name. Is there a way to display a shortened version of it?

Solution

With the introduction of expressions, users can extract and manipulate information from the model and display them on labels:

Create an expression using the Property Manager:

1.  This dialog can be found from the Options Menu > Property Manager.

   

2. From the bottom left click on New. You will have the option to create a new Group or a Property that belongs to an existing group.

   

3. Select Property and add it to the General Ratings Group > OK.

   

4. The new property will now be listed on the left.  On the right change the Value Definition to Expression.

   

5. In the Expression Editor dialogue box, click the Operators & Functions button, fx > Text editing >  String From Left.

   

6. The function will now appear in the Expression Editor. Highlight and replace the "TEXT" characters with the Composite Structure.

   

7. Now highlight the NumberOfCharacters and replace it with a number, this value represents the number of Characters from the Left you would like to show.

   

8. Set the Availability for Classifications to All.

   

9. Then click OK.

To use the expression in a label:

1. Open the Label settings and select the Classification and Property Label.
2. Expand the Symbol label custom settings section.
3. Select Data > Create Sorting Display Data by > Parameter Value.
4. Click OK and place the label on your plan.  You should now see the first 4 characters of the Composite Name, as shown in the issue description.