SignPlot 3

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 advance use, graphical drag and drop editing allows any sign element to be quickly repositioned.

Sign manufacturing

SignPlot includes character and symbol outlines accurate enough for digital printing of the finished sign face, or for computer cutting of the reflective material or overlay film. It provides for mounting and manufacturing margins, colour bleed and cutlines to be added. SignPlot’s EPS outlput can be tailored to the requirements of the receiving system and the CMYK values of each colour can be changed.

Quick and economical structural design

An economical and passively safe sign structure may be designed in the software, using a built-in copy of what is by far the UK’s leading system for designing traffic signs supports. SignLoad covers conventional and proprietary posts, four different types of foundation and (with an optional module) channel section spacing. It leads the way in implementing the most recent revisions of BS EN 12899-1, the passive safety standard BS EN 12767, and the wind loading code BS EN 1991-1-4, and contains comprehensive data from all leading suppliers of supports and other sign components.

It is certified for CE or UKCA marking of traffic signs, which became compulsory in 2013. SignLoad, the structural design module built into SignPlot, is descibed in more detail on its own page.

Data management and storage

A typical sign requires only a few kilobytes 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 an authority. SignPlot’s search facility allows you to quickly find signs that contain a particular word or symbol. 

Compatability 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. The link with ParkMap, the leading system for making and managing traffic orders, enables parking signs 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, BIM, publishing and sign manufacturing systems. It can import bitmap graphic files for use on signs or on drawing frames. 

Outputs

Output in a wide range of formats

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, BIM and cutting systems (option)

• EPS files for digital printing, publishing and cutting systems

• Bitmap files (PNG, GIF, JPG and BMP) for documents, websites and publishing

• Enhanced metafile (via the Windows clipboard) for transferring vector data to CAD and other Windows software

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 the Transport Scotland Traffic Signs Working Group, and are kept fully informed of national developments. 

Recent delevopments

See these news stories for more details of recently-added features: version 3.6 version 3.7 version 3.75