"Sight" Survey   (SS47)

Create a Large Format Plot File (.PLT) without a Plotter

Can you create a .PLT file from Sight Survey that can be sent to a print shop for plotting?

Yes, it can be done. Essentially, what you have to do is install an HP printer driver capable of HPGL/2 to your computer. You can add this driver even if you don't have an HP printer attached to your system. When (or after) installing the driver, set the printer port to FILE. (Select Start > Settings > Control Panel > Printers  - right click on the HP printer, select Properties. Select Ports and change it there.)

When you plot a drawing, select the HP as your printer. It will ask for a file name and path. Give it a name and use a .PLT extension. Give the resulting file to the service bureau and they should be able to print it by copying the file to the plotter using DOS command similar to:  Copy C:\Plotfile.plt LPT1  where C:\Plotfile.plt is the location and name of the file, and LPT1 is the port location of the plotter.  There is a single space between the filename and plotter port location.

You can get a printer driver from hp.com. Make sure you get the right driver for your Windows version. 

© 2008 by Carlson Software, Inc.   Last modified November 18, 2008