United States

Department

of Agriculture

Forest Service

Rocky Mountain

Research Station

General Technical Report

RMRS-GTR-40WWW

September 1999

A User Guide for the Sign Sizing

Program

Donna Sheehy

Kurt Krueger

Published exclusively on the World Wide Web

Note: The software mentioned in this publication can only run on the Forest Service IBM

615 using Forest Service protocols for accessing files. This publication contains

information that might be useful in designing signs in general and therefore is being

made available to our customers outside the Agency.
Abstract

Sheehy, Donna; Krueger, Kurt. 1999. A user guide for the sign sizing program. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW.

Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 21 p.

Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs/rmrs_gtr40.pdf

This user guide explains how to use the Forest Service Sign Sizing program. The program calculates the length and

height of a rectangular sign panel for road and trail guide signs. Variable text messages and directional arrows can be

mocked up using U.S. Federal Highway Administration standards. Users can make text or other changes and quickly

determine the effect on sign size and appearance. After the sign is finalized, it can be printed and used for sign ordering.

The sign text, size calculations, and other related information input into the database are saved for future reference.

Keywords: signboards; signposts; design; computer programs; standards

The Authors

Donna Sheehy is an operation and maintenance

engineer for the Northern Region, Regional Office.

Her duties also include acting as the Regional Sign

Coordinator. She is a graduate of the Montana College

of Mineral Science and Technology.

Kurt Krueger is a computer specialist with the Economics Research Work Unit, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Forestry Sciences Laboratory,

Missoula, MT and a research specialist with the University of Montana. His work includes economic and

landscape computer simulation. He is a graduate of

the University of Wisconsin.

Contents

1. Introduction ............................................................1

Purpose ...............................................................1

Background .....................................................1

References ......................................................1

Contacts ..........................................................1

Program Conventions......................................1

2. Signing Overview ...................................................2

Trail Signing .........................................................2

Signing Rules ..................................................2

Messages ........................................................2

Message Sequence.........................................2

Layout..............................................................2

Sign Size .........................................................2

Road Signing .......................................................2

Signing Rules ..................................................2

Messages ........................................................2

Layout..............................................................3

Sign Size .........................................................3

Letter Size ...........................................................3

Arrows ................................................................3

Arrow and Mileage Sequence .........................3

Special Cases .................................................3

Mileage Layout ....................................................4

3. Getting Started .......................................................5

Downloading the Program ...................................5

Adjusting the Settings ..........................................5

Creating the Shortcut ...........................................5

Accessing the Program .......................................5

Using the Sign Sizing Program ............................5

Screen Layout .................................................6

The Sign Design Screen .................................6

Program Button Bar.........................................6

Text Entry Blocks ............................................7

Mileage Entry Blocks .......................................7

Left and Right Arrow Buttons ..........................7

Calculation Screen ..........................................7

View Screen ....................................................8

Info Screen ......................................................9

4. Exercises..............................................................10

Exercise 1—Designing a New Sign ...................10

Exercise 2—Modifying an Existing Sign ............21

USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW. 1999

Sign Sizing Program—Version 1.00—Rev. 7/99
1 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW. 1999

Sign Sizing Program—Version 1.00—Rev. 7/99

1. Introduction __________________

Purpose

The Sign Sizing Program is a tool that allows the

user to design and calculate the length, height, and

area of a sign panel for road and trail guide signs that

contain variable messages.

(The program can only run on the Forest Service

IBM 615 using Forest Service protocols for accessing

files.)

Background

The original PC program eliminated the tedious

task of adding the horizontal dimensions of all the

letters, numbers, arrows, characters and spaces for

each line of text on a proposed sign. This process, done

by hand, usually resulted in a high level of frustration

and was time consuming. With the arrival of the DG,

the program was enhanced and converted to run on

the DG system. With the advent of the IBM system,

the program was converted back to a PC system using

Fox Pro.

The program allows the user to:

• Design a concise, precise, and

balanced sign.

• Rapidly rerun text changes.

• Change height dimensions of the panel by trying

more or less lines of text.

• Compare text line lengths to determine where

abbreviations would shorten the panel length.

• View and print the final sign.

• Store any sign for future use.

The program cannot:

• Check spelling or abbreviations.

• Accept different letter sizes on the same sign.

• Automatically center lines of text.

The program checks:

• Correct arrow sequence.

• Arrow placement in a line of text.

References

This publication provides a summary of Forest

Service signing guidelines to aid the user in using the

Sign Sizing Program. For more detailed information

regarding Forest Service sign standards, refer to:

U. S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Engineering Staff.

August 1998. Sign and Poster Guidelines for the Forest Service.

EM-7100-15. Washington, DC.

Contacts

Any questions regarding the program may be referred to Donna Sheehy, R1 Sign Coordinator at

406-329-3312 (dsheehy/r1) or Kurt Krueger, Computer Programmer at 406-542-3243 (kkrueger/

rmrs,missoula).

Program Conventions

The program accepts ONLY the following characters:

Alphabet A through Z - upper case

Numbers 0 through 9

Standard punctuation including:

, . / : ; ‘ - $ & @

Entering other characters results in an error message.

The program uses the following conventions for

reflectorized road and motorized trail signs. Other

reflectorized signs, such as warning and regulatory,

have different margin and line to line dimensions.

• Letter, numeral, and spacing widths are based on

Series “C” of the U. S. Deparment of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Office of

Traffic Operations. 1966. Standard Alphabets for

Highway Signs.

• Spacing for top, bottom, and end margins = 3⁄4 of

the capital letter height.

• Spacing between lines = 1⁄2 of the capital letter

height.

• Spacing between words and characters = 4 times

the letter stroke width.

• Fraction length = 11⁄2 of the capital letter height.

• Combination, horizontal and slanted arrow length

= 11⁄4 of the capital letter height.

• Vertical arrow length = the capital letter height.

The program uses the following conventions for

non-reflectorized ( non-motorized trail) signs. Dimensioning is for signs with 1 inch letters. Routed

signs with 2 inch letters or more will will have proportional margin and line spacing requirements.

• Letter and numeral height defaults to 1 inch -

standard for routed trail signs.

• Letter, numeral, and stroke widths are 1⁄4 of the

FHWA standard for 4 inch series “C” letters used

for reflectorized signs.

• Letter to letter and numeral to numeral spacing is

1⁄2 of the FHWA standard for 4 inch series “C” used

for reflectorized signs.

• Spacing for top, bottom, and end margins = 2

inches.

• Spacing between lines = 1 inch.

• Spacing between words and characters = 1 inch.

• Fraction length = 11⁄2 inches.

• Combination, horizontal and slanted arrow length

= 2 inches.

• Vertical arrow width = 1 inch.

• Word/numeral to combination, slanted and horizontal arrow = 1 inch.

• Vertical arrow to word/numeral spacing = 2 inches.
2 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW. 1999

Sign Sizing Program—Version 1.00—Rev. 7/99

2. Signing Overview _____________

Trail Signing

Guide signs are used to identify the trail route and

its associated directions, and for guidance to and from

destinations along the trail. The following rules are

from the U. S. Forest Service “Sign and Poster Guidelines for the Forest Service” cited in the Introduction.

Signing Rules

1. Identify all trail legs at all forest development

trail junctions with guide signs. (Exception: do not

identify trail legs on which traffic is discouraged,

prohibited, or against one-way traffic flow.)

2. Identification of destinations on guide signs is

generally optional. However, if a destination has been

identified on a guide sign, it must be identified on all

subsequent guide signs along the trail until the destination is reached. Distances shall be used when showing any destination.

3. Identify destinations named on guide signs.

4. Use only names and numbers that appear on the

most current visitor or trail map.

Messages

1. Required:

Route identification (trail name and number) and its

direction(s).

Exit signing: as a minimum, show the direction and

distance to the trailhead or trail access at the first

junction from the trailhead or access point.

2. Optional:

Point destinations including recreation sites, geographic features, junctions with other trails or roads,

and administrative sites. Show mileages as fractions

to the nearest 1/4, 1/2 or 3/4 mile for destinations up to

3 miles. After 3 miles, round to the nearest mile. Use

decimal kilometers up to 1 kilometer (0.1-0.9). Distance shall be rounded to the nearest kilometer (with

no decimal) after 1 kilometer.

Abbreviate where message length causes excessive

sign length and where the abbreviation cannot be

misunderstood. Use standard abbreviations found in

Chapter 2 of EM-7100-15.

Message Sequence

1. At a destination, center name of destination.

2. First trail route identification and its

direction(s) - based on proper arrow sequence.

3. Destinations and mileages for features on or

accessed by the first trail.

4. Second trail route identification and its

direction(s) - again - based on proper arrow sequence.

5. Destinations and mileages for features on or

accessed by second trail.

Layout

Text lines and arrows for trails and destinations are

to be left justified first and then right justified, if

possible.

Do not align trail numbers and trail mileages in the

same column - offset mileage left or right under the

trail number.

Sign Size

Routed signs. Recommend up to 4 lines of text - do not

exceed 5 lines.

Reflectorized signs. Recommend up to 3 lines of text -

do not exceed 4 lines.

Road Signing

Guide signs on roads inform drivers of sites located

some distance ahead and provide reliable information

on distances to those destinations.

Signing Rules

1. Sign all junctions between a first destination

guide sign and the destination. It is important that

each successive sign along the road continue to carry

a destination until it is reached. Distances shall be

used when showing any destination.

2. After signing a user to a destination, exit destination should be provided at each decision point back to

the starting point.

3. Identify destinations named on guide signs.

4. Use only names and numbers that appear on the

most current visitor map.

Messages

1. Required:

Route identification (Route Markers) and its

direction(s).

2. Optional:

Point destinations and their associated mileages.

These can include recreation sites, geographic features, junctions with other roads or trails, and administrative sites. Show mileages as fractions to the nearest 1/4, 1/2 or 3/4 mile for destinations up to 1 mile.

After 1 mile, round to the nearest mile.

Abbreviate where message length causes excessive

sign length and where the abbreviation cannot be
3 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW. 1999

Sign Sizing Program—Version 1.00—Rev. 7/99

misunderstood. Use standard abbreviations found in

Chapter 2 of EM-7100-15.

Layout

Text lines and arrows for destinations are to be left

justified first and then right justified if possible.

Sign Size

Reflectorized signs. Recommend up to 3 lines of text -

do not exceed 4 lines as a maximum.

Letter Size

Letter size is dependent on the speed of the traffic

type on the road or trail. Use the following minimum

letter sizes when designing guide signs. The program

will default to 4" letters for roads and 1" letters for nonmotorized trails.

Maintenance Level 3, 4 and 5 roads:

More than 50 m.p.h. 6" letters

35 to 50 m.p.h. 5" letters

less than 35 m.p.h. 4" letters

20 m.p.h. and less 3" letters

within developed sites

Maintenance Level 2 roads:

More than 20 m.p.h. Same as above

20 m.p.h. and less 3" letters

Motorized trails:

More than 25 m.p.h. 3" letters

25 m.p.h. and less 2" letters

Non-Motorized trails:

All 1" letters

Arrows

Arrow placement on signs is extremely critical to the

functionality of the sign. As a general rule, directional

arrows should be horizontal or vertical, but at irregular intersections, an oblique arrow may convey a

clearer indication of the direction to be followed. In

some cases, especially trail junctions, combinations of

arrows may be needed. Arrow placement controls the

sequence first, then mileages.

Arrow and Mileage Sequence

Standard arrow sequence with mileages is as

follows:

1. Straight ahead (vertical) arrows, lowest mileage first.

2. Left arrows, lowest mileage first.

3. Right arrows, lowest mileage first

Arrows pointing straight ahead and to the left shall

be to the extreme left of the line of text, while arrows

pointing to the right shall be to the extreme right of the

text. These principles and guidelines are illustrated in

Figure 2.1.

Figure 2.1.—Standard Arrow Placement

Special Cases

Trail signs require that the trail route identification

and its direction(s) be signed first and then the

destinations associated with that trail. “L” junctions

will require combinations of arrows that are an exception to the standard rules. These are illustrated in

Figures 2.2 and 2.3.

Figure 2.2. Right “L” Junction—This sign requires that the

destination to the right be signed before signing the trail leg and

destinations to the left (use the override left arrow in the

program).

Figure 2.3. Left “L” Junction—This sign requires that the

vertical arrow be placed on the right (use the override up arrow

in the program) and if signing a straight ahead destination, the

up arrow will be under the left arrow.

COULEE GULCH 10

MIDDLE FORK TRHD. 7

MIDDLE FORK RANCH 5

COULEE TR. NO. 424

COULEE GULCH 5

MIDDLE FK. TR. NO. 437

MIDDLE FORK TRHD. 5

COULEE GULCH 5

COULEE TR. NO. 424

MIDDLE FK. TR. NO. 437

MIDDLE FORK TRHD. 5
4 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW. 1999

Sign Sizing Program—Version 1.00—Rev. 7/99

Mileage Layout

There are three options for displaying mileage on

signs:

a. Mileage for up and left directions may be aligned

in the same column with the right arrows as shown

below. Hint - use the mileage right justify option in

the Right Arrow selection.

b. All mileage may be placed in a single column

before the arrows on the right - use the mileage entry

boxes.

c. Mileage may be entered with the text line. Remember - on trail signs - mileage is not to be in the

same column as the trail numbers.

COULEE TR. NO. 424

MIDDLE FK. TR. NO. 437

MIDDLE FORK TRHD. 5

COULEE TR. NO. 424

MIDDLE FK. TR. NO. 437

MIDDLE FORK TRHD. 5

MIDDLE FORK RANCH 5

COULEE TR. NO. 424

MIDDLE FK. TR. NO. 437

MIDDLE FORK TRHD. 5

W FK. RANCH 5
5 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW. 1999

Sign Sizing Program—Version 1.00—Rev. 7/99

3. Getting Started ________________________________________________

Downloading the Program

The sign-sizing program is designed to run on the Forest Service IBM 615 using Forest Service protocols for

accessing files in a predetermined directory structure.

Installation instructions and program files are available on the Region 1 Web site (Library - Software -

Distribution - Engineering). The sign sizing program, a PC Windows application, is on the IBM 615 mainframe

in two folders (j:/files/office/engineer/sign_siz and j:/fsapps/fsprod/engineering/sign_sizing). Executing the installation procedure from the web site requires a Database Administrator and an IBM compatible PC, not a “dumb

terminal.” Once the folders and data files are installed on the PC, the user can adjust settings and create a

shortcut. The program is then ready to run.

Adjusting the Settings

In order for this program to be viewed properly, the computer settings may need to be adjusted.

• Go to the START button on the lower left of the pop up bar at the bottom of the screen.

• Click on SETTINGS, then click on CONTROL PANEL.

• Double click on the DISPLAY Icon.

• Select the SETTINGS folder.

• Change the FONT SIZE from large fonts to small fonts.

• Change the Display Area from 1280 x 1024 to 1024 x 768.

• Click on OK. Windows will restart.

The settings may be changed back after completion of your sign sizing session or left as is. Most of the IBM

operations will run with these settings, with the exception of ORACLE Forms in Exceed.

Creating the Shortcut

• Go to folder where SIGN.EXE is located using WINDOWS EXPLORER. Select START Button, then

PROGRAMS. j:\fsapps\fsprod\engineering\sign_sizing

• Right click on SIGN.EXE. Select “Create Shortcut” from the menu. There will be a message: “Windows cannot

create a shortcut here. Do you want shortcut to be placed on the desktop Y/N?” Select “Y”. This will create

a new entry “Shortcut to Sign.exe” in your DESKTOP folder.

• Still using EXPLORER go to C:\WINDOWS\DESKTOP (not all Forest Service IBMs have this - if you don’t

just go to the desktop). Highlight SHORTCUT TO SIGN.EXE. Right click on RENAME and change the name

to “SIGN_DESIGN”. Right click again and select “Cut”.

• Still using EXPLORER go to C:\WINDOWS\START MENU\PROGRAMS and activate this folder. Right

click on the mouse on the RIGHT side of the EXPLORER screen. Select “Paste” from the Menu. Your Sign

Design shortcut should appear.

• Test that SIGN_DESIGN will appear by selecting START from your bottom task bar. Follow the menu

through PROGRAMS and see if SIGN_DESIGN appears.

Accessing the Program

To access the executable program on your PC, press the START button on the lower left of the pop up bar at

the bottom of the screen. Go to PROGRAMS and select the program name from the list of available applications.

Click on the name and the program will open to the main Sign Design Screen.

Using the Sign Sizing Program

Screen Layout

The sign sizing program consists of the following four screens:

• The Sign Design Screen

• The Calculation Screen

• The View Screen

• The Info Screen
6 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW. 1999

Sign Sizing Program—Version 1.00—Rev. 7/99

The Sign Design Screen

The Sign Design Screen is the main entry screen for the program. It contains menu bars, text and mileage entry

blocks, arrow select buttons, and other miscellaneous buttons needed for the operation of the program. These are

shown below.

Figure 3.1—The Sign Design Screen

Program Button Bar

The Program Button Bar contains buttons which provide specific program functions. Some of these buttons will

move to the view or calculation screens that are related to the Sign Design Screen.

Right

Arrow

Buttons

Program

Button

Bar

Mileage

Entry

Blocks

Text Entry

Blocks

Left

Arrow

Buttons

Arrow 1

Arrow 2

View Adjustment

Ltr Size

Road Trail

1.00

Current Sign Number: 0 Right Side

Arrows

Old New Save View Info Calc Print Done

Arrow 3

Arrow 4

Arrow 5

0 Past Text

0 With Text More Lines

Arrow 1

Arrow 2

Arrow 3

Arrow 4

Arrow 5

Displays the files

of all existing signs

in the database

Saves any new or

changed sign to

the data base as a

new sign or

replacement

Allows input to the

information screen

(location, substrates,

notes, etc.)

Ends the work session

and exits the program

Allows the creation of

new signs which can be

added to the database

Displays the view of

the completed sign

Displays the calculated

measurements of the

completed sign message

and its associated arrows,

mileages, and all margins

Old New Save View Info Calc Print Done

Prints a hard copy

of the sign
7 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW. 1999

Sign Sizing Program—Version 1.00—Rev. 7/99

Text Entry Blocks

This area allows the user to enter the lines of text with the appropriate messages for the sign.

Mileage Entry Blocks

This area allows the user to enter mileage with the appropriate text for the sign.

Left and Right Arrow Buttons

The Left and Right Arrow Buttons allow the user to select the placement of arrows with the appropriate lines

of text. The selection of arrows is dependent on the correct arrow sequence and on any arrows previously selected.

Depending on the choices made, the available sequence of arrows will change. In addition, on the right side, a

choice is available for mileages to be entered in the same column as the right arrows. ( Note: When using the

override arrows, the “O” will not print on the final printout.)

Left Sequence Right Sequence

None None

<^ Up/Left Combination ^> Up/Right Combination

^ Up Arrow O^ Override Up Arrow (“L” Junction only)

\ Angled Left Arrow / Angled Right Arrow

< Left Arrow > Right Arrow

O< Override Left Arrow Mileage Right Justify

Calculation Screen

The calculation screen displays all the measurements for the sign message and the final dimensions including

all margins. These measurements are explained in detail in Exercise 1.

Figure 3.2—The Calculation Screen

^ COULEE TR. NO. 424

< MIDDLE FK. TR. NO. 437 >

< MIDDLE FORK TRHD. 5

MIDDLE FORK RANCH 5 >

^ COULEE TR. NO. 424 total: 17.5025

3.0 6.0 2.9 3.1 2.4 text = 17.5

< MIDDLE FK. TR. NO. 437 > total: 23.7275

3.0 5.9 2.9 2.9 3.1 2.4 text = 20.18 sp= 0.55 sp= 1.0 ar= 2.0

< MIDDLE FORK TRHD. 5 total: 23.7325

3.0 5.9 4.3 3.9 text= 17.12 sp=3.61 sp=2.45 ar=0.55

MIDDLE FORK RANCH 5 > total: 24.2850

5.9 4.3 4.2 text= 14.49 sp= 6.25 num=0.55 sp= 1.0 ar= 2.0

The size of the sign is: 29 by 11 Letter Size: 1.0

Sign Handbook Number: TD-4-1

Recommended number of sign posts: 1
8 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW. 1999

Sign Sizing Program—Version 1.00—Rev. 7/99

View Screen

The View Screen shows a precise view of the final layout, including columns for mileages and arrows.

Figure 3.3—The View Screen

Arrow 1

Arrow 2

View Adjustment

Ltr Size

Road Trail

1.00

Current Sign Number: 1 Right Side

Arrows

Old New Save View Info Calc Print Done

Arrow 3

Arrow 4

Arrow 5

0 Past Text

0 With Text More Lines

Arrow 1

Arrow 2

Arrow 3

Arrow 4

Arrow 5

COULEE TR .NO. 424

MIDDLE FK. TR. NO. 437

MIDDLE FORK TRHD.

<

<

<

MIDDLE FORK RANCH 5 >

5

>

COULEE TR. NO. 424

MIDDLE FK. TR. NO. 437

MIDDLE FORK TRHD.

MIDDLE FORK RANCH

^

<

>

5

5

>

<

29 by 11
9 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW. 1999

Sign Sizing Program—Version 1.00—Rev. 7/99

Info Screen

Additional information may be added about the sign, its location, color, material, cost, etc., on the Info Screen.

This information is optional, however, the screen should be viewed in order for the print routine to work correctly.

Figure 3.4—The Information Screen

Road/trail Name and Number

Number of Panels

Est Cost/Sq Ft

Initials

Internal File Name 1 O Road O Trail

Station/Mile Post

Information 1

Information 2

Information 3

Information 4

Substrate

Color

of

Sign

Return

Current

Color

Coulee Trail Number 424

Mile Post 3.5

Mount on right side of trail

Use 4x4 treated wood post

Mount 5 feet above trail tread

Use vandal proof hardware

White oak

Routed black legend/natural background

Routed natural legend/natural background

Other

Routed black legend/natural background

1

14.00

DMS
10 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW. 1999

Sign Sizing Program—Version 1.00—Rev. 7/99

4. Exercises ____________________________________________________

Exercise 1—Designing a New Sign

Step 1 From the Sign Design Screen, select the NEW Button from the Program Button Bar. The

program will assign a sequential sign number to the sign being designed. The current sign

number is displayed at the bottom of the Sign Design Screen.

Step 2 Select ROAD or TRAIL Button. Road sign will default to 4 inch letters. Trail sign will

default to 1 inch letters. Letter size is shown in inches to the right of the LETTER SIZE Button.

Road or Trail selection will default to the one last used.

Step 3 Select LETTER SIZE Button if desired size is different from default value. Double click to

make selection from scrolling numbers.

Step 4 Begin at first line of text entry blocks. Type in sign messages - capital letters only. Press

ENTER after typing each line of text on the sign. The screen allows for 5 lines of text. If

additional lines of text are needed, press ENTER after the fifth line to activate the MORE

LINES Button in the lower left of the screen. Press button and enter text. Press Done to

return to main screen. A total of 10 lines can be designed on a sign.

Arrow 1

Arrow 2

View Adjustment

Ltr Size

Road Trail

1.00

Current Sign Number: 1 Right Side

Arrows

Old New Save View Info Calc Print Done

Arrow 3

Arrow 4

Arrow 5

0 Past Text

0 With Text More Lines

Arrow 1

Arrow 2

Arrow 3

Arrow 4

Arrow 5

COULEE TR .NO. 424

MIDDLE FK. TR. NO. 437

MIDDLE FORK TRHD.

MIDDLE FORK RANCH

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4
11 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW. 1999

Sign Sizing Program—Version 1.00—Rev. 7/99

Step 5 Left Arrow Selections: First select the LEFT ARROW Buttons on the left side of the entry

screen for each line of text needing a left arrow. An Arrow Dialog box will appear. Double Click

on the appropriate selection. Arrow symbols will be displayed below the Arrow Buttons.

Step 6 Right Arrow Selections: After entering the left arrows, select the RIGHT ARROW

Buttons on the right side of the entry screen using the mouse. Exception: when at trail “L”

junctions as described in Chapter 2, select both left and right arrows on the first line before

proceeding with next line. Depending on the sign design, right arrows may be aligned under

the text of the longest line or past the text of the longest line. Select the Right Side Arrows

PAST TEXT or WITH TEXT option at the bottom right of the screen.

Arrow 1

Arrow 2

View Adjustment

Ltr Size

Road Trail

1.00

Current Sign Number: 1 Right Side

Arrows

Old New Save View Info Calc Print Done

Arrow 3

Arrow 4

Arrow 5

0 Past Text

0 With Text More Lines

Arrow 1

Arrow 2

Arrow 3

Arrow 4

Arrow 5

COULEE TR .NO. 424

MIDDLE FK. TR. NO. 437

MIDDLE FORK TRHD.

<

<

<

MIDDLE FORK RANCH >

>

None

Up/left arrow

Up Arrow

Angled Left Arrow

Left Arrow

Arrow Name

Step 6 Step 5

Left Arrow

Dialog Box
12 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW. 1999

Sign Sizing Program—Version 1.00—Rev. 7/99

Step 7a Mileages with Right Arrows: Mileages for up and left destinations may be aligned in the

same column with the right arrows. Select the RIGHT ARROW Button on the right side of

the entry screen for line 3 using the mouse. (Notice that when the Right Arrow Dialog box

appears, there are limited arrow options due to the fact that the right arrow was selected in

line 2. This selection eliminated the Up/Right , Override Up and Slanted Arrows from further

selection as this would violate the arrow sequence rules.)

Step 7b Select the Mileage Right Justify option from the Right Arrow Dialog Box. The user is asked

to “Enter the mileage you wish to right justify.” Press ENTER after inputting the mileage

figure. The number will appear in the space below the Right Arrow Button.

Arrow 1

Arrow 2

View Adjustment

Ltr Size

Road Trail

1.00

Current Sign Number: 1 Right Side

Arrows

Old New Save View Info Calc Print Done

Arrow 3

Arrow 4

Arrow 5

0 Past Text

0 With Text More Lines

Arrow 1

Arrow 2

Arrow 3

Arrow 4

Arrow 5

COULEE TR .NO. 424

MIDDLE FK. TR. NO. 437

MIDDLE FORK TRHD.

<

<

<

MIDDLE FORK RANCH >

>

None

Right Arrow

Mileage Right Justify

Arrow Name

Step 7a

Step 7b

Right Arrow

Dialog Box

5
13 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW. 1999

Sign Sizing Program—Version 1.00—Rev. 7/99

Step 8 Mileages before Right Arrows: Mileages for all destinations may be aligned in a single

column before the right arrows. Select the MILEAGE ENTRY BLOCK on the right side of

the entry screen for line 4. Type in the mileage figure and press ENTER.

Arrow 1

Arrow 2

View Adjustment

Ltr Size

Road Trail

1.00

Current Sign Number: 1 Right Side

Arrows

Old New Save View Info Calc Print Done

Arrow 3

Arrow 4

Arrow 5

0 Past Text

0 With Text More Lines

Arrow 1

Arrow 2

Arrow 3

Arrow 4

Arrow 5

COULEE TR .NO. 424

MIDDLE FK. TR. NO. 437

MIDDLE FORK TRHD.

<

<

<

MIDDLE FORK RANCH >

>

Step 8

5

5
14 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW. 1999

Sign Sizing Program—Version 1.00—Rev. 7/99

Step 9 Mileages with text: Mileages for any destination may be entered with the line of text. Use

the character “@” for spacing the mileage number over to its placement in the line of text.

These characters will not show when printing. Remember - on trail signs - mileage is not to

be in the same column as the trail numbers. Note that in this example, line 4 does not have

a left arrow and will be left justified under the arrows in the previous lines. Therefore

additional space was required to avoid placing the mileage figure under the trail numbers.

The View Screen will show this adjustment.

Arrow 1

Arrow 2

View Adjustment

Ltr Size

Road Trail

1.00

Current Sign Number: 1 Right Side

Arrows

Old New Save View Info Calc Print Done

Arrow 3

Arrow 4

Arrow 5

0 Past Text

0 With Text More Lines

Arrow 1

Arrow 2

Arrow 3

Arrow 4

Arrow 5

COULEE TR .NO. 424

MIDDLE FK. TR. NO. 437

MIDDLE FORK TRHD.

<

<

<

MIDDLE FORK RANCH @ @ @ 5 >

>

Step 9

5
15 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW. 1999

Sign Sizing Program—Version 1.00—Rev. 7/99

Step 10 Calculation Screen: After completing the sign message, arrows and mileages, select the

CALC Button from the Program Button Bar. This will calculate all the measurements for

the sign message and determine the final dimensions with all margins. Calculations are

carried out to four decimal places although only the first is shown on the dimension lines.

Therefore, the total may be higher than the sum of the individual numbers using only the one

decimal place. Click anywhere on the Calculation Screen to return to the Sign Design Screen.

The calculation must be performed before printing.

^ COULEE TR. NO. 424

< MIDDLE FK. TR. NO. 437 >

< MIDDLE FORK TRHD. 5

MIDDLE FORK RANCH 5 >

^ COULEE TR. NO. 424 total: 17.5025

3.0 6.0 2.9 3.1 2.4 text = 17.5

< MIDDLE FK. TR. NO. 437 > total: 23.7275

3.0 5.9 2.9 2.9 3.1 2.4 text = 20.18 sp= 0.55 sp= 1.0 ar= 2.0

< MIDDLE FORK TRHD. 5 total: 23.7325

3.0 5.9 4.3 3.9 text= 17.12 sp=3.61 sp=2.45 ar=0.55

MIDDLE FORK RANCH 5 > total: 24.2850

5.9 4.3 4.2 text= 14.49 sp= 6.25 num=0.55 sp= 1.0 ar= 2.0

The size of the sign is: 29 by 11 Letter Size: 1.0

Sign Handbook Number: TD-4-1

Recommended number of sign posts: 1
16 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW. 1999

Sign Sizing Program—Version 1.00—Rev. 7/99

Understanding dimensioning is important in designing signs. Using the Program Conventions in Chapter 1, lets

look at some of the line measurements in detail. This sign has 1-inch letters so all calculations are based on trail

conventions for 1-inch letters.

For further study, refer to the “Standard Alphabets for Highway Signs”, FHWA, 1966 Edition, page 26, which lists

all of the letter and numeral widths and space requirements used in the above calculations.

Line 4: MIDDLE FORK RANCH 5 > total 24.2850

 5.9 4.3 4.2 text= 14.49 sp 6.25 number 0.55 sp= 1.0 ar= 2.0

Line 1: ^ COULEE TR. NO. 424 total 17.5025

 3.0 6.0 2.9 3.1 2.4 text= 17.5

The width of the vertical arrow is 1inch.

The space to "COULEE" is 2.0 inches

for a total of 3.0.

The word "COULEE" is 5.0175 inches.

The space to "TR." is 1.0 inches

for a rounded total of 6.0.

The word "TR." is 1.9425 inches.

The space to "NO." is 1.0 inches

for a rounded total of 2.9.

The word "NO." is 2.105 inches.

The space to "424" is 1.0 inches

for a rounded total of 3.1.

The number "424" is 2.4375 inches.

Total text length is 17.4995 inches.

The horizontal arrow

is 2.0 inches.

The space between the

number and the arrow

is 1.0 inches.

The number "5" is 0.55 inches.

The space between the end

of text and the mileage

is 6.25 inches.

The word "RANCH" is

4.24 inches.

The word "FORK" is 3.3475 inches.

The space to "RANCH" is 1.0 inches

for a rounded total of 4.3.

The word "MIDDLE" is 4.8975 inches.

The space to "FORK." is 1.0 inches

for a rounded total of 5.9.

Total line length.
17 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW. 1999

Sign Sizing Program—Version 1.00—Rev. 7/99

 Step 11 View Screen: After calculating all the measurements and final dimensions for the sign,

select the VIEW button from the Program Button Bar for a precise view of the final layout.

Readjust or change the message as necessary until the desired result is obtained. If the right

arrows or mileage column appear too close to or too far from the text, the view may be adjusted

without affecting the measurements. Double click on the VIEW ADJUSTMENT button in

the lower right side of the screen and double click on the number selected from the scrolling

list of values. Minus numbers will move the mileage and arrow columns closer to the text;

positive numbers will move them farther away from the text. Click on VIEW to see the results

again. Click anywhere on the screen to return to the Sign Design Screen.

Arrow 1

Arrow 2

View Adjustment

Ltr Size

Road Trail

1.00

Current Sign Number: 1 Right Side

Arrows

Old New Save View Info Calc Print Done

Arrow 3

Arrow 4

Arrow 5

0 Past Text

0 With Text More Lines

Arrow 1

Arrow 2

Arrow 3

Arrow 4

Arrow 5

COULEE TR .NO. 424

MIDDLE FK. TR. NO. 437

MIDDLE FORK TRHD.

<

<

<

MIDDLE FORK RANCH 5 >

5

>

COULEE TR. NO. 424

MIDDLE FK. TR. NO. 437

MIDDLE FORK TRHD.

MIDDLE FORK RANCH

^

<

>

5

5

>

<

29 by 11
18 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW. 1999

Sign Sizing Program—Version 1.00—Rev. 7/99

Step 12 Info Screen: After the sign is designed, additional information may be added about the sign

including its location and material. Select the INFO Button from the Program Button Bar

and enter any of the desired optional information. Use ENTER to move through the fields.

Sign Color has a list of values. Use ENTER or single click on the “.f.”to activate the list and

double click on the selected color. Click on the RETURN Button to move back to the Sign

Design Screen. The Info Screen must be activated to print.

Road/trail Name and Number

Number of Panels

Est Cost/Sq Ft

Initials

Internal File Name 1 O Road O Trail

Station/Mile Post

Information 1

Information 2

Information 3

Information 4

Substrate

Color

of

Sign

Return

Current

Color

Coulee Trail Number 424

Mile Post 3.5

Mount on right side of trail

Use 4x4 treated wood post

Mount 5 feet above trail tread

Use vandal proof hardware

White oak

Routed black legend/natural background

Routed natural legend/natural background

Other

Routed black legend/natural background

1

14.00

DMS
19 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW. 1999

Sign Sizing Program—Version 1.00—Rev. 7/99

Step 13 After completing the sign design, select the SAVE Button from the Program Button Bar.

This will commit the sign to the file and make it available for future use.

Step 14 To print the sign, select the PRINT Button from the Program Button Bar. A sample print

layout is shown in Figure 4.1 on page 20. Remember - Info and Calculation Screens must

have been activated in order to print.

Step 15 If all sign designs are completed, select the DONE button from the Program Button Bar

to exit the program.

Step 16 To do another sign, go back to Step 1. Road or Trail selection and letter size will default to the

one used for the previous sign.

Arrow 1

Arrow 2

View Adjustment

Ltr Size

Road Trail

1.00

Current Sign Number: 1 Right Side

Arrows

Old New Save View Info Calc Print Done

Arrow 3

Arrow 4

Arrow 5

0 Past Text

0 With Text More Lines

Arrow 1

Arrow 2

Arrow 3

Arrow 4

Arrow 5

COULEE TR .NO. 424

MIDDLE FK. TR. NO. 437

MIDDLE FORK TRHD.

<

<

<

MIDDLE FORK RANCH >

>

Step 13

5

5

Step 14 Step 15
20 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW. 1999

Sign Sizing Program—Version 1.00—Rev. 7/99

SIGN SIZING PROGRAM 10/20/98

Coulee Trail Number 424 T/R: Trail Internal Sign #:

Letter Size: 1:00 Sign Handbook Number: TD-4-1 1

Color: Routed black legend on natural bkgrnd

Substrate: White oak

Mount on right side of trail

Use 4x4 treated wood post

Mount 5 feet above trail tread

Use vandal proof hardware

^ COULEE TR. NO. 424

< MIDDLE FK. TR. NO. 437 >

< MIDDLE FORK TRHD. 5

MIDDLE FORK RANCH 5 >

Sign Size: 11 by 28 Square Ft: 2.15

Number of sign posts: 1

Cost/Panel: 29.96 Panels: 1 Total Cost: 29.96 DMS

Text: 17.5

Text: 20.2

Text: 17.1

Text: 14.5

Figure 4.1—The Print Layout
21 USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-40WWW. 1999

Sign Sizing Program—Version 1.00—Rev. 7/99

Exercise 2—Modifying an Existing Sign

Step 1 Select the OLD Button from Program Button Bar. The program will search for an existing

sign under three options.

Step 1a Option 1: Name/Number Search. The program will search for the sign based on the

information contained within the Road/Trail Name and Number field in the INFO

Screen. Any number of signs may be assigned the same identifier and the search will locate

all of the signs. Enter the parameters of the search criteria and press ENTER.

Step 1b Option 2: Internal Number. The program provides a sequential numbered list of all the

signs contained in the file along with the first line of text. Double click on the selected sign from

the scrolling field.

Step 1c Option 3: Next Sign. The program will select the sign that follows the existing sign being

viewed.

Step 2 Make any desired changes to any of the sign fields. Use the same steps for designing a new

sign. Press CALC before viewing even if no changes are made. Changes may be saved to the

existing file or as a new sign.

Step 1

Arrow 1

Arrow 2

View Adjustment

Ltr Size

Road Trail

1.00

Current Sign Number: 0 Right Side

Arrows

Old New Save View Info Calc Print Done

Arrow 3

Arrow 4

Arrow 5

0 Past Text

0 With Text More Lines

Arrow 1

Arrow 2

Arrow 3

Arrow 4

Arrow 5
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its

programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion,

age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status.

(Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who

require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large

print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600

(voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,

Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington,

DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN RESEARCH STATION

RMRS

The Rocky Mountain Research Station develops scientific information and technology to improve management, protection, and use of

the forests and rangelands. Research is designed to meet the needs

of National Forest managers, Federal and State agencies, public and

private organizations, academic institutions, industry, and individuals.

Studies accelerate solutions to problems involving ecosystems,

range, forests, water, recreation, fire, resource inventory, land reclamation, community sustainability, forest engineering technology,

multiple use economics, wildlife and fish habitat, and forest insects

and diseases. Studies are conducted cooperatively, and applications

may be found worldwide.

Research Locations

Flagstaff, Arizona Reno, Nevada

Fort Collins, Colorado* Albuquerque, New Mexico

Boise, Idaho Rapid City, South Dakota

Moscow, Idaho Logan, Utah

Bozeman, Montana Ogden, Utah

Missoula, Montana Provo, Utah

Lincoln, Nebraska Laramie, Wyoming

*Station Headquarters, 240 West Prospect Road, Fort Collins, CO 80526