Overview
Span Linking combines the functionality of Collection Linking and the Copy from Existing Span tool into a single streamlined workflow. When you create a Span Link between two poles, IKE Office automatically copies span data from the source pole to the target pole, eliminating redundant data entry and reducing the risk of inconsistencies between associated spans.
What's New
The Collection Link button within Span-type subforms has been renamed to Span Link. In addition to creating the link between poles, it now also:
- Creates a two-way link between the source and target pole
- Copies span subform data from the source span to the new span on the target pole
- Automatically creates a new collection revision on the target pole with a "Span Link" revision note
Subform Type Requirement
Span Linking is only available when your collection form uses the dedicated Span subform type. If your form uses a custom (non-specific) span subform instead, the standard Collection Link tool will be available in its place.
The Span subform type is used automatically in:
- The IKE Base Form
- Recently generated PLA forms (since Span subform was released in IKE Office v2.35.0)
If you are working with an existing PLA form that uses a custom span subform (Type = None), you can update it in the Form Builder:
- Open your form in the Form Builder.
- Select the Span subform.
- Under the Type dropdown, select Span.
Note: If you are unsure whether your form is using the correct subform type, check with your administrator or review your form configuration in the Form Builder before attempting to create Span Links.
What Gets Copied
When a Span Link is created, the following data is copied from the source span into the new span on the target pole:
| Data Type | Copied |
|---|---|
| All span subforms (Wire, Span Guys, Circuits, etc.) | Yes |
| Wire size, construction, and text fields | Yes |
| Midspan height measurements | Yes |
| Midspan IKE photo | Yes |
| Attachment height measurements | No |
| Span Guy height at WEP | No |
Note: Span Link is a one-time data copy. If the source span is updated after the link is created, those changes are not automatically synced to the target pole. You will need to manually update the linked span if needed or redo the Span Link to copy the latest information.
How to Use Span Linking
Creating a Span Link
- Open the span subform on the source pole (Pole A).
- Tap the Span Link button.
- Select the target pole (Pole B) you want to link to on the Map.
- Depending on the state of Pole B, one of the following will happen:
- Pole B has no existing spans A new span subform is created automatically on Pole B and linked to Pole A. No additional selection is required.
- Pole B has existing unlinked spans A modal appears showing the existing unlinked spans on Pole B, including form fields and thumbnail photos. You can select an existing span to link to, or choose to create a new span instead.
- Pole B already has a span linked to Pole A The existing link is overwritten with the new Span Link data. Any attachment heights already entered on Pole B are retained on the IKEphoto image (will not be linked to form).
- Once confirmed, IKE Office Pro copies the span data from Pole A to Pole B and creates a new revision on Pole B with a "Span Link" revision note.
Unlinking Spans
Span Links are two-way. If you remove a link from either pole, the link is removed on both sides. All subform data on both poles is retained when a link is removed.
Form Version Requirements
Both poles must be on the same form revision for a full Span Link to be created. This ensures all fields are consistent between poles.
If the form versions do not match:
- A one-way link is created instead, capturing the vector length and angle only
- No span data is copied
- A toast notification appears when you save, informing you that a one-way link has been formed
Note: To take full advantage of Span Linking, ensure that both poles use the same form version before linking.
Span Linking FAQ
What happened to the Collection Link button?
The Collection Link button has been renamed to Span Link within Span type subforms. It now includes the additional span data copy functionality on top of the existing linking behavior.
I don't see a Span Link button on my form. Why?
Your form may be using a custom span subform type rather than the dedicated Span type. In this case, the standard Collection Link tool will appear instead. You can update your form in the Form Builder by selecting the Span subform and choosing Span under the Type dropdown. See the Subform Type Requirement section above for full steps.
Will unlinking a span delete my data?
No. When a Span Link is removed from either side, the subform data on both poles is preserved.
What if I update Pole A's span after linking?
Changes made to Pole A after a Span Link is created are not automatically reflected on Pole B. Span Linking is a one-time data share at the moment of linking. You will need to manually update Pole B if the source data changes.
Why am I seeing a one-way link instead of a full Span Link?
This can happen when Pole A and Pole B are on different form revisions. To create a full Span Link with data copying, both poles must be on the same form version. A toast notification will inform you when a one-way link is created instead.
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