An InRoads asked this question on the tech tip we just sent out:
Hello Mark,
In regards to Tech Tip #69, can you explain the advantage/disadvantage of the having those two toggles on? Is this the InRoads version of being dynamic?
Regards,
Joel
Here is the Zen Dude's response:
Hi Joel!
Yes, this was an attempt in InRoads SS2 to generate some "dynamic updates" to the graphics and data. In my opinion, a disadvantage is that I think it's annoying, like the person who asked me the original question. Every horizontal or vertical alignment or a roadway designer edit will pop up the Create Surface dialog box so you can re-create the surface.
I guess the advantage is that it reminds you? . . . and then can re-display some graphics automatically. It's really just running the Update Plan / Profile / Cross Section commands, and re-displaying the Triangles and Contours . . . depending on which toggles you've selected.
The other disadvantages? It will pop up on every edit that affects the design surface. For this reason it might be best to activate this tool toward the end of the job otherwise I think it would drive me nuts. It also updates every profile, all surface features, and every cross section set that is displayed in the DGN file that you are in. So you'll really have to be aware of what's in your active DGN otherwise it might delete and re-display something that you don't want updated. Maybe if you used it very selectively for only say, Components and
Cross Sections it might be useful. Also, when the Create Surface dialog box pops up, you really need to know which Corridors to select because it doesn't know what to do there.
I hope this helped.
Civilly yours,
- zen
Mark was a great instructor, he presented the material very well. His ability to give each student personal attention I thought was great, because it allowed each student to flow through the class better. 
