By default, Xic uses an internal resolution of 1000 units per micron. In releases prior to 3.0.12, this was internally hard-coded. As the dimensions used in integrated circuits continue to shrink, an option for higher resolution was added through use of the DatabaseResolution variable.
This variable can be set only from the .xicinit file, which is read before the technology file, or the technology file. It can not be set or unset in a .xicstart file (read after the technology file) unless no technology file is read, or by any other means. It is important that the resolution be set before reading such things as DRC rules, since the rules contain resolution-dependent numbers which would be incorrect after a resolution change.
The Set script function can be used in the initialization files to set this variable. In the technology file, the !set command should be used, and this must appear at the top of the file, before layer or other definitions that might involve resolution.
Superficially, changing the internal resolution has only subtle effects from the user's vantage point. Some of these are: