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Composite Layer

Use this dialog to define a composite layer, that is, a layer that is a combination of several other layers.

Where do I find the dialog?

On the toolbox, select the SFI Properties... icon, go to the Layer Name tab, and select Add composite... with the right mouse button.

Using the dialog

This function is available in both longitudinal profile editing and cross-section profile editing.

Available methods

You can choose between three methods:

  • Highest
  • Lowest
  • End-to-end

You can also set advanced options for the individual layers included. Do this by right-clicking the layer and selecting Edit...

Note

You can also merge layers with group editing, but this is a manual operation that must be repeated every time a layer changes. A composite layer is built automatically from the definition.

Procedure

  1. Select Layer type and Layer number.
  2. Enter the Layer name.
  3. Check the desired method.
  4. Add the layers that will form the composite layer.
  5. Set the priority code layer (right-click the layer).
  6. Set advanced options if needed.
  7. Click OK to build the layer in the profile.
  8. Build the layer in the other profiles with Build surfaces (required in cross-section editing, but not in longitudinal profile editing).
  9. Check Composite layer and click OK.

Examples

Composite layers are useful when you need a combination of several layers. The examples below show typical uses of composite layers.

Example 1

A typical example is shown below. Here, we want a composite layer consisting of the road surface and ground grading.

Original layers:

A* = Ground grading, B* = Road surface

Composite layer with Highest method:

A = Merged

Example 2

Original layers:

A* = Tunnel blasting profile, B* = Trench

Composite layer with End-to-end method:

A = Composite

Example 3

Remove redundant points:

A* = Tunnel blasting profile, B* = Trench

A = Composite