Editing Data in Application Layers

Object Types in Application Layers

In an application layer we can have six different object types:

1. Line
2. Point
3. Text
4. Polygon
5. Point cloud
6. Triangle net

Creating Objects

The program has dedicated functions for creating and editing these object types. New objects are always placed in the active layer. The functions can be found in the Planning, Design, and Execution tool set, and they include both geometry and property editing.

Point cloud and triangle net objects are covered in the section Triangulate Data.

Create Point in Application Layer

Procedure

1. Select the function Create Point in Application Layer in the toolbox
2. Enter values for properties
3. Click OK and place the point on the screen
4. Add more points if desired (press [Backspace] to change properties)
5. Press [Esc] to finish insertion

Create Text in Application Layer

Procedure

1. Select the function Create Text in Application Layer in the toolbox
2. Enter values for properties
3. Enter text
4. Click OK and place the text on the screen
5. Insert the text multiple times if desired (press [Backspace] to change text and properties)
6. Press [Esc] to finish insertion

Create Line or Polygon in Application Layer

Procedure

1. Select the function Create Line in Application Layer or Create Polygon in Application Layer in the toolbox
2. Insert the breakpoints on the line
3. Optionally insert roundings
4. Optionally enter properties in the tab for this
5. Finish and save

When we create or edit a line or polygon object, we get information in the message field. It tells us, among other things, that we find available functions on the right mouse button.

It also tells us how to turn on the properties dialog (shortcut [Ctrl]+[D]). Note that we have many useful functions on the right mouse button in this.

We can also use the functions Create Circle in Application Layer and Create Rectangle in Application Layer to create lines. Use the instructions in the message field and the choices in the quick menu (context menu) actively for efficient construction.

Create/Update Polygon from Lines in Application Layer

From lines in an application layer we can automatically create polygons (create surfaces) or update geometry in existing polygons. For this to work smoothly, the lines that we are to polygonize with this function must be in topological form. Create/Update Polygon from Lines is described in more detail in a separate section.

Vertical List Field

We can copy data between different application layers. Functions for this can be found in the vertical list field. Note that we can also select Copy/Cut/Paste... directly in the horizontal list field.

Procedure

1. Select the objects you want to copy on the screen
2. Select the application layer you want to copy from
3. Right-click and select Copy Selection
4. Select the application layer you want to copy to
5. Right-click and select Paste Selection...
6. Click OK in the message that appears

Horizontal List Field

The horizontal list field shows the content of the active layer. In this window each object type has its own tab. Looking more closely, each tab has some values in parentheses, for empty layers (0,0,0). The first digit indicates the number of selected points. The last digit indicates the total number of objects in the layer. If we have set up a filter, the second digit will tell how many objects pass through this filter.

It is not possible to edit directly in the horizontal list field, but we can, for example, use the Replace... function to perform massive editing of the data, for example, change theme code on many objects simultaneously. Other editing takes place in the properties list.

Available functions in the horizontal list field can be found on the right mouse button. Note that the content will vary for the different object types.

Note

A small comment on the Excel functions since these do not have dialog help. Points and lines can be pasted from Excel. Note that we must also include column headers from Excel. A tip can be to copy an object to Excel first. Then we get the column headers included. Points in Excel must at minimum contain Id, East and North.

Properties List

The properties list is tailored for editing objects in application layers and commands in the command list.

We can change values for one object or multiple objects simultaneously. We change the values either by typing directly in the fields or by using drop-down menus (when the properties have predefined values).

We can select objects in the horizontal list field or on the screen. In the quick menu we also find the option Select Object of Same Type as Already Selected which is useful when we make selections on the screen.

If we have selected multiple objects, only values for properties that are identical are shown. In other words, if the properties have different values, no values are shown in the list.

Quick Menu (Context Menu)

We also have a number of useful functions we can perform on existing objects. When we have selected one or more objects, we find relevant functions on the right mouse button. We call this menu the quick menu. Note that you can repeat these functions by pressing [Spacebar].

Create Parallel to Line/Polygon

With this function we can create parallels to lines/polygons.

Procedure

1. Select line/polygon
2. Select the function Create Parallel to Line/Polygon in the quick menu
3. Enter distance in the dialog
4. Do as described in the message window "Point to a side of the line/polygon"
5. The parallel is now created

Join Lines/Polygons

With this function we can join two line objects or two polygon objects.

Procedure

1. Select line/polygon
2. Select the function Join Lines/Polygons in the quick menu
3. Do as described in the message window "Point to the line/polygon to be joined"
4. The lines/polygons are joined
5. Press [Spacebar] if you want to repeat the function

Split Line at Point/Island in Polygon

Function for splitting a line into two parts. We can split the line at an existing point, intersection point with other lines, or optional placement.

Procedure

1. Select line
2. Select the function Split Line at Point/Island in Polygon in the quick menu
3. Do as described in the message window "Point to the point where the line should be split"
4. Press [Spacebar] if you want to repeat the function

We can also use the function to split a polygon with an island. You do this by clicking an arbitrary point on the polygon or island.

Split/Delete Objects Against Line/Polygon

With this function we can split objects, i.e., lines, point clouds, and triangle nets, against a line or polygon. In its simplest form, we can use this to split two lines at the intersection point between them. If we split objects against a polygon, we can also choose to delete objects in the selection inside or outside this polygon.

Procedure

1. Select objects (the selection)
2. Select the function Split/Delete Objects Against Line/Polygon in the quick menu
3. Point or draw geometry to split against
4. If it is a polygon, we can also remove objects inside or outside
5. Press [Spacebar] if you want to repeat the function

Example

This function is useful if you want to replace existing data with surveyed data.

Automatic Topology Cleanup

This function can perform multiple operations on a selection of lines. We can choose to split lines at intersection points, connect loose ends, remove double lines, and join lines between node points. Automatic Topology Cleanup is described in more detail in a separate section.

Create Island(s) in Polygon

This function is somewhat similar to the function for joining. The difference is that the polygon that is to be an island is copied into the original polygon, while the program ensures that rotation directions become correct. The island polygon will still exist as a separate polygon after the operation is completed.

Procedure

1. Select the main polygon (which is to have islands)
2. Select the function Create Island(s) in Polygon
3. Do as described in the message window "Select polygon(s) to be copied to island"
   We do this by selecting all elements within a rectangle. It doesn't matter if we select island polygons outside the main polygon. The program does not take these into account.
4. The islands are now copied into the original polygon

Creating a Polygon with Island

Out by the coast where we have land and islands, we often have to treat the data manually to get a good visual result. With this function we can join the main polygon and the islands' polygons.

Figure caption: A = Coastline contour

Generate Height Annotation

Procedure

1. Select line(s)
2. Select the function Generate Height Annotation in the quick menu
3. Select value for generated texts
4. Select equidistance
5. Digitize path on the screen (where you want height annotation)
6. Click Execute
7. Click OK to save the texts in the active application layer

Generate Dimensioning

Procedure

1. Select line(s)
2. Select the function Generate Dimensioning in the quick menu
3. Select value for generated texts
4. Select annotation of line length or radius
5. Click Execute
6. Click OK to save the texts in the active application layer

Snapping

When we create/edit data in application layers, we can turn on/off various functions for snapping.

With Use Smart Snapping active, we can only snap to the object's points. Any presentation rules (symbols) that are linked to the object will not be possible to snap to.

Note

This function is only active in editing mode (otherwise we must hold down [Shift] to show the snap points).

With Use Snap Points active, we can snap to all points on the screen, including points in figures and intersection points between lines.

With Use Grid Points active, snap points that are defined with the Grid ?x?x? function under Format - Grid Settings are displayed.

Grips

We can also activate grips (grip handles). This is an efficient way to edit existing data. Note that you do not have any undo capability once you have made a change, except for the Ignore Changes option in the properties dialog for application layers.